Aims. Waiting times for arthroplasty surgery in Northern Ireland are among the longest in the NHS, which have been further lengthened by the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic in March 2020. The Department of Health in Northern Ireland has announced a new Elective Care Framework (ECF), with the framework proposing that by March 2026 no patient will wait more than 52 weeks for inpatient/day case treatment. We aimed to assess the feasibility of achieving this with reference to total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. Mathematical modelling was undertaken to calculate when the ECF targets will be achieved for THA and TKA, as well as the time when waiting lists for THA and TKA will be cleared. The number of patients currently on the waiting list and percentage operating capacity relative to pre-COVID-19 capacity was used to determine future projections. Results. As of May 2021, there were 3,757 patients awaiting primary THA and 4,469 patients awaiting primary TKA in Northern Ireland. Prior to April 2020, there were a mean 2,346 (2,085 to 2,610) patients per annum boarded for primary THA, a mean 2,514 (2,494 to 2,514) patients per annum boarded for primary TKA, and there were a mean 1,554 primary THAs and 1,518 primary TKAs performed per annum. The ECF targets for THA will only be achieved in 2030 if operating capacity is 200% of pre COVID-19 pandemic capacity and in 2042 if capacity is 170%. For TKA, the targets will be met in 2034 if capacity is 200% of pre-COVID-19 pandemic capacity. Conclusion. This modelling demonstrates that, in the absence of major funding and reorganization of elective orthopaedic care, the targets set out in the ECF will not be achieved with regard to THA and TKA. Waiting times for THA and TKA surgery in Northern Ireland are likely to remain greater than 52 weeks for most of this decade. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(4):302–306

Waiting times for arthroplasty surgery in Northern Ireland are among the longest in the National Health Service, which have been further lengthened by the onset of the SARS-CoV-19 global pandemic in March 2020. The Department of Health (DoH) in Northern Ireland has announced a new Elective Care Framework (ECF), with the framework proposing that by March 2026 no patient will wait more than 52 weeks for inpatient/day case treatment. We aimed to assess the feasibility of achieving this with reference to Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Waiting list information was obtained via a Freedom of Information request to the DoH (May 2021) and National Joint Registry data was used to determine baseline operative numbers. Mathematical modelling was undertaken to calculate the time taken to meet the ECF target and also to determine the time to clear the waiting lists for THA using the number of patients currently on the waiting list and percentage operating capacity relative to pre-Covid-19 capacity to determine future projections. As of May 2021, there were 3,757 patients awaiting primary THA in Northern Ireland. Prior to April 2020, there were a mean 2,346 patients/annum added to the waiting list for primary THA and there were a mean 1,624 primary THAs performed per annum. The ECF targets for THA will only be achieved in 2026 if operating capacity is 200% of pre COVID-19 pandemic capacity and will be achieved in 2030 if capacity is 170%. Surgical capacity must exceed pre-Covid capacity by at least 30% to meet ongoing demand. THA capacity was significantly reduced following resumption of elective orthopaedics post-COVID-19 (22% of pre-COVID-19 capacity – 355 THAs/annum post-COVID-19 versus 1,624/annum pre-COVID-19). This modelling demonstrates that, in the absence of major funding and reorganisation of elective orthopaedic care, the targets set out in the ECF will not be achieved with regards to hip arthroplasty. Waiting times for THA surgery in the NHS in Northern Ireland are likely to remain greater than 52 weeks for most of this decade

Introduction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes in Northern Ireland of free vascularised fibular bone grafting for the treatment of humeral bone loss secondary to osteomyelitis. Upper limb skeletal bone loss due to osteomyelitis is a devastating and challenging complication to manage for both surgeon and patient. Patients can be left with life altering disability and functional impairment. This limb threatening complication raises the question of salvage versus amputation and the associated risk and benefits of each. Free vascularised fibula grafting is a recognised treatment option for large skeletal defects in long bones but is not without significant risk. The benefit of vascularised over non-vascularised fibula grafts include preservation of blood supply lending itself to improved remodeling and osteointegration. Materials & Methods. Sixteen patients in Northern Ireland had free vascularised fibula grafting. Inclusion criteria included grafting to humeral defects secondary to osteomyelitis. Six patients were included in this study. Patients were contacted to complete DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaires as our primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included radiological evaluation of osteointegration and associated operative complications. Complications were assessed via review of Electronic Care Record outpatient and in-patient documents

