Aims

There are concerns regarding nail/medullary canal mismatch and initial stability after cephalomedullary nailing in unstable pertrochanteric fractures. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an additional anteroposterior blocking screw on fixation stability in unstable pertrochanteric fracture models with a nail/medullary canal mismatch after short cephalomedullary nail (CMN) fixation.

Aims

In this study, we aimed to explore surgical variations in the Femoral Neck System (FNS) used for stable fixation of Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures.

Aims

There are concerns regarding initial stability and early periprosthetic fractures in cementless hip arthroplasty using short stems. This study aimed to investigate stress on the cortical bone around the stem and micromotions between the stem and cortical bone according to femoral stem length and positioning.

The range of allograft products for spinal fusion has been extended with the development of cellular bone matrices (CBMs). Most of these combine demineralized bone with viable cancellous bone prepared in a manner that retains cells with differentiation potential. The purpose of this study was to compare commercially-available human CBMs in the athymic rat model of posterolateral spinal fusion. The products compared were Trinity ELITE® (TEL, OrthoFix), ViviGen (VIV, DePuy Synthes), Cellentra (CEL, Zimmer Biomet), Osteocel® Pro (OCP, NuVasive), Bio4 (BIO, Stryker) and map3 (MAP, RTI Surgical). Bone from the ilia of syngeneic rats was used as a control to approximate the human gold standard.

All implants were stored, thawed, and prepared per manufacturer's instructions and all implantations occurred within the manufacturer's time allowance for use after preparation. In total, fifteen 9–10 week old male rats were implanted per implant type, with three different lots of each implant used per five rats to account for lot-to-lot variability. Under anesthesia, a posterior midline longitudinal skin and subcutaneous incision was made, followed by bilateral longitudinal paraspinal myofascial incisions to expose the transverse processes at the L4–5 level. Implants (0.3 cc of allograft or freshly harvested syngeneic iliac bone graft) were placed bilaterally. Surgeons were blinded as to CBM implant type. Incisions were closed with sutures and in vivo microCT scans performed within 48 hours of surgery. A second microCT scan was taken at euthanasia, six weeks after surgery, and the lumbar spines harvested. Fusion was evaluated by manual palpation by three independent, blinded reviewers. MicroCT analysis was performed by an independent CRO (ImageIQ, Cleveland OH). Anonymity of implant type was rigorously kept to avoid bias.

By manual palpation, 5/15 (33%) spines of the syngeneic bone group were fused at 6 weeks. The TEL (8/15, 53%) and CEL (11/15, 73%) groups were not significantly different from each other but were from all other CBM groups. Only 2/15 (13%) of VIV-implanted spines fused and none (0/15, 0%) of the OCP, BIO and MAP CBMs produced stable fusion. The mineralized cancellous bone component of the allografts confounded radiographic analysis but microCT analysis indicated bone volume increased over six weeks for all groups except the syngeneic bone (−4.3%). TEL (+65%) and CEL (+73%) were not different from each other but were significantly increased over all other groups (VIV 29%, OCP 37%, BIO 19%, and MAP 45%, respectively).

CBMs have distinct formulations and are likely processed differently. The claimed live cell and stem cell contents differ between products. Additionally, map3 has cells added at the time of surgery, whereas the other CBMs are processed to retain matrix-adherent cells. Given the wide range of formulations, differences in performance were not surprising, and Trinity ELITE and Cellentra did significantly better than other implants at both forming new bone and achieving fusion. The other CBMs did not have greater bone formation than the control and were very poor at forming a solid fusion. These findings suggest more careful consideration of these allograft products is needed at the clinical level.

Introduction

Little guidance exists regarding the minimum screw length and number necessary to achieve fixation with reverse shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). The goal of this study is to quantify the pre- and post-cyclic baseplate displacements associated with two baseplate designs of different sizes using multiple screw lengths and numbers in a low density polyurethane bone substitute model.

