Introduction

We have been re-evaluating patellofemoral alignment after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by using a weight- bearing axial radiographic view after detecting patellar maltracking (lateral tilt > 5° or lateral subluxation > 5 mm) on standard non-weight-bearing axial radiographs. However, it is unclear whether the patellar component shape affects this evaluation method. Therefore, we compared 2 differently shaped components on weight-bearing axial radiographs.

Introduction

We have been developed lateral flare stem and have been using it since 1989. It was custom stem at first. After being experienced, using the same software, off-the-shelf version lateral flare stem (Revelation) was developed in 1996 in the U.S. We could start using it since 2001 in our country. Lateral flare stems are designed to reproduce physiological proximal load transfer lateral side as well as medial side. It was obtained by having bigger and more accurate proximal part with lateral flare. The design is optimized by matching with 3D insertion path.

Using many custom stems including different length and off-the-shelf standard stems, we have come to feel that as for this high proximal fit and load transfer design, it is not necessary to having long distal part and sometimes it is harmful to obtain good proximal load transfer in some situation such as type A (champagne flute) canal. So we have developed short version of the stem. Many makes of the hip stems have included short stems recently. Some aimed to improve easier insertion, some aimed to improve the volume of residual bone quantity. We have aimed to improve proximal fit expecting more proximal and more physiological load transfer to the femur.

Introduction

Massive defect of the acetabular bone is one of the severe situation in the hip arthroplasty. Installation of cup supporter or acetabular reinforcement device is one of the important method as well as big cup and bone graft etc. Preparing the device to be suitable shape is very important and installing it at the very position where the shaping was intended is also very important to obtain a stable condition for the arthroplasty. When we use navigation system, the device must be programmed in. But it is impossible to programme a device we have bended by ourselves into the system. If we can use a navigation system for such devices for those cases, we can expect better installation. We can fit the device on the patient's bone during the surgery of course; which is the ordinary procedure fot it; but it requires much time and tissue damage maybe with less accurate fitting.

This study shows the radiographic results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) using Revelation stem ® (Djo surgical USA) for hip joint disease.

We removed cases which we couldn't follow up, the remaining of the patients who had undergone a primary THA July 2007 to December 2009 in our institution using Revelation hip stem® and 58 cases-65 hips (14 men and 44 women) were possible for progress observation on this study, and radiographic evaluation was done at the time of the last observation. The preoperative diagnosis of the hip included osteoarthritis (OA) in 40 patients, idiopatic, necrosis of the hip in 13 patients, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 4 patients, and femoral head fracture in 1 patient.

Three patients had undergone femoral head replacement (FHA) and 55 patients had undergone THA.

At the time of the last evaluation, spot welds were detected in 63 hips (97%) in zone1 and 7. Demarcation lines, which indicates movement of the stem, were detected in zone3,4,5, but not in the proximal of the stem.

Stress shielding were observed in 32 joints, according to Engh's classification, first degree were 27 joints and second degree were 5 joints. Cortical hypertrophy were detected in 13 joints.

The revelation stem features a lateral overhang structure (lateral flare) and the stem has an expanded proximal geometry allowing the device to rest on both medial and lateral cortices at the metaphyseal level. Above all the stem has anterior overhand structure (trapezoidal structure). The medullary cavity occupation rate is made to increase by these structures. Above all, the stability of the stem is increased by a proximal portion by three point support.

The distal stem is tapered and polished, which prevents the stress loading to a distal portion of the device.

Stress shielding more than the third degree is not detected, and spots welds were detected in the proximal of the stem. These facts indicate that the concept of this stem, transmit loading to the femur bone, at the proximal portion of the stem, would be achieved.

Introduction

A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is often used to examine load transfer between prosthesis and canal. Ordinary, bone elements' type is defined as elastic material. But using this element type for FEA on stem load transfer, the stems will jump out and fly away when the load is removed even friction between the stem and the canal was defined. This is remarkably different from the reality. It happens because the canal elements return to the original shape without the load. But actually, the bone is impacted by the load without returning to the original shape. Meshing the trabecular bone with a collapsible element type, it can collapse and be hardened by the stem pressure.

We have been using Revelation (DJO, USA) with lateral flare for the primary cases whom we can expect high proximal load transfer. We were going to shorten its length to secure proximal load. We have been using Modulus (Lima Corporate, Italy) with conical fixation for the cases we expect mid stem load transfer and neck modification. We were going to extend its length for wider load transfer area. To examine load transfer of the designs the collapsible FEA was used.