Northern Ireland has previously demonstrated high incidence of Perthes' disease (11.6 per 100,000). The aim of this study is to confirm a declining incidence in this diagnosis in Northern Ireland. Methods. A reduction in new Perthes' patients had been noted by the senior author. A retrospective study was designed to identify patients with a new diagnosis of this disease over a 7 year period (2004–10). Clinical notes were interrogated using word searches. Further cross referencing with x-ray system reports were utilised to capture all new patients presenting with subsequently proven Perthes'. Patients not resident in Northern Ireland at the time of diagnosis were excluded. Patients with epiphyseal dysplasia or avascular necrosis secondary to treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip were also excluded. A previous study from this unit had demonstrated 313 new cases over the 7 year period 1992–1998, with average incidence of approximately 45/year for the population. Results. All years in our study (2004–10) have had less than 30 for the entire population (<8.3 per 100,000). Significant variation between years with some years much less detected, so further searches are been undertaken to ensure completeness if data capture. Conclusions. Perthes' disease incidence appears to have reduced significantly. Factors such as a lower threshold for investigation, better radiological diagnostics and better understanding of Perthes' should artificially increase the incidence. However, these study findings suggest a decrease. Passive smoking has long been debated as a possible cause in Perthes' disease. The prevalence of smoking is falling in N. Ireland. The 2007 introduction of a workplace smoking ban coincided with a statistically significant fall in smoking behaviour from 25% in 2006/07 to 23% in 2007/08. The cause of Perthes' is undoubtedly multifactorial, but these findings do coincide with decreasing smoking habits in this captive population

Aims. This study describes the variation in the annual volumes of revision hip arthroplasty (RHA) undertaken by consultant surgeons nationally, and the rate of accrual of RHA and corresponding primary hip arthroplasty (PHA) volume for new consultants entering practice. Methods. National Joint Registry (NJR) data for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man were received for 84,816 RHAs and 818,979 PHAs recorded between April 2011 and December 2019. RHA data comprised all revision procedures, including first-time revisions of PHA and any subsequent re-revisions recorded in public and private healthcare organizations. Annual procedure volumes undertaken by the responsible consultant surgeon in the 12 months prior to every index procedure were determined. We identified a cohort of ‘new’ HA consultants who commenced practice from 2012 and describe their rate of accrual of PHA and RHA experience. Results. The median annual consultant RHA volume, averaged across all cases, was 21 (interquartile range (IQR) 11 to 34; range 0 to 181). Of 1,695 consultants submitting RHA cases within the study period, the top 20% of surgeons by annual volume performed 74.2% of total RHA case volume. More than half of all consultants who had ever undertaken a RHA maintained an annual volume of just one or fewer RHA, however, collectively contributed less than 3% of the total RHA case volume. Consultant PHA and RHA volumes were positively correlated. Lower-volume surgeons were more likely to undertake RHA for urgent indications (such as infection) as a proportion of their practice, and to do so on weekends and public holidays. Conclusion. The majority of RHAs were undertaken by higher-volume surgeons. There was considerable variation in RHA volumes by indication, day of the week, and between consultants nationally. The rate of accrual of RHA experience by new consultants is low, and has important implications for establishing an experienced RHA consultant workforce. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(10):1060–1069

Introduction: Revision Hip Surgery presents an increasing Orthopaedic Burden. Indications for revision include recurrent hip dislocation, infection, peri-prosthetic fracture, failure of implants, including aseptic loosening, osteolysis, wear or mechanical failure of components. Within the region of Northern Ireland, we have investigated the indications for revision hip procedures, carried out from April 2006 to March 2007. We wanted to establish if the indications of revision surgery are comparable to other national registers. Methods: An audit of all hospitals, which carry out hip revision surgery, was carried out, to identify patients who have undergone revision total hip surgery. The indications for revision procedures were identified, from hospital databases, patient records and examination of pre-operative X-rays. Revision procedures included replacement of one or both components, application of Posterior Lip Augmentation Devices and cable plating or component revision for peri-prosthetic fractures. Results: 180 patients, who had undergone revision, were identified in six hospitals. 56 were female and 124 were male. Revisions were performed for a peri-prosthetic fracture in 38 (21%), infection in 12 (7%), recurrent dislocation in 23(13%) and failure of implants in 105 (58%). In 2 patients (1%) revision was performed after the development of avascular necrosis following resurfacing hip replacement. Discussion: The largest body of information on revision hip surgery is the Swedish registry. Their incidence for revision hip surgery is 7%. Their indications were: aseptic loosening 71%, Infection 7.5%, Fracture as 5.6% and dislocation as 4.8%. Our data indicate a greater prevalence of revision for recurrent dislocation and peri-prosthetic fractures than the Swedish data. Further work should aim to identify any remediable surgical factors which account for these differences