Introduction

In recent years, there has been an increase in hip joint replacement surgery using short bone-preserving femoral stem. However, there are very limited data on postoperative periprosthetic fractures after cementless fixation of these stem although the periprosthetic fracture is becoming a major concern following hip replacement surgery. The purpose of this study is to determine incidence of postoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures following hip arthroplasty using bone preserving short stem in a large multi-center series.

Isolated liner and head exchange procedure has been an established treatment method for polyethylene wear and osteolysis when the acetabular component remains well-fixed. In this study, its mid-term results were evaluated retrospectively in 34 hips.

Among the consecutive patients operated upon from September 1995, 2 patients (3 hips) were excluded because of inadequate follow-up and the results of remaining 34 hips of 34 patients were evaluated. They were 20 men and 14 women with a mean age of 49 years at the time of index surgery. Conventional polyethylene liner was used in 26 cases and highly cross-linked polyethylene liner was used in 8 cases. In 3 cases, liner was cemented in the metal shell because compatible liner could not be used. After a minimum follow-up of 5 years (range, 5∼20.2), re-revision surgery was necessary in 10 cases (29.4%); 8 for wear and osteolysis, 2 for acetabular loosening. In all re-revision cases, conventional polyethylene was used. There was no failure in the cases in which highly cross-linked polyethylene was used. There was no case complicated with dislocation.

The results of this study suggest more promising results with the use of highly cross-linked polyethylene in isolated liner exchange.

Injection before total knee arthroplasty(TKA) is the one of the postoprative risk factors after TKA and Infection after TKA can result in disastrous consequences. When the duration between injection and TKA is longer than 6 months, the risk is no longer elevated. Evaluation of synovial WBC number in frozen section slide is needed to check the presence of infection in revision total knee arthroplasty. Currently many patients have a history of multiple intraarticular injection before the primary TKA. Purpose of this study is to evaluate the synovial WBC findings in primary TKA and compare between injection group and no injection group. Materials and Methods. The synovial specimen(suprapatella pouch and posterior capsule) of 68 primary total knee arthroplasty were evaluated by the pathologist and reported the number of the WBC in frozen section /5 separate high power fields(HPF) (500x).. Injection group were 37 cases and non -injection group were 31 cases. Preoperative CRP and ESR were recorded and followe-up duration was more than 2 years. Joint fluid was sent to be cultured and analysed. Results. WBC count in frozen section shoed was average 4 WBCs/HPF (range < 0∼ 25) in both specimen and the suprapatella specimen was 3 WBCs/HPW (range 0∼25) and posterior capsule specimen was 1 WBCs/HPF(range 0∼14). The WBC count of injection group was 8 (range, 0∼25) and that of no injection group was 1.2 cells (range 0∼12) (p<0.05). The WBC counts in joint fluid was average 240 cells/ml (range. 1∼300) in non injection group and 643 cells/ml(range, 50∼1000) (p<0.05). The duration from the intraarticular injection to index surgery was 9 months(range, 6 weeks∼ 7 momths). The number of injection and duration bwtween injection and operationto has no significant correlation with the WBC counts. Eight percentage of specimen showed more than 10 WBCs in injection group and these patients have been not infected after more than 24 moths after TKA. Conclusion. The WBC count of the synovium in priamry TKA with injection history for degenerative osteoarthritis is variable and we could not recommend the routine frozen section analysis in primary TKA who have a history of intraarticualr injection..

Clinical and radiological results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) using proximally coated single wedge (PSW) cementless stems are generally excellent. The geometry of cementless stems and the morphology of proximal femurs (Dorr types) provide optimal fit for primary stability and secondary biologic fixation. Because the geometry of PSW shape is designed to be engaged at the metaphysis, cementless PSW stem is not traditionally recommended to Dorr type C femurs with concerns of inadequate implant-host bone contact and the risk of femoral fracture. Nevertheless, previous studies on PSW cementless stems have not examined long-term survivorship according to Dorr types of femur. Paucity of a long-term comparative study makes it difficult to know whether the PSW stem plays a role in Dorr type C femurs or not. We postulated that the PSW stem could achieve stable fixation without increased risk of femoral fracture even in Dorr type C femurs, and demonstrate acceptable long-term results. The aim of this study was to investigate differences of clinical and radiological outcomes of THA using PSW stem according to proximal femoral geometry (Dorr types) in more than a 10-year follow-up.

