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  5. Adult Reconstruction

Adult Reconstruction Orthopaedic Topics

Hip, knee & joint replacement. 101 evidence-informed references covering conditions, classifications, management and high-yield exam notes for FRCS (Tr&Orth), FRACS, EBOT and ABOS preparation.

Browse & filter all Adult Reconstruction topics interactively →Exam tracks

All Adult Reconstruction topics (101)

  • Adult Hip DysplasiaComprehensive guide to adult developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) - diagnosis, classification, joint-preserving surgery, and arthroplasty considerations
  • Alignment Philosophies in TKA: Mechanical, Kinematic and FunctionalFellowship-level guide to total knee arthroplasty alignment: mechanical, anatomic, kinematic, restricted kinematic and functional alignment, constitutional alignment, the CPAK classification, and what the randomised evidence actually shows.
  • Ankle ArthritisComprehensive guide to ankle osteoarthritis including post-traumatic etiology, conservative management, ankle arthrodesis, total ankle replacement, and Orthopaedic examination preparation
  • Ankle ArthrodesisAnkle fusion for end-stage ankle arthritis - indications, optimal position, open vs arthroscopic technique, and outcomes
  • Aseptic Loosening in Total Hip ArthroplastyComprehensive guide to aseptic loosening after THA - particle disease, osteolysis, Gruen zones, DeLee/Charnley classification, differentiating from infection, and revision planning for orthopaedic exam
  • Avascular Necrosis of the HipComprehensive guide to AVN of the femoral head: pathophysiology, staging systems (Ficat, Steinberg), joint-preserving vs arthroplasty approaches, and contemporary management strategies
  • Avascular Necrosis of the Humeral HeadComprehensive guide to etiology, staging, and management of humeral head AVN including core decompression, biological treatments, and arthroplasty decision-making
  • Blood Supply of the HipDetailed anatomy of the femoral head vascularity, including the medial femoral circumflex artery, retinacular vessels, and clinical implications for AVN.
  • Brooker Classification of Heterotopic OssificationThe Brooker grading system for heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty — four grades based on AP radiographic appearance, guiding prophylaxis decisions and surgical excision timing.
  • Cam-Type Femoroacetabular ImpingementComprehensive guide to cam-type FAI diagnosis and management for FRCS exam preparation
  • Chiari Pelvic OsteotomyComprehensive exam guide to the Chiari medial displacement pelvic osteotomy as a salvage procedure for hip dysplasia and subluxation with incongruent joints — mechanism of medialisation and capsular fibrocartilage metaplasia, indications versus periacetabular osteotomy, surgical technique including iliac osteotomy from sciatic notch to AIIS, complications including sciatic nerve injury and femoral nerve palsy, evidence-based long-term outcomes, and exam-level viva preparation for FRACS, FRCS and board examinations
  • Crowe Classification of Developmental Hip DysplasiaThe Crowe classification grades developmental dysplasia of the hip by the percentage of proximal femoral head migration — the four grades, how to measure them on a radiograph, and what each grade means for total hip arthroplasty planning.
  • Cyclops LesionComprehensive guide to cyclops lesion of the knee following ACL reconstruction, including pathophysiology, clinical assessment, MRI features, and arthroscopic excision.
  • Dorr Classification of Femoral Bone MorphologyThe Dorr classification (Type A champagne-flute, Type B intermediate, Type C stovepipe) of proximal femoral bone quality — cortical morphology, canal flare index, and how it guides cementless versus cemented femoral stem selection in total hip arthroplasty.
  • Dual Mobility Total Hip ArthroplastyComprehensive guide to dual mobility THA - Bousquet design, biomechanics, indications for instability prevention, intraprosthetic dislocation, outcomes, and AOANJRR data
  • Elbow ArthritisComprehensive guide to elbow osteoarthritis including post-traumatic etiology, rheumatoid arthritis, conservative management, surgical options, and outcomes
  • Femoral Nerve AnatomyFellowship-level anatomy of the femoral nerve: L2-L4 origin, course through the iliopsoas groove and under the inguinal ligament (NAVEL), quadriceps and saphenous supply, and the injury patterns in hip and pelvic surgery.
