Controversy persists over whether cemented or uncemented fixation is more effective in reducing revision and mortality risks following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Despite a shift towards uncemented THA in Europe, Australia, and the US, no consensus exists on superior outcomes. This ambiguity in evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies necessitates advanced research methodologies to derive more definitive conclusions.

This study investigates the causal impact of THA fixation type on 2-year and 5-year revision rates, along with 90-day mortality, utilizing a regression discontinuity (RD) design in scenarios where fixation choice is guided by patient age.

Employing data from the Dutch Arthroplasty Register, we conducted a cohort study on primary THAs for osteoarthritis from 2007 to 2019. A “fuzzy” RD design was executed to compute the Local Average Treatment Effect for subjects around the age-based selection threshold for fixation type. The main outcome of interest was the revision rate at 2 years post-operation.

Analysis for the 2-year revision endpoint, covering any cause, included 2,344 females and 1,671 males across 5 hospitals each, with no significant variation in revision rates observed. For the 5-year mark, 1,058 females in 3 hospitals and 214 males in 1 hospital were examined, similarly showing no significant differences. Mortality within 90 days post-operation was also investigated in 5 female and 7 male cohorts, with 2,180 and 2,145 surgeries respectively, yielding no substantial disparities.

In conclusion, the RD analysis revealed no notable differences in revision rates at 2 and 5 years or in early mortality based on the fixation method used in THA. These outcomes suggest that the age-based preference for THA fixation may not influence the revision or mortality risk, underscoring the value of RD design in deriving causal insights from observational data.

Aims

This study reports the results of 38 total hip arthroplasties (THAs) in 33 patients aged less than 50 years, using the JRI Furlong hydroxyapatite ceramic (HAC)-coated femoral component.

Studies have shown that 10–30% patients do not achieve optimal function outcomes after total hip replacement (THR). High quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of techniques to improve functional outcomes after THR are lacking. We performed this study to evaluate the feasibility of a RCT comparing patient-reported functional outcomes after hybrid or fully cemented THR (ISRCTN11097021).

Patients were recruited from two centres and randomised to receive either a fully cemented or hybrid THR. Data collection included Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), non-serious adverse events of special interest (AESI), serious adverse device effects (SADE) and NHS resource use. Qualitative interviews were undertaken to understand a) patient experiences of study processes and their reasons for taking part or not, and b) to understand surgeons’ perceptions of the study, factors affecting willingness to participate, and barriers to implementation of the future RCT findings.

The target of 40 patients were successfully recruited for the feasibility RCT; the ratio of successful recruitment to eligible patients was 0.61 across both sites. Treatment crossovers occurred in four patients, all related to bone quality. Four patients were withdrawn due to not undergoing surgery within the study window because of the pandemic. Follow-up was 100% and PROMs were completed by all patients at all time points. The feasibility of conducting a within-trial cost-utility analysis was demonstrated. Interviews were conducted with 27 patients and 16 surgeons. Patients and surgeons generally found the study procedures acceptable and workable. Some declined participation because they did not want treatment allocated at random, or because blinding was off-putting. Surgeons’ perceptions of equipoise varied, and implementation of findings from the future RCT would need to recognise the ‘craft’ nature of surgery and the issue of training.

We conclude that a full RCT with economic analysis will be both feasible and practicable, although mechanisms to safely implement potential changes to practice because of RCT findings may need consideration by the wider arthroplasty community.

In this RCT the primary aim was to assess whether a short (125mm) Exeter V40 stem offered an equivalent hip specific function compared to the standard (150mm) stem when used for cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA). Secondary aims were to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL), patient satisfaction, stem height and alignment, radiographic loosening, and complications between the two stems.

A prospective multicentre double-blind randomised control trial was conducted. During a 15-month period, 220 patients undergoing THA were randomised to either a standard (n=110) or short (n=110) stem Exeter. There were no significant (p≥0.065) differences in preoperative variables between the groups. Functional outcomes and radiographic assessment were undertaken at 1- and 2-years.

There were no differences (p=0.428) in hip specific function according to the Oxford hip score at 1-year (primary endpoint) or at 2-years (p=0.767) between the groups. The short stem group had greater varus angulation (0.9 degrees, p=0.003) when compared to the standard group and were more likely (odds ratio 2.42, p=0.002) to have varus stem alignment beyond one standard deviation from the mean. There were no significant (p≥0.083) differences in the Forgotten joint scores, EuroQol-5-Dimension, EuroQol-VAS, Short form 12, patient satisfaction, complications, stem height or radiolucent zones at 1 or 2-years between the groups.