Three hundred and seven primary THA in 247 patients, which was performed with use of a single-designed PSW stem from 1997 to 2003 and was followed up for over 10 years, were included in this retrospective study. According to Dorr's criteria, 89 femora were classified as Type A, 156 as Type B, and 62 as Type C. The patients' mean age at operation was 43.2 years (range, 18.4 – 69.6 years). They were followed-up for an average of 13.2 years (the range, 10.0 – 17.3 years). All of the hips were evaluated clinically and radiologically with special attention to the occurrence of implant loosening and periprosthetic femoral fracture.

The mean preoperative Harris hip score (50.4±20.6 points) improved significantly to 95.6±9.0 points at the final follow-ups. The improvements were observed regardless of Dorr types (p<0.001 in all 3 groups). The incidence of thigh pain (p=0.704) was not significantly different among groups. Implant survivorship was 100% in all 3 groups. None of the stems were loosened or revised. No significant differences were observed in osteolysis (p=0.492), pedestal formation (p=0.323), or cortical hypertrophy (p=0.169) among the groups [Fig. 1]. Radiolucent lines less than 2mm in thickness in Gruen zone 4 were observed more in Dorr type C femora than in Dorr type A or B (p=0.003) [Fig. 2]. Spot weld (p<0.001) and stress shielding (p=0.010) of proximal femur were more pronounced in Dorr C type femora than in type A or B [Fig. 3]. The prevalence of intraoperative (p=0.550) or postoperative (p=0.600) femoral fractures were not significantly different among the groups.

From over a 10-year follow-up, the PSW stem provided excellent stem survivorship regardless of Dorr type with satisfactory outcomes. The remodeling process around the stem was more pronounced in Dorr type C femur. The present study shows that the PSW stem is a recommendable option for Dorr type C femur.

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Alternative bearing surfaces has been introduced to reduce wear debris-induced osteolysis after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and offered favorable results. Large population-based data for total joint surgery permit timely recognition of adverse results and prediction of events in the future. The purpose of this study was to present the epidemiology and national trends of bearing surface usage in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in Korea using nationwide database.

A total of 30,881 THAs were analyzed using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database for 2007 through 2011. Bearing surfaces were sub-grouped according to device code for national health insurance claims and consisted of ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC), metal-on-polyethylene (MoP), ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP), and metal-on-metal (MoM). The prevalence of each type of bearing surface was calculated and stratified by age, gender, hospital type, primary payer, and procedure volume of each hospital.

The number of primary THAs increased by 25.2% from 5,484 in 2007 to 6,866 in 2011. The average age of the entire study population was 58.1 years, and 53.5% were male [Table 1]. CoC was the most commonly used bearing surface (76.7%), followed by MoP (11.9%), CoP (7.3%), and MoM (4.1%). The distribution of bearing surfaces was identical to that in the general population regardless of age, gender, hospital type, and primary payer [Table 2]. The mean age of patients that received hard-on-hard bearing surfaces (CoC and MoM) was significantly younger than that of patients receiving hard-on-soft bearing surfaces (CoP and MoP) (56.9 years vs. 62.6 years). During the study period, 55.1% of THAs that used a hard-on-hard bearing surface were performed in males, while 53.0% of THAs that used a hard-on-soft bearing surface were performed in females. The order of prevalence of bearing surfaces was identical in low- and medium-volume hospitals (CoC was first, MoP was second, CoP was third, and MoM was fourth). The mean hospital charges did not differ according to the bearing surface used, with the exception of CoP, which was associated with a lower mean hospital charge. There were no changes in the distribution of bearing surfaces in each year between 2007 and 2011. Overall, the percentage of THAs that used CoC bearing surfaces increased substantially from 71.6% in 2007 to 81.4% in 2011, while the percentage that used CoP, MoP, and MoM decreased significantly [Fig. 1].