Introduction

Overstuffing the patellofemoral joint during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is considered a potential cause of limited knee flexion and patellar maltracking. We investigated the effect of patellar thickness on intraoperative knee flexion and patellar tracking in navigated TKA.

Introduction

Navigation system has been used for very accurate surgery. It can also be useful for preoperative planning. A surgeon can understand whole surgery, plan the surgery and perform the surgery three dimensionally and accurately. But the planning procedures should be installed before everything is started. When the surgery will be done in an ordinary method, the surgeon would not find particular difficulties. But in sometimes the surgeon can have unordinary situation such as massive defect that should be treated with acetabular enforcement device and bone grafted. Using postoperative DICOM data which is predicted by preoperative planning using 3D CAD software, we will be able to use the navigation system for those cases with difficulties that is not supported.

Introduction

To obtain a better range of motion and to reduce the risk of dislocation, neck and cup anteversion are considered very important. Especially for the reduction of the risk of dislocation, the mutual alignment between neck and cup anteversion (combined anteversion) is often discussed. A surgeon would compare the neck direction to the calf direction with the knee in 90 degrees flexion. When an excessive anteversion was observed, the neck anteversion would be reduced using modular neck system or setting the stem a little twisted inside the canal with the tradeoff of the stem stability. Another choice would be the adjustment of cup alignment. Combined anteversion is defined the summation of cup anteversion in axial plane and stem anteversion in axial plane. But in realty the impingement occurs with 3 dimensional relationships between neck and cup with very complicated geometries. In that meaning, the definition of the angles could be said ambiguous too. The bowing of the femur also makes the relationships more complicated. Upon those backgrounds, we have been performing 3D preoperative planning for total hip arthroplasty on every case. In the present study, in vivo position of the stem in each case was determined then the anteversion observed on surgical view and anteversion around femoral mechanical axis are compared using 3D CAD software.

We have been using 3-dimensional CAD software for preoperative planning as a desktop tool daily. In ordinary cases, proper size stems and cups can be decided without much labor but in our population, many arthritic hip cases have dysplastic condition and they often come to see us for hip replacement after severe defects were created over the acetabulum. It is often the case that has Crowe's type III, IV hips with leg length difference. For those cases preoperative planning using 3D CAD is a very powerful tool.

Although we only have 2-dimensional display with our computer during preoperative planning, 3 dimensional geometries are not so difficult to be understood, because we can turn the objects with the mouse and can observer from different directions. We can also display their sections and can peep inside of the geometries. It is quite natural desire that a surgeon wishes to see the planed geometries as a 3-dimensional materials. For some complicated cases, we had prepared plastic model and observed at the theater for better understanding. When we ask for a model service, each model costs $2,500. We also have small scale desk top rapid processing tool too, however it takes 2 days to make one side of pelvis. Observation of the geometries using 3-dimensional display can be its substitute without much cost and without taking much time. The problem of using 3D display had been the special goggle to mask either eye alternatively.

In the present paper, we have used a 3D display which has micro arrays of powerful prism to deriver different image for each eye without using any goggle.

Dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most serious complications. We recently modified the design of Lateral Flare femoral component (RevelationV2) with six degrees lower anteversion to reproduce the normal hip condition in Japanese. In addition, we added 10-degree slope on the posterior neck to prevent dislocation especially aimed to high anteversion cases. The purpose of this study is to verify the clinical outcome after this design modification.

Hospital records and database were retrospectively reviewed. We investigated 46 consecutive hips in 43 patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty using RevelationV2 from September 2007 to August 2009. All patients implicated preoperative planning using CAT scan with their informed consents.

The mean age and BMI at surgery were 63 years old and 23.1. Preoperative diagnosis was osteoarthritis (40/46: 87%), rheumatoid arthritis (2/46: 4%) or avascular necrosis of femoral head (4/46: 9%). There were 41 hips (89.2%) of Crowe I, 3(6.5%) of Crowe II and 2(4.3%) of Crowe III. Preoperative femoral neck anteversion averaged 28 degrees, whereas postoperative combined anteversion (the sum of femoral neck anteversion and anterior cup inclination) averaged 46 degrees. During follow up, 5 complications, in details, 3 mild peroneal nerve palsy, 1 pulmonary embolism and 1 dislocation following deep infection were reported. In conclusion, although no ordinal dislocation was found in this series, longer observation will need to judge appropriateness of this new component.

One of the ironies in modern technology for arthroplasty is the stress shielding in cementless stems. The aim of the development of cementless stems had been reduction of stress shielding which cement stems are not free from. In healthy femur, trabecula start form the femoral head and reach at both medial and lateral cortex in rather narrow area around lesser trochanter. So the load from the femoral head is transferred at the level on both medial and lateral side. Cement stems should have binding to the cortical bone from collar to the tip of the stem where the cement interlays, and then the load is transferred gradually from the tip to the collar, which means mild stress shielding. When distal bonding is removed, the load could be transferred as normal femur. This should have been one of the biggest requests for cementless stem. But in realty many cementless stems have difficulty to obtain a load transfer at the level like normal femur.

Since 1990, we have been mainly using lateral flare stems to obtain contact on both medial and lateral side at proximal level. In the present study, different types and length of the designs were compared by 3-Dimensional fill, 3-Dimensional fit and Finite Element Analysis.

Dislocation following total hip arthroplasty is one of the most common complications, occurring in 1% to 5% of all cases. Several causes for dislocation have been suggested that

Mismatching of cup positioning and stem anteversion

Most often positioning of the stem is anatomically predetermined, while the orientation of the cup is much more flexible. Since July 2005, stem first method has been applied for all cases. During this method, canal preparation and stem trial was done first, and then cup orientation was determined according to the stem direction and impingement. For the bigger cups 34mm or 38mm heads were applied in this series. In the present study dislocation ratio was compared to cup first method.

In the stem fist group (SF), the following procedures were done consequently.

Canal was prepared for the stem. Revelation lateral flare high proximal load transfer stem (DJO) was mainly selected. But for the case with high anteversion over 50 degrees, Modulas; conical distal load transfer stem with modular neck (Lima) was selected.

From October 2002 to July 2008, there were 191 THA cases. There were 81 hips in Standard group and 109 hips in SF group. There were 63 females and 18 males in Standard group and 90 females and 19 males in SF group (p=0.41). Average age was 61.0(22–81) in Standard group and 60.2(29–89) in SF group (p=0.53). In Standard group, 64 were replaced for osteoarthritis, 15 for rheumatoid arthritis and two for avascular necrosis. In SF group, 86 were replaced for osteoarthritis, 17 for rheumatoid arthritis and six for avascular necrosis (p=0.53). As for Crowe’s classification, 61 type I, 18 type II and 2 type III were included in Standard group. And 88 type I, 15type II, 4 type III and 2 type IV were included in SF group (p=0.29). Average anteversion of femoral neck were 23.1(−2 to 70) degree in Standard group and 26.2(−4 to 65) degree in SF group measured with CAT scan (p=0.274). MoM bearing surfaces were used with 71 hips (87.7%) in Standard group and 100 hips (91.7%) in SF group (p=0.35). Only in SF group, big metal head were used in 24hips(22%) with 34mm and in 12hips(11%) as 38mm diameter. Average leg length difference between pre and post operation was 11.5mm(0 to 36) in Standard group and 8.0mm(−18 to 30) in SF group (p< 0.05). Average cup inclination was 43.2(25 to 84) degree in Standard group and 40.9 (22 to 66) degree in SF group (p< 0.05). Average cup anteversion was 8.2 degree (0 to 22.8) in Standard group and 7.1 degree (−12 to 30.5) in SF group (p< 0.05). Average operating time was 111.9min (67–150) in Standard group and 97.5min(60–162) in SF group (p< 0.05). Average intra operative hemorrhage was 744ml(10–2757) in Standard group and 487ml(10–1374) in SF group (p< 0.05). The dislocation rate was decreased from 3.7% (3/81 cases) in Standard group to 0.0% (0/109) in SF group.

In conclusion our study suggested that Stem first method and utilization of big metal head would decrease the dislocation rate in primary cases. More bleeding from canal during accetabular reaming was expected. However less bleeding was observed in SF group.

Canal Flare Index, defined as the ratio of the intracortical width of the femur at a point 20mm proximal to the lesser trochanter and at the canal isthmus by Noble et al,; is considered to express the proximal femoral geometory, but it is usually measured by a plain A-P X-ray. Then it is thought the index is influenced by rotational position of the femur, so we made 3-D femoral model based on CAT scans and measured the canal flare index three dimensionally. Then the effect of observation from rotated direction was evaluated.

