Arthroplasty Practice Questions

Q: Which prosthesis is shown below in the X-ray?

Austin Moore's prosthesis. ***Austin Moore's prosthesis*** - The image clearly shows a unipolar femoral head prosthesis with a **fenestrated stem** for bony ingrowth, which is characteristic of the Austin Moore design. - This prosthesis is typically used in **hemiarthroplasty** for femoral neck fractures or avascular necrosis, where the acetabulum is preserved. *Thompson prosthesis* - While also a unipolar hemiarthroplasty, the Thompson prosthesis has a **collar** and a **solid stem** without fenestrations, which differentiates it from the one pictured. - It is also primarily used in hip hemiarthroplasty. *Articular resurfacing* - Articular resurfacing involves capping both the femoral head and the acetabulum with metallic implants, preserving more bone than traditional hip replacement. - The X-ray shows a stem extending into the femoral shaft, which is not consistent with **acetabular resurfacing**. *Birmingham hip* - The Birmingham hip is a type of **hip resurfacing arthroplasty**, characterized by a metal cap on the femoral head and a metal cup in the acetabulum. - The prosthesis shown has a **femoral stem**, thus it is not a resurfacing implant like the Birmingham hip.

Q: The most common approach for total hip arthroplasty is

Posterolateral. ***Posterolateral*** - The **posterolateral approach** is the most widely adopted and versatile surgical technique for **total hip arthroplasty (THA)**. - It offers excellent exposure of the hip joint, allowing for efficient component placement and often results in **lower blood loss** compared to other approaches. *Anteromedial* - The **anteromedial approach** is rarely used for THA due to poor exposure of the acetabulum and femoral canal. - It carries a higher risk of injury to crucial neurovascular structures, such as the **femoral artery** and **vein**. *Posteromedial* - The **posteromedial approach** is not a standard or commonly recognized surgical approach for total hip arthroplasty. - Surgical approaches are typically classified as anterior, anterolateral, direct lateral, or posterolateral. *Anterolateral* - The **anterolateral approach** involves splitting the **tensor fascia lata** and detaching the **gluteus medius** from the greater trochanter. - While it has a lower risk of posterior dislocation, it can be associated with a higher incidence of **abductor muscle weakness** and limping post-operatively.

Q: Severe disability in primary osteoarthritis of hip is best managed by -

Arthroplasty. ***Arthroplasty*** - **Total hip arthroplasty (THA)** is the most effective treatment for severe osteoarthritis of the hip, providing significant pain relief and functional improvement. - It involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with **prosthetic components**, addressing advanced cartilage loss and structural damage. *Arthrodesis* - **Arthrodesis (joint fusion)** is an older technique that fixes the joint in a permanent position, eliminating pain but sacrificing all motion in that joint. - While it relieves pain, the severe loss of motion makes it generally less desirable than arthroplasty for the hip, especially in active patients. *Mc Murray's osteotomy* - **McMurray's osteotomy** is a surgical procedure primarily used for some types of **femoral neck fractures** or a specific type of **avascular necrosis** of the femoral head, not for severe osteoarthritis affecting the entire joint. - It involves cutting and realigning the bone, but it does not address advanced, widespread articular cartilage degeneration seen in severe osteoarthritis. *Intra-articular hydrocortisone and physiotherapy* - **Intra-articular hydrocortisone injections** and **physiotherapy** are conservative treatments used for mild to moderate hip osteoarthritis to manage pain and improve function. - These methods do not resolve severe structural damage and are typically insufficient for managing severe disability due to advanced osteoarthritis.

Q: Watson Jones Operation is the procedure for which of the following conditions?

Recurrent shoulder dislocation. ***Recurrent shoulder dislocation*** - The **Watson-Jones procedure** is a surgical technique primarily used to address **recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations**. - It involves transferring the **conjoint tendon** (coracobrachialis and short head of biceps) to reconstruct the anterior capsule and provide stability. *Neglected Clubfoot* - **Clubfoot**, or talipes equinovarus, is typically managed by the **Ponseti method** (serial casting) for congenital cases. - Surgical correction for neglected clubfoot usually involves extensive soft tissue releases or osteotomies, not the Watson-Jones procedure. *Valgus deformity* - A **valgus deformity** refers to an angulation away from the midline, commonly seen in the knee (genu valgum) or ankle. - Correction typically involves osteotomies or soft tissue balancing, not the Watson-Jones procedure. *Muscle paralysis* - **Muscle paralysis** is managed based on its cause, which can include nerve repair, tendon transfers (e.g., for wrist or foot drop), or assistive devices. - The Watson-Jones procedure is designed for joint stability, not for restoring muscle function in cases of paralysis.