Purpose of Study: In light of the proposed abolishment of the health visitor seven month assessment, we examined the treatment pathways for all patients born in the year 2003 in Northern Ireland who were treated for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip. We wished to identify those patients who had presented late, to determine if they could have been referred earlier to the paediatric orthopaedic service. Method: All patients treated conservatively and operatively for DDH were identified retrospectively from nurse procedure records and theatre logs. Patient charts were retrieved and data collected. Results: One hundred and twelve cases were identified (5.17/1000 births). The mean age at diagnosis was 3.9 months. 33% were referred from maternity units. There was a wide variation in the rate of cases identified from each maternity unit (range 0 to 6.2/1000). Seventy-four patients presented before the age of six months. Of these, fifteen required operative intervention. Of the thirty-eight patients presenting over the age of six months, twenty-four required operative intervention. The incidence of late presentation of DDH was 1.11 per 1000. Ten of the late referrals had risk factors for DDH. At the seven month assessment the health visitor successfully identified and referred thirteen patients. Conclusions: Despite routine clinical screening at birth and at eight weeks, children continue to present late with DDH. The wide variation in referral rates from maternity units suggests that the present method of screening should be closely examined. The health visitor plays an invaluable role in detecting DDH in children at the seven month assessment

Currently, all details regarding implants are entered into a real time application on the Musgrave Park Hospital site using the Belfast Orthopaedic Information System (BOIS). This is a visual basic client application with data being stored in an SQL server database. This data collection system operates throughout every location within the hospital including the theatre block. Loss of continuity occurs however when joint replacement takes place in Musgrave Park Hospital and then revision surgery or other procedures are carried out at other locations. The goal therefore of the Northern Ire-land Implant Register is to collect information on all implants performed and their revisions regardless of their location. The dataset collected is based on the work of the National Joint Replacement Registry. Our system is designed to support and extend that dataset to provide a more comprehensive joint replacement registry database. This means that reports can be provided to individual sites and data entered into the National registry if required at a later stage. At present every hospital in Northern Ireland is connected to the HPSS network (similar to the HPSSNet in the UK). What has been developed is a web browser based front end, which requires no complex software installation on any client machine. From this web based tool, staff at other locations can access information held at Musgrave Park Hospital, they can select an implant, or record a new implant and then link any revisions or other procedures carried out. As all of the information is entered directly into the BOIS database, there is no delay in the information being available to all who access the system. This reduces the need for case notes to be transferred to other sites and the need to contact the other site directly regarding the case. The interface also provides a comprehensive reporting capability so that commonly requested standard reports are available for authorized staff to run from their web browser. We present an overview of how the web interface works in practice and how data is entered into the system

Total hip replacement (THR) for end-stage osteoarthritis is a commonly performed cost-effective procedure, which provides patients with significant clinical improvement. Estimating the future demand for joint replacement is important to identify the healthcare resources needed. We estimated the number of primary THRs that will need to be performed up to the year 2060. We used data from The National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man on the current volume of primary THR (n=94,936) performed in 2018. We projected future numbers of THR using a static estimated rate from 2018 applied to population growth forecast data from the UK Office for National Statistics up to 2060. By 2060, primary THR volume would increase from 2018 levels by an estimated 37.7% (n=130,766). For both males and females demand for surgery was also higher for patients aged 70 and over, with older patients having the biggest relative increase in volume over time: 70–79 years (144.6% males, 141.2% females); 80–89 years (212.4% males, 185.6% females); 90 years and older (448.0% males, 298.2% females). By 2060 demand for THR is estimated to increase by almost 40%. Demand will be greatest in older patients (70 years+), which will have significant implications for the health service that requires forward planning given morbidity and resource use is higher in this population. There is a backlog of current demand with cancellation of elective surgery due to seasonal flu pressures in 2017 and now Covid-19 in 2020. Orthopaedics already has the largest waiting list of any speciality. These issues will negatively impact the health services ability to deliver timely joint replacement to many patients for a number of years and require urgent planning