  • Ficat-Arlet Staging of Femoral Head OsteonecrosisThe Ficat-Arlet classification for avascular necrosis of the femoral head — the four radiographic stages from preradiographic disease to collapse with secondary arthrosis, the crescent sign, and how staging directs the choice between core decompression, osteotomy, and arthroplasty.
  • Girdlestone Procedure (Excision Arthroplasty)Comprehensive Orthopaedic exam guide to Girdlestone procedure including indications, surgical technique, and outcomes for hip excision arthroplasty
  • Gluteus Medius AnatomyComprehensive anatomy of the Gluteus Medius, its role as the primary hip abductor, Trendelenburg sign, and surgical significance.
  • Gruen Zones (Femoral) and DeLee-Charnley Zones (Acetabular)Standardised radiographic zones for describing periprosthetic lucency, osteolysis, and loosening around total hip arthroplasty components — the seven femoral Gruen zones, three acetabular DeLee-Charnley zones, and their clinical significance.
  • Hartofilakidis Classification of Congenital Hip Disease in AdultsThe Hartofilakidis classification categorises adult congenital hip disease into three types — dysplasia, low dislocation, and high dislocation — guiding acetabular reconstruction and femoral management during total hip arthroplasty.
  • High Tibial OsteotomyComprehensive exam guide to high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for medial compartment knee osteoarthritis with varus malalignment - opening wedge versus closing wedge, Coventry and Maquet principles, coronal alignment and weight-bearing line planning, indications in the young active patient, fixation methods, complications including peroneal nerve injury and nonunion, conversion to TKA, and evidence-based outcomes for FRACS, FRCS and board examinations
  • Hip ArthrodesisIndications, surgical technique, and outcomes of hip fusion with focus on conversion to total hip arthroplasty
  • Hip Labral TearsComprehensive guide to hip labral tears diagnosis and management for FRCS exam preparation
  • Hip OsteoarthritisComprehensive exam-ready guide to hip OA - diagnosis, conservative treatment, THA indications
  • Hip Resurfacing ArthroplastyComprehensive guide to hip resurfacing arthroplasty - indications, metal-on-metal complications, ALVAL, pseudotumor, femoral neck fracture risk, and current role in modern hip surgery for orthopaedic exam
  • Ischiofemoral ImpingementComprehensive guide to ischiofemoral impingement including pathoanatomy, MRI diagnosis of quadratus femoris space narrowing, and management from conservative care to endoscopic decompression.
  • Knee ArthrodesisComprehensive guide to knee arthrodesis (fusion) - indications, surgical technique, positioning, fixation options, and rehabilitation for this salvage procedure
  • Knee OsteoarthritisComprehensive guide to knee osteoarthritis including pathophysiology, classification systems, non-operative and surgical management strategies for Orthopaedic exam preparation
  • Meniscal RepairComprehensive guide to meniscal repair techniques and indications for FRCS exam preparation
  • Meniscal Root TearsDetailed guide to posterior meniscal root tears, biomechanics, diagnosis (Ghost Sign), and management strategies.
  • Meniscal TransplantationComprehensive guide to meniscal allograft transplantation for FRCS exam preparation
  • Metal-on-Metal Hip ComplicationsComprehensive guide to adverse local tissue reactions, pseudotumors, surveillance, and revision strategies for metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty
  • Obturator Nerve AnatomyFellowship-level anatomy of the obturator nerve: L2-L4 origin, course along the pelvic wall through the obturator canal, adductor motor supply, medial thigh sensation, and injury patterns including the Howship-Romberg sign.
  • Osteochondral Defects of the KneeComprehensive guide to osteochondral defects and cartilage restoration of the knee for FRCS exam preparation
  • Paprosky Classification of Acetabular and Femoral Bone LossThe Paprosky system for grading acetabular and femoral bone deficiency in revision total hip arthroplasty — defect types, reconstruction algorithm, and implant selection.
