Improved perioperative narcotic usage patterns in patients undergoing robotic-assisted compared to manual total hip arthroplasty.

Background: Robot-assisted total hip arthroplasty (RA-THA) improves accuracy in achieving the planned acetabular cup positioning compared to conventional manual THA (mTHA), but optimal dosage for peri-RA-THA and mTHA pain relief remains unclear. This study aimed to compare pain control with opioids between patients undergoing direct anterior approach THA with the use of a novel, fluoroscopic-assisted RA-THA system compared to opioid consumption associated with fluoroscopic-assisted, manual technique.

Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis was performed on a consecutive series of patients who received mTHA and fluoroscopy-based RA-THA.

Points to consider in cardiovascular disease risk management among patients with rheumatoid arthritis living in South Africa, an unequal middle income country.

Background: It is plausible that optimal cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk management differs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from low or middle income compared to high income populations. This study aimed at producing evidence-based points to consider for CVD prevention in South African RA patients.

Methods: Five rheumatologists, one cardiologist and one epidemiologist with experience in CVD risk management in RA patients, as well as two patient representatives, two health professionals and one radiologist, one rheumatology fellow and 11 rheumatologists that treat RA patients regularly contributed.

Tuberculosis in biologic users for rheumatic diseases: results from the South African Biologics Registry (SABIO).

Objectives: To evaluate the rate of tuberculosis (TB) in biologic users for rheumatic diseases in South Africa, the effectiveness of our latent TB infection (LTBI) programme, risk factors and outcome.

Methods: TB cases were collected from the South African Biologics Registry (SABIO), rheumatologists and pharmaceutical companies. Demographics, LTBI screening and treatment, biological and disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapies, TB diagnosis and outcomes were recorded.

Radiological Decision Aid to determine suitability for medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: development and preliminary validation.

Aims: An evidence-based radiographic Decision Aid for meniscal-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has been developed and this study investigates its performance at an independent centre.

Patients And Methods: Pre-operative radiographs, including stress views, from a consecutive cohort of 550 knees undergoing arthroplasty (UKA or total knee arthroplasty; TKA) by a single-surgeon were assessed. Suitability for UKA was determined using the Decision Aid, with the assessor blinded to treatment received, and compared with actual treatment received, which was determined by an experienced UKA surgeon based on history, examination, radiographic assessment including stress radiographs, and intra-operative assessment in line with the recommended indications as described in the literature.

A prospective study of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in South African rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Objective: To quantify primary and secondary anti-tumour necrosis factor inadequate response (aTNF-IR) and intolerance in South Africans with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over 1 year.

Methods: Rheumatologists from nine independent private practices monitored RA patients commencing on aTNF therapy (incident cases) or already on aTNF therapy (prevalent cases). Observations at baseline and quarterly intervals recorded discontinuation of therapy for either lack of response or adverse effects.