In Northern Ireland the Health Visitor assessment at 6 months was demonstrated to be successful in detecting the majority of cases of DDH and was maintained, although moved to 4 months. There has been increased numbers of referrals resulting in prolonged waiting times for low risk infants. Methods. A retrospective review was performed of the records of all children treated for DDH in the three-year birth cohort from 2008 to 2010. Data was obtained by collating the records of the nurse led clinics, inpatient records and theatre logs from the three treating centres. Results. 584 children were treated, 87% female. Treatment rate was 7.7/1,000 live births (2003 = 5.2). Twenty-three cases were diagnosed later than 1 year of age, 0.3/1,000 (2003 = 0.6); 146 cases were diagnosed later than 6 months 1.9/1000 (2003=1.7) of these 62 required operative treatment, 0.8/1,000 (2003 =1.1). The median age at referral was 7 weeks and ranged from 0 to 119 weeks. The median delay to be seen was 29 days with a highly skewed distribution, which ranged from 0 to 39 weeks. We found if waiting times had been capped at 9 weeks, as has been the case for other orthopaedic conditions, 52 patients who were seen after 6 months would have been seen on average 140 days earlier. Conclusions. Maintaining the health visitor assessment has allowed us to continue to reduce the number of children diagnosed with DDH after the onset of walking. However, delays in the referral pathways have prevented us from improving earlier treatment rates for younger infants and have introduced an undue delay in the treatment of a cohort of low risk infants

Introduction: Open tibial fractures presenting to the 3 Northern Ireland trauma hospitals with over 36 months (2003–2006) were considered regarding the BAO/BAPS guidelines, which recommended joint orthopaedic/plastic management with definitive tissue coverage within 5 days. Methods: Details of Gustillo-Anderson classification, method and timing of surgery, and complications were identified retrospectively from a regional database and patient notes. Results: Of 111 patients with 115 fractures, 28 were Gustillo-Anderson grade 1, 21 were grade 2, 28 were grade 3a, 35 were grade 3b, and 3 were grade 3c. Grade 1 fractures were chiefly treated by IM nailing or cast. Most grade 2 and 3 injuries received IM nailing or external frames and primary closure within 5 days. Most grade 3b fractures were treated with external frames and tissue coverage after day 5, 46% having documented plastics referrals, and 20% receiving flaps All grade 3c fractures required amputation. Complications occurred in 42% of patients, mainly soft tissue infections (19%) and delayed union (10%) or non-union (12%). Only 42% of grade 3 injuries had documented referrals to plastics. Only 26% of patients were treated initially at the regional plastics unit (with orthpaedics on-site) but only 11% of patients required transfer for plastics input (chiefly for flaps). Conclusions: Complications were common despite most patients meeting the guidelines regarding time to definitive surgery. With increasing Gustillo-Anderson grade the number of procedures increased and method of management changed for orthopaedic and plastics procedures. Many patients with Gustillo 3 injuries had no recorded referral to plastics

Introduction: An extensive review of the literature has found no evidence supporting the routine use of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with prosthetic joints undergoing dental treatment. A working party of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy have stated that “patients with prosthetic joint implants (including total hip replacement) do not require antibiotic prophylaxis for dental treatment” and that “it is unacceptable to expose patients to the adverse effects of antibiotics when there is no evidence that such prophylaxis is of any benefit”. Method: A postal questionnaire containing both open and closed questions regarding prescribing habits and protocols with respect to antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with prosthetic joints undergoing dental treatment was sent to all General Dental Practitioners and all Consultant Surgeons in Northern Ireland. Response rates of 72% and 97.5% were obtained from the two groups. Results: The majority of Dentists (82–96%) routinely prescribe antibiotic cover in patients with structural heart defects but not in those who have had a joint replacement (24%) with Penicillin being the most frequently used antibiotic. 43% of Dentists have however, been asked by an Orthopaedic Surgeon to give cover with 216 of these 242 having given it. Responding Orthopaedic Surgeons indicated that the majority (63%) prefer their patients to have cover during dental extractions. A Cephalosporin is the most commonly suggested antibiotic(25%). Only one of the Surgeons given advice to his patients to ask for antibiotic cover during dental procedures. Conclusion: We conclude that current practice, particularly amongst Orthopaedic Surgeons with regard to antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing dental extraction following joint replacement does not adhere to national recommendations and that dissemination of the guidelines is essential

