Aims. One of the main causes of tibial revision surgery for total knee arthroplasty is aseptic loosening. Therefore, stable fixation between the tibial component and the cement, and between the tibial component and the bone, is essential. A factor that could influence the implant stability is the implant design, with its different variations. In an existing implant system, the tibial component was modified by adding cement pockets. The aim of this experimental in vitro study was to investigate whether additional cement pockets on the underside of the tibial component could improve implant stability. The relative motion between implant and bone, the maximum pull-out force, the tibial cement mantle, and a possible path from the bone marrow to the metal-cement interface were determined. Methods. A tibial component with (group S: Attune S+) and without (group A: Attune) additional cement pockets was implanted in 15 fresh-frozen human leg pairs. The relative motion was determined under dynamic loading (extension-flexion 20° to 50°, load-level 1,200 to 2,100 N) with subsequent determination of the maximum pull-out force. In addition, the cement mantle was analyzed radiologically for possible defects, the tibia base cement adhesion, and preoperative bone mineral density (BMD). Results. The BMD showed no statistically significant difference between both groups. Group A showed for all load levels significantly higher maximum relative motion compared to group S for 20° and 50° flexion. Group S improved the maximum failure load significantly compared to group A without additional cement pockets. Group S showed a significantly increased cement adhesion compared to group A. The cement penetration and cement mantle defect analysis showed no significant differences between both groups. Conclusion. From a biomechanical point of view, the additional cement pockets of the component have improved the fixation performance of the implant. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(4):229–238

Aims. Cementless acetabular components rely on press-fit fixation for initial stability. In certain cases, initial stability is more difficult to obtain (such as during revision). No current study evaluates how a surgeon’s impaction technique (mallet mass, mallet velocity, and number of strikes) may affect component fixation. This study seeks to answer the following research questions: 1) how does impaction technique affect a) bone strain generation and deterioration (and hence implant stability) and b) seating in different density bones?; and 2) can an impaction technique be recommended to minimize risk of implant loosening while ensuring seating of the acetabular component?. Methods. A custom drop tower was used to simulate surgical strikes seating acetabular components into synthetic bone. Strike velocity and drop mass were varied. Synthetic bone strain was measured using strain gauges and stability was assessed via push-out tests. Polar gap was measured using optical trackers. Results. A phenomenon of strain deterioration was identified if an excessive number of strikes was used to seat a component. This effect was most pronounced in low-density bone at high strike velocities. Polar gap was reduced with increasing strike mass and velocity. Conclusion. A high mallet mass with low strike velocity resulted in satisfactory implant stability and polar gap, while minimizing the risk of losing stability due to over-striking. Extreme caution not to over-strike must be exercised when using high velocity strikes in low-density bone for any mallet mass. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(7):386–393

Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis (RSA) is the gold standard for measuring implant micromotion thereby predicting implant loosening. Early migration has been associated with the risk of long-term clinical failure. We used RSA to assess the stability of the Australian designed cementless hip stem (Paragon TM) and now report our 5-year results. Fifty-three patients were prospectively and consecutively enrolled to receive a Paragon hip replacement. Tantalum beads were inserted into the bone as per RSA protocol and in the implant. RSA x-rays were taken at baseline 1–4 days post-surgery, at 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, 2 years, and 5 years. RSA was completed by an experienced, independent assessor. We reported the 2-year results on 46 hips (ANZJS 91 (3) March 2021 p398) and now present the 5-year results on 27 hips. From the 2-year cohort 5 patients had died, 8 patients were uncontactable, 1 patient was too unwell to attend, 5 patients had relocated too far away and declined. At 5 years the mean axial subsidence of the stem was 0.66mm (0.05 to 2.96); the mean rotation into retroversion was 0.49˚ (−0.78˚ to 2.09˚), rotation of the stem into valgus was −0.23˚ (−0.627˚ to 1.56˚). There was no detectable increase in subsidence or rotation between 6 weeks and 5 years. We compared our data to that published for the Corail cementless stem and a similar pattern of migration was noted, however greater rotational stability was achieved with the Paragon stem over a comparable follow-up period. The RSA results confirm that any minor motion of the Paragon cementless stem occurs in the first 6 weeks after which there is sustained stability for the next 5 years. The combination of a bi-planar wedge and transverse rectangular geometry provide excellent implant stability that is comparable to or better than other leading cementless stems

