Periprosthetic fractures (PPF) of the femur following total hip arthroplasty represent a significant complication with a rising incidence. The commonest subtype is Vancouver B2 type, for which revision to a long uncemented tapered fluted stem is a widely accepted management. In this study we compare this procedure to the less commonly performed cement-in-cement revision.

All patients undergoing surgical intervention for a Vancouver B2 femoral PPF in a cemented stem from 2008 – 2018 were identified. We collated patient age, gender, ASA score, BMI, operative time, blood transfusion requirement, change in haemoglobin (Hb) level, length of hospital stay and last Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Radiographic analysis was performed to assess time to fracture union and leg length discrepancy. Complications and survivorship of implant and patients were recorded.

43 uncemented and 29 cement-in-cement revisions were identified. There was no difference in patient demographics between groups. A significantly shorter operative time was found in the cement-in-cement group, but there was no difference in transfusion requirement, Hb change, or length of hospital stay. OHS was comparable between groups. A non-significant increase in overall complication rates was found in the revision uncemented group, with a significantly higher dislocation rate. Time of union was comparable and there were no non-unions in the cement-in-cement group. A greater degree of stem subsidence was found in the uncemented group. There was no difference in any revision surgery required in either group. Three patients in the uncemented group died in the perioperative period, compared to none in the cement-in-cement group.

With appropriate patient selection, both cement-in-cement and long uncemented tapered stem revision represent appropriate treatment options for Vancouver B2 fractures.

Aims

The mobile bearing Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (OUKA) is recommended to be performed with the leg in the hanging leg (HL) position, and the thigh placed in a stirrup. This comparative cadaveric study assesses implant positioning and intraoperative kinematics of OUKA implanted either in the HL position or in the supine leg (SL) position.

Background

Despite the success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) restoration of normal function is often not achieved. Soft-tissue balance is a major factor leading to poor outcomes including malalignment, instability, excessive wear, and subluxation. Mechanical ligament balancers only measure the joint space in full extension and at 90° flexion. This study uses a novel electronic ligament balancer to measure the ligament balance in normal knees and in knees after TKA to determine the impact on passive and active kinematics.

Introduction

The effect of each step of medial soft tissue release was assessed taking the expansion strength and patellar condition into account in five fresh frozen normal cadaver specimens.

Background

Despite the success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) restoration of normal function is often not achieved. Soft tissue balance is a major factor for poor outcomes including malalignment, instability, excessive wear, and subluxation. Computer navigation and robotic-assisted systems have increased the accuracy of prosthetic component placement. On the other hand, soft tissue balancing remains an art, relying on a qualitative feel for the balance of the knee, and is developed over years of practice

Several instruments are available to assist surgeons in estimating soft tissue balance. However, mechanical devices only measure the joint space in full extension and at 90° flexion. Further, because of lack of comprehensive characterization of the ligament balance of healthy knees, surgeons do not have quantitative guidelines relating the stability of an implanted to that of the normal knee. This study measures the ligament balance of normal knees and tests the accuracy of two mechanical distraction instruments and an electronic distraction instrument.

Introduction

Cement in cement revision with preservation of the original cement mantle has become an attractive and commonly practised technique in revision hip surgery. Since introducing this technique to our unit we have used two types of polished tapered stem. We report the clinical and radiological outcomes for cement in cement femoral revisions performed using these prostheses.

Ganz peri-acetabular osteotomy is commonly used to treat symptomatic hip dysplasia. It aims to increase the load bearing contact area of the hip to reduce the risk of subsequent osteoarthritis. In this study we assess the radiographic and clinical results of the procedure since its introduction to our unit.

All patients undergoing Ganz osteotomies at our unit were followed up prospectively. Data collected included patient demographics and pre- and post-operative functional scores (Harris and Non-arthritic hip scores). In addition, acetabular correction was evaluated on pre-and post-operative radiographs (using Centre-Edge angle and Tonnis angle). Complications were also noted.

Overall 50 procedures were performed between 2007 and 2013 with median follow-up of 3 years (1 – 7 years). The majority of patients (90%) were female. Average age at time of surgery was 29 years (16–49). There were significant improvements in pre- and post-operative median functional scores (Modified Harris Hip Score = 49 versus 64, p=0.001), Non-arthritic Hip Score = 42 versus 56, p=0.007). Median Centre Edge Angle improved from 16 degrees pre-operatively (range = 7–31 degrees) to 30 degrees post-operatively (18–33) degrees), p<0.0001. Similarly, pre-operative Tonnis angle improved from 18 degrees (9–38) to 7 degrees (2–14), p<0.0001. Five patients developed post-operative complications: 2 superficial wound infection, 1deep infection requiring hip washout and antibiotic treatment and 2 patients subsequently requiring total hip replacements.

