We reviewed one hundred and twenty patients who had primary total hip replacement using Corail/Pinnacle Metal on metal bearing surfaces between 2006 and 2009. We were interested in the metal ion levels of the whole cohort, the incidence of unexplained pain, pseudo tumour lesions (ALVAL) and early loosening and failure. We were particularly interested in the relationship of the acetabular cup position in relation to the pelvis and lumbar spine. We reviewed 120 charts and 104 patients in total. All patients had metal ion assays (cobalt and chromium) All patients had standardised radiographic evaluation using a special technique to assess acetabular cup position and the relationship to the pelvis and lumbar spine.Purpose of the study
Material and methods
This was a retrospective study of all patients with soccer injuries admitted to our orthopaedic unit over 42 months. Patients treated as outpatients were assessed for purposes of comparison. Thirty-two patients were admitted with severe injuries, including 18 fractures of the tibial and femoral shaft. Two tibial shaft fractures were compound. There were four tibial plateau fractures and five epiphyseal injuries. One patient had a fracture dislocation of the hip. One patient with a popliteal artery injury, who presented 48 hours after a soccer injury, underwent an above-knee amputation. In the same period, 122 patients were treated as outpatients. The types of injuries in this group were similar to soccer injuries reported in other countries. Very serious injuries are sustained in community soccer players in South Africa and urgent measures need to be taken to prevent such injuries.
The purpose of our study was to assess the success rate of methods used for knee arthrodesis in failed total knee arthroplasty and to do a functional evaluation after arthrodesis of the knee. A physiotherapist and occupational therapist assessed 10 patients who had undergone knee arthrodesis, using either the Orthofix or Ilizarov methods. Both methods were successful. There were no failures. The functional outcomes were satisfactory.
This was a retrospective study of all AML uncemented femoral prostheses and Duraloc cups in a consecutive series of patients treated between 1990 and 1995. Patients were evaluated clinically using the Merle Score. Radiological parameters included osseo-integration, subsidence and wear. Failure was defined as removal of implants or revision. The 8 to 10-year results show a 99% survival rate. One patient was revised for femoral stem loosening following trauma. One patient with rheumatoid disease required revision for acetabular cup loosening after a few days. We conclude that the results of the uncemented AML femoral stem and Duraloc cup are excellent in the South African population.