Aim. Debridement and implant retention (DAIR) is a valuable option for treating periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), provided that the criteria of the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines are fulfilled. The inflammation caused by infection and the surgical impact of DAIR may influence implant stability. In this study, we investigated the sequelae of DAIR on implant survival after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Method. THAs from our database implanted between 1984 and 2016 were included in a retrospective double-cohort study. THAs were exposed (DAIR cohort) or not exposed to DAIR (control cohort). The control cohort comprised patients matched 3:1 to the DAIR cohort. The outcome—implant failure over time—was evaluated for (i) revision for any reason, (ii) aseptic loosening of any component, and (iii) radiographic evidence of loosening. Results. Fifty-seven THAs (56 patients) were included in the DAIR cohort and 170 THAs (168 patients) in the control cohort. The mean follow-up periods in the DAIR and control cohorts were 6.1 (SD 4.7) and 7.8 (SD 5.5) years, respectively. During follow-up, 20 (36%) patients in the DAIR cohort and 54 (32%) in the control cohort died after a mean of 4.1 (SD 4.7) and 7.2 (SD 5.4) years, respectively. Revision for any reason was performed in 9 (16%) DAIR THAs and 10 (6%) control THAs (p = 0.03) and for aseptic loosening of any component in 5 (9%) DAIR THAs and 8 (5%, p = 0.32) control THAs, respectively. Radiological analysis included 56 DAIR THAs and 168 control THAs. Two (4%) stems and 2 (4%) cups in the DAIR cohort and 7 (4%) and 1 (0.6%) in the control cohort, respectively, demonstrated radiological signs of failure (p = 1). Conclusions. THAs exposed to DAIR were revised for any reason more frequently than were THAs in the control cohort. The difference in revisions for aseptic loosening was not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in radiographic evidence of loosening of any component between cohorts

Used in conjunction with the words “endoprosthesis” and “bone-implant interface”, fluid flow is usually referred to as a potential mechanism for loosening and implant failure. Paradoxically, recent studies have shown the importance of fluid flow in augmenting molecular transport through the osteocytic syncytium. This transport is essential for maintenance of cellular nutrition as well as communication between osteocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are interconnected biochemically by interstitial fluid in bone. In the absence of loading, larger sized molecules are not transported efficiently through bone tissue in vivo [1]. The efficacy of load-induced fluid flow, resulting from normal physiological loading of bone, has been proven for the transport of small (300-400 Da, on the order of smaller amino acids) and larger (1800 Da, on the order of small proteins) molecular weight tracers through bone [2]. Nonetheless, using a similar model to study perfusion and fluid flow in the vicinity of endoprosthetic. Recent studies have shown that the distinct porosities within bone tissue act as molecular sieves in situ [4] and that molecules on the order of cytokines and serum derived proteins can not be transported through the lacunocanalicular system without interstitial fluid flow resulting from physiological mechanical loads. These data as a whole suggest that fluid flow regimes in a physiological range are essential for osteocyte viability and function. In order to insure implant stability, health of the tissue at the interface must be insured. Hence, fluid flow in a physiological range could be considered essential for implant stability. These issues will be discussed in light of recent developments in endoprosthetic technology and the design of future generations of implants

Study Aim. Femoral components used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are primarily designed on the basis of kinematics and ease of fixation. This study considers the stress-strain environment in the distal femur due to different implant internal geometry variations (based on current industry standards) using finite element (FE) analyses. Both two and three dimensional models are considered for a range of physiological loading scenarios – from full extension to deep flexion. Issues associated with micro-motion at the bone-implant interface are also considered. Materials and methods. Two (plane strain) and three dimensional finite element analyses were conducted to examine implant micro-motions and stability. The simple 2D models were used to examine the influence of anterior-posterior (AP) flange angle on implant stability. AP slopes of 3°, 7° and 11° were considered with contact between bone and implant interfaces being modeled using the standard coulomb friction model. The direction and region of loading was based on loading experienced at full extension, 90° flexion and 135° flexion. Three main model variations were created for the 3D analyses, the first model represented an intact distal femur, the second a primary implanted distal femur and the third a distal femur implanted with a posterior stabilising implant. Further each of the above 3D model sets were divided into two group, the first used a frictional interface between the bone and implant to characterise the behavior of uncemented implants post TKA and the second group assumed 100% osseointegration had already taken place and focused on examining the subsequent stress/strain environment in the femur with respect to different femoral component geometries relative the intact distal femur model. Results and Discussion. Analyses indicate a trend relating the slope of the anterior-posterior (AP) flange to implant loosening at high flexion angles for uncemented components. Once cemented, this becomes less important. Results from the 3D analyses show that the posterior stabilising implant causes stress concentrations which can lead to bicondylar fatigue fracture. All femoral components cause stress shielding in cancellous bone particularly when they are fully bonded. Investigations into implant micromotion show that revision implants with box sections provided more resistance to micromotion than the pegged primary implants. However for the gait cycle tested the maximum recorded micromotion of both implants was well within acceptable levels for osseointegration to occur