CAT scans of 49 femurs (18 male, 31 female) were obtained from the pelvis to the feet. The average age was 60.4 years old ranging from 25 to 82. Forty nine femurs contained 22 osteoarthritis of hip joint, 12 trauma, 9 knee arthritis, 3 avascular necrosis of femoral head, 3 normal candetes. From those data, 3-D models of normal side were individually made for measuring the parameters. 3-D models were made using CAD software. We measured the canal flare index at which the femur posterior condyles were parallel to the plane, reproducing the situation to take A-P X-ray. After that, those 3-D models were rotated and investigated the difference of the value to study the effect of femur position.

The canal flare index was between 2.8 and 6.6 with the average value at 4.65. The stovepipe (canal flare index< 3), the normal range (3~canal flare index< 4.7), the champagne flute (4.7~canal flare index), included 2%(1 femur), 61.2%(30 femurs), 36.7%(18 femurs), respectively. About the effect of rotation, we found the value of canal flare index was more sensitive to proximal femur rotation than the canal isthmus. The results of the canal flare index at the plane parallel to the posterior condyle line varied widely compared with the results at the position considering the anteversion. So it was suggested that the canal flare index at the patella front position does not represent the canal characteristics. It should be argued in 3-D space.

Introduction: For longer lasting and bone conserving cementless stem fixation, stable and physiological proximal load transfer from the stem to the canal should be one of the most essential factors. According to this understanding, we have been developing a custom stem system with lateral flare and an off-the-shelf (OTS) lateral flare stem system was added to the series. On the other hand, dysplastic hips are often understood that they have larger neck shaft angle as well as larger anteversion. In other words they are in the status called “coxa valga.” From this point of view we had been mainly using custom stems for the dysplastic cases before. After off-the-shelf lateral flare stem system; which is designed to have very high proximal fit and fill to normal femora; was added, we have been using 3D preoperative planning system to determine custom or OTS. Then in most of the cases, OTS stem were suitably selected. Our pilot study of virtual insertion of OTS lateral flare stem into 38 dysplastic femora has shown very tight fit in all 38 cases. The reason was analyzed that the excessive anteversion is twist of proximal part over the distal part and the proximal part has almost normal geometry. In the present study, 59 femora were examined by the 3D preoperative planning system how the excessive anteversion effect to the coxa valga status.

Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine femoral geometry data were examined by the 3D preoperative planning system. Thirty-three hip arithritis, 3 RA, 2 metastatic bone tumours, 5 AVN, 1 knee arthritis, 12 injuries, and 3 normal candidates were included. Among them one arthritic Caucasian and one AVN South American were included. The direction of the femoral landmarks; centre of femoral head (CFH), lesser trochanter (LTR), and asperas in 3 levels (just below LTR, upper 1/3, mid femur; A1-3); were assessed as the angle from knee posterior condylar (PC) line. Neck shaft angle of each case was assessed from the view perpendicular to PC line and neck shaft angle form the view perpendicular to CFH and femoral shaft (i.e. actual neck shaft angle).

Results: Average anteversion was 34.4 +/−9.9 degree. CFH and LTR correlated well (i.e. they rotate together). A1, A2, A3 correlated well (i.e. they rotate together). LTR and A1 correlate just a little, LTR and A2 were independent each other. So the twist existed around A1. Neck shaft angle was 138.7+/−6.6 in PC line view and in actual view 130.3+/−4.4. No excessive neck shaft angle was observed in actual view. Even the case that has the largest actual neck shaft angle (140.4), the virtual insertion showed good fit and fill with the lateral flare stem.

Conclusion: In many high anteversion cases, coxa valga is a product of the observation from non perpendicular direction to CFH-shaft plane. Selection or designation of the stem for high anteversion cases should be carefully determined by 3D observation.

One of the most important characteristic of the developmental dysplastic hip (DDH) is high anteversion in femoral neck. Neck-shaft angle is also understood to be higher (i.e. coxa-valga) in DDH femora. From this understanding many DDH intended stems were designed having larger neck shaft angle.

According to the result of our prior study; reported in ISTA 2005 etc.; using computer 3-D virtual surgery of high fit-and-fill lateral flare stem into high anteversion patients, it was revealed that the geometry of proximal femur itself does not have big difference from normal femora but they are only rotated blow lessertrochanter.