We have shown that the Ganz peri-acetabular osteotomy can be effective for the treatment of painful hip dysplasia improving both functional and radiographic outcomes. However, patient selection is a key factor.

Two major challenges in arthroplasty are obesity and antibiotic resistance. This study was performed to characterise the organisms responsible for deep infection following total hip arthroplasty and to determine if obesity affected the microbiology profile.

A retrospective analysis of the national surgical site infection register was made to obtain data regarding deep infection following 10948 primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) from 1998–2013, with a minimum of 2 year follow-up.

Of all the primary THAs performed, there were 108 deep infections (56 patients had a BMI >30 (obese) and 52 patients <30). There were no significant differences between cardio-respiratory disease, smoking and alcohol status, and diabetes between the 2 groups. Over the last 15 years, staphylococcus aureus continues to be the most frequently isolated organism. Infection with multiple organisms was found exclusively in obese patients. Furthermore, in obese patients, there was a linear increase with methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections and streptococcus viridans.

On this basis, we recommend careful selection of antibiotic therapy in obese patients, rather than empirical therapy, which can be especially important if there is no growth in an infected THA. In addition, a preoperative discussion regarding dental prophylaxis against streptococcus viridans may be warranted.

Postgraduate training in orthopaedics has traditionally been delivered through an apprenticeship model. However, junior doctor working patterns have more recently moved away from a team based structure, potentially affecting training experience. We aimed to compare the perceived quality of training between medical students, junior non-orthopaedic trainees and orthopaedic specialty trainees.

We conducted an anonymous questionnaire of all medical students and trainees rotating through our unit over 24 months. The questionnaire contained 6, 10-point Likert rating scale questions and free text responses. Results were collated and analysed according to training stage.

Of 82 questionnaires distributed, 60 (73%) were completed (18 specialty registrars, 22 junior trainees and 20 medical students). Junior trainees consisted of 8 GPSTs and 14 Foundation Year (FY2) doctors, only one of whom had specifically chosen an orthopaedic placement.

Median Likert rating of training experience was (1 = very poor, 10 = excellent): ST4-ST8 = 8 (range 7–9), ST1-ST3 = 7 (6–9), GPSTs/FY2s = 4 (2–5) and medical students = 8 (7–10). Further analysis of junior non-orthopaedic doctors' training experience showed that placement induction, organisation of formal teaching and opportunities for training out with formal sessions were rated as poor. However, content of delivered teaching was rated highly. Free text responses identified several barriers to training including being too busy on wards and no opportunity for protected teaching.

Our study shows that junior non-orthopaedic trainees feel their training experience during orthopaedic placements is much poorer than orthopaedic trainees and medical students. Time constraints and less team based working patterns may detract from their teaching opportunities. In addition, junior doctors rotating through orthopaedic units now have a wider spectrum of career interests with heterogeneous training needs. Therefore, orthopaedic departments may need to adopt a more targeted training programme that recognises individual training needs if junior doctor training is to improve.

Ganz peri-acetabular osteotomy is commonly used to treat symptomatic hip dysplasia. It aims to increase the load bearing contact area of the hip to reduce the risk of subsequent osteoarthritis. In this study we assess the radiographic and clinical results of the procedure since its introduction to our unit.

All patients undergoing Ganz osteotomies at our unit were followed up prospectively. Data collected included patient demographics and pre- and post-operative functional scores (Harris and Non-arthritic hip scores). In addition, acetabular correction was evaluated on pre-and post-operative radiographs (using Centre-Edge angle and Tonnis angle). Complications were also noted.

Overall 50 procedures were performed between 2007 and 2013 with median follow-up of 3 years (1–7 years). The majority of patients (90%) were female. Average age at time of surgery was 32 years (17–39). There were significant improvements in pre- and post-operative median functional scores (Modified Harris Hip Score = 52 versus 63, p=0.001), Non-arthritic Hip Score = 49 versus 60, p=0.01). Median Centre Edge Angle improved from 15 degrees pre-operatively (range = 8–19 degrees) to 29 degrees post-operatively (22–36 degrees), p=0.02. Similarly, pre-operative Tonnis angle improved from 19 degrees (16–38) to 7 degrees (2–14), p=0.01. Four patients developed post-operative complications: 1 superficial wound infection, 1deep infection requiring hip washout and antibiotic treatment and 2 patients subsequently requiring total hip replacements.