Over the last decade stemless shoulder arthroplasty has become increasingly popular. However, stability of metaphyseal loading humeral components remains a concern. This study aimed to assess the stability of the Affinis stemless humeral component using Radiostereometric analysis (RSA).

Patients underwent total shoulder arthroplasty via a standardised technique with a press-fit stemless humeral component and a cemented pegged glenoid. Tantalum beads were inserted into the humerus at the time of operation. RSA of the relaxed shoulder was completed at weeks 1, 6, 13, 26, 52 and 104 post-operatively. Stressed RSA with 12 newtons of abduction force was completed from week 13 onwards. ABRSA 5.0 software (Downing Imaging Limited, Aberdeen) was used to calculate humeral component migration and induced movement.

15 patients were recruited. Precision was: 0.041, 0.034, 0.086 and 0.101 mm for Superior, Medial, Posterior and Total Point Motion (TPM) respectively. The mean TPM over 2 years was 0.24 (0.30) mm, (Mean (Standard deviation)). The mean rate of migration per 3 month time period decreased from 0.45 (0.31) to 0.02 (0.01) mm over 2 years. Mean inducible movement TPM peaked at 26 weeks at 0.1 (0.08) mm, which reduced to 0.07 (0.06) mm by 104 weeks when only 3 patients had measurable inducible motion. There was no clear trend in direction of induced movement. There were no adverse events or revisions required.

We conclude migration of the humeral component was low with little inducible movement in the majority of patients implying initial and 2 year stability of the stemless humeral component.

Patients undergoing revision surgery of a primary total hip arthroplasty often exhibit bone loss and poor bone quality, which make achieving stable fixation and osseointegration challenging. Implant components coated in porous metals are used clinically to improve mechanical stability and encourage bone in-growth. We compared ultra-porous titanium coatings, known commercially as Gription and Porocoat, in an intra-articular model by press-fitting coated cylindrical implants into ovine femoral condyles and evaluating bone in-growth and fixation strength 4, 8 and 16 weeks post-operatively.

Bilateral surgery using a mini-arthrotomy approach was performed on twenty-four Dorset-Rideau Arcott rams (3.4 ± 0.8 years old, 84.8 ± 9.3 kg) with Institutional Animal Care Committee approval in accordance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care. Cylindrical implants, 6.2 mm in diameter by 10 mm in length with surface radius of curvature of 35 mm, were composed of a titanium substrate coated in either Porocoat or Gription and press-fit into 6 mm diameter recipient holes in the weight-bearing regions of the medial (MFC) and lateral (LFC) femoral condyles. Each sheep received 4 implants; two Gription in one stifle (knee) and two Porocoat in the contralateral joint. Biomechanical push-out tests (Instron ElectroPuls E10000) were performed on LFCs, where implants were pushed out relative to the condyle at a rate of 2 mm/min. Force and displacement data were used to calculate force and displacement at failure, stiffness, energy, stress, strain, elastic modulus, and toughness. MFCs were fixed in 70% ethanol, processed undecalcified, and polished sections, approximately 70 µm thick (Exakt Micro Grinding system) were carbon-coated. Backscattered electron images were collected on a scanning electron microscope (Hitachi SU3500) at 5 kV and working distance of 5 mm. Bone in-growth within the porous coating was quantified using software (ImageJ). Statistical comparisons were made using a two-way ANOVA and Fisher's LSD post-hoc test (Statistica v.8).