The Exeter short stem offers equivalent hip specific function, HRQoL, patient satisfaction, and limb length when compared to the standard stem at 2-years post-operation. However, the short stem was associated with a greater rate of varus malalignment which may influence future implant survival.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with revision surgery for the surgical management of Unified Classification System (UCS) type B periprosthetic femoral fractures around cemented polished taper-slip femoral components following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Abstract. Cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the younger patient has historically been associated with higher wear and revision rates. We carried out a retrospective study of a prospectively collected database of patients at Wrightington hospital undergoing cemented THA under 55 years of age to determine acetabular wear and revision rates. Between August 2005 and December 2021 a cohort of 110 patients, 56 males and 54 females, underwent Cemented Total Hip Replacement through a posterior approach. Mean age at operation was 50yrs (35–55). The mean follow up was 6 years 9 months (0–16 years). 3 patients were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 107 patients, Conventional and cross lined polyethylene were used in 54 and 53 patients respectively. Ceramic heads were used in 102 patients. 22.225mm and 28mm heads were used in 60 and 47 patients respectively. Clinical outcomes were assessed by Merle d'Aubigne and Postel scores which showed significant functional improvement. Linear wear was measured on plain radiographs using TRAUMA CAD and cup loosening was assessed by classification of Hodgkinson et al. No cases were revised during the observed follow up period. The mean wear rate in conventional and crosslinked polyethylene cups were 2.31mm (0.1–4.6) and 1.02mm (0.1–2.6) respectively. Cemented THA with both conventional and crosslinked polyethylene provides excellent survival rates in adults under the age of 55 years and crosslinked polyethylene may further improve these results due to improved wear rates

Cemented total hip replacement (THR) provides excellent outcomes and is cost-effective. Polished taper-slip (PTS) stems demonstrate successful results and have overtaken traditional composite-beam (CB) stems. Recent reports indicate they are associated with a higher risk of postoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) compared to CB stems. This study evaluates risk factors influencing fracture characteristics around PTS and CB cemented stems. Data were collected for 584 PFF patients admitted to eight UK centres from 25/05/2006-01/03/2020. Radiographs were assessed for Unified Classification System (UCS) grade and Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) type. Statistical comparisons investigated relationships by age, gender, and stem fixation philosophy (PTS versus CB). The effect of multiple variables was estimated using multinomial logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Median (IQR) age was 79.1 (72.0–86.0) years, 312 (53.6%) patients were female, and 495 (85.1%) stems were PTS. The commonest UCS grade was type B1 (278, 47.6%). The commonest AO/OTA type was spiral (352, 60.3%). Metaphyseal-split fractures occurred only with PTS stems with an incidence of 10.1%. Male gender was associated with a five-fold reduction in odds of a type C fracture (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.41, p<0.001) compared to a type B fracture. CB stems were associated with significantly increased odds of transverse fracture (OR 9.51, 95% CI 3.72 to 24.34, p <0.001) and wedge fracture (OR 3.72, 95% CI 1.16 to 11.95, p <0.05) compared to PTS stems. This is the largest study investigating PFF characteristics around cemented stems. The commonest fracture types are B1 and spiral fractures. PTS stems are exclusively associated with metaphyseal-split fractures, but their incidence is low. Males have lower odds of UCS grade C fractures compared to females. CB stems had higher odds of bending type fractures (transverse and wedge) compared to PTS stems. Biomechanical testing is needed for validation and investigation of modifiable factors which may reduce the risk of unstable fracture patterns requiring complex revision surgery over internal fixation

Aims

This study evaluates risk factors influencing fracture characteristics for postoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) around cemented stems in total hip arthroplasty.

Introduction

The global rapid growth of the aging population has some likelihood to create a serious crisis on health-care and economy at an unprecedented pace. To extend Healthy Life Expectancy (HALE) in a number of countries, it is desired more than ever to investigate characteristic and prognosis of numerous diseases. This enlightenment and recent studies on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) will drive the increasing interest in the quality of life among the world.