Total hip replacements (THRs) are performed by surgeons at various stages in their training, with varying levels of senior supervision. There is a balance between protecting training opportunities for the next generation of surgeons, while limiting the exposure of patients to unnecessary risk during the training process. The aim of this study was to examine the association between surgeon grade, the senior supervision of trainees, and the risk of revision following THR. We included 603 474 primary THRs recorded in the National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man (NJR) between 2003 and 2016 for an indication of osteoarthritis. Exposures were the grade of the surgeon (consultant or trainee), and whether trainees were supervised by a scrubbed consultant or not. Outcomes were all-cause revision, the indication for revision, and the temporal variation in risk of revision (all up to 10 years). Net failure was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and adjusted analyses used Cox regression and flexible parametric survival analysis (adjusted for patient, operative, and unit level factors). There was no association between surgeon grade and all-cause revision up to 10 years (crude hazard ratio (HR) 0·999, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.936–1.065; p=0.966); a finding which persisted with adjusted analysis. Adjusted analysis demonstrated an association between trainees operating without supervision by a scrubbed consultant and an increase in all-cause revision (HR 1.100, 95% CI 1.002–1.207; p=0.045). There was an association between the trainee-performed THRs and revision due to instability (crude HR 1.143, 95% CI, 1.007–1.298; p=0.039). However, this was not observed in fully adjusted models, or when trainees were supervised by a scrubbed consultant. Within the current training system in the United Kingdom, trainees achieve comparable outcomes to consultant surgeons when supervised by a scrubbed consultant. Revision rates are higher when trainees are not supervised by a scrubbed consultant but remain within internationally recognised acceptable limits

Introduction. Analysis of registry data shows that few units achieve results better than 99·98% control limits. Implant selection is considered a predictor of outcome variation in joint replacement. We analysed the outcomes of a unit with statistically “better than expected” results and compared to all other units within the National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Isle of Man (NJR). We sought to determine whether improved implant survival following primary total hip replacement (THR) is a centre effect or mediated by implant selection. Methods. We identified 664,761 THRs in the NJR. The exposure was the unit in which the THR was implanted and the outcome all-cause revision. Net failure was estimated using Kaplan-Meier and adjusted analyses used flexible parametric survival analysis. Results. The crude 10-year revision rate for THRs was 1·7% (95% CI: 1·3, 2·3) in the exemplar centre and 2·9% (95% CI: 2·8, 3·0) elsewhere (log rank test P<0·001). Of 6,230 THRs performed in the exemplar centre, 99·9% used the same femoral stem. After restricting analyses to this stem, crude survival from other units was 2·3% (95% CI: 2·2, 2·4) (log-rank test p=0·05). Age and sex adjusted analyses, restricted to the same stem/cup combinations as the exemplar centre, show no demonstrable difference in restricted mean survival time between groups (p=0·28). Conclusion. These results suggest the “better than expected” performance of an exemplar centre can be replicated by adopting key treatment decisions, such as implant selection. These decisions are easier to replicate than technical skills or system factors. This is an important and easily applicable lesson for all branches of medicine highlighting the potential pre-eminence of decision making over technical expertise

Introduction. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is indicated in independently mobile patients sustaining displaced intracapsular hip fractures. Studies presently suggest that the anterolateral approach is preferable to the posterior approach due to a perceived reduced risk of reoperations and dislocations. However, these observations come from small studies with short follow-up. We assessed whether surgical approach in THA performed for hip fractures effects outcomes. Patients and Methods. A retrospective observational study was performed using data collected prospectively by the National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. All primary stemmed THAs implanted for hip fractures between 2003–2015 were eligible for inclusion (n=19,432). The two surgical approach groups (posterior versus anterolateral) were propensity-score matched for multiple potential patient and surgical confounding factors (n=14,536, with 7,268/group). Outcomes (implant survival, patient survival, intraoperative complications) were compared between the approach groups using regression analysis. Results. Five-year implant survival rates were similar between posterior and anterolateral approaches (97.3% vs. 97.4%; sub-hazard ratio (SHR)=1.15 (95% CI 0.93–1.42)). Five-year implant survival rates free from revision for dislocation (SHR=1.28 (CI=0.89–1.84)) and free from revision for periprosthetic fracture (SHR=1.03 (CI=0.68–1.56)) were also comparable. Thirty-day patient survival was significantly higher with a posterior approach (99.5% vs. 98.8%; hazard ratio (HR)=0.44 (CI=0.30–0.64)), which persisted at 1-year (HR=0.73 (CI=0.64–0.84)) and 5-years (HR=0.87 (CI=0.81–0.94)). The posterior approach had a lower risk of intraoperative complications (odds ratio=0.59 (CI=0.45–0.78)). Discussion. This is the largest study assessing the influence of surgical approach on outcomes following THA performed for hip fractures. In THA for hip fractures, the posterior approach had a similar risk of revision, and a lower risk of mortality and intraoperative complications compared with the anterolateral approach. Conclusion. We propose that the posterior approach is safer than the anterolateral approach when performing THA for hip fractures and should be preferred where possible

Outcomes following metal-on-metal hip replacement (MoMHR) revision surgery for adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD) have been poor, and inferior compared with non-ARMD revisions. Subsequently, surgeons and worldwide authorities widely recommended early revision for ARMD, with a lower surgical threshold adopted. However, the impact of early surgery for ARMD is unknown. We compared the rates of adverse outcomes following MoMHR revision surgery in matched ARMD and non-ARMD patients. We performed a retrospective observational study using data from the National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. All MoMHR patients subsequently undergoing revision surgery for any indication between August 2008 and August 2014 were eligible. ARMD and non-ARMD revisions were matched one-to-one for multiple potential confounding factors using propensity scores. Adverse outcomes following revision surgery (intra-operative complications, mortality, re-revision surgery) were compared between matched groups using regression analysis. In 2,576 matched MoMHR revisions (ARMD=1,288 and non-ARMD=1,288), intra-operative complications were similar between ARMD (2.4%) and non-ARMD (2.5%) revisions (odds ratio=0.97, 95% CI=0.59–1.60; p=0.899). All-cause mortality rates were lower following ARMD revision compared with non-ARMD revision (hazard ratio (HR)=0.43, 95% CI=0.22–0.86; p=0.018). All-cause re-revision rates were lower following ARMD revision compared with non-ARMD revision (HR=0.52, 95% CI=0.36–0.75; p<0.001). Compared with ARMD revision (5-years=94.3%), MoMHR revisions for infection (5-years=81.2%) and dislocation/subluxation (5-years=81.9%) had the lowest implant survival rates. Contrary to previous observations, MoMHRs revised for ARMD have approximately half the risk of re-revision and death compared to non-ARMD revisions. We suspect worldwide regulatory authorities have positively influenced outcomes following ARMD revision by widely recommending that surgeons exercise a lower revision threshold. Our findings suggest the threshold for ARMD revision surgery need not be lowered further. The high risk of failure following MoMHR revision for infection and dislocation is concerning

Background. Antibiotic loaded bone cement (ALBC) is commonly used in cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) in an attempt to reduce the risk of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, its role versus plain cement remains controversial due to the potential risk of developing resistant organisms and potential excess costs incurred from its usage. We investigated the relationship of ALBC and plain cement in affecting outcome of revision surgery after primary THA. Methodology. We conducted a retrospective study of data collected from National Joint Registry for England and Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man between 1. st. September 2005 until 31. st. August 2017. A logistic regression analysis model was used to investigate the association between ALBC versus plain cement and the odds ratio (OR) for revision, adjusting for age, ASA grade, bearing surfaces, head size and cup and stem fixation. Indications for revision recorded in NJR were considered in separate models. Results. We identified 418,925 THAs where bone cements were used (22,037 plain cement; 396,888 ALBC). After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of revision for infection was lower with ALBC (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62–0.95). There was also lower risk of revision for aseptic loosening of stem (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.39–0.72), aseptic loosening of socket (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.37– 0.58). When breaking down hips into fully cemented or hybrid fixation, the protective effect of ALBC against infection was only apparent in fully cemented (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.48–0.87) when compared against hybrid fixation (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.66–1.23). Discussion. Within the limits of registry analysis, this study has demonstrated an association between the use of ALBC and lower rates of revision for infection and aseptic loosening. Conclusion. This finding supports the current use of ABLC in cemented THAs

Recent studies have reported on non-metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty (non-MoMHA) patients requiring revision surgery for adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD). Although the outcomes following revision surgery for ARMD in MoMHA patients are known to generally be poor, little evidence exists regarding outcomes following non-MoMHA revision surgery performed for ARMD. We determined the outcomes following non-MoMHA revision surgery performed for ARMD, and identified predictors of re-revision. We performed a retrospective observational study using data from the National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. All primary non-MoMHA patients who subsequently underwent revision surgery for ARMD between 2008–2014 were included (n=185). Outcome measures following ARMD revision were intraoperative complications, mortality, and re-revision surgery. Predictors of re-revision surgery were identified using Cox regression analysis. Intra-operative complications occurred in 6.0% (n=11) of ARMD revisions. The cumulative 4-year patient survival rate was 98.2% (95% CI=92.9–99.5%). Re-revision surgery was performed in 13.5% (n=25) of hips at a mean time of 1.2 years (range 0.1–3.1 years) following ARMD revision. Infection (32%), dislocation/subluxation (24%), and aseptic loosening (24%) were the commonest re-revision indications. The cumulative 4-year implant survival rate was 83.8% (95% CI=76.7%-88.9%). Significant predictors of re-revision were: multiple revision indications (Hazard Ratio (HR)=2.78; 95% CI=1.03–7.49; p=0.043), incomplete revision procedures (including modular component exchange only) (HR=5.76; 95% CI=1.28–25.9; p=0.022), and ceramic-on-polyethylene revision bearings (HR=3.08; 95% CI=1.01–9.36; p=0.047). Non-MoMHA patients undergoing ARMD revision have a high short-term risk of re-revision. Infection, dislocation/subluxation, and aseptic loosening were the commonest re-revision indications. Furthermore, important and potentially modifiable predictors of future re-revision were identified. Although the poor prognostic factors identified require validation in future studies, our findings may be used to counsel patients about the risks associated with ARMD revision surgery, and guide decisions about the reconstructive procedure

Introduction: The anatomy of the proximal femur is an important factor in the design of uncemented femoral prostheses for which the quality of fixation and the associated bony remodelling depend on the primary stability and optimal transmission of forces to the proximal femur. This study looks at the variation in the diameter of the proximal femur with age and sex in a homogeneous population.

Materials and Methods: We studied standardised pre-operative antero-posterior radiographs of the proximal femur of 2,777 patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty using a custom implant over a 10 year period. The radiographs were corrected for magnification and a measurement made of the endosteal diameter at the narrowest point of the proximal femur. These measurements were used in the design and manufacture of the custom femoral implant.

Results: Of 2777 patients, 1588 were female and 1189 male. The mean age for females was 69.9 years (Range 30–92) and for males 67.2 years (Range 34–92). The mean proximal femoral canal diameter was 12.67mm for females and 13.36mm for males.

The mean diameter of the proximal femur increased from 12.99mm in males less than 60 years to 13.47mm in those of over 60. This increase was not statistically significant (p-value 0.064, 95% CI). In females there was a statistically significant increase in the mean diameter from 11.38mm in the under 60 age group to 12.90mm in those over 60 ( p-value 0.000, 95% CI).

Conclusions: The increase in the diameter of the proximal femur with age especially in females presents a significant challenge to the design and long-term survivability of uncemented femoral components. This is more so when viewed against the already good long term results available for cemented femoral implants.

Arthroplasty registries are important for the surveillance of joint replacements and the evaluation of outcome. Independent validation of registry data ensures high quality. The ability for orthopaedic implant retrieval centres to validate registry data is not known. We analysed data from the National Joint Registry for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (NJR) for primary metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties performed between 2003 and 2013. Records were linked to the London Implant Retrieval Centre (RC) for validation. A total of 67 045 procedures on the NJR and 782 revised pairs of components from the RC were included. We were able to link 476 procedures (60.9%) recorded with the RC to the NJR successfully. However, 306 procedures (39.1%) could not be linked. The outcome recorded by the NJR (as either revised, unrevised or death) for a primary procedure was incorrect in 79 linked cases (16.6%). The rate of registry-retrieval linkage and correct assignment of outcome code improved over time. The rates of error for component reference numbers on the NJR were as follows: femoral head category number 14/229 (5.0%); femoral head batch number 13/232 (5.3%); acetabular component category number 2/293 (0.7%) and acetabular component batch number 24/347 (6.5%).

Registry-retrieval linkage provided a novel means for the validation of data, particularly for component fields. This study suggests that NJR reports may underestimate rates of revision for many types of metal-on-metal hip replacement. This is topical given the increasing scope for NJR data. We recommend a system for continuous independent evaluation of the quality and validity of NJR data.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:10–18.