Biomechanical evaluation of the bone-implant interface revealed that by 16 weeks, Gription-coated implants exhibited higher force (2455±1362 N vs. 1002±1466 N, p=0.046) and stress (12.60±6.99 MPa vs. 5.14±7.53 MPa, p=0.046) at failure, and trended towards higher stiffness (11510±7645 N/mm vs. 5010±8374 N/mm, p=.061) and modulus of elasticity (591±392 MPa vs. 256±431 MPa, p=0.61). Similarly, by 16 weeks, bone in-growth in Gription-coated implants was approximately double that measured in Porocoat (6.73±3.86 % vs. 3.22±1.52 %, p=0.045). No statistically significant differences were detected at either 4 nor 8 weeks, however, qualitative observations of the exposed bone-implant interface, made following push-out testing, showed more bony material consistently adhered to Gription compared to Porocoat at all three time points. High variability is attributed to implant placement, resulting from the small visual window afforded during surgery, unique curvatures of the condyles, and presence of the extensor digitorum longus tendon which limited access to the LFC.

Ultra-porous titanium coatings, know commercially as Gription and Porocoat, were compared for the first time in a challenging intra-articular ovine model. Gription provided superior fixation strength and bone in-growth, suggesting it may be beneficial in hip replacement surgeries where bone stock quality and quantity may be compromised.

Aims. Surgeons and most engineers believe that bone compaction improves implant primary stability without causing undue damage to the bone itself. In this study, we developed a murine distal femoral implant model and tested this dogma. Methods. Each mouse received two femoral implants, one placed into a site prepared by drilling and the other into the contralateral site prepared by drilling followed by stepwise condensation. Results. Condensation significantly increased peri-implant bone density but it also produced higher strains at the interface between the bone and implant, which led to significantly more bone microdamage. Despite increased peri-implant bone density, condensation did not improve implant primary stability as measured by an in vivo lateral stability test. Ultimately, the condensed bone underwent resorption, which delayed the onset of new bone formation around the implant. Conclusion. Collectively, these multiscale analyses demonstrate that condensation does not positively contribute to implant stability or to new peri-implant bone formation. Cite this article:Bone Joint Res. 2020;9(2):60–70

In vitro femoral studies have demonstrated the addition of hydroxyapatite (HA), to morcellised bone graft (MBG) decreases femoral prosthesis subsidence. However, with an increased risk of femoral fracture during the impaction of a MBG:HA mixture, possibly due to greater force transmission to the femoral cortex via the HA. The aim was to compare the hoop strains and subsidence of a 1:1 mixture of MBG:HA with pure bone allograft during impaction and subsequent endurance testing in a revision hip arthroplasty model.

Materials and methods Large Sawbone femurs were prepared to represent a femur with bone loss (Sawbones, Sweden). 12 uniaxial strain gauges were attached to each femur at 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees, at distal, midshaft, proximal points to measure hoop strain. Impaction grafting was performed using X-Change 2 instruments and an Instron servohydaulic machine for 2 distal impactions and 4 proximal impactions for 60 impactions each.

Purpose of the study: After total hip replacement, the initial stability of the cementless femoral stem is a prerequisite for ensuring bone ingrowth and therefore long term fixation of the stem. For custom made implants, long term success of the replacement has been associated with reconstruction of the offset, antero/retro version of the neck orientation and its varus/valgus orientation angle. The goals of this study were to analyze the effects of the extra-medullary parameters on the stability of a noncemented stem after a total hip replacement, and to evaluate the change of stress transfer. Material and methods: The geometry of a femur was reconstructed from CT-scanner data to obtain a three-dimensional model with distribution of bone density. The intra-medullary shape of the stem was based on the CT-scanner. Seven extra-medullary stem designs were compared: 1) Anatomical case based on the reconstruction of the femoral head position from the CT data; 2) Retroverted case of − 15° with respect to the anatomical reconstruction; 3) Anteverted case with an excessive anteversion angle of + 15° with respect to the anatomical case; 4) Medial case: shortened femoral neck length (− 10 mm) inducing a medial shift of the femoral head offset; 5) Lateral case: elongated femoral neck length (+ 10 mm) inducing lateral shift of the femoral head offset 6) Varus case with CCD angle 127°; 7) Valgus case with CCD angle 143°. The plasma sprayed stem surface was modeled with a frictional contact between bone and implant (friction coefficient: 0.6). The loading condition corresponding to the single limb stance phase during the gait cycle was used for all cases. Applied loads included major muscular forces (gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, psoas). Results: Micromotions (debonding and slipping) of the stems relative to the femur and interfacial stresses (pressure and friction) were different according to the extra-medullary parameters. However, the locations of peak stresses and micromotions were not modified. The highest micromotions and stresses corresponded to the lateral situation and to the anteverted case (micro-slipping and pressure were increased up to 35 p.100). High peak pressure was observed for all designs, ranging from anatomical case (34 MPa) to anteverted case (44 MPa). The peak stresses and micromotions were minimal for the anatomical case. The maximal micro-debonding was not significantly modified by the extra-medullary design of the femoral stem. Discussion: The extra-medullary stem design has been shown to affect the primary stability of implant and the stress transfer after THR. Most interfacial regions present small micro-slipping which normally allows the occurrence of bone ingrowth. The anatomical design presents the lowest micromotions and the lowest interfacial stresses. The worst cases correspond to the anteverted and lateralized cases. Probably, the anteverted situation involves higher torsion torque, which in turn may induce high torsion shear micro-motions and higher stress at the interface. Moreover, the lever arm of the weight bearing force on the femoral head is augmented for the augmented neck length situation. This increases the bending moment, and therefore may increase the stresses as well as the stem shear micromotions. In summary, the present results could be taken as biomechanical arguments for the requirement of anatomical reconstruction of not only the intra-medullary shape but also the extra-medullary parameters (reconstruction of the normal hip biomechanics)

