Aims. Valgus subsidence of uncemented tibial components following medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) poses a challenge in the early postoperative phase, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its prevalence, risk factors, and impact on patient outcomes. Methods. This prospective multicentre study analyzed 97 knees from 90 patients undergoing UKA across four participating hospitals. A standardized surgical technique was employed uniformly by all participating surgeons. Postoperative evaluations were conducted preoperatively, and one day, four weeks, three months, and one year postoperative, encompassing weightbearing radiographs, bone mineral density assessments, and clinical outcome reports using the Forgotten Joint Score and Oxford Knee Score. Statistical analyses, including non-parametric correlation analysis using the Kendall correlation coefficient and Mann-Whitney U test, were performed to explore associations between subsidence and various patient-related or radiological parameters. Results. A total of eight patients showed more than 2° valgus subsidence (8.2%), higher than previously reported rates. There were significant correlations between subsidence and higher preoperative varus alignment of the tibia, larger adaptation of the preoperative varus to a postoperative neutral or valgus alignment, mediolateral undersizing of the tibial component, excessive lateral load of tibial component by more lateral position of femoral component relative to tibial component, a lower T-score, and female sex. Our study found no significant difference in pain scores between subsidence and non-subsidence groups at various postoperative milestones. Conclusion. These findings corroborate earlier suggested risk factors based on biomechanical models. Further research might provide the opportunity to identify high-risk groups preoperatively and adapt treatment strategies for these patients. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2025;6(2):178–185

Aims. When performing revision total hip arthroplasty using diaphyseal-engaging titanium tapered stems (TTS), the recommended 3 to 4 cm of stem-cortical diaphyseal contact may not be available. In challenging cases such as these with only 2 cm of contact, can sufficient axial stability be achieved and what is the benefit of a prophylactic cable? This study sought to determine, first, whether a prophylactic cable allows for sufficient axial stability when the contact length is 2 cm, and second, if differing TTS taper angles (2° vs 3.5°) impact these results. Methods. A biomechanical matched-pair cadaveric study was designed using six matched pairs of human fresh cadaveric femora prepared so that 2 cm of diaphyseal bone engaged with 2° (right femora) or 3.5° (left femora) TTS. Before impaction, three matched pairs received a single 100 lb-tensioned prophylactic beaded cable; the remaining three matched pairs received no cable adjuncts. Specimens underwent stepwise axial loading to 2600 N or until failure, defined as stem subsidence > 5 mm. Results. All specimens without cable adjuncts (6/6 femora) failed during axial testing, while all specimens with a prophylactic cable (6/6) successfully resisted axial load, regardless of taper angle. In total, four of the failed specimens experienced proximal longitudinal fractures, three of which occurred with the higher 3.5° TTS. One fracture occurred in a 3.5° TTS with a prophylactic cable yet passed axial testing, subsiding < 5 mm. Among specimens with a prophylactic cable, the 3.5° TTS resulted in lower mean subsidence (0.5 mm (SD 0.8)) compared with the 2° TTS (2.4 mm (SD 1.8)). Conclusion. A single prophylactic beaded cable dramatically improved initial axial stability when stem-cortex contact length was 2 cm. All implants failed secondary to fracture or subsidence > 5 mm when a prophylactic cable was not used. A higher taper angle appears to decrease the magnitude of subsidence but increased the fracture risk. The fracture risk was mitigated by the use of a prophylactic cable. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(7):472–477

Abstract. Introduction. Anecdotal reports suggest some cementless Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Replacements (OUKRs) have painful early subsidence of the tibial component with valgus rotation and/or posterior tilting. The incidence of subsidence and its association with pain is poorly understood. This radiographic study aimed to evaluate the incidence of tibial subsidence and five-year patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) of a cementless OUKR cohort. Methodology. Cementless OUKRs from a high-volume centre with acceptable post-operative and five-year radiographs were included. Subsidence was determined by measuring the angle of the tibial tray/tibial axis angle and distance between the tibial tray axis and fibula head on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs using a custom MATLAB program. Analysis of 5-year PROMs assessed the relationship between subsidence and pain. Radiographs indicating tibial subsidence were validated by two observers. Results. Radiographs of 94 cementless OUKRs were analysed of which five tibial components had subsided (incidence=5%) with an average of 1.92° varus rotation and 2.97° posterior tilt. Subsidence appeared to occur within the first post-operative year with all tibial components fixed securely at 5 years. Two subsiders had moderate pain (ICOAP=20.5,15.9, AKSS Pain=20,45) and lower Oxford Knee Scores (OKS=26,31) compared to the cohort means (ICOAP=3.91, AKSS Pain=45.9, OKS = 43.6). These two subsiders had BMIs greater than 30. Conclusion. This study found 5% of cementless OUKRs in the cohort underwent tibial subsidence. Subsidence with moderate pain occurred in 2% of cases, and pain may be associated with obesity. A larger study is needed to study subsidence in greater detail

Aims. The Exeter short stem was designed for patients with Dorr type A femora and short-term results are promising. The aim of this study was to evaluate the minimum five-year stem migration pattern of Exeter short stems in comparison with Exeter standard stems. Methods. In this case-control study, 25 patients (22 female) at mean age of 78 years (70 to 89) received cemented Exeter short stem (case group). Cases were selected based on Dorr type A femora and matched first by Dorr type A and then age to a control cohort of 21 patients (11 female) at mean age of 74 years (70 to 89) who received with cemented Exeter standard stems (control group). Preoperatively, all patients had primary hip osteoarthritis and no osteoporosis as confirmed by dual X-ray absorptiometry scanning. Patients were followed with radiostereometry for evaluation of stem migration (primary endpoint), evaluation of cement quality, and Oxford Hip Score. Measurements were taken preoperatively, and at three, 12, and 24 months and a minimum five-year follow-up. Results. At three months, subsidence of the short stem -0.87 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) -1.07 to -0.67) was lower compared to the standard stem -1.59 mm (95% CI -1.82 to -1.36; p < 0.001). Both stems continued a similar pattern of subsidence until five-year follow-up. At five-year follow-up, the short stem had subsided mean -1.67 mm (95% CI -1.98 to -1.36) compared to mean -2.67 mm (95% CI -3.03 to -2.32) for the standard stem (p < 0.001). Subsidence was not influenced by preoperative bone quality (osteopenia vs normal) or cement mantle thickness. Conclusion. The standard Exeter stem had more early subsidence compared with the short Exeter stem in patients with Dorr type A femora, but thereafter a similar migration pattern of subsidence until minimum five years follow-up. Both the standard and the short Exeter stems subside. The standard stem subsides more compared to the short stem in Dorr type A femurs. Subsidence of the Exeter stems was not affected by cement mantle thickness. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(7):507–515

Subsidence remains a concern when utilizing modern tapered fluted titanium (TFT) femoral stems and may lead to leg length discrepancy, impingement, instability and failure to obtain stem osseointegration. This study aims to compare stem subsidence across three modern TFT stems. Our secondary aim was to investigate the influence of bicortical contact or ‘scratch fit’ on subsidence, as well as the role of intraoperative imaging in maximizing this bicortical contact and preventing stem subsidence. A retrospective review of 271 hip arthroplasties utilizing modern TFT stems in a single institution was performed. Three stem designs were included in the analysis: one monoblock TFT stem (n=91) and two modular TFT stems (Modular A [n=90]; Modular B [n=90]). Patient demographics, Paprosky femoral bone loss classification, bi-cortical contact, utilization of intra-operative imaging and stem subsidence (comparison of initial post-operative radiograph to the latest follow up radiograph - minimum three months) were recorded. There was no statistically significant difference in the amount of subsidence between the three stems (Monoblock: 2.33mm, Modular A: 3.43mm, Modular B: 3.02mm; p=0.191). There was no statistical difference in subsidence >5mm between stems (Monoblock: 9.9%, Modular A: 22.2%, Modular B: 16.7%). Subgroup analysis based on femoral bone loss grading showed no difference in subsidence between stems. Increased bicortical contact was strongly associated with reduced subsidence (p=0.004). Intra-operative imaging was used in 46.5% (126/271) of cases; this was not correlated with bicortical contact (p=0.673) or subsidence (p=0.521). Across all groups, only two stems were revised for subsidence (0.7%). All three modern TFT stems were highly successful and associated with low rates of subsidence, regardless of modular or monoblock design. Surgeons should select the stem that they feel is most clinically appropriate

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

Background. The rate of subsidence for lumbar fusion surgery is variable from 7- 89%. Subsidance can affect the outcome of surgery by compramising alignment, foraminal height and stability. Modic changes have been shown to affect the stiffness and strength of the vertebral end plate and shown to affect both fusion rates and clinical outcome. Ongoing laboratory investigations into the material properties of the degenerate lumbar spine show modic changes affect the end plate and trabecular bone mechanics. This study aims to bridge this basic science research into clinical practice. Methods. A retrospective analysis of all patients in two tertiary spinal centres who have undergone lumbar interbody fusion with the implantation of a ‘cage’ over the past 6 years were analysed by two independent spinal surgeons. Pre-operative MRI findings were correlated with post-operative interbody cage subsidence after 1 year. Results. A total of 108 Interbody cages were included. Comparison of demographics did not reveal and significant between group variations. Comparison made between those displaying no modic changes and those displaying any of the three modic change types revealed a significantly higher subsidence rate in those displaying modic changes (p=0.003). Subgroup analysis showed that Type 2 modic changes (n=27) had a significantly higher subsidence rate (p=0.002). Those displaying type 3 modic changes (n=7) did not have any incidents of subsidence. Conclusions. Type 2 modic changes are associated with a higher rate of Lumbar interbody cage subsidence in this study. Those displaying type 3 changes seem to be protected from interbody cage subsidence. No Conflict of Interest. Funding: Produced as part of a research grant from the Gwen Fish Trust and Action Arthritis

Objectives. Favourable results for collarless polished tapered stems have been reported, and cement creep due to taper slip may be a contributing factor. However, the ideal cement thickness around polished stems remains unknown. We investigated the influence of cement thickness on stem subsidence and cement creep. Methods. We cemented six collarless polished tapered (CPT) stems (two stems each of small, medium and large sizes) into composite femurs that had been reamed with a large CPT rasp to achieve various thicknesses of the cement mantle. Two or three tantalum balls were implanted in the proximal cement in each femur. A cyclic loading test was then performed for each stem. The migration of the balls was measured three-dimensionally, using a micro-computed tomography (CT) scanner, before and after loading. A digital displacement gauge was positioned at the stem shoulder, and stem subsidence was measured continuously by the gauge. Final stem subsidence was measured at the balls at the end of each stem. Results. A strong positive correlation was observed between mean cement thickness and stem subsidence in the CT slices on the balls. In the small stems, the balls moved downward to almost the same extent as the stem. There was a significant negative correlation between cement thickness and the horizontal:downward ratio of ball movement. Conclusion. Collarless polished tapered stems with thicker cement mantles resulted in greater subsidence of both stem and cement. This suggests that excessive thickness of the cement mantle may interfere with effective radial cement creep. Cite this article: E. Takahashi, A. Kaneuji, R. Tsuda, Y. Numata, T. Ichiseki, K. Fukui, N. Kawahara. The influence of cement thickness on stem subsidence and cement creep in a collarless polished tapered stem: When are thick cement mantles detrimental? Bone Joint Res 2017;6:–357. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.65.BJR-2017-0028.R1

Modular tapered stems have become increasingly popular in femoral revisions and stem subsidence remains a reported clinical problem. Computer modeling and biomechanical testing demonstrated a minimum initial line-to-line fit of 25 mm was required to reduce the risk of subsidence. We examined XR imaging of 110 consecutive femoral revisions by a single surgeon using two different modular tapered stems to determine if this biomechanical threshold was of clinical relevance. 72% of the revisions were done for aseptic loosening and 28% for periprosthetic fracture or infection. Stem subsidence of any degree was observed in 24 (21.8%), while 12 (10.9%) demonstrated substantial subsidence of > 10 mm. We matched this cohort to 12 patients who had no stem subsidence. The average age of patients with subsidence was 59 years (43 to 79 years). The average of patients without subsidence was 66 years (41 to 77 years). Each group had 7 men and 5 women. Stem subsidence was observed in the first 3 months post-surgery. The demographics, bone deficiency, stem design, and stem diameter were similar between groups. 83% of patients with substantial stem subsidence had less than 25 mm of line-to-line fit compared to 17% of patients without subsidence. The 12 cases of no stem subsidence had a mean line-to-line fit of 48 mm (25 to 55 mm). 75% of patients with substantial stem subsidence had also undergone an extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) compared to 33% of patients without subsidence. We conclude that there is a positive correlation with the biomechanical testing parameters and substantial stem subsidence. ETO was found to be associated with higher stem subsidence

Aims. To assess the early subsidence rate of the femoral stem for patients who had collarless Corail total hip replacement. Methods. Consecutive data was collected retrospectively between August 2007 and December 2009 for patients who had collarless Corail total hip replacement. Radiographic assessment of the degree of subsidence, calcar resorption, stem angulation, canal fill ratio and loosening of the stem were measured. Post operative pain, dislocation and stem revision surgery were also evaluated. Results. 48 patients were identified, providing 51 hips for the study. There were 22 male and 26 female. The mean age 64.2 years (range 38-77). Post-operative radiographs were taken at day 1, 6 weeks and one year post-operatively (range 10-18 months, mean 12.7). Significant subsidence was defined as 3 or more millimetres, we identified two patients with subsidence between 3-5mm, one patient with 6mm and two patients with 10mm subsidence at one year post-operatively. In the 5 patients with subsidence post-operatively, all significant subsidence occurred within the first 6 weeks. Canal fill ratio was measured in all patients; in the non-subsided group the ratio was an average of 72% in the lower third of the stem and 84% in the middle third. In the subsided group 75% in the lower third of the stem and 81% in the middle third, which we felt was clinically insignificant. There was no dislocation or revision for septic loosening. One patient with 10mm subsidence had liner revision for dissociation but the stem was well fixed and not revised. All patients who had significant subsidence still had functioning implants with no pain, revisions for subsidence or features of loosening. Discussion. There were no radiological features predictive of subsidence in our patients. Subsidence may be due to lack of compliance in some patients with partial weight bearing and increased Body Mass Index

Purpose: To investigate subsidence of the Charite total disc arthroplasty (TDA) and to identify if a discrepancy between vertebral endplate and the Charite footprint predispose to subsidence. Methods: Between July 2001 and May 2008 64 patients underwent a Charite TDA (DePuy Spine, Raynham, MA). They were prospectively followed at 3, 6, 12 months, and once a year thereafter. The following measurements were performed on the replaced motion segment using a lateral radiograph:. The anterior-posterior (AP) dimension of the end plates. Amount of subsidence. The distance between the TDA and the posterior and anterior borders of the vertebra bodies (to represent the extent of uncoverage of the endplate by the TDA). The AP dimension of the TDA metal endplate. The ratio between the actual and radiographic AP length of the metal endplate was calculated and utilized as the correction factor for the error of magnification on all other radiographic measurements. Results: At L5-S1 the mean subsidence was 1.87 mm and occurred exclusively at the posterior part of the inferior end plate of L5. The mean posterior uncoverage was 3.5 mm (L5) and 0.27 mm (S1). At L4–L5 the mean subsidence was 1.48 mm (L4) and 0.56 mm (L5). Posterior uncoverage of L4 and L5 vertebrae were 4.81 and 2.22 mm, respectively. Subsidence of more than 1 mm was present in all cases where the posterior uncoverage of the end plate with the TDA was more than 2 mm (odds ratio: 5.7). Subsidence was non – progressive in all cases. An anatomic mismatch exists between L5 and S1 endplates in the AP dimension; in more than half the patients S1 is shorter than L5. Conclusion: The radiographic measurements suggest an increased likelihood of subsidence with more than 2 mm of posterior uncoverage of the end plate by the TDA. The endplate AP length of S1 is frequently less than that of L5. Implant selection based on the smaller S1 endplate may produce worrisome uncoverage of the L5 inferior endplate leading to an increased risk of subsidence and possible catastrophic failure. TDA design should afford modularity to compensate. No financial benefits or funding has been received for the completion of this study

Background: -The excellent survivorship of the Exeter stem is thought, in part, to be related to limited subsidence of the stem within the cement mantle due to it’s polished, double taper design. The subsidence within the cement mantel is seen as a necessary part of the optimum transmission of load into the cement and hence the bone. The long Exeter stems do not all mimic the same double taper geometry as the standard 150mm stem. There is no published evidence that the long stem Exeter implant exhibits the same subsidence within the cement mantel as the standard stem. Method: -Using digitised x-rays and a computer aided design package we measured the subsidence of 35 standard Exeter stems and 40 long stems. Measurements were taken from the initial postoperative radiograph and repeated at intervals up to 5 years. The long stem implants were all used in cemented revisions without the use of impaction grafting. None of the implants exhibited radiological loosening at the last follow-up x-ray available. Results: -The analysis of the standard length stems illustrated that the method was able to demonstrate subsidence within the cement mantel, at rates comparable to that in the published literature. However the long stem implants exhibited a significantly reduced subsidence rate (at 12 months P< 0.0001). Conclusion: -This study suggests that the subsidence of the long stem Exeter implant does not mirror that of the standard length stem. The loss of the fully tapered geometry of the longer stem Exeter implants may account for the reduced subsidence of the implant at the prosthesis/cement interface. The longevity of the standard length stem is, to a certain extent, thought to arise from a limited subsidence at this interface. This raises concerns that the survivorship of the longer stem implants should not be extrapolated from the excellent results of its shorter length relation

Purpose: To investigate subsidence of the Charite total disc arthroplasty (TDA) and to identify if a discrepancy between vertebral endplate and the Charite footprint predispose to subsidence. Method: Between July 2001 and May 2008, 69 patients underwent a Charite TDA (DePuy Spine, Raynham, MA). They were prospectively followed at 3, 6, 12 months, and once a year thereafter. The following measurements were performed on the replaced motion segment using a lateral radiograph:. The anterior-posterior (AP) dimension of the end plates. Amount of subsidence. The distance between the TDA and the posterior and anterior borders of the vertebra bodies (to represent the extent of uncoverage of the endplate by the TDA). The AP dimension of the TDA metal end-plate. The ratio between the actual and radiographic AP length of the metal endplate was calculated and utilized as the correction factor for the error of magnification on all other radiographic measurements. Results: At L5-S1 the mean subsidence was 1.87 mm and occurred exclusively at the posterior part of the inferior end plate of L5. The mean posterior uncoverage was 3.5 mm (L5) and 0.27mm (S1). At L4-L5 the mean subsidence was 1.48 mm (L4) and 0.56 mm (L5). Posterior uncoverage of L4 and L5 vertebrae were 4.81 and 2.22 mm, respectively. Subsidence of more than 1 mm was present in all cases where the posterior uncoverage of the end plate with the TDA was more than 2 mm (odds ratio: 5.7). Subsidence was non – progressive in all cases. An anatomic mismatch exists between L5 and S1 endplates in the AP dimension; in more than half the patients S1 is shorter than L5. Conclusion: The radiographic measurements suggest an increased likelihood of subsidence with more than 2 mm of posterior uncoverage of the end plate by the TDA. The endplate AP length of S1 is frequently less than that of L5. Implant selection based on the smaller S1 endplate may produce worrisome uncoverage of the L5 inferior endplate leading to an increased risk of subsidence and possible catastrophic failure. TDA design should afford modularity to compensate

Revision hip arthroplasty presents a challenge in the setting of femoral bone loss. Tapered stems are susceptible to subsidence which leads to leg length inequality, hip instability and may necessitate repeat femoral revision surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare radiographic outcomes in two modular tapered revision systems with different distal stem geometries. We sought to establish the minimum postoperative stem bi-cortical contact length that predicts subsidence for tapered stems. This study examined revision total hip arthroplasties between 2009 and 2016 in a European university affiliated major trauma center. Modular stem A has a taper of 3 degrees whereas modular stem B has a taper of 2 degrees. Radiologic assessment compared x-rays at two time points: immediately post-surgery and most recent x-ray available at a minimum follow up of two years. Leg length discrepancy, subsidence and postoperative bi cortical contact was assessed. Descriptive summary statistics calculated clinical factors (i.e. age, gender, Paprosky classification). 122 arthroplasties were completed. Complete data was available for 112. Revisions were carried out for Paprovski grade 3a/ 3b femoral deficits. Post-operative bi-cortical contact of the proximal stem < 20mm was associated with higher subsidence rates (P = 0.047). Subsidence rates for implant A and B system were 4.27mm (0.12–25.62mm) and 3.43 mm (0.3–11.1 mm) respectively. Significant subsidence was noted in 9.8% (n=8) in implant A and 5.2%(n=2) in implant B. We conclude that immediate postoperative bi-cortical stem contact of <20mm was associated with significantly higher subsidence rates in this study

Introduction. There have been many attempts to reduce the risk of femoral component loosening. Using a tapered stem having a highly polished stem surface results in stem stabilization subsequent to debonding and stem-cement taper-lock and is consistent with force-closed fixation design. Purpose. In this study, we assessed the subsidence of two different polished triple tapered stems and two different cements in primary THA. Materials and methods. From March 2013 to March 2014, two kinds of polished triple tapered cemented stem were applied in 74 primary THA. 12 male, 62 female, mean age at surgery was 68 years old, mean F/U time was 12months. When they were compared by stems, this study comprises 35 THA with Trilliance stem(Aesculap, Germany) and 39 THA with SC stem (Kyocera, Japan), and when they were compared by cements, this study comprises 36 Simplex cement (Stryker, USA) cases and 38 Cobalt cement(Biomet, USA) cases. Using digitized x-ray, we measured the subsidence of each implants. Measurements were taken from initial postoperative radiographs to the final follow-up. We also evaluated the existence of radiolucent line between cement and stem and also evaluated calcar resorption. Results. The mean subsidence of Trilliance stem was 0.26mm and of SC stem was 0.44mm at 12months.(P<0.0001) Statistic significance was observed between the stems. When compared between 2 cements, the mean subsidence of Simplex cement was 0.25mm and of Cobalt cement was 0.48mm.(P=0.0563). No statistic significance was observed. There was no case of stem loosening and calcar resorption. Conclusion. 2 different designed cemented triple taper stems showed significantly different degree of subsidence after THA. No difference of subsidence was observed between two cements

Corail implants have shown to give good results in elective total hip replacements (THR) and in hemi-arthroplasties. Pre-operative planning to identify the correct size of the Corail implant is vital for good post-operative outcomes. An undersized implant can lead to subsidence. The aim of the study was to review the incidence of subsidence. Post-operative radiographs of trauma patients (n=39) and elective (n=45) patients who had Corail femoral implants were reviewed. The implant-to-canal (I:C) ratio were calculated at the given 50% and 70% levels of the Corail implant. Follow up radiographs were reviewed to identify subsidence. The average age of patients was 80.3 years (range 66–93 years) in hemi-arthroplasties and 61 years (range 18–88) in elective THRs. The implant to canal (I:C) ratio at the 50% and 70% levels in trauma patients were 0.77 (range 0.54 – 0.97) and 0.81 (range 0.59 – 0.94) respectively. In elective patients, the ratios at the 50% and 70% marks were 0.77 (range 0.57 – 0.98) and 0.81 (0.56 – 0.95). One case of subsidence was seen in a collarless implant and I:C ratios at 50% and 70% were 0.57 and 0.56. A larger study is required to determine the reliability of this novel ‘implant:canal’ ratio to predict incidence

Interbody fusion aims to treat painful disc disease by demobilising the spinal segment through the use of an interbody fusion device (IFD). Diminished contact area at the endplate interface raises the risk of device subsidence, particularly in osteoporosis patients. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether vertebral body (VB) cement augmentation would reduce IFD subsidence following dynamic loading. Twenty-four human two-vertebra motion segments (T6–T11) were implanted with an IFD and distributed into three groups; a control with no cement augmentation; a second with PMMA augmentation; and a third group with calcium phosphate (CP) cement augmentation. Dynamic cyclic compression was applied at 1Hz for 24 hours in a specimen specific manner. Subsidence magnitude was calculated from pre and post-test micro-CT scans. The inferior VB analysis showed significantly increased subsidence in the control group (5.0±3.7mm) over both PMMA (1.6±1.5mm, p=.034) and CP (1.0±1.1mm, p=.010) cohorts. Subsidence in the superior VB to the index level showed no significant differences (control 1.6±3.0mm, PMMA 2.1±1.5mm, CP 2.2±1.2mm, p=.811). In the control group, the majority of subsidence occurred in the lower VB with the upper VB displaying little or no subsidence, which reflects the weaker nature of the superior endplate. Subsidence was significantly reduced in the lower VB when both levels were reinforced regardless of cement type. Both PMMA and CP cement augmentation significantly affected IFD subsidence by increasing VB strength within the motion segment, indicating that this may be a useful method for widening indications for surgical interventions in osteoporotic patients

The long term survival of well-cemented, polished tapered stems is now proven. In spite of this, doubts remain about the phenomenon of subsidence which is essential to the mechanical integrity of these devices yet anathema to those surgeons who favour collared stems. Believing that the quality of cementing is more important than stem geometry, this study looked at the subsidence of 880 polished tapered stems [Corin, Taperfit} all implanted through an antero-lateral approach with a consistent cementing technique. In addition, for this implant, a new stem introducer was used to ensure accurate placement within the cement mantle. Four sizes of stem were available and were used in the following numbers: size 1 [345], size 2 [381], size 3 [117] and size 4 [37]. Most subsidence occurs in the first year after surgery. These patients were all assessed with a minimum of one year. There was no difference in the rates of subsidence between these stem sizes. There were 14 revisions. Ten were for aseptic cup loosening and 4 for infection. There were no stem failures due to loosening. Although all manufacturers producing such stems market a variety of sizes none emphasise that the stem geometry varies considerably from the smallest to the largest. Indeed, the variation within individual ranges is greater than the variation between sizes from different manufacturers. The results obtained strongly support the thesis that it is the interaction between the cement and the stem which is important and that with a tapered polished stem the quality of cement technique is the least forgiving part of the operation

Increasing pressure to use rapid recovery care pathways when treating patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) is evident in current health care systems for numerous reasons. Patient autonomy and health care economics has challenged the ability of THA implants to maintain functional integrity before achieving bony union. Although collared stems have been shown to provide improved axial stability, it is unclear if this stability correlates with activity levels or results in improved early function to patients compared to collarless stems. This study aims to examine the role of implant design on patient activity and implant fixation. The early follow-up period was examined as the majority of variation between implants is expected during this time-frame. Patients (n=100) with unilateral hip OA who were undergoing primary THA surgery were recruited pre-operatively to participate in this prospective randomized controlled trial. All patients were randomized to receive either a collared (n=50) or collarless (n=50) cementless femoral stem. Patients will be seen at nine appointments (pre-operative, < 2 4 hours post-operation, two-, four-, six-weeks, three-, six-months, one-, and two-years). Patients completed an instrumented timed up-and-go (TUG) test using wearable sensors at each visit, excluding the day of their surgery. Participants logged their steps using Fitbit activity trackers and a seven-day average prior to each visit was recorded. Patients also underwent supine radiostereometric analysis (RSA) imaging < 2 4 hours post-operation prior to leaving the hospital, and at all follow-up appointments. Nineteen collared stem patients and 20 collarless stem patients have been assessed. There were no demographic differences between groups. From < 2 4 hours to two weeks the collared implant subsided 0.90 ± 1.20 mm and the collarless implant subsided 3.32 ± 3.10 mm (p=0.014). From two weeks to three months the collared implant subsided 0.65 ± 1.54 mm and the collarless implant subsided 0.45 ± 0.52 mm (p=0.673). Subsidence following two weeks was lower than prior to two weeks in the collarless group (p=0.02) but not different in the collared group. Step count was reduced at two weeks compared to pre-operatively by 4078 ± 2959 steps for collared patients and 4282 ± 3187 steps for collarless patients (p=0.872). Step count increased from two weeks to three months by 6652 ± 4822 steps for collared patients and 4557 ± 2636 steps for collarless patients (p=0.289). TUG test time was increased at two weeks compared to pre-operatively by 4.71 ± 5.13 s for collared patients and 6.54 ± 10.18 s for collarless patients (p=0.551). TUG test time decreased from two weeks to three months by 7.21 ± 5.56 s for collared patients and 8.38 ± 7.20 s for collarless patients (p=0.685). There was no correlation between subsidence and step count or TUG test time. Collared implants subsided less in the first two weeks compared to collarless implants but subsequent subsidence after two weeks was not significantly different. The presence of a collar on the stem did not affect patient activity and function and these factors were not correlated to subsidence, suggesting that initial fixation is instead primarily related to implant design

Introduction:. Subsidence of cementless femoral stems in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been associated with poor initial fixation and subsequent risk of aspectic loosening. There is limited literature on how subsidence of cementless, proximally porous coated, tapered wedge femoral stems impacts the patient clinically. The aim of our study was to assess whether subsidence with these stems is associated with a decline in clinical function. Method:. A review of a prospectively collected database of THAs performed by a single surgeon at one institution using two cementless, tapered wedge stem designs from January 2006 to June 2010 was performed. Radiographic analysis using Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) was used to identify patients with greater than 1.5 mm of subsidence, and to document osseointegration. Preoperative and postoperative pain and Harris hip scores were recorded; and analyzed to identify if the clinical recovery pattern of the subsidence versus no subsidence groups differed. Protected weight bearing was recommended to all patients with subsidence. Results:. 264 hips were reviewed clinically and radiographically at a mean follow-up of 29 months. 10 hips had subsidence greater than 1.5 mm at last follow up. There were 6 males and 3 females with a mean age of 62.1 years in the subsidence group. Subsidence was noted at the 6 week visits in all 10 patients. Mean Harris Hip scores and pain scores were significantly diminished at 6 weeks in the subsidence group (Mean 67.6) as compared to the none subsidence group (82.2) (Figure 1). The two groups had similar scores preoperatively, at 1 year and 2 years postoperatively. In the subsidence group 9 of 10 hips had no further progression of subsidence, and showed radiographic evidence of osseointegration. Persistent thigh pain was noted in 2 patients in the subsidence group. One underwent successful femoral revision for failure of osseointegration and the other continues to have pain with radiographic signs of osseointegration. All 254 hips in the control group had evidence of osseointegration. Conclusion:. Subsidence of tapered wedge stems which occurs at the 6 week mark may be associated with a transient decline in clinical function. Early modification in the rehabilitation regimen may help improve clinical outcome scores in these patients