This paper reports on a proof of concept project funded by the UK National Council for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), with the aim of developing an in vitro model to recapitulate the human osteoarthritic joint, based on a multiple human cell type co-culture system, for research and drug development in OA. The targets were: (i) the development of a cell culture platform that could produce a mixed stable cell culture of cell types that represent the key components of the human joint: synoviocytes – type I and type II; osteoblasts; osteoclasts; chondrocytes/cartilage or cartilage-like matrix; adipocytes; and immune cells. (ii) demonstration of cell phenotype stability and viability for at least 72 hours. In order to establish the cell culture platform we have developed an eight-channel cell printer, capable of accurately and reliably printing the required cell types to create osteochondral and synovial cell types within a transwell system. Two different sets of cells have been developed and processed using the cell printer: a set based on using an immortalised hTERT MSC line to create osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes, with commercial cells lines providing the other cell types, and a set obtained from tissue excised during orthopaedic surgery. This gives both a repeatable set of cells with which to undertake mode of action studies, and a bank of cell sets which will be representative of different stages of osteoarthritis. The co-cultures have been immunohistochemically assessed in order to demonstrate maintenance of phenotype.

Introduction

Upper femoral fractures include intra and extra-capsular fracture (ECF). For intra-capsular fracture (ICF), hemi-arthroplasty (HA) is the most commonly used treatment. Interest in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is growing because THA yields less revision (4% versus 7%) associated to better functional results despite higher dislocation rate (9% versus 3%). Regarding ECF, internal fixation is the reference treatment. THA could represent a relevant alternative. This study evaluates the efficiency of THA using dual mobility cup (THA-DMC) as treatment of these fractures specially in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND PURPOSES

dislocation is a classical complication in total hip arthroplasty (THA) revision. Cup fixation is the second concern. Since 1998 we routinely use cementless Dual mobility cup (DMC) in revision surgery. In order to know outcomes at 2 years, we followed a prospective series of 78 patients treated in our institution. Purpose is to demonstrate that DMC used in revision THA is safe as regards dislocation risk and bone fixation.

Mid and long-term follow-up of Charnley total hip arthroplasty (THA) demonstrated good functional results with 85% survivorship at 25-year follow-up. However dislocation still remains an unsolved problem. Dislocation may occur all along the patient and implant life. The aim of this study is to answer the question: does Dual Mobility Cup (DMC) decrease the dislocation risk? Method: We report comparative results at ten years of follow-up of 2 groups of primary cemented Charnley-type THA, one with a standard polyethylene cup (group 1, n=215) and the other one with a DMC (group 2, n=105). Results: In group 1, twenty-six dislocations (12.9%) occurred. In group 2 only one dislocation (0.9%) occurred. This dislocation was successfully reduced by close reduction, without any recurrence. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.0018). In group 1, reason for revision was recurrent dislocation in twenty one cases. Five patients have been revised for other reasons. The global revision rate was 12.9%. In group 2, two patients needed revision surgery for aseptic loosening. The global revision rate was 2.1%. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.0054). The goal was reached for the patients of group 2 who had more risks factors of dislocation (age, aetiology, ASA and Devane scores) than those of group 1. When using a DMC, we observed a low rate of dislocation in primary THA (0.9%). This surgical choice seems to be a secure and effective technique in Charnley-type THA, especially in a high risk population.

Introduction

Polyethylene (PE) wear is clearly linked to total hip arthroplasty (THA) failure, leading to osteolysis and decreasing survivorship rates. Dual mobility cups (DMC) are widely used to prevent or treat THA instability. However some studies have pointed PE wear risk as a “dual wear” risk. Hip wear simulation is usually used to understand factors influencing wear and to differentiate design, PE types and materials performances. To date, few works have been published studying dual mobility insert wear.

INTRODUCTION

Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) survival is directly dependent on precise component placement. As showed by Mason meta-analysis in 2007, only 68.2% of TKAs achieved axis less than 3° with conventional methods versus 91% with Computer Assisted Surgery (CAS). However, if CAS seems to have more accuracy its use is in less than 10% procedures in United States because of its cost, operative time and need of extra pin sites. Smart technology, providing no requirement or arrays for registration, no need of pre operative images and lest cost effective seems to be an encouraging way.