Papers by michael drexler

Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 2015
This study examined the success and factors associated with failure, of using cement spacers impr... more This study examined the success and factors associated with failure, of using cement spacers impregnated with high-dose Ceftazidime and Vancomycin when performing two-stage revision for infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A retrospective analysis was performed using a prospectively collected database of 82 patients (median age 68 years, range 39-87) with a confirmed deep TKA infection treated with a two-stage revision. All cement spacers were impregnated with high-dose Ceftazidime and Vancomycin. The rate of success was recorded-an association between failure of treatment, and patient factors, previous surgical treatment, and microbial characteristics was sought. The mean time to infection from index arthroplasty was 45 months (range 3-240). The initial two-stage revision was successful in 70/82 patients (85.4 %), who remained free of infection at average follow-up of 36.2 months (range 24-85). A second two-stage revision for infection was required in 12/82 patients (14.6 %), which was successful in 4/12 (33 %). A third two-stage revision was performed in three patients, all of whom had a polymicrobial infection of which only one patient had successful eradication of infection. Recurrent infection was correlated with irrigation and debridement with implant retention prior to initial two-stage revision (p < 0.01), polymicrobial infections (p = 0.035), and infections presenting <6 months after index surgery (p = 0.031). No correlation was seen with age, BMI, type of organism, diabetes mellitus, or Charlson Comorbidity Index. The findings of this study suggest that the combination of Ceftazidime and Vancomycin in cement spacers is as efficacious as other published single or combined antibiotic mixtures, which is clinically relevant to clinicians treating this difficult problem in the setting of patients with compromised renal function.
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2011

International orthopaedics, Jan 26, 2015
Partial patellectomy (PP) and reattachment of the patellar ligament with transosseous suturing is... more Partial patellectomy (PP) and reattachment of the patellar ligament with transosseous suturing is the mainstay of surgical treatment for distal pole patellar fractures. An anchor suturing (AS) technique has recently been reported as an alternative to PP in such fractures and allows for bone-to-bone interface and possibly superior fracture healing than bone-to-tendon interface with PP. We present our experience with AS and compare it to PP. Between 2006 and 2011, 60 patients with distal pole patellar fracture underwent either AS (n = 27) or PP (n = 33). We retrospectively gathered their demographic data and information on fracture type, fixation technique, operation time, postoperative complications and knee range of motion. A telephone survey was performed to grade functional outcomes with standard questionnaires (the SF-12 for quality of life, the Kujala score for patellofemoral function and a visual analog scale [VAS] pain score). AS was equivalent to PP in terms of residual pain ...

The bone & joint journal, 2014
The use of ilioischial cage reconstruction for pelvic discontinuity has been replaced by the Trab... more The use of ilioischial cage reconstruction for pelvic discontinuity has been replaced by the Trabecular Metal (Zimmer, Warsaw, Indiana) cup-cage technique in our institution, due to the unsatisfactory outcome of using a cage alone in this situation. We report the outcome of 26 pelvic discontinuities in 24 patients (20 women and four men, mean age 65 years (44 to 84)) treated by the cup-cage technique at a mean follow-up of 82 months (12 to 113) and compared them with a series of 19 pelvic discontinuities in 19 patients (18 women and one man, mean age 70 years (42 to 86)) treated with a cage at a mean follow-up of 69 months (1 to 170). The clinical and radiological outcomes as well as the survivorship of the groups were compared. In all, four of the cup-cage group (15%) and 13 (68%) of the cage group failed due to septic or aseptic loosening. The seven-year survivorship was 87.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 71 to 103) for the cup-cage group and 49.9% (95% CI 15 to 84) for the cage-...
Harefuah, Oct 1, 2010
Metal-on-metal bearings have been reintroduced with the improved materials, design and manufactur... more Metal-on-metal bearings have been reintroduced with the improved materials, design and manufacturing quality control as an alternative to the conventional metal-on-polyethylene articulation. The advantages of total hip arthroplasty using a metal-on-metal bearing include an extremely low wear rate, a very small risk of in vivo fracture and the use of a larger femoral head. These advantages have led to an increased use of metal-on-metal bearings for younger and more active patients with advanced hip disease. Concerns remain regarding the elevated levels of metal ions and their potential consequences such as metal hypersensitivity or potential carcinogenesis.