One of the reasons for the dominant usage of hard-on-hard bearing surfaces may be that the principal diagnosis of primary THAs and the patient age group distribution in Korea differ from those in other countries. The most common indication for primary THA is osteonecrosis of the femoral head in Korea. In contrast, the majority of primary THAs are performed for osteoarthritis in Western countries. The choice of bearing surface may be affected by many factors, including the nation's medical delivery system, payment type, disease pattern, and age distribution of patients that undergo THA. In future, the results of a large-scale nationwide study on primary THAs using CoC bearing surfaces in Korea will be reported.

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Background

A cell-based tissue-engineered construct can be employed for treating meniscal lesions occurring in the non-vascularized inner two-thirds. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that both pre-differentiation of human bone marrow derived stromal cells (hBMSCs) into chondrogenic lineage before cell seeding and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) pretreatment on a PLGA mesh scaffold enhances the healing capacity of the meniscus with hBMSCs-seeded scaffolds in vivo.

Few epidemiological studies from Asian countries have addressed this issue and reported that FAI is less prevalent in Asian population. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of radiographic hip abnormalities associated with FAI in asymptomatic Korean volunteers. The authors hypothesized that the prevalence of FAI in Korean population would not be less than that in western population.

Two hundred asymptomatic volunteers with no prior hip surgery or childhood hip problems underwent three-view plain radiography (pelvis anteroposterior (AP) view, Sugioka view, and 45° Dunn view) of both hips. Cam lesions were defined as the presence of the following signs on each views: pistol-grip deformity, osseous bump at the femoral head-neck junction, flattening of the femoral head-neck offset, or alpha angle >50°. Pincer lesions were determined by radiographic signs, including crossover sign, posterior wall deficient sign, or lateral center-edge (CE) angle >40°. Only positive cases agreed by both observers were defined as true FAI-related deformities.

There were 146 male and 254 female hips, with a mean age of 34.7 years. On pelvis AP view, the prevalence of pistol grip deformity, bump, flattening, and alpha angle >50° was 1.3% (male 3.4%, female 0%), 0.8% (male 2.1%, female 0%), 0.8% (male 2.1%, female 0%), and 1.0% (male 2.7%, female 0%), respectively. On Sugioka view, the prevalence of bump, flattening, and alpha angle >50° was 9.8% (male 14.4%, female 7.1%), 13.5% (male 20.5%, female 9.4%), and 14.0% (male 26.7%, female 6.7%), respectively. On 45° Dunn view, the prevalence of bump, flattening, and alpha angle >50° was 8.0% (male 14.4%, female 4.3%), 17.5% (male 27.4%, female 11.8%), and 27.5% (male 44.5%, female 17.7%), respectively. The prevalence of cam lesion which was identified on at least one radiograph was 42.5% (male 62.3%, female 31.1%). The prevalence of cam lesion which was identified on ≥2 radiographs was 19.3% (male 30.8%, female 12.6%). The prevalence of cam type FAI (at least one cam lesion) was 2.0% (male 5.5%, female 0%) on pelvis AP view, 25.8% (male 37.0%, female 19.3%) on Sugioka view, and 35.8% (male 55.5%, female 24.4%) on 45° Dunn view. On pelvis AP view, the prevalence of crossover sign, posterior wall sign, and CE angle >40° was 20.0% (male 23.3%, female 18.1%), 20.8% (male 22.6%, female 19.7%), and 2.0% (male 2.7%, female 1.6%), respectively. The prevalence of pincer type of FAI (at least one pincer lesion) was 23.0% (male 27.4%, female 20.5%).