Introduction: It is generally accepted that the cement mantle surrounding femoral hip implants should be at least 2–3 mm thick. To achieve that goal, manufactures or surgeons often undersize the stem compared to the broach. However, some implants, such as the Charnley-Kerboul stem, are typically cemented line-to-line i.e. with a broach and stem of the same size. Despite their “minimal” cement mantle, these stems are very successful. This apparent contradiction is known as the “French Paradox”[1]. We used a finite element analysis (FEA) model to investigate the effect of these different cementation philosophies on cement crack propagation and rotational stem stability.

Material and Methods: Based on a CT-scan image of a Charnley-Kerboul plastic stem replica[2], twelve FEA models were created. By decreasing the stem size (4 stems), the average cement mantle thickness increased (1.71–3.77mm). However, the incidence of cement mantle defects (< 1mm) and areas of thin cement (< 2mm) decreased (defects: 34.7–0.0%; thin cement: 40.7–0.0%). The amount of cortical bone support was varied (3 times) between 18.4 and 72.2%. All models were alternately loaded with a cyclic torque load (25.8Nm) and a transversal load (400N) in a ratio of 9:1 for two million cycles. The model predicted fatigue crack formation within the cement and rotational stem stability.

Results: Overall, increasing implant size and increasing the amount of cortical bone support to the cement, improved resistance to accumulated cement damage and rotational stem stability. In both models with undersized stems, more cement cracks and full thickness (FT) cement fractures appeared after less loading cycles than in both models with canal-filling stems. Worst results were obtained with a severely undersized implant surrounded by a thick cement mantle that was poorly supported by cortical bone (first FT crack after < 100 000 cycles, > 220 initiated cracks and 0.6° of implant rotation after 2 million cycles). Best results were obtained with the maximal canal-filling stem surrounded by a thin and deficient cement mantle that was well supported by cortical bone (no FT cracks, < 10 initiated cracks and 0.3° of implant rotation after 2 million cycles).

Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of an adequate cementation technique that aims at pressurizing cement up to the cortical bone. This protects the cement mantle against fatigue fracture and stabilises the implant especially if the stem is undersized. From a mechanical point of view, canal-filling stems make sense. They limited the formation of cement cracks and improved rotational stability to the implant. This could explain the excellent results obtained by implants that are cemented line-to-line.

Primary implant stability is critical for osseointegration and subsequent implant success. Small displacements on the screw/bone interface are necessary for implant success, however, larger displacements can propagate cracks and break anchorage points which causes the screw to fail. Limited information is available on the progressive degradation of stability of an implanted bone screw since most published research is based on monotonic, quasi-static loading [1]. This study aims to address this gap in knowledge. A total of 100 implanted trabecular screws were tested using multi-axial loading test set-up. Screws were loaded in cycles with the applied force increasing 1N in each load cycle. In every load cycle, Peak forces, displacements, and stiffness degradation (calculated in the unloading half of the cycle) where recorded. 10 different loading configurations where tested. The damage vs displacement shows a total displacement at the point of failure between 0.3 and 0.4 mm while an initial stiffness reduction close to 40%. It is also shown that at a displacement of ~0.1 mm, the initial stiffness of every sample had degraded by 20% (or more) meaning that half of the allowable degradation occurred in the first 25-30% of the total displacement. Other studies on screw overloading [1] suggests similar results to our concerning initial stiffness degradation at the end of the loading cycle. Our results also show that the initial stiffness degrades faster with relatively small deformations suggesting that the failure point of an implanted screw might occur before the common failure definition (pull-out force, for example). These results are of great significance since primary implant stability is better explained by the stiffness of the construct than by its failure point