The bone & joint journal, 2014
Cartilage defects of the hip cause significant pain and may lead to arthritic changes that necess... more Cartilage defects of the hip cause significant pain and may lead to arthritic changes that necessitate hip replacement. We propose the use of fresh osteochondral allografts as an option for the treatment of such defects in young patients. Here we present the results of fresh osteochondral allografts for cartilage defects in 17 patients in a prospective study. The underlying diagnoses for the cartilage defects were osteochondritis dissecans in eight and avascular necrosis in six. Two had Legg-Calve-Perthes and one a femoral head fracture. Pre-operatively, an MRI was used to determine the size of the cartilage defect and the femoral head diameter. All patients underwent surgical hip dislocation with a trochanteric slide osteotomy for placement of the allograft. The mean age at surgery was 25.9 years (17 to 44) and mean follow-up was 41.6 months (3 to 74). The mean Harris hip score was significantly better after surgery (p<0.01) and 13 patients had fair to good outcomes. One patient...
Journal of orthopaedics, 2014
To compare the functional and radiographic results of dynamic hip screw (DHS) and expandable prox... more To compare the functional and radiographic results of dynamic hip screw (DHS) and expandable proximal femoral nail (EPFN) in the treatment of extracapsular hip fractures. A randomized controlled trial of sixty hip fracture patients. Outcomes included mortality, residency, independence, mobility, function and radiographic results at a minimum of 1 year. Twenty-nine EPFN patients demonstrated fewer cases of shaft medialization or femoral offset shortening compared to the 31 DHS patients. Mortality, complications and functional outcomes were similar. EPFN provides stable fixation of pertrochanteric hip fractures and prevents neck shortening that is commonly observed after DHS fixation.

The Bone & Joint Journal, 2013
In this retrospective study we evaluated the proficiency of shelf autograft in the restoration of... more In this retrospective study we evaluated the proficiency of shelf autograft in the restoration of bone stock as part of primary total hip replacement (THR) for hip dysplasia, and in the results of revision arthroplasty after failure of the primary arthroplasty. Of 146 dysplastic hips treated by THR and a shelf graft, 43 were revised at an average of 156 months, 34 of which were suitable for this study (seven hips were excluded because of insufficient bone-stock data and two hips were excluded because allograft was used in the primary THR). The acetabular bone stock of the hips was assessed during revision surgery. The mean implant-bone contact was 58% (50% to 70%) at primary THR and 78% (40% to 100%) at the time of the revision, which was a significant improvement (p &amp;amp;lt; 0.001). At primary THR all hips had had a segmental acetabular defect &amp;amp;gt; 30%, whereas only five (15%) had significant segmental bone defects requiring structural support at the time of revision. In 15 hips (44%) no bone graft or metal augments were used during revision. A total of 30 hips were eligible for the survival study. At a mean follow-up of 103 months (27 to 228), two aseptic and two septic failures had occurred. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of the revision procedures demonstrated a ten-year survival rate of 93.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 78 to 107) with clinical or radiological failure as the endpoint. The mean Oxford hip score was 38.7 (26 to 46) for non-revised cases at final follow-up. Our results indicate that the use of shelf autografts during THR for dysplastic hips restores bone stock, contributing to the favourable survival of the revision arthroplasty should the primary procedure fail.
Harefuah, 2012
Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a multifactorial, heterogeneous group of disorders that lead to a fin... more Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a multifactorial, heterogeneous group of disorders that lead to a final common pathway of mechanical failure of the bone joint dysfunction. Pain in avascular necrosis is the result of resorption of necrotic bone during revascularization, before new bone has formed or consolidated enough for load-bearing. Biphosphonate can reduce bone resorption, thus prolonging the bone formation phase available, so that structural failure may be avoided. The aim of this study was to make a systematic review of the use of bisphosphonate in the treatment of AVN.

The journal of knee surgery, 2011
Extensor mechanism disruption, whether due to patella fracture or tendon rupture, generally occur... more Extensor mechanism disruption, whether due to patella fracture or tendon rupture, generally occurs after low-energy trauma and frequently involves an indirect mechanism. When the fracture is comminuted and reconstruction is impossible, a partial or total patellectomy may be indicated. Although some authors advocate total patellectomy, partial patellectomy remains the standard treatment, especially for young and active patients. In the rare instance of a failed tendon repair after partial or total patellectomy, inadequate tissue is usually available for adequate restoration of the extensor mechanism. Extensor mechanism allograft, using the tibial tuberosity, patellar tendon, patella, and quadriceps tendon in continuity or the Achilles' tendon with calcaneal bone-block in continuity has been reported for extensor mechanism repair after total knee arthroplasty in patients who did not undergo patellectomy. We present a novel technique, using the bone patellar tendon bone allograft t...
The Israel Medical Association Journal Imaj, 2011
Harefuah, 2009
Down syndrome is the most common of the non-hereditary genetic syndromes causing mental retardati... more Down syndrome is the most common of the non-hereditary genetic syndromes causing mental retardation. In addition to the phenotype characteristics, the syndrome is accompanied by multi-system pathological conditions, both congenital and acquired. These conditions involve the abnormal function of the musculo-skeletal system and affect movement in general and gait component more specifically. The abnormal gait develops from early childhood and continues into adulthood. This review focuses on the characteristics of this syndrome as concerning the damage to the lower extremities and trunk and the typical gait patterns.
Journal of Knee Surgery, 2012

Orthopedics, 2009
Bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex is a rare spectrum of congenital anomalies that includes a m... more Bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex is a rare spectrum of congenital anomalies that includes a midline abdominal wall defect and a widened pelvis with an anterior diastasis. Our patient was involved in a motorcycle accident with severe multiple injuries and concomitant bladder extrophy. In a unique and urgent clinical setting, his congenital pubic diastasis was initially misdiagnosed as a traumatic finding. A 21-year-old man presented with pelvic and extremity injuries following a motorcycle accident. Multiple fractures in the lower and upper extremities were diagnosed. Marked deformity and diastases of the pubic bones were observed on pelvic inspection. Ninety minutes later, hemodynamic deterioration ensued and was thought to be related to internal pelvic bleeding. The patient was prepared for immediate pelvic stabilization with an external fixator; however, after reevaluation, an intact posterior pelvic complex and lack of a hematoma was observed on a computed tomography scan. The stability of the pelvis was tested under an image intensifier. No instability was present, and pelvic injury was ruled out. Exstrophy-epispadias syndrome constitutes a potential pitfall in emergency trauma medicine. As demonstrated in the present case, in the emergency management of an unstable trauma patient, nontraumatic etiologies are often not considered in the differential diagnosis of pelvic diastasis. Avoiding false diagnosis and needless procedures necessitates familiarity with this condition.
Surgery: Current Research, 2013
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a biomechanical therapy on the... more Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a biomechanical therapy on the pain, function, quality of life and spatio-temporal gait patterns of patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 2013
Acquired patella baja may result in decreased range of motion of the knee, extensor lag, and ante... more Acquired patella baja may result in decreased range of motion of the knee, extensor lag, and anterior knee pain. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of tibial tubercle osteotomy with proximal displacement. Between 1998 and 2011, a proximalization of the tibial tuberosity was performed in 15 patients (15 knees) with patella baja diagnosed using the Blackburne-Peel ratio. Clinical outcomes included the Tegner Lysholm knee scoring scales, the WOMAC questionnaire, the short form-12 (SF-12), and a visual analogue score (VAS) pain scale. Fifteen proximalizations of the tibial tuberosity were performed, with a mean follow-up period of 64 months (5-160). The mean patient age was 59 years (41-86 years). The mean preoperative Blackburne-Peel ratio of 0.4 (0.1-0.6) was improved to a mean of 1.0 (0.8-1.2) post-operatively, which was associated with significant improvements in the Lysholm knee scoring scale from 13.3 ± 13.0 to 86.7 ± 10.4 points (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.0001). Quality of life, as measured using the SF-12 outcome, also improved significantly (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.0001), as did all WOMAC questionnaire score subscales (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.0001). The VAS preoperative status for pain improved from 8.3 ± 2.0 to 1.5 ± 1.8. No patient had delayed or non-union of the osteotomy site. A series of patients with patella baja, treated with proximalization of the tibial tuberosity, achieved satisfactory outcomes in terms of pain relief and improved function, without major complication.
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 2014

Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 2013
Recurrent patella subluxation may be secondary to excessive external tibial torsion. The purpose ... more Recurrent patella subluxation may be secondary to excessive external tibial torsion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of patients undergoing tibial derotation osteotomy and tibial tuberosity transfer for recurrent patella subluxation in association with excessive external tibial torsion. A combined tibial derotation osteotomy and tibial tuberosity transfer was performed in 15 knees (12 patients) with recurrent patella subluxation secondary to excessive external tibial torsion. Clinical evaluation was carried out using preoperative and post-operative Knee Society Score (KSS), Kujala Patellofemoral score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire, the short form-12 (SF-12) and a visual analogue score (VAS) pain scale. The median follow-up period was 84 months (range 15-156) and median patient age was 34 years (range 19-57 years). The median preoperative external tibial torsion was 62° (range 55°-70°), with a median rotational correction of 36° (range 30°-45°) after surgery. Significant improvement (p &amp;amp;lt; 0.05) was found in the KSS part I (37 ± 14 to 89 ± 11 points), KSS part II (25 ± 26 to 85 ± 14 points), Kujala score, the SF-12 outcome, WOMAC score and VAS score (8.8 ± 1.9 to 2.4 ± 1.5). Two patients had a nonunion of the tibial osteotomy site; one patient required bone grafting, while another patient required revision to total knee arthroplasty. Patients presenting with recurrent patella subluxation secondary to excessive external tibial torsion &amp;amp;gt;45° who underwent tibial derotation osteotomy and tibial tuberosity transfer achieved a satisfactory outcome in terms of pain relief and improved function. A significant complication was seen in 2/15 patients. Case series, Level IV.
The Journal of Arthroplasty, 2014
revision hip replacement allograft prosthesis composite major segmental bone loss proximal femur ... more revision hip replacement allograft prosthesis composite major segmental bone loss proximal femur This study assessed failures of allograft prosthesis composites (APC) and revisions with a new APC. Twentyone patients with failed APC's after revision hip arthroplasty with severe proximal femoral bone loss underwent revision with a new APC. Causes of failure were aseptic loosening (18 patients), infection (3 patients). Of these 21 APC revisions, two patients failed (after 60, 156 months). The 5 and 10 year survival rates were 83.5% (95% CI, 79-100%, number at risk 12 and 6 accordingly). In addition, two patients had nonunion at the host-allograft bone junction and were augmented with bone autograft and plate. These results suggest that failed APCs may be revised to a new APC with a predictable outcome.
The Journal of Arthroplasty, 2014
We hypothesised that a modified ETO in patients undergoing revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) ... more We hypothesised that a modified ETO in patients undergoing revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) for treatment of Vancouver B2/B3 peri-prosthetic fractures would be associated with good clinical outcomes. A retrospective review was conducted of 34 patients (mean age 73 years). At mean follow-up of 57 months, the ETO had healed in all patients. Two patients had subsidence of the femoral stem at two and three years postoperatively requiring revision, and one patient had a dislocation 3 months after surgery. The mean Harris Hip Score at the time of the final follow-up was 76.9 (range, 46-95); 23/34 patients had an excellent result, 7/34 a good result, and 4/34 a poor result. We conclude that satisfactory outcomes can be obtained using this technique.
Uploads
Papers by michael drexler