In asymptomatic Korean volunteers, the prevalence of cam type FAI was low on AP pelvis radiographs, whereas the prevalence of cam type FAI on Sugioka and 45° Dunn view was found to be comparable to that previously reported in Western populations. The prevalence of pincer type FAI in asymptomatic Korean volunteers was also comparable that in Western populations and was similar in both gender. Considering the high prevalence of FAI morphologic features on plain radiographs in asymptomatic Korean populations, it is also important to determine whether FAI is a cause of hip pain when considering surgery in Asian patients.

Introduction

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD), a juvenile osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), can remain sequelae around hip joint, and results in osteoarthritis necessitating total hip arthroplasty (THA) in middle-age. THA for sequelae of LCPD needs specific concerns for anatomical deformity, leg length discrepancy (LLD), and relatively young patient's age. To date, few studies are available for the results of THA for LCPD sequelae. Moreover, there was no study for the result of Alumina-Alumina THA (Al-Al THA) in patient with LCPD sequelae, even excellent long term outcome of Al-Al THA has been documented in relatively young patients. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of Al-Al THA for LCPD sequelae, especially in terms of the restoration of LLD and the occurrence of complication. In addition, we compared the results of THA for LCPD sequelae with those for adult onset ONFH, in which THA is necessitated in relatively young age and excellent long term outcome has been proven after Al-Al THA.

We evaluated 3 cases of ceramic-on-ceramic THA in that the evidence of the impingement between the metal neck and the ceramic liner was found.

Between July 2007 and January 2008, impingement between the metal and the ceramic liner was found in 3 cases of ceramic-on-ceramic THA during re-operation. The re-operation was performed 3–6 years after the primary surgery because of ceramic head fracture, deep infection and cup loosening. All patients frequently sat on the floor in tailor fashion but did not have any sound in the hip after THA.

In all cases, V-shaped indented wear scar was found on the postero-superior aspect of the metal neck. Two ceramic liners could be retrieved. Both showed black staining in the postero-superior portion of the rim. The outer edge of the bearing surface of the retrieved acetabular liners was evaluated with SEM. The black stained area of the acetabular liner rim was found to be roughened. A micro-crack propagating into the deep portion of the ceramic liner was observed in one liner.

Our observations suggest that impingement between the ceramic liner and the metal neck can cause crack formation leading to ceramic liner failure in vivo.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of the minimal invasive treatment of the supracondylar periprosthetic fracture after total knee arthroplasty using locking condylar plate.

From January 2001 to June 2007, the 9 cases of the periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fracture were included in this study. The average age of the cases was 67 years old (range: 62–73 years old). The average duration of follow-up was 2year 1 months (range: 12–48 months). The implants of the index operation were posterior cruciate substitution implants without stem. According to the classification of Orthopedic Trauma Association, all cases were classified as 33A. All cases were treated using locking condylar plate. The fracture was extended into undersurface of the anterior flange of the femoral component. Locking condylar plate was fixed by the minimal invasive percutaneous technique. The average time of bone union was 5.4 months (range: 4–7 months) without additional bone graft. The average range of motion was 95 degrees and HSS (Hospital for Special surgery) score was 75 points in last follow-up. Femorotibial angle at the last follow-up was average valgus 5 degree.

Minimal invasive percutaneous fixation using locking condylar plate was useful to treat the periprosthetic femoral fracture which was alternative method to retrograde femoral nail.

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) has been more frequently performed for relatively young patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head in Korea. Moreover, squatting and sitting with crossed legs are more common in Asian cultures than in Western cultures. Wear debris generated by conventional metal-on-PE articulations has been giving rise to extensive osteolysis. Due to these characteristics, higher incidence of pelvic osteolysis was observed after THA in Korea. As a result, interest in alternative bearings such as ceramic-on-ceramic bearing has been increased. Furthermore, the patients who require revision THA are still young in Korea. With this point of view, an application of ceramic-on-ceramic bearing throughout revision THA seems to be reasonable. The clinical and radiographical outcomes after revision THA with use of third generation ceramic-on-ceramic bearing in Korean patients were evaluated.