The demand for primary THAs by 2030 would rise up to 174% in USA. It is expected that the number of the elderly will surge significantly in the future, thus more septuagenarian and octogenarian are undergoing THA. Moreover, HALE of Japanese female near the age of 75 years, followed to Singapore, is still increasing. Therefore, concerns exist about the PROMs of performing THA in this age-group worldwide. Nevertheless almost the well-established procedure, little agreement has been reached to the elderly. We aimed to clarify the mid-term PROMs after THA over 75-year old.

Objectives. Our primary aim was to describe migration of the Exeter stem with a 32 mm head on highly crosslinked polyethylene and whether this is influenced by age. Our secondary aims were to assess functional outcome, satisfaction, activity, and bone mineral density (BMD) according to age. Patients and Methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted. Patients were recruited into three age groups: less than 65 years (n = 65), 65 to 74 years (n = 68), and 75 years and older (n = 67). There were 200 patients enrolled in the study, of whom 115 were female and 85 were male, with a mean age of 69.9 years (sd 9.5, 42 to 92). They were assessed preoperatively, and at three, 12 and, 24 months postoperatively. Stem migration was assessed using Einzel-Bild-Röntgen-Analyse (EBRA). Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Harris Hip Score (HHS), Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), EuroQol-5 domains questionnaire (EQ-5D), short form-36 questionnaire (SF-36,) and patient satisfaction were used to assess outcome. The Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and activPAL monitor (energy expelled, time lying/standing/walking and step count) were used to assess activity. The BMD was assessed in Gruen and Charnley zones. Results. Mean varus/valgus tilt was -0.77⁰ and axial subsidence was -1.20 mm. No significant difference was observed between age groups (p ⩾ 0.07). There was no difference according to age group for postoperative WOMAC (p ⩾ 0.11), HHS (p ⩾ 0.06), HOOS (p ⩾ 0.46), EQ-5D (p ⩾ 0.38), patient satisfaction (p ⩾ 0.05), or activPAL (p ⩾ 0.06). Patients 75 years and older had a worse SF-36 physical function (p = 0.01) and physical role (p = 0.03), LEAS score (p < 0.001), a shorter TUG (p = 0.01), and a lower BMD in Charnley zone 1 (p = 0.02). Conclusion. Exeter stem migration is within normal limits and is not influenced by age group. Functional outcome, patient satisfaction, activity level, and periprosthetic BMD are similar across all age groups. Cite this article: N. D. Clement, M. Bardgett, K. Merrie, S. Furtado, R. Bowman, D. J. Langton, D. J. Deehan, J. Holland. Cemented Exeter total hip arthroplasty with a 32 mm head on highly crosslinked polyethylene: Does age influence functional outcome, satisfaction, activity, stem migration, and periprosthetic bone mineral density? Bone Joint Res 2019;8:275–287. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.86.BJR-2018-0300.R1

Introduction

We have investigated the long-term (minimum follow-up period; 10 years) clinical results of the total hip arthroplasty (THA) using K-MAX HS-3 tapered stem.

The ideal operative treatment of displaced sub capital femoral fractures in the elderly is controversial. Recently, randomised controlled trials have suggested a better outcome with the use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) to treat displaced intra capsular fractures of the femur for elderly patients in good health. More recently the concept of dual mobility cups is being promoted to avoid dislocations in this cohort of patients. However, overall there is limited evidence to support the choice between different types of arthroplasty. Dislocation remains a main concern with THA, especially when a posterior approach is used.

We analysed the outcome of 115 primary THR (112 cements and 3 uncemented) THR using a posterior approach with soft tissue repair in active elderly patients presenting with displaced intra capsular femoral neck fractures. Size 28 mm head was used in 108 and a size 32 mm head in the rest. All surgery was performed by specialist hip surgeons.

Satisfactory results were noted in terms of pain control, return to pre-morbid activity and radiological evidence of bone implant osteo-integration. The 30-day mortality was nil. There were two dislocations and only one needed revision surgery due to recurrent dislocation.

In conclusion, with optimal patient selection, THA seems to provide a good functional outcome and pain relief in the management of displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures. Excellent outcome can be achieved when done well using the standard cemented THR and with 28mm head. A good soft tissue repair and a specialist hip surgeon is preferable.