Aims. The objectives of this study were to investigate the patient characteristics and mortality of Vancouver type B periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF) subgroups divided into two groups according to femoral component stability and to compare postoperative clinical outcomes according to treatment in Vancouver type B2 and B3 fractures. Methods. A total of 126 Vancouver type B fractures were analyzed from 2010 to 2019 in 11 associated centres' database (named TRON). We divided the patients into two Vancouver type B subtypes according to implant stability. Patient demographics and functional scores were assessed in the Vancouver type B subtypes. We estimated the mortality according to various patient characteristics and clinical outcomes between the open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and revision arthroplasty (revision) groups in patients with unstable subtype. Results. The one-year mortality rate of the stable and unstable subtype of Vancouver type B was 9.4% and 16.4%. Patient demographic factors, including residential status and pre-injury mobility were associated with mortality. There was no significant difference in mortality between patients treated with ORIF and Revision in either Vancouver B subtype. Patients treated with revision had significantly higher Parker Mobility Score (PMS) values (5.48 vs 3.43; p = 0.00461) and a significantly lower visual analogue scale (VAS) values (1.06 vs 1.94; p = 0.0399) for pain than ORIF in the unstable subtype. Conclusion. Among patients with Vancouver type B fractures, frail patients, such as those with worse scores for residential status and pre-injury mobility, had a high mortality rate. There was no significant difference in mortality between patients treated with ORIF and those treated with revision. However, in the unstable subtype, the PMS and VAS values at the final follow-up examination were significantly better in patients who received revision. Based on postoperative activities of daily life, we therefore recommend evision in instances when either treatment option is feasible. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(1):38–46

Aims. To develop an early implant instability murine model and explore the use of intermittent parathyroid hormone (iPTH) treatment for initially unstable implants. Methods. 3D-printed titanium implants were inserted into an oversized drill-hole in the tibiae of C57Bl/6 mice (n = 54). After implantation, the mice were randomly divided into three treatment groups (phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-control, iPTH, and delayed iPTH). Radiological analysis, micro-CT (µCT), and biomechanical pull-out testing were performed to assess implant loosening, bone formation, and osseointegration. Peri-implant tissue formation and cellular composition were evaluated by histology. Results. iPTH reduced radiological signs of loosening and led to an increase in peri-implant bone formation over the course of four weeks (timepoints: one week, two weeks, and four weeks). Observational histological analysis shows that iPTH prohibits the progression of fibrosis. Delaying iPTH treatment until after onset of peri-implant fibrosis still resulted in enhanced osseointegration and implant stability. Despite initial instability, iPTH increased the mean pull-out strength of the implant from 8.41 N (SD 8.15) in the PBS-control group to 21.49 N (SD 10.45) and 23.68 N (SD 8.99) in the immediate and delayed iPTH groups, respectively. Immediate and delayed iPTH increased mean peri-implant bone volume fraction (BV/TV) to 0.46 (SD 0.07) and 0.34 (SD 0.10), respectively, compared to PBS-control mean BV/TV of 0.23 (SD 0.03) (PBS-control vs immediate iPTH, p < 0.001; PBS-control vs delayed iPTH, p = 0.048; immediate iPTH vs delayed iPTH, p = 0.111). Conclusion. iPTH treatment mediated successful osseointegration and increased bone mechanical strength, despite initial implant instability. Clinically, this suggests that initially unstable implants may be osseointegrated with iPTH treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(5):260–269

