Extensive and severe bone loss of the femur may be a result of a failed total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with multiple revision surgeries which may be caused by factors such as infection, periprosthetic fracture or osteolysis. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes of using the “Push-Through Total Femoral Prosthesis” (PTTF) for revision of a total hip replacement with extreme bone loss.

Fourteen patients who had extensive bone defects of the femur due to failed THR's and were treated with PTTF between 2012 and 2020 were included in this study. Primary functional outcomes were assessed using Harris Hip Score (HHS), Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores. Range of motion, complications, and ambulatory status were also recorded to assess secondary outcomes.

Two of 14 patients underwent surgery with PTTF for both knee and hip arthroplasty revision. The mean time between index surgery and PTTF was 15 years (3 to 32 yrs.). Acetabular components were revised in six of 14 patients. After a mean follow-up of 5.9 years, hip dislocations occurred in 3 patients. All dislocated hips were in patients with retained non-constrained acetabular bearings. Patient satisfaction was high (MSTS: 67%, HHS: 61.2%, TESS 64.6%) despite a high re-operation rate and minor postoperative problems.

PTTF is a unique alternative that may be considered for a failed THA revision procedure in patients with an extreme femoral bone defect. Patients are able to ambulate pain free relatively well. Routine usage of constrained liners should be considered to avoid hip dislocation which was our main problem following the procedure.

Recent advances in polyethylene and ceramic technologies has allowed us to use larger size heads without compromising the wear properties of a THR. One benefit of this change has been proposed to be a lower incidence of dislocation. This is a retrospective study looking at the effect of using large heads in our patient population.

We retrospectively evaluated the dislocation rate in 913 THR's performed using the same standardized surgical technique employed by a single team of surgeons at our institution between 1995 and 2015. Patients were assigned to two groups: small (28 mm and smaller) (SH), large diameter heads (36 mm and larger) (LH). The cup position was measured and plotted to determine its status according to the Lewinnek safe zone (15°±10° for anteversion, 40°±10° for inclination).

Sixteen of the 472 SH dislocated (3.4 percent) while 5 of the 441 LH group (1.1 percent) (P=0.04). In all of the LH patients that dislocated the cup position was in the safe range of Lewinnek. However, in the LH group only 65 percent of the cups were in the safe zone.

Using the same surgical approach by changing the head size to 36 mm and larger, we were able decrease the dislocation rate significantly. Errors of cup positioning according to Lewinnek became oblivious when using large heads compared to small heads. In our opinion, using large heads in total hip arthroplasty makes a difference in terms of dislocation.

Two-staged exchange arthroplasty with an antibiotic-impregnated PMMA cement spacer in-between two stages has a success rate of 85% to 95% in eradication of infection. Use of vancomycine in high doses has a high potential for complications due to nephrotoxicity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of two-staged exchange arthroplasty in infected hip arthroplasty using low-dose vancomycine-impregnated PMMA cement as an interim spacer between stages.

Thirty-five (20 females, 15 males, average age: 60) patients with a confirmed infected total hip arthroplasty who were treated between 1999 and 2005 were the subjects of the study. In the first stage after removal of the prosthesis and debridement, a spacer made of 40 grams of PMMA cement impregnated with 1 gr vancomycine was placed in the infected joint space. Postoperatively, patients were treated with 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics in consultation with an infectious disease consultant. When CRP and ESR returned to normal levels, revision surgery with cementless components was performed.

The average follow-up after the second stage was 4 years. The ESR and CRP decreased significantly before the second stage with this treatment protocol (from 81.28 to 17.54 mm/h p< 0.001 and 10.05 to 0.64 mg/dl respectively, p< 0.001). The mean interval between the two stages was 193.3 days. A second debridement was needed in 4 patients (10.8 %) because they did not respond to treatment. Two patients (5.4 %) had recurrent infections after reimplantation and underwent a resection arthroplasty. None of the patients suffered from antibiotic toxicity.

Two-stage exchange arthroplasty using a low dose vancomycine-impregnated cement spacer was an effective method in treating infected hip replacements. With using a lower dose than previously reported, we were able to avoid antibiotic toxicity while effectively treating our patients with the same success rate.

The most challenging aspect of acetabular revision is the management of bone loss compromising implant fixation and stability. Several options, including both nonbiologic and biologic fixation, are available for acetabular revision. Biologic fixation is considered the best solution for revision surgery because it aims to restore the detoriated bone stock by using structural or cancellous allografts and a cemented polyethylene cup with impaction grafting with or without an antiprotrusio cage. With this technique, reliable and durable fixation of cemented acetabular components depend on the incorporation of allografts.

Impaction grafting with use of morselized bone is a biological fixation alternative as defined by Sloof in 1984. He reported 94% survival in 11 years. Best results of this technique are obtained in contained or cavitary defects because the skeleton, while weakened, is basically intact. In these defects the anterior and posterior columns and the peripheral supporting bone for the acetabular component are intact. However, uncontained, or segmental, defects are more of a challenge. If the patient has a large segmental defect and there is no possibility of placing the implant against host bone or of restoring nearly normal anatomy, then the use of a structural bone graft may be indicated.

In our revision arthroplasty series, despite the success of impaction grafting on the femoral side and on cavitary defects of the acetabulum, we had early loosening in segmentary defects with mesh or structural allograft reconstruction of the acetabular wall and impaction. Retrospectively, we have compared the survival of acetabular cup revisions with impaction grafting technique with or without reconstruction cages in 40 hips of 39 patients.

There were 15 hips without cage support and 25 hips with cage reconstruction. Patient demographics and preoperative hip scores were comparable in each group. After 4 years of follow-up we have evaluated 26.3% aseptic loosening in impaction grafting alone, and 8.3% loosening in impaction with cage reconstruction. We have concluded that the metal cage allows for a better stability, protects the cancellous graft micromotion and eventually leading to a better incorporation in segmentary defects. Impaction of the cancellous bone cubes without a cage support in segmentary acetabular defects may prone to fail because of the micromotion between the cement and the graft which is not contained in stable walls.

Total hip arthroplasty in adult patients with congenital high dislocation of the hip (DDH, Crowe type IV) presents many challenges. Various reconstruction methods including iliofemoral distraction lenghtening and custom made prosthesis have been reported but the standard technique for dealing with this problem is femoral shortening with a subtrochanteric osteotomy. There are many reports of different subtrochanteric osteotomy techniques with satisfactory results.

Since 1999, we have been using the same anatomic reconstruction principles with a proximally hydroxyapatite coated cementless stem. Surgical technique on the femoral side comprises a short oblique subtrochanteric osteotomy and excision of a segment as indicated for a safe reduction. This usually requires extensive soft tissue releases of the pelvifemoral muscles. Gluteus maximus, tensor fascia latae and adductors are routinely released. However, we don’t want to do any more release until it is absolutely necessary. Preserving the attachment of the abductors and iliopsoas are important for eventual functional outcome. They help stabilizing the joint, avoid limping and promote hip flexion during the initial swing phase of the gait and stair climbing. We never resect neither osteotomize the trochanters and, if a release is unavoidable, it is performed proximally. Thus, it is possible to preserve a complete segment of the proximal femur with a soft tissue envelope. This segment allows for better bone stock, prompt healing, reliable proximal fixation through the intact medial calcar and, avoids the complications of trochanteric osteotomy. With this technique we have not observed a femoral revision for any reason in 101 high dislocated hips (in 84 patents), since 1999. Compared with other techniques for arthroplasty in patients with developmental hip dysplasia, this surgical technique has a better functional outcome and a low prevalence of revision.

To evaluate the effect of this reconstruction on gait parameters we analyzed the gait cycle in 17 hips in 10 patients before and after the the total hip arthroplasty and compared it with the patients with hip arthroplasty due to primary osteoarthritis. Our aim is to determine the restoration of normal anatomy in DDH patients compared to the patients with total hip arthroplasty but a normal hip anatomy. As a result we have demon-strated that our technique restores normal gait parameters by improving walking speed, lengthening step-stride length, correcting hip and knee flexion and ankle equinus, improving hip and knee stiffness during gait and helps to restore normal gait parameters

Purpose: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is safe and effective in patients with advanced hemophilic arthropathy. This procedure is extremely successful in pain relief and improving functional status, however the limited restoration in motion due to preexisting soft tissue contractures, remains a concern. The purpose of this study is to report the results of TKA in patients with hemophilia using posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sacrificing prostheses.

Materials and Methods: The records of 18 consequtive hemophilic arthropathy patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty at our institution between 1998 and 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were evaluated by International Knee Society (IKS) Scoring system with specific attention to range of motion parameters and functional status at preoperative and postoperative clinical evaluation. Postoperative radiologic evaluation was based on the knee Society roent-genographic evaluation and scoring system.

Results: The average age at operation was 34 years (range, 18–60) with an average follow-up of 51 months (range, 12–74). TKA resulted in an improvement in functional and knee scores, and range of motion parameters (p< 0,01). However, the functional status of the patients improved better than the knee status (p < 0,01). No signs of radiographic loosening were seen in any of the components at the final follow-up evaluation. There were two early hemarthrosis which required open lavage. Four patients had late complications. One patient had a periprosthetic fracture, which was treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Another patient had tibial tubercle avulsion and conservative treatment was choosen. One patient had revision secondary to progression of flexion contracture due to repetitive intraarticular hemorrhage, at the third year (26th month). One patient had deep infection.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the excellent results in terms of functional scores and to a lesser extent in knee scores. Evaluation of the subcategories of the knee score demonstrated the limited restoration of motion as the reason for lower success rate in knee scores. Although PCL sacrificing designs allow better motion restoration, futher techniques should be developed to release the extraarticular structures that contribute to the flexion contracture, such as hamstring release.

Purpose: Recurrent hemarthrosis is a common clinical entity in hemophiliacs. They not only interfere with daily life but also trigger hemophilic arthropathy. Synovial hypertrophy has a pivot role in hemarthrosis related joint damage and ablation of the synovium prevents further deterioration. Current treatment strategy is to ablate synovium in the early stages in order to prevent progression of the arthropathy. We report a series of hemophilia patients with advanced arthropathy who had been treated with radionuclide synoviorthesis.

Materials and Methods: The patients who had been treated with radionuclide synoviorthesis for either knee or elbow disease between 2002 and 2004 were included in this study. The inclusion criteria were having > 1 hemarthrosis episode per month in the index joint, chronic synovial hypertrophy, advanced degenerative changes of grade III and IV as defined by Arnold-Hilgartner Classification, F8 inhibitor level < 3. The frequency of hemarthrosis, range of motion of the affected joint, pain level that was evaluated by visual analog scale, was recorded during each follow-up. 90Y was used for the synoviorthesis of the knee, whereas 186Re was used for the elbow cases. Patients were screened for radionuclide leak by using a gamma camera following the injection.

Results: Twenty radionuclide synoviorthesis were performed in 14 knees. The average age was 20 (range, 10–31) with an average follow-up of 17 months (range, 3–29). There were 12 severe hemophilia A and 2 severe hemophilia B patients. The frequency of intaarticular bleeding episodes was significantly reduced at the final follow-up (p< 0,05). Although the range of motion and the pain scores were improved, the change was not statistically significant (p> 0,05). Six patients required repeated treatment because of inadequate response. No radioactive material leakage were detected at the draining lymph nodes.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that radionuclide synoviorthesis significantly reduces the number of the bleeding episodes even in the knees presenting with advanced arthritis, and increases the quality of life. Although most patients respond to single injection, some patients may require more than one injection, to achieve a satisfactory clinical outcome.

Two-stage exchange revision is the gold standard in treating an infected total hip arthroplasty. The new emerging gold standard appears to be using an antibiotic impregnated spacer made from polymethylmeta-crylate (PMMA) bone cement between two stages. However, a consensus has not been reached on the antibiotic to use in the cement and its dose. Vancomycin an aminoglycoside is widely used for this purpose in the PMMA cement in doses such as 3 to 9 gr per 40 gr polymer powder. The purpose of this study was to see if Vancomycin is as effective in safer low doses of 1 gr per 40 gr polymer powder.Between 1997 and 2002, twenty-six patients were treated for an infected hip arthroplasty with a two-stage exchange arthroplasty using a Vancomycin impregnated polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) bone cement spacer. During the first stage all prosthetic material was removed and after debridement, irrigation an articulating spacer was made from PMMA cement (Surgical Simplex, Howmedica, Rutherford, NJ, USA). One gram of Vancomycin HCl (Vancomycin, Eli Lilly, USA) powder was added to each 40 gr polymer powder prior to curing the cement. After the first stage parenteral antibiotics were administered for six weeks. When erythrocyte sedimentation rate and the CRP returned to a normal level, the patient underwent the second stage were a cementless prosthesis was inserted. Intra-operative cultures and frozen sections obtained during the second stage were negative in all patients indicating successful treatment of the infection. Mean follow up after the second stage was 36 (range 24 to 74) months. Two patients had a reinfection after four months. These two patients were infected with gram-negative micro-organisms. This gave us a 92 percent infection eradication rate at 3 years. None of the patients suffered from Vancomycin related side effects.In this study we used a lower dose (1 gr per 40 gr polymer powder) of Vancomycin in the PMMA spacer instead of the commonly used 3 to 9 gr per 40 gr polymer powder. The reason for this was our concerns for nephrotoxicity and allergic reactions frequently associated with use of Vancomycin. Antibiotics are used in cement spacers as a disinfecting agent and sterilizer of dead spaces. As Vancomycin is highly effective when used in PMMA due to its elution dynamics and thermostability we believed it would be effective even in low doses. In all patients the infection appeared to be cured after the first stage. This was demonstrated with negative intraoperative cultures and frozen sections. However, we had two reinfections in patients that initially were infected with gram-negative organism, which Vancomycin is not as effective. Despite this we were able to sterilize the infected hip with a low dose approach in the first stage. Vancomycin is effective in low dose when used in PMMA cement spacers for infected total hip arthroplasties. This approach will decrease potential serious side effects of Vancomycin.