Aims

To evaluate the outcomes of cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) following a fracture of the acetabulum, with evaluation of risk factors and comparison with a patient group with no history of fracture.

Occlusion of the femoral canal is an important step in cemented hip arthroplasty. The goal of occlusion is to allow cement pressurisation and prevent cement egress into the femoral diaphysis. There are numerous designs of cement plugs made out of different materials but there is no consensus or clinical guideline for the choice of cement restrictors. At our centre two types of plugs are used – autologous bone block from femoral canal and the gelatine C-plug (Depuy International). We conducted this study to evaluate the stability of these two plugs and their effect on quality of cementation.

The purpose of our study was to assess retrospectively both the length of the “cement tail” i.e. the length of the cement column distal to the stem tip and the cement mantle quality in both groups.

A retrospective comparative review was designed after approval from the local R & D department. Power analysis indicated that a minimum of 74 patients per group would be needed. A total of 203 consecutive patients were analysed, 89 received an autologous bone block and 114 had C-plugs. Apart from the plugs both the groups were treated similarly with regards to surgical approach, cementing and operative technique. Surgical technique was to achieve adequate pressurisation and a minimum length of cement tail.

Immediate post-operative radiographs were used for analysis. The primary outcome measure was the length of the cement tail, i.e. the length of the cement column from the tip of the stem. The secondary outcome measure was the quality of cementing which was quantified using Barrack's grading.

The data was tested for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test. The means of cement tail lengths in between the two groups were compared using the Wilcoxon ranked sum test. The cementation grades were compared using ANOVA. The correlation between the length of cement tail and the quality of cementation was calculated using ordinal regression.

Both the groups were similar in terms of age, sex and primary diagnosis. The mean cement tail length was 6.42 (SE 0.71 mms; range-0–31) in the bone block group and 17.11 (SE-1.34 mms; range 0–65.7 mms) in the C-plug group. This difference was statistically significant (p< 0.0001). The proportion of patients with good quality of cementation (grade A) was significantly higher in the bone block group (80.6%) as compared to the C-plug group (56%) (p < 0.0001). There was a negative correlation between the length of the cement tail and the Barrack grade (rho=0.398), indicating that a short cement tail is associated with better quality cementation.

Quality of cementation is of paramount importance in cemented hip arthroplasty. Revision surgery can be more difficult and higher risk in the presence of a long cement tail. We have shown that better quality cementation and shorter cement tails can be achieved with the cheapest of all options for canal occlusion, an autologous bone block and recommend its use.

Orthopaedics has been earmarked as one of the specialties that could make significant savings in the National Health Service. A large number of young adults are receiving total hip replacements and there has been a trend towards using uncemented implants. We describe the clinical and functional results at minimum 19 year follow up of cemented total hip replacements in patients under the age of fifty-five in our health region between 1990 and 1997.

104 cemented THRs performed in 100 patients under 55 years were included in this study. The follow-up data had been collected prospectively in the University database. 88.46% hips showed good to excellent results at final follow-up with a mean Harris hip score of 87.9±8.64. Revision was performed in 2 hips (1.92%), one for aseptic acetabular loosening and the other for late haematogenous infection. Probable radiological loosening was seen in 14 acetabular components (14.89%) and 4 femoral components (4.25%) at final follow-up. The mean rate of acetabular wear was 0.12mm/year and was not influenced by gender or diagnosis. The mean follow-up was 21.68±2.11 years (range 19 to 26 years) and the survivorship at 19 years was 98.07%.

The GIRFT report looked at the economic aspect of implant selection and found that the cost of uncemented implants was almost double that of the cemented implants. Savings of atleast £10 million a year can be made if cemented implants were used. We recommend that in a publically funded health system like the NHS, cemented implants can be used in patients under 55 with good long term functional outcomes and large savings in the healthcare costs.

Purpose

It is generally accepted that the cement mantle surrounding the femoral component of a cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) should be complete without any defects, and of at least 2 mm in thickness. Radiographic evaluation is the basis for assessment of the cement mantle. The adequacy of radiographic interpretation is subject to debate. Poor interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility of radiographic cement mantle assessment has been reported. In this study, 3D template software was used that allow anatomical measurements and analysis of three-dimensional digital femura geometry based on CT scans. The purpose of this study is to analyze the three-dimensional cement mantle thickness of cemented hip stem.

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to assess 5–10 years' follow-up results after acetabular impaction bone grafting (IBG) in primary cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) for cases with acetabular bone defect.

We report the five-year outcome of a randomised controlled trial which used radiostereometric analysis (RSA) to assess the influence of surface oxidised zirconium (OxZr, Oxinium) on polyethylene wear in vivo.

A total of 120 patients, 85 women and 35 men with a mean age of 70 years (59 to 80) who were scheduled for primary cemented total hip arthroplasty were randomly allocated to four study groups. Patients were blinded to their group assignment and received either a conventional polyethylene (CPE) or a highly cross-linked (HXL) acetabular component of identical design. On the femoral side patients received a 28 mm head made of either cobalt-chromium (CoCr) or OxZr.

The proximal head penetration (wear) was measured with repeated RSA examinations over five years. Clinical outcome was measured using the Harris hip score.

There was no difference in polyethylene wear between the two head materials when used with either of the two types of acetabular component (p = 0.3 to 0.6). When comparing the two types of polyethylene there was a significant difference in favour of HXLPE, regardless of the head material used (p < 0.001).

In conclusion, we found no advantage of OxZr over CoCr in terms of polyethylene wear after five years of follow-up. Our findings do not support laboratory results which have shown a reduced rate of wear with OxZr. They do however add to the evidence on the better resistance to wear of HXLPE over CPE.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1463–9.

This study reports the results of 38 total hip arthroplasties (THAs) in 33 patients aged <  50 years, using the JRI Furlong hydroxyapatite ceramic (HAC)-coated femoral component. This represents an update of previous reports of the same cohort at ten and 16 years, which were reported in 2004 and 2009, respectively. We describe the survival, radiological and functional outcomes at a mean follow-up of 21 years (17 to 25). Of the surviving 34 THAs, one underwent femoral revision for peri-prosthetic fracture after 21 years, and one patient (one hip) was lost to follow-up. Using aseptic loosening as the end-point, 12 hips (31.5%) needed acetabular revision but none needed femoral revision, demonstrating 100% survival (95% confidence interval 89 to 100).

In young patients with high demands, the Furlong HAC–coated femoral component gives excellent long-term results.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:749–54.

Cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become an extremely successful operation with excellent long-term results. Although it always remained a popular choice for the elderly patients in many countries, recent trends show an increased use of non-cemented stems in all age populations in many national registries. So far, there has been no clear age associated recommendation, when a cemented stem should be used. Described major complications such as periprosthetic fractures are usually associated at age >75 years, in many registries. Uncemented stems perform better than cemented stems in recent registries; however, unrecognised intraoperative femoral fractures may be an important reason for early failure of uncemented stems. Experimental studies have indicated that intraoperative fractures do affect implant survival, in addition it has been shown that intraoperative and direct postoperative fractures increase the relative risk of revision during the first 6 postoperative months significantly. Furthermore it has been clearly shown, that uncemented stems were more frequently revised due to periprosthetic fracture during the first 2 postoperative years than cemented stems. Although often associated reduction of femoral bone quality in especially female patients >60 years, uncemented fixation has become the standard in most scenarios worldwide. Based on the implant fixation type: metaphyseal vs. diaphyseal of various uncemented stems, major attention should be, however, drawn to the intraoperative bone quality during the broaching process, especially for metaphyseal fixation stem types. Although cementless distal fixation can be achieved in thick cortices still in many patients, the incidence of associated thigh pain needs to be considered for some implant types. Furthermore small femoral canals might generate certain implant-bone size mismatch in relation to the proximal femur, thus nonoptimal fixation could be achieved. Consequently proper implant planning is mandatory preoperatively. In any cemented THA, a proper cementing technique is of major importance to assure longevity of implant fixation. This also includes proper implant sizing/ templating, ensuring an adequate cement mantle thickness, which might be restricted in a small diameter femur. The desired outcome is a cement interdigitation into cancellous bone for 2–3mm and an additional mantle of 2mm pure cement. Consequently proper planning in small diameter patients, prevents sizing problems, while in few cases special/individualised stem sizes might be considered. In summary attention needs to be drawn on small diameter stems, to prevent fractures and achieve proper implant fixation, in both uncemented and cemented fixation types. Proper implant planning preoperatively might be more important than in usual cases, while sometimes individual /small implant types might become necessary