Aims. Rotator cuff tear (RCT) is the leading cause of shoulder pain, primarily associated with age-related tendon degeneration. This study aimed to elucidate the potential differential gene expressions in tendons across different age groups, and to investigate their roles in tendon degeneration. Methods. Linear regression and differential expression (DE) analyses were performed on two transcriptome profiling datasets of torn supraspinatus tendons to identify age-related genes. Subsequent functional analyses were conducted on these candidate genes to explore their potential roles in tendon ageing. Additionally, a secondary DE analysis was performed on candidate genes by comparing their expressions between lesioned and normal tendons to explore their correlations with RCTs. Results. We identified 49 genes in torn supraspinatus tendons associated with advancing age. Among them, five age-related genes showed DE in lesioned tendons compared to normal tendons. Functional analyses and previous studies have highlighted their specific enrichments in biological functions, such as muscle development (e.g. myosin heavy chain 3 (MYH3)), transcription regulation (e.g. CCAAT enhancer binding brotein delta (CEBPD)), and metal ion homeostasis (e.g. metallothionein 1X (MT1X)). Conclusion. This study uncovered molecular aspects of tendon ageing and their potential links to RCT development, offering insights for targeted interventions. These findings enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of tendon degeneration, allowing potential strategies to be made for reducing the incidence of RCT. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(9):474–484

Aims

Dual-mobility (DM) components are increasingly used to prevent and treat dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Intraprosthetic dissociation (IPD) is a rare complication of DM that is believed to have decreased with contemporary implants. This study aimed to report incidence, treatment, and outcomes of contemporary DM IPD.

Aims. In metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) total hip arthroplasty (THA), large metal femoral heads have been used to increase stability and reduce the risk of dislocation. The increased size of the femoral head can, however, lead to increased taper corrosion, with the release of metal ions and adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the size of the femoral head and the levels of metal ions in the blood in these patients. Methods. A total of 96 patients were enrolled at two centres and randomized to undergo MoP THA using either a 32 mm metal head or a femoral head of between 36 mm and 44 mm in size, being the largest possible to fit the thinnest available polyethylene insert. The levels of metal ions and patient-reported outcome measures (Oxford Hip Score, University of California, Los Angeles Activity Scale) were recorