Tumour necrosis factor-alpha is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been implicated in the propagation of inflammatory responses to bacterial infection and wear debris particles around loosened total hip replacements (THR). Individual TNF responses to such stimuli may be dictated by genetic variation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at several loci within the TNF gene are associated with disease severity and susceptibility in a number of inflammatory conditions, but only a few SNPs have been screened in any one study.

14 SNPs have been identified within the TNF gene. Our unit has previously demonstrated that 5 SNPs are monomorphic in a sample group of UK Caucasians. We performed a case control study of the remaining 9 polymorphic positions (−1031, −863, −857, −376, −308, −238, +489, +851 and +1304) for possible association with deep sepsis or aseptic loosening.

All patients included in the study were Caucasian and had had a cemented Charnley THR and polyethylene cup. Cases consisted of 44 patients with early aseptic loosening (defined as that occurring within 6 years of implantation and findings at revision surgery or by the criteria of Hodgkinson et al for the acetabulum and Harris for the femoral stem) and 30 patients with microbiological evidence at surgery of deep infection. Controls consisted of 85 THRs that had remained clinically asymptomatic for over 10 years and demonstrated no radiographic features of aseptic loosening or ‘at risk’ signs as described by Wroblewski et al. DNA was extracted from venous blood and genotyped by Snapshot assay.

Genotype and allele frequencies for all SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium between THR controls and a random sample of UK Caucasians. The most significant associations were between the −238A (p< 0.05) and −863T (p< 0.05) alleles and aseptic loosening. A trend towards association was found between the −863A SNP and deep infection (p=0.80). The −238 A/G and −863 G/T genotypes were associated with deep infection (p< 0.05). No other significant associations were found.

Genetic polymorphism of TNF appears to play a significant role in THR aseptic loosening and possibly in deep infection. SNP markers may serve as predictors of implant survival and response to therapy such as anti-TNF treatment.

We present the early results of the Bernese osteotomy via an ilioinguinal approach performed at an U.K. district general hospital with no links to the Bernese group.

Between 1997 and 2002, 19 such osteotomies have been performed at our institution. Average follow-up is 3.2 years (range: 1–5.5 years). The male: female ratio was 1: 8.5. Average age at time of operation was 32.3 years (range 18 – 48). 14 were classified as having Severin grade 2 dysplasia and 5 as having Severin grade 3 dysplasia. The average preoperative Merle d’Aubigne and Postel score was 12.7 points (range 6 – 15). 21.1% of patients were rated as good, as 57.8% fair and 21.1% poor.

At most recent follow-up of preserved hip joints total mean score had increased to 16.3 (range 13 – 18). 26.3% of hips were graded as excellent, 58.9% as good and 14.8% as fair. The average postoperative values for the lateral centre-edge angle and acetabular index were 42.3° and 10.0° respectively which represents an average of 31.4° and 24.7° of improved lateral and loading zone coverage after osteotomy. The preoperative severity of osteoarthritis according to the criteria of Tonnis was grade 1 in 15.8% and grade 2 in 26.3%. Only one joint deteriorated sufficiently for it to be converted to a total hip arthroplasty. There was an overall complication rate of 59.9% comprised of 47.4% trivial, 10.4% moderate and 0.05% major complications. Our early results demonstrate the steep learning curve of this technically demanding operation and are encouraging.

In 1999 a statement of best practice in primary total hip replacement was approved by the Council of the British Orthopaedic Association and by the British Hip Society to provide a basis for regional and national auditable standards. We have compared practice in the North West of England to this document to ascertain adherence to this guide to best practice.

86 surgeons from 26 hospitals were included in the study. A mean of 93.3% of operations were performed in the surgeon’s usual theatre. All of these theatres had vertical laminar air flow systems. 42.2% of respondents routinely used exhaust suits. 68.1% of respondents routinely used impermeable disposable gowns, 26.1% used impermeable reusable gowns. The Charnley femoral and acetabular prostheses were the most commonly used prostheses.

All surgeons use some form of anti-thromboembolic prophylaxis. 66.2% use a combination of both mechanical and chemical means. All surgeons used antibiotic prophylaxis. The most popular choice of antibiotic was a cephalosporin. 70.7% used a three-dose regime over 24 hours. 2.6% of surgeons continued antibiotic prophylaxis for 48 hours after surgery. 93.7% of surgeons routinely use antibiotic-loaded cement.All surgeons routinely cleaned, irrigated and dried the acetabulum and femur before cement insertion. Only one surgeon did not use any form of femoral canal occlusion. 69.4% used an intramedullary bone block. Retrograde filling of the femoral shaft by means of a cement gun was practised by 65.1%.

This study has demonstrated considerable variation of practice in THA across the North West region and significant divergence from the statement of best practice approved by the BOA and BHS. The introduction of a properly funded national hip register will surely help to clarify the effect of such diverse practice on patient outcome. We would recommend that all trusts locally audit their practices and correlate them to these nationally agreed guidelines.