Glenoid bone grafting in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has emerged as an effective method of restoring bone stock in the presence of complex glenoid bone loss, yet there is limited published evidence on efficacy. The aim of this study was to conduct an analysis of clinical and radiographic outcomes associated with glenoid bone grafting in primary RTSA. Patients who underwent a primary RTSA with glenoid bone grafting were retrospectively identified from the databases of two senior shoulder surgeons. Inclusion criteria included minimum of 12 months clinical and/or radiographical follow up. Patients underwent preoperative clinical and radiographic assessment. Graft characteristics (source, type, preparation), range of movement (ROM), patient-reported outcome measures (Oxford Shoulder Scores [OSS]), and complications were recorded. Radiographic imaging was used to analyse implant stability, graft incorporation, and notching by two independent reviewers. Between 2013 and 2021, a total of 53 primary RTSA procedures (48 patients) with glenoid bone grafting were identified. Humeral head autograft was used in 51 (96%) of cases. Femoral head allograft was utilised in two cases. Depending on the morphology of glenoid bone loss, a combination of structural (corticocancellous) and non-structural (cancellous) grafts were used to restore glenoid bone stock and the joint line. All grafts were incorporated at review. The mean post-operative OSS was significantly higher than the pre-operative OSS (40 vs. 22, p < 0.001). ROM was significantly improved post-operatively. One patient is being investigated for residual activity-related shoulder pain. This patient also experienced scapular notching resulting in the fracturing of the inferior screw. One patient experienced recurrent dislocations but was not revised. Overall, at short term follow up, glenoid bone grafting was effective in addressing glenoid bone loss with excellent functional and clinical outcomes when used for complex bone loss in primary RTSA. The graft incorporation rate was high, with an associated low complication rate

3D-printed orthopedic implants have been gaining popularity in recent years due to the control this manufacturing technique gives the designer over the different design aspects of the implant. This technique allows us to manufacture implants with material properties similar to bone, giving the implant designer the opportunity to address one of the main complications experienced after total hip arthroplasty (THA), i.e. aseptic loosening of the implant. To restore proper function after implant loosening, the implant needs to be replaced. During these revision surgeries, some extra bone is removed along with the implant, further increasing the already present defects, and making it harder to achieve proper mechanical stability with the revision implant. A possible way to limit the increasing loss of bone is the use of biodegradable orthopedic implants that optimize long-term implant stability. These implants need to both optimize the implant such that stress shielding is minimized, and tune the implant degradation rate such that newly formed bone is able to replace the degrading metal in order to maintain a proper bone-implant contact. The hope is that such (partly) degradable implants will lead to a reduction in the size of the bone defects over time, making possible future revisions less likely and less complex. We focused on improving the long-term implant stability of patient-specific acetabular implants for large bone defects and the modeling of their biodegradable behavior. To improve long-term implant stability we implemented a topology optimization approach. A patient-specific finite element model of the hip joint with and without implant was derived from CT-scans to evaluate the performance of the designs during the optimization routine. To evaluate the biodegradation behavior, a quantitative mathematical model was developed to assess the degradation rates of the biodegradable part of the implant. Currently, the biodegradation model has been implemented for magnesium (Mg) implants as a first proof of concept. For a first test case, an optimized implant was found with stress shielding levels below 20% in most regions. The highest stress shielding levels were found at the bone implant interface. The biodegradation model has been validated using experimental data, which includes immersion tests of simple scaffolds created from Commercial Pure Mg. The mass loss of the scaffold is about 0.8 mg/cm. 2. for the first day of immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. After the formation of a protective film on the surface of the simple scaffold, the degradation rate starts to slow down. Initial results presented serve as a proof of concept of the developed computational framework for the implant optimization and the implant biodegradation behavior. Currently, timing calibration, benchmarking and validation are taking place. Reducing implant-induced stress shielding, obtaining a better implant integration and reduction of bone defects, by allowing for bone to partially replace the implant over time, are crucial design factors for large bone defect implants. In this research, we have developed in-silico models to investigate these factors. Once validated and coupled, the models will serve as an important tool to find the appropriate biodegradable implant designs and biodegradable metal properties for THA applications, that improve current implant lifetime while ensuring proper mechanical functioning

Uncemented femoral components have been used in total hip arthroplasties (THAs) for over three decades. Data on long-term performance of hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stems is however limited. This study reports the survivorship of a collarless, straight, hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stem (Omnifit HA, Osteonic) with a minimum of 20 years of follow-up. We reviewed the results of 165 THAs using Omnifit HA in 138 patients performed between August 1993 and December 1999. The mean age at surgery was 46 years (range 20 – 77 years). Avascular necrosis was the most common cause of THA, followed by ankylosing spondylitis and primary osteoarthritis. The mean follow-up was 22 years (range 20–31 years). At 20 and 25 years, 113 arthroplasties (91 patients) and 63 arthroplasties (55 patients) were available for follow-up respectively, while others had deceased or were lost to follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed to evaluate the survival of the femoral component. Radiographs were reviewed at regular intervals, and implant stability was evaluated using Engh classification. Seven out of 165 stems were revised upon the latest follow-up; that included one case of aseptic loosening with revision done at 15 years, three peri-prosthetic fractures, two infections, and one recurrent dislocation. At 20 years, survivorship with revision of the femoral stem for any cause and aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 96.0% (95% CI, 92.6 – 99.5%) and 98.4% (95% CI, 96.2 – 100%) respectively. At 25 years, the corresponding survivorship rates were 94.5% (95% CI, 91.9 – 97.3%) and 98.1% (95% CI, 95.7 – 99.6%) respectively. Radiographic findings of stable bony fixation were seen in 86 stems (76.1%) and those of loosening in 4 stems (3.5%) at 20 years. All patients with radiographic signs of loosening were asymptomatic and did not require revision. The Omnifit HA femoral stem offered promising long-term survivorship into the third decade