We have shown that the Ganz peri-acetabular osteotomy can be effective for the treatment of painful hip dysplasia improving both functional and radiographic outcomes. However, patient selection is a key factor.

When performing total hip replacements in patients with hip dysplasia, acetabular augmentation may be required to prevent early component failure. Preoperative radiographic templating may help estimate acetabularcomponent coverage but has not previously been shown to predict the need for augmentation.

We developed a simple method to estimate the percentage of acetabular component coverage from pre-operative radiographs (True: False cup ratio). We aimed to evaluate whether this couldpredict the need foracetabular augmentation at primary total hip replacement for patients with dysplastic hips.

We reviewed all patients with hip dysplasia who underwent a primary total hip replacement from 2005–2012. Classification of hip dysplasia (Crowe), centre edge angle (CEA), Sharp and Tonnis angles were determined on pre-operative radiographs for each patient. Templating was performed on anteroposteriorand lateral view hip radiographs to determine the likely percentage of acetabular component coverage using the True: False cup ratio. Patients requiring acetabular augmentation at time of primary total hip arthroplasty were noted.

128 cases were reviewed, 31 (24%) required acetabularaugmentation. Comparison between augmented and non-augmented cases revealed no difference in the mean CEA (p = 0.19), Sharp angles (p = 0.76) or Tonnis angles (p = 0.32). A lower True Cup: False Cup ratio was observed in the augmented groupcompared to the non-augmented group(median = 0.68 vs 0.88, p < 0.01).

Preoperative templating can help predict which dysplastic hips are likely to require acetabular augmentation at primary total hip replacement.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is the result of abnormal contact/impingement of the femoral head-neck junction and acetabulum during motion. This can be corrected by surgical dislocation (using Ganz's trochanteric osteotomy) and femoral osteochondroplasty +/− acetabular rim resection. Our study aimed to assess the improvement in hip scores following open osteochondroplasty to predict outcomes based on patient characteristics.

This was a retrospective case note analysis of a single surgeon case series over a 4 year period. Inclusion criteria were open osteochondroplasty, complete pre- and post-op hip scores available), Tonnis osteoarthritis grade 0 or 1, with 1 year followup. Data was extracted from electronic and paper case notes for pre- and post-op Modified Harris Hip Scores (MHHS), Non-arthritis Hip Scores (NAHS) and SF-12 general satisfaction scores, as well as baseline patient demographics. Two independent observers used the PACS radiology system to examine x-rays and MRI. SPSS version 19 was used for statistical analysis.

42 patients met the inclusion criteria. There was an overall improvement in hip scores after the procedure. Mean pre-op scores were MHHS 52.5, NAHS 44.0, SF-12 32.1. Mean post-op scores were MHHS 66.1, NAHS 58.7, SF-12 36.4. Therefore mean improvements were seen in MHHS (13.6), NAHS (14.7) and SF-12 (4.3), all significant at p<0.005 when paired t-test was used for analysis. Pearson correlation for subgroup analysis showed no significant correlation of scores with age, centre-edge angle or alpha angles. Furthermore, no significant difference was seen between males and females (independent t test).

Open osteochondroplasty improves symptoms and function based on patient reported outcome measures. Although the mean scores improved, some patients’ scores deteriorated. We have not identified any statistically significant predictors of outcome, and therefore patient selection remains unclear.

Introduction:

Kinematic studies are used to evaluate function and efficacy of various implant designs. Given the large variation between subjects, matched pairs are ideal when comparing competing designs. It is logical to deduce that both limbs in a subject will behave identically during a given motion [1], barring unilateral underlying pathology, thus allowing for the most direct comparison of two designs. It is our goal to determine if this is a valid assumption by assessing whether or not there are significant differences present in the kinematics of left and right knees from the same subject. Gait studies have compared pre-and postoperative implantation kinematics for various pathologies like ACL rupture [2] and osteoarthritis [3, 4]. We designed a study to assess squatting in cadaver specimens.

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.

Introduction:

Despite over 95% long-term survivorship of TKA, 14–39% of patients express dissatisfaction due to anterior knee pain, mid-flexion instability, reduction in range of flexion, and incomplete return of function. Changing demographics with higher expectations are leading to renewed interest in patient-specific designs with the goal of restoring of normal kinematics.

Improved imaging and image-processing technology coupled with rapid prototyping allow manufacturing of patient-specific cutting guides with individualized femoral and tibial components with articulating surfaces that maximize bony coverage and more closely approximate the natural anatomy. We hypothesized that restoring the articular surface and maintaining medial and lateral condylar offset of the implanted knee to that of the joint before implantation would restore normal knee kinematics. To test this hypothesis we recorded kinematics of patient-specific prostheses implanted using patient-specific cutting guides.