Materials and Methods: We have analyzed 42 hips (37 patients; 17 men and 20 women), in whom revision THAs were performed using cementless cups with ceramic-on-ceramic bearing (Biolox Forte; CeramTec, Plochingen, Germany). They underwent THA at a single institution between February 2000 and December 2004, and were consecutively enrolled in this study. Their mean age was 48.8 years (32 – 59 years), and their mean weight was 61.5 ± 5.8 kg (50 – 72 kg) and BMI was 23.8. The mean interval from primary to revision THA was 9.5 ± 3.2 years (3.3 – 16.1 years). The preoperative diagnoses for primary THA were osteonecrosis of the femoral head in 31 hips, neglected femoral neck fracture in 3, rheumatoid arthritis in 2, degenerative osteoarthritis in 2, pyogenic arthritis in 2, tuberculosis arthritis in 1, and fused hip in 1. Dissociation of PE liner was observed in 21 hips (50%). For acetabular cup revision, Trilogy ceramic acetabular cups (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) were used in 22 hips, EP-FIT plus cups (Plus Orthopedics, Rotkreuz, Switzerland) in 14 hips, and Duraloc Option Ceramic cups (DePuy, Warsaw, IN) in 6 hips. Stems were revised in all hips. The follow-up protocol included radiographic and clinical evaluations, and the mean duration of follow-up monitoring after revision THA was 5.4 ± 1.7 years (3.2 – 8.0 years). At final follow-up examination, clinical outcomes including Harris Hip Score and complications were assessed. All changes in inclination were documented radiographically. The presence of radiolucent lines, vertical or horizontal migration of acetabular cup (> 2 mm), and osteolysis were also evaluated.

Results: At final follow-up evaluation after revision, the average Harris Hip Score was 91.3. There were no revised hips during follow-up period. In 6 hips (14.3%), minor complications were observed: 3 heterotopic ossifications, 2 dislocations, 1 infection. No revision was necessary for the treatment of these complications. There were no hips with radiolucent lines, vertical or horizontal acetabular cup migration or osteolysis during the follow-up period. In 21 hips with bone graft, incorporation of bone graft was observed radiographically at final follow-up examination.

Conclusions: Our data showed that clinical and radiographical outcomes after revision THA using third generation ceramic-on-ceramic bearing were favorable. Revision THA with the use of ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surfaces can be preferentially considered especially in young patients. Further studies with long-term follow-up data are warranted.

Introduction: The etiology of transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) remains unknown. Recently subchondral bone injury of the femoral head has been proposed as a possible etiology.

Methods: A 28-year-old woman presented with bilateral hip pain that started sequentially during the peripartum period. Diagnosis of TOH was made based on typical findings of plain radiographs and magnetic resonance images. The subchondral trabeculae of the femoral head were evaluated on serially taken coronal multiplanar reformation CT images.

Results: At 4 weeks after pain onset, a marked decrease in the sclerotic density with irregular discontinuation was observed in the primary compression trabeculae. At 12 weeks, a focal area of irregular thickening of trabeculae was observed. At 20 weeks, sclerotic density of trabeculae recovered markedly and the focal area of irregular trabecular thickening disappeared. At 1 year, subchondral trabeculae recovered almost completely.

Conclusion: Evidence of subchondral trabecular injury was observed in the femoral heads of TOH.

Introduction: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head occurs in young patients. The preservation of the hip joint is vitally important because hip replacement arthroplasty is associated with high rates of failure in young and active patients. Curved intertrochanteric varus osteotomy is one of several joint preserving procedures used to treat these patients.

Methods: Between June 2003 and June 2006, 46 patients (49 hips) who had osteonecrosis of the femoral head were treated with curved intertrochanteric varus osteotomy. There were 23 men and 23 women who had a mean age at the time of osteotomy was 33 years (range, 17 to 51 years). The osteotomy was fixed with a 120 degree compression hip screw in the first 34 hips and with a 95 degree dynamic condylar screw in the remaining 15 hips. Clinical evaluation was performed using the scoring system of Merle d’Aubigne et al. Radiological failure of the operation was defined as further collapse of the femoral head by more than 2 mm or progressive narrowing of the joint space compared with the immediate postoperative radiograph.