Gram-negative prosthetic joint infections (GN-PJI) present unique challenges in management due to their distinct pathogenesis of biofilm formation on implant surfaces. To date, there are no animal models that can fully recapitulate how a biofilm is challenged in vivo in the setting of GN-PJI. The purpose of this study is to establish a clinically representative GN-PJI in vivo model that can reliably depict biofilm formation on titanium implant surface. We hypothesized that the biofilm formation on the implant surface would affect the ability of the implant to be osseointegrated. The model was developed using a 3D-printed, medical-grade titanium (Ti-6Al-4V), monoblock, cementless hemiarthroplasty hip implant. This implant was used to replace the femoral head of a Sprague-Dawley rat using a posterior surgical approach. To induce PJI, two bioluminescent Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) strains were utilized: a reference strain (PA14-lux) and a mutant strain that is defective in biofilm formation (DflgK-lux). PJI development and biofilm formation was quantitatively assessed in vivo using the in vivo imaging system (IVIS), and in vitro using the viable colony count of the bacterial load on implant surface. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was acquired to assess the involvement of periprosthetic tissue in vivo, and the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) of the explanted implants was used to visualize the biofilm formation at the bone-implant interface. The implant stability, as an outcome, was directly assessed by quantifying the osseointegration using microCT scans of the extracted femurs with retained implants in vitro, and indirectly assessed by identifying the gait pattern changes using DigiGaitTM system in vivo. A localized prosthetic infection was reliably established within the hip joint and was followed by IVIS in real-time. There was a quantitative and qualitative difference in the bacterial load and biofilm formation between PA14 and DflgK. This difference in the ability to persist in the model between the two strains was reflected on the gait pattern and implant osseointegration. We developed a novel uncemented hip hemiarthroplasty GN-PJI rat model. This model is clinically representative since animals can bear weight on the implant. PJI was detected by various modalities. In addition, biofilm formation correlated with implant function and stability. In conclusion, the proposed in vivo GN-PJI model will allow for more reliable testing of novel biofilm-targeting therapetics

The purpose of this study was to determine long-term survival free from all-cause revision and stem-related failure, as well as radiographic and functional outcomes of the ZMR stem in revision THA. We retrospectively identified all patients in our institutional database who underwent revision THA using the ZMR Revision Hip system from the year 2000 to 2007 (minimum two-year follow-up). Of the 112 ZMR hips (110 patients) identified, a total of 106 hips (104 patients) met inclusion criteria. The mean study follow-up 13.9 years (range 2–22). Indications for index ZMR revision included aseptic loosening (72.1%), periprosthetic joint infection (17.3%), periprosthetic fracture (9.6%), and stem fracture (1.0%). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine the all-cause and stem-related failure revision-free survival. Validated patient reported outcomes were collected and available radiographs were reviewed to determine implant stability. A total of 17 hips (16.0%) underwent a re-revision of any component. The indications for re-revision were stem failure (35.3%), infection (29.4%), instability (29.4%), and aseptic loosening of the acetabular component (5.9%). The five- and 15-year all-cause survivorship was 89.5% (95% CI 86.5–92.5) and 83.0% (95% CI 79.2–86.8), respectively. There were six re-revisions for stem failure (5.7%); five for stem fracture and one for aseptic loosening. The average time to stem failure was 4.6 years (range 1.3–8.2). The five- and 15-year survivorship free from stem-related failure was 97.2% (95% CI 95.6–98.8) and 93.9% (95% CI 91.5–96.3), respectively. At final follow-up the mean Oxford hip score was 36.9 and all surviving ZMR stems were well fixed on radiographs. Femoral revision with the ZMR stem offers satisfactory long-term survivorship and promising clinical outcomes. Although uncommon, stem fracture was the most common reason for stem-related failure