It is very important to know what anteversion is, and where anteversion is located, to design a better stem and to decide more proper surgical procedures for DDH cases with high anteversion.

In the present study, the geometry of 57 femora was assessed in detail to reveal the geometry of anteversion and its location in the DDH femora.

Fifty seven CAT scan data with many causes were analyzed. Thirty-two DDH, 3 Rheumatic Arthritis (RA), 2 metastatic bone tumors, 4 avascular necrosis (AVN), 1 knee arthritis, 12 injuries, and 3 normal candidates were included. Whole femoral geometries were obtained from CAT scan DICOM data and transferred to CAD geometry data format. All the following landmarks were measured its direction by the angle from posterior condylar line. The assessed landmarks were

anteversion,

All the directions were measured by the angle from the medial of the femur.

The direction of anteversion and lesser trochanter were well correlated, (R=0.55, Y=0.56X−35) i.e. femoral head and lesser trochanter were rotated together.

The direction of lesser trochanter and aspera in upper 1/6 section had no relation even they are located very close with only several cm distance, (R=−0.03, Y=−0.02X−88) i.e. however the lesser trochanter was rotated, the upper most aspera was located almost at the same direction (−87.5+/−7.58 degree).

The direction of aspera at upper 1/6 and middle femur were strongly correlated. (R=0.63, Y=0.81X-22) i.e. they stay at the same direction.

The results mean that the anteversion is a twist between normal proximal femur (from femoral head and lesser trochanter) and normal distal femur. The twist was located just blow lesser trochanter within several centimeter.

The anteversion has been understood as the abnormal mutual position between femoral neck and femoral shaft. In high anteversion hips the neck shaft angle was also believed to be higher, so several DDH oriented stems have higher neck shaft angle i.e. coxa-valga geometries. It has been believed that the location of the anteversion was around neck part. This study revealed that the deformity was located in the very narrow part just below lesser trochanter. It has been discussed that DDH oriented stems should have fit to different canal geometries, but understanding the biomechanics of abnormal anteversion and its treatment should be more important.

Since 1993, we have been developing preoperative planning system based on CAT scan data. In early period it was used to decide cup diameter and orientation for Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). It was done using hemisphere object locating proper position and orientation. According to our progress, we have started using it for custom stem designing, stem selection and stem size planning too since 1995. Since 2001, we have been using it for almost all THA cases. We also have started use it for any case we have question about 3D geometries. Since 2005 we started computer planed 2 staged THA after leg elongation for high riding hips and reported at ISTA 2007 too. Now our policy became that every tiny question we have, we shall analyze and plan preoperatively.

In our population, the incidence of the developmental dysplastic hips is higher. The necks often have bigger anteversion, and less acetabular coverage. So we often use screws for cup fixation. The screw direction allowed in thin shell thickness is limited and less bone coverage makes good cup fixation difficult. With highly defected cases and with revision cases the situation is more difficult.

In the present study, we have developed acetabular 3D preoperative planning method with screw direction, length, and for the cases with defect, cup supporter pre-shaping with models and prediction of the allograft volume.

For the less defect cases, geometries of cup with screw holes were requested to the maker and were provided for us. Screws were attached perpendicular to each screw hole. Screw geometries have marks at every 5mm to plan proper length. The cup was located as much as closer to the original acetabular edge, keeping in the limit to avoid dislocation. Small space above the cup was accepted if anterior and posterior cup edge could be supported by original bone. Then the cup was rotated until we can obtain proper screw fixation.

For the cases with severe defects, we use cup supporters and allografts. Cup supporters are designed to be bent and fit to the pelvis during the surgery. But to shape it a properly; for good coverage and strong support; is very difficult and takes long through the limited window with fatty gloves. And mean while we get more bleeding. The geometries were obtained by CAT scan of the devices. Then proper size was determined as cup size. Chemiwood model was made and proper size supporter was opened and bent preoperatively using the model. It was scanned again and compared to the pelvic geometry again.

Using cluster cups, no dangerous screw was found as long as normal cup orientation was decided and screws were less than 30mm. Posterior screws were often too short then rotated anterior and found to have good fixation. Pre-bending could reduce surgical time remarkably.

As long as we could know, no navigation system can control the cup rotation. But acetabular preoperative planning was very useful and could reduce operative invasion. It could be done easily without using navigation system.