Repeat revision hip replacements can lead to severe bone loss necessitating salvage procedures such as proximal or total femoral replacement. We present medium term outcomes from our experience of the Limb Preservation System (LPS) in patients with failed revision hip arthroplasties.

All patients undergoing proximal femoral or total femoral replacement from 2003–2007 at our unit were reviewed. Data was collected preoperatively and at annual assessment post procedure for a minimum of 5 years. This included clinical review, functional outcome scores (WOMAC, Oxford Hip Score, Harris Hip Score) and radiographic evaluation.

A total of 17 patients underwent femoral replacement (13 proximal, 4 total) using the LPS during the study period. Within this cohort there were 13 males and 4 females with a mean age of 64 years (range 47–86). Median follow up was 7 years (range 5–9 years). Primary diagnoses were DDH (7), Primary OA (5), RA (2), proximal femoral fracture (2) and phocomelia (1). Five patients (29%) required further revision surgery for infection (2 patients) or recurrent dislocations (3 patients). No stems required revision due to aseptic loosening or stem failure at 5–9 years. Compared to preoperative assessment, there was significant improvement in median outcome scores at 5 years (WOMAC increased by 33 points, Oxford hip score by16 points and Harris hip score by 43 points). 82% of patients maintained functional independence at latest review.

The Limb Preservation System offers a salvage procedure for failed revision total hip arthroplasty with significant symptom and functional improvement in most patients at medium term follow up.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a significant cause of osteoarthritis in young active individuals but the pathophysiology remains unclear. Increasing mechanistic studies point toward an inflammatory component in OA. This study aimed to characterise inflammatory cell subtypes in FAI by exploring the phenotype and quantification of inflammatory cells in FAI versus OA samples.

Ten samples of labrum were obtained from patients with FAI (confirmed pathology) during open osteochondroplasty or hip arthroscopy. Control samples of labrum were collected from five patients with osteoarthritis undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Labral biopsies were evaluated immunohistochemically by quantifying the presence of macrophages (CD68 and CD202), T cells (CD3), mast cells (mast cell tryptase) and vascular endothelium (CD34).

Labral biopsies obtained from patients with FAI exhibited significantly greater macrophage, mast cell and vascular endothelium expression compared to control samples. The most significant difference was noted in macrophage expression (p<0.01). Further sub typing of macrophages in FAI using CD202 tissue marker revealed and M2 phenotype suggesting that these cells are involved in a regenerate versus a degenerate process. There was a modest but significant correlation between mast cells and CD34 expression (r=0.4, p<0.05) in FAI samples.

We provide evidence for an inflammatory cell infiltrate in femoroacetabular impingement. In particular, we demonstrate significant infiltration of mast cells and macrophages suggesting a role for innate immune pathways in the events that mediate hip impingement. Further mechanistic studies to evaluate the net contribution and hence therapeutic utility of these cellular lineages and their downstream processes may reveal novel therapeutic approaches to the management of early hip impingement.

Vancouver B fractures around a cemented polished tapered stem (CTPS) are often treated with revision arthroplasty. Results of osteosynthesis in these fractures are poor as per current literature. However, the available literature does not distinguish between fractures around CTPS from those around other stems.

The aim of our study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcome of open reduction and internal fixation in Vancouver B fractures around CTPS using a broad non-locking plate.

Patients treated with osteosynthesis between January 1997 and July 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. All underwent direct reduction and stabilisation using cerclage wires before definitive fixation with a broad DCP. Bicortical screw fixation was obtained in the proximal and distal fragments. We defined failure of treatment as revision for any cause.

101 patients (42 men and 59 women, mean age 79) were included. 70 had minimum follow-up of 6 months. 63 of these went on to clinical and radiological union. Three developed infected non-union. 7 had failure of fixation. Lack of anatomical reduction was the commonest predictor of failure followed by inadequate proximal fragment fixation and infection. 14 patients dropped at least 1 mobility grade from their preoperative status.

This is the largest series of a very specific group of periprosthetic fractures treated with osteosynthesis. Patients who develop these fractures are often frail and “high risk” for major revision surgery. We recommend osteosynthesis for patients with Vancouver B periprosthetic fractures around CTPS provided these fractures can be anatomically reduced and adequately fixed.

Introduction

The outcome of periacetabular osteotomy in dysplastic hips is dependent on the absence of pre-operative osteoarthritis [OA]. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether Tonnis grading is a reliable predictor of OA in patients with hip dysplasia.