Results: The mean duration of follow-up was 22 months (range, 12 to 48 months). One patient (one hip) required a total hip arthroplasty due to loss of fixation and penetration of the lag screw into the joint space. In two patients (two hips), the plate fractured at 3 and 4 months after the operation, which was changed to a new plate. Thus, 48 of the 49 hips survived at a mean follow-up 22 months. In these 48 hips, the mean Merle d’Aubigne hip score was 17.2 points at latest evaluation and there was no instance of radiologic failure.

Discussion: Curved intertrochanteric varus osteotomy is a satisfactory joint preserving method to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Introduction: The hypothesis that combined necrotic angle measurements using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans predicts the subsequent risk of collapse of femoral head osteonecrosis was tested.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven hips with early-stage osteonecrosis in 33 consecutive patients were investigated. The arc of the necrosis was measured by the method of Kerboul et al using mid-coronal and mid-sagittal MRI scans of the femoral head instead of anteroposterior and lateral radiographs, and the two angles were added. Hips were classified into four categories based on the magnitude of the added angle; grade 1 (< 200°), grade 2 (200°–249°), grade 3 (250°–299°), and grade 4 (≥300°). After the initial evaluations, the hips were randomly assigned to a core-decompression group or conservatively-treated group. Patients underwent regular follow-up until femoral head collapse or for a minimum of five years.

Results: Seven hips in the grade 4 category and 16 hips in the grade 3 category developed femoral head collapse in 36 months; six out of nine hips in the grade 2 category, and none of five hips in the grade 1 category developed collapse (log rank test, p< 0.01). In a retrospective analysis, none of the four hips with a combined necrotic angle < 190° (low risk group) collapsed, whereas all 25 hips with a combined necrotic angle > 240° (high risk group) collapsed, and four (50%) of eight hips with a combined necrotic angle between 190° and 240° (moderate risk group) collapsed during the study.

Discussion: The Kerboul combined necrotic angle ascertained by MRI scans instead of radiographs is a major predictor of future collapse.

Introduction: Necrotic fatty marrow is yellow, thick, and turbid like pus and the fat cell is counted as white blood cell in automated cell counting. When necrotic fatty marrow leaks into the hip joint through a crack in the cartilage of the osteonecrotic femoral head, a misdiagnosis of pyogenic infection can be made. The authors report cases of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, in which a misdiagnosis of pyogenic infection was made during the operation.

Materials and Methods: Between September 1997 and December 2001, pyogenic arthritis was suspected during the operation in seven patients who were operated on due to advanced osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The markers of infection including white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C reactive protein in preoperative laboratory examination were normal in all of the seven patients. Total hip arthroplasty was scheduled for all patients. When the hip joint capsule was incised, joint fluid gushed out in all patients. The appearance, white blood cell count in automated cell counting, microscopic findings, and the results of culture of the joint fluid were evaluated.

Results: The joint fluid was yellow, thick and turbid like pus. A pyogenic arthritis was suspected and the joint fluid was sent to the laboratory for automated blood cell count, smear and culture. The count of white blood cells ranged from 5800 to 18000 in automated cell counting. No microorganism was identified on joint fluid smear. On microscopic cell counting using a hemocytometer, white blood cells were rarely seen and the majority of cells which were counted as white blood cells, were necrotic fat cell. Total hip arthroplasty was performed immediately after microscopic examination of the joint fluid. No microorganism was identified in cultures of the joint fluid. There was no evidence of infection after total hip arthroplasty at a minimum of two-year followup.

Discussion: When necrotic fatty marrow leaks into the hip joint, the joint fluid looks like pus and white blood cell counts of the joint fluid is increased in automated cell counting because fat cells are counted as white blood cells. In this situation, microscopic examination of the joint fluid is necessary. If the white blood cell count is not increased in microscopic cell counting, replacement arthroplasty can be performed without risk of infection.