Q: A 65-year-old lady presented with a swollen and painful knee. On examination, she was found to have grade III osteoarthritic changes. What is the best course of action?

Total knee replacement. ***Total knee replacement*** - For **grade III osteoarthritis** in a 65-year-old, a total knee replacement is the most definitive and effective treatment to relieve pain and restore function in a severely damaged joint. - This procedure addresses widespread cartilage loss and structural changes typical of advanced osteoarthritis. *Conservative management* - This approach is typically favored for **mild to moderate osteoarthritis**, involving physical therapy, NSAIDs, and lifestyle modifications. - For **grade III changes** with significant pain and swelling, conservative measures are unlikely to provide sufficient relief or halt disease progression effectively. *Arthroscopic washing* - **Arthroscopic lavage** and debridement are rarely recommended for osteoarthritis as they have not shown sustained benefits for pain or function. - It is sometimes used for specific mechanical symptoms, but it does not address the underlying cartilage loss and structural damage in severe osteoarthritis. *Partial knee replacement* - A **partial knee replacement** is suitable when osteoarthritis is confined to a single compartment of the knee, and the other compartments are healthy. - Given the indication of "grade III osteoarthritic changes" without specifying a single compartment, a total knee replacement is generally more appropriate for widespread disease.

Q: Most common cause of death after Total Hip Replacement is-

Thromboembolism. ***Thromboembolism*** - **Venous thromboembolism (VTE)**, which includes **deep vein thrombosis (DVT)** and **pulmonary embolism (PE)**, is a significant and common complication after total hip replacement. - **Pulmonary embolism (PE)**, a severe manifestation of VTE, is the leading cause of early postoperative death following total hip arthroplasty due to embolization of a DVT. *Pneumonia* - While **postoperative pneumonia** can occur due to immobility and anesthesia, it is generally less common as a cause of death compared to VTE in the early postoperative period after THR. - Effective respiratory physiotherapy and mobility protocols aim to reduce its incidence. *Anemia* - **Postoperative anemia** is common after THR due to blood loss during surgery, but it is rarely a direct cause of death. - It is typically managed with blood transfusions or iron supplementation, and while it can contribute to weakness or other complications, it's not the primary cause of mortality. *Infection* - **Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI)** is a serious complication that can occur early or late after THR, potentially leading to significant morbidity. - While it can be life-threatening if severe or unmanaged, **sepsis** due to PJI is a less common cause of immediate postoperative death compared to the acute cardiovascular events associated with VTE.

Q: What is the most common complication after total hip replacement?

DVT. ***DVT*** - Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the **most common overall complication** following total hip replacement, with reported incidences as high as 40-60% without prophylaxis. - The risk of DVT is significant due to **venous stasis during surgery**, immobilization, and the inflammatory response to tissue injury. *Dislocation* - While a serious complication, **dislocation** of the prosthetic hip joint is less common than DVT, occurring in about 1-5% of primary total hip replacements. - It typically results from **improper joint positioning** or patient activities that push the hip beyond its normal range of motion. *Infection* - **Infection** is a severe but relatively rare complication, with rates for periprosthetic joint infection in total hip replacement typically ranging from 0.5% to 2%. - It can lead to significant morbidity and usually requires **further surgical intervention** for eradication. *Aseptic Loosening* - **Aseptic loosening** is a long-term complication, occurring years after the surgery, rather than an immediate post-operative complication. - This complication involves the **failure of the implant-bone interface** without evidence of infection, often due to particle disease or mechanical stress.

Q: A 65-year-old presents with chronic knee pain, varus deformity, and medial joint space narrowing. BMI is 32. Best treatment option?

Total Knee Replacement. ***Total Knee Replacement*** - This is the most appropriate treatment for a 65-year-old with chronic knee pain, significant **varus deformity**, and **medial joint space narrowing**, indicative of advanced **osteoarthritis**. - A **high BMI (32)** is also a factor that often points towards the need for total joint replacement when conservative measures have failed, as it contributes to increased stress on the knee. *Arthroscopic Debridement* - This procedure is generally reserved for less severe osteoarthritis symptoms or mechanical symptoms like locking, and it is **not effective** for advanced joint degeneration with significant deformity. - It would provide little to no long-term benefit for the presented severe changes and chronic pain. *Unicompartmental Knee Replacement* - While suitable for isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis, a **varus deformity** indicates damage beyond a single compartment or significant malalignment that might not be fully corrected by a unicompartmental approach. - The chronicity, age, and likely degree of degeneration suggest a more comprehensive solution is needed. *High Tibial Osteotomy* - This procedure is typically performed in younger, more active patients with **varus malalignment** and early to moderate osteoarthritis to shift weight to a healthier compartment. - At 65 years old with chronic pain and advanced joint space narrowing, a **corrective osteotomy** is less likely to provide long-term relief and may delay a more definitive solution.

Q: Why is early mobilization important after hip arthroplasty?

All of the options. ***All of the options*** - Early mobilization is crucial following hip arthroplasty as it offers a multifaceted approach to recovery, addressing **joint stiffness**, the risk of **DVT**, and the duration of **hospital stay**. - This comprehensive benefit highlights the importance of an integrated approach to postoperative care. *Prevents joint stiffness* - While early mobilization helps prevent joint stiffness, it is not the sole benefit, as it also addresses other critical postoperative complications. - Restricted movement in the initial postoperative period can lead to adhesions and **contractures**, limiting the long-term range of motion. *Prevents DVT* - Preventing **deep vein thrombosis (DVT)** is a significant benefit of early mobilization, but it represents only one aspect of its overall importance. - Immobility post-surgery increases the risk of blood clot formation due to venous stasis, making active movement essential. *Reduces hospital stay* - Reducing the length of hospital stay is a key advantage of early mobilization, but it's part of a broader set of benefits that contribute to faster recovery and better outcomes. - Expedited discharge is often a direct result of improved patient mobility, reduced complication rates, and enhanced surgical recovery.

Q: A 70-year-old woman with chronic osteoarthritis of the hip presents with worsening pain and limited mobility despite conservative management. What is the next appropriate step?

Total hip replacement. ***Total hip replacement*** - For **severe osteoarthritis (OA)** causing significant pain and **functional impairment** despite failed conservative management, **total hip replacement** is the most definitive and effective treatment. - This procedure alleviates pain and restores **mobility**, dramatically improving the patient's quality of life. *NSAIDs* - **NSAIDs** are typically part of **initial conservative management** for symptomatic relief in mild to moderate OA, but they have already failed in this patient. - Continued use in elderly patients carries risks of **gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular side effects**, making it a less desirable long-term solution. *Physical therapy* - **Physical therapy** is a crucial component of conservative management to improve **strength, flexibility, and function**, but it often becomes insufficient in advanced OA. - Since this patient has worsening symptoms despite conservative measures, physical therapy alone is unlikely to provide adequate relief. *Intra-articular corticosteroid injections* - **Corticosteroid injections** can provide temporary pain relief by reducing inflammation but do not address the underlying **structural damage** of severe OA. - Their effectiveness diminishes over time, and repeated injections are discouraged due to potential cartilage damage.

Question 1

Which prosthesis is shown below in the X-ray?

Accepted Answer

Austin Moore's prosthesis

Answer

Thompson prosthesis

Answer

Articular resurfacing

Answer

Birmingham hip

Question 2

The most common approach for total hip arthroplasty is

Accepted Answer

Posterolateral

Answer

Anteromedial

Answer

Posteromedial

Answer

Anterolateral

Question 3

Severe disability in primary osteoarthritis of hip is best managed by -

Accepted Answer

Arthroplasty

Answer

Arthrodesis

Answer

Mc Murray's osteotomy

Answer

Intra-articular hydrocortisone and physiotherapy

Question 4

Watson Jones Operation is the procedure for which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent shoulder dislocation

Answer

Neglected Clubfoot

Answer

Valgus deformity

Answer

Muscle paralysis

Question 5

A 65-year-old lady presented with a swollen and painful knee. On examination, she was found to have grade III osteoarthritic changes. What is the best course of action?

Accepted Answer

Total knee replacement

Answer

Conservative management

Answer

Arthroscopic washing

Answer

Partial knee replacement

Question 6

Most common cause of death after Total Hip Replacement is-

Accepted Answer

Thromboembolism

Answer

Pneumonia

Answer

Anemia

Answer

Infection

Question 7

What is the most common complication after total hip replacement?

Accepted Answer

DVT

Answer

Dislocation

Answer

Infection

Answer

Aseptic Loosening

Question 8

A 65-year-old presents with chronic knee pain, varus deformity, and medial joint space narrowing. BMI is 32. Best treatment option?

Accepted Answer

Total Knee Replacement

Answer

Arthroscopic Debridement

Answer

Unicompartmental Knee Replacement

Answer

High Tibial Osteotomy

Question 9

Why is early mobilization important after hip arthroplasty?

Accepted Answer

All of the options

Answer

Prevents joint stiffness

Answer

Prevents DVT

Answer

Reduces hospital stay

Question 10

A 70-year-old woman with chronic osteoarthritis of the hip presents with worsening pain and limited mobility despite conservative management. What is the next appropriate step?

Accepted Answer

Total hip replacement

Answer

NSAIDs

Answer

Physical therapy

Answer

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections

Arthroplasty — MCQs

Arthroplasty — MCQs

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