  • Patellofemoral ArthroplastyPatient selection, surgical technique, and outcomes for isolated patellofemoral joint replacement in the treatment of patellofemoral arthritis
  • Periacetabular Osteotomy (Ganz/Bernese PAO)Comprehensive exam guide to Bernese periacetabular osteotomy for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia in the young adult - indications, correction targets (LCEA, Tonnis angle, anterior coverage), modified Smith-Petersen and rectus-sparing approach, the four osteotomy cuts, complications (LFCN injury, sciatic nerve, nonunion, AVN, intra-articular extension), outcomes and conversion to THA for FRACS, FRCS and board examinations
  • Periprosthetic Fractures Around Total Hip ArthroplastyComprehensive guide to periprosthetic femoral and acetabular fractures following THA, including Vancouver classification, surgical management strategies, and revision techniques for Orthopaedic examination
  • Periprosthetic Joint InfectionComprehensive guide to periprosthetic joint infection following hip and knee arthroplasty, covering MSIS and EBJIS diagnostic criteria, serum and synovial fluid markers, differentiation of acute versus chronic presentations, and management options including DAIR, one-stage and two-stage revision.
  • Periprosthetic Joint Infection After THAComprehensive guide to periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis, MSIS/ICM criteria, DAIR, one-stage and two-stage revision for orthopaedic exam
  • Pincer-Type Femoroacetabular ImpingementComprehensive guide to pincer-type FAI diagnosis and management for FRCS exam preparation
  • Piriformis AnatomyDetailed anatomy of the Piriformis muscle, its critical relationship with the Sciatic Nerve, and clinical significance in Piriformis Syndrome.
  • Posteromedial Corner Knee InjuryComprehensive guide to posteromedial corner injuries of the knee, including sMCL, dMCL, POL and semimembranosus anatomy, anteromedial rotatory instability, association with ACL, examination, MRI, and repair versus reconstruction.
  • Preoperative Optimization & Risk Stratification for ArthroplastyFellowship-level guide to optimising modifiable risk factors before hip and knee arthroplasty - obesity, malnutrition, diabetes, anaemia, smoking, opioids, Staph decolonisation and dental health - and the shift from 'clearance' to optimization.
  • Protrusio AcetabuliExam-focused guide to protrusio acetabuli: what it is, the difference between primary (idiopathic) and secondary protrusio, the underlying conditions to look for, how it is diagnosed and measured on an AP pelvis radiograph (the ilioischial or Kohler line and the centre-edge angle), and how it is managed - from observation and osteotomy in the young hip to total hip arthroplasty with restoration of the hip centre and bone grafting of the medial defect.
  • Radial Head ArthroplastyComprehensive guide to radial head arthroplasty - indications for unreconstructable fractures, terrible triad management, surgical technique with PIN protection, sizing principles, and outcomes
  • Reverse Total Shoulder ArthroplastyComprehensive guide to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty - indications, Grammont principles, surgical technique, complications, and outcomes for rotator cuff arthropathy and complex shoulder pathology
  • Revision Shoulder ArthroplastyComprehensive guide to revision shoulder arthroplasty including indications, bone loss classification, surgical techniques, and outcomes for failed shoulder replacements
  • Revision THA Bone Loss and ReconstructionAdvanced orthopaedic guide to revision total hip arthroplasty bone loss and reconstruction: pre-operative workup, Paprosky classification, acetabular reconstruction, pelvic discontinuity, femoral fixation strategy, extended trochanteric osteotomy and complications.
  • Revision TKA Bone Loss, Cones and SleevesAdvanced orthopaedic guide to revision total knee arthroplasty bone loss, including AORI classification, defect mapping, cement, screws, augments, stems, metaphyseal cones, sleeves, rotating hinge indications, operative sequence and complications.
  • Revision Total Hip ArthroplastyComprehensive exam-ready guide to revision THA: indications, bone defect classification, reconstruction techniques, and outcomes
  • Revision Total Knee ArthroplastyComprehensive guide to revision TKA including indications, AORI bone loss classification, constraint selection, and surgical techniques for failed knee arthroplasty.
  • Robotic-Assisted and Computer-Navigated ArthroplastyFellowship-level guide to robotic and computer-navigated hip and knee arthroplasty: system taxonomy, the evidence on alignment accuracy versus clinical outcomes, limitations, cost, and the exam debate.
  • Rotator Cuff ArthropathyComprehensive guide to Cuff Tear Arthropathy, covering pathophysiology (Acetabularization), Seebauer classification, and Reverse TSA management.
  • Sartorius AnatomyComprehensive anatomy of the Sartorius muscle, 'The Tailor's Muscle', including its relations, clinical significance in Pes Anserine Bursitis, and surgical relevance.
  • Sciatic Nerve AnatomyComprehensive guide to the anatomy, clinical assessment, and management of the Sciatic Nerve, including Piriformis relations and injection safety
  • Shoulder ArthrodesisComprehensive guide to shoulder arthrodesis - salvage procedure for irreparable rotator cuff, brachial plexus injury, failed arthroplasty, and chronic infection with bone loss
  • Shoulder Arthroplasty AnatomyComprehensive surgical anatomy for shoulder arthroplasty including neurovascular structures at risk, deltopectoral approach, rotator cuff anatomy, and critical anatomical relationships
  • Shoulder Arthroplasty ComplicationsComprehensive guide to shoulder arthroplasty complications including instability, infection, glenoid loosening, nerve injury, and management strategies
  • Shoulder HemiarthroplastyComprehensive guide to shoulder hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures, avascular necrosis, and glenohumeral arthritis - indications, surgical technique, and outcomes
  • Shoulder OsteoarthritisComprehensive guide to Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis, including pathophysiology, classification, and management strategies.
  • Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee (SPONK/SONK)Comprehensive guide to spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee including subchondral insufficiency fracture hypothesis, MRI staging, differential diagnosis, and decision-making between conservative care, unloading osteotomy and unicompartmental arthroplasty.
  • Steinberg (University of Pennsylvania) Classification of OsteonecrosisThe Steinberg staging system for femoral head osteonecrosis — stages 0 to VI with MRI-based quantification of head involvement, prognostic thresholds for collapse, and how it compares to Ficat and ARCO classifications.
  • Surgical Hip Dislocation (Ganz Trochanteric Flip)Comprehensive exam guide to Ganz safe surgical dislocation of the hip via trochanteric flip osteotomy preserving the medial femoral circumflex artery - indications including FAI, intra-articular pathology, AVN and acetabular fractures, retinacular vessel anatomy and protection, step-by-step surgical technique, complications including AVN and trochanteric nonunion, evidence-based outcomes for FRACS, FRCS and board examinations
  • THA Heterotopic OssificationComprehensive guide to heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty including classification, prevention strategies, and management
  • THA Leg Length DiscrepancyAssessment, prevention, and management of leg length discrepancy in total hip arthroplasty - a critical complication affecting patient satisfaction and outcomes
  • THA Neurovascular InjuryPrevention, recognition, and management of neurovascular complications in total hip arthroplasty
  • THA Templating and Preoperative PlanningAdvanced orthopaedic guide to total hip arthroplasty templating and preoperative planning, including radiograph requirements, digital templating, acetabular and femoral planning, leg length and offset restoration, complex cases, pitfalls and evidence.
  • THA Wear and OsteolysisComprehensive guide to polyethylene wear, particle disease, osteolysis mechanisms, HXLPE benefits, surveillance strategies, and management of established osteolysis in total hip arthroplasty
  • The Hip-Spine Relationship in Total Hip ArthroplastyFellowship-level guide to spinopelvic mobility and the hip-spine relationship in THA: spinopelvic parameters, why the stiff/fused spine raises dislocation risk, the Hip-Spine Classification, functional cup targets, and dual mobility.
  • TKA Alignment OptionsMechanical, kinematic, and restricted kinematic alignment philosophies in total knee arthroplasty - evolution from traditional to patient-specific approaches
  • TKA Aseptic LooseningComprehensive Orthopaedic exam guide to aseptic loosening of total knee arthroplasty including pathophysiology, diagnosis, and revision strategies
  • TKA Balancing, Gaps and InstabilityAdvanced orthopaedic guide to total knee arthroplasty balancing and instability: gap mechanics, clinical examination, imaging, varus and valgus releases, flexion instability, mid-flexion instability and revision constraint selection.
  • TKA Complications: InstabilityComprehensive guide to knee instability after total knee arthroplasty
  • TKA Cruciate Retention vs SubstitutionComprehensive guide to cruciate retaining (CR) and posterior stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty design principles, biomechanics, indications, and outcomes
  • TKA Extensor Mechanism FailureComprehensive Orthopaedic exam guide to extensor mechanism disruption after total knee arthroplasty including patellar tendon rupture, quadriceps rupture, and management strategies
  • TKA Implant DesignComprehensive overview of total knee arthroplasty implant design principles, component options, polyethylene types, constraint levels, and evolution of modern knee replacement systems
  • TKA Neurovascular InjuryRecognition and management of neurovascular complications following total knee arthroplasty including common peroneal nerve injury and vascular injuries
  • TKA PATELLAR COMPLICATIONSComprehensive guide to patellar complications after Total Knee Arthroplasty including fracture, instability, clunk syndrome, and loosening.
  • TKA Periprosthetic FracturesComprehensive guide to periprosthetic fractures around total knee arthroplasty - classification, management algorithms, and surgical techniques
  • TKA Periprosthetic Joint InfectionComprehensive guide to diagnosis using MSIS criteria, management algorithm including DAIR vs 2-stage revision, and prevention strategies for periprosthetic joint infection following total knee arthroplasty
  • TKA Stiffness and ArthrofibrosisComprehensive guide to prevention, diagnosis, and management of post-TKA stiffness including classification, manipulation timing, and surgical revision strategies
  • TKA Surgical ApproachesComprehensive guide to medial parapatellar, subvastus, midvastus, and lateral approaches for total knee arthroplasty including indications, technique, and complications
  • TKA Wound ComplicationsPrevention and management of wound complications after total knee arthroplasty including superficial infections, dehiscence, and wound healing problems
  • Tonnis Grade of Hip OsteoarthritisThe Tonnis radiographic grading system for hip osteoarthritis — grades 0 to 3, the four assessed parameters (sclerosis, joint-space narrowing, subchondral cysts, femoral head deformity), and how the grade guides joint-preserving versus replacement decisions.
  • Total Ankle ArthroplastyComprehensive guide to total ankle arthroplasty including indications, patient selection, surgical technique, and outcomes compared to ankle arthrodesis
  • Total Elbow ArthroplastyComprehensive guide to total elbow arthroplasty - indications, implant design, surgical technique, rehabilitation, and complications for orthopaedic exam
  • Total Hip Arthroplasty Bearing SurfacesComprehensive guide to THA bearing surfaces - metal-on-polyethylene, ceramic-on-polyethylene, ceramic-on-ceramic, metal-on-metal, dual mobility, wear rates, particle disease, and AOANJRR data for orthopaedic exam
  • Total Hip Arthroplasty Fixation OptionsComprehensive guide to THA fixation methods - cemented, cementless, and hybrid techniques, patient selection criteria, AOANJRR outcomes data, and implant survival for orthopaedic exam
  • Total Hip Arthroplasty IndicationsComprehensive guide to THA patient selection, indications, contraindications, preoperative assessment, templating, and decision-making for Orthopaedic exam
  • Total Hip Arthroplasty Surgical ApproachesComprehensive guide to THA surgical approaches including posterior, direct anterior, anterolateral, and lateral approaches with nerve injury patterns, dislocation rates, and AOANJRR outcomes data
  • Total Hip Arthroplasty: DislocationComprehensive guide to THA dislocation including risk factors, Lewinnek safe zones, combined anteversion, dual mobility, and revision strategies for recurrent instability
  • Total Knee Arthroplasty IndicationsComprehensive guide to indications and contraindications for total knee arthroplasty including patient selection, timing of surgery, and preoperative optimization for FRCS exam preparation
  • Total Shoulder ArthroplastyComprehensive guide to total shoulder arthroplasty including indications, surgical technique, glenoid component options, reverse vs anatomic designs, and outcomes for Orthopaedic exam preparation
  • Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (Anatomic)Comprehensive guide to Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) including indications, surgical technique, and outcomes.
  • Trochanteric BursitisComprehensive guide to greater trochanteric pain syndrome, trochanteric bursitis, and its differentiation from gluteal tendinopathy — covering clinical assessment, imaging, conservative management, and injection therapy.
  • Trunnionosis and Taper CorrosionComprehensive exam-ready guide to trunnionosis and taper corrosion in total hip arthroplasty - head-neck junction mechanics, corrosion mechanisms, diagnosis with metal ions and MARS MRI, and revision surgery principles
  • Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA)Comprehensive guide to partial knee replacement - Indications (Oxford Criteria), Surgical Technique, and Outcomes vs TKA.
  • Vancouver Classification of Periprosthetic Femoral FracturesThe Vancouver classification system for periprosthetic fractures around femoral hip arthroplasty stems — types A, B1, B2, B3 and C, with fixation status, bone stock, and the treatment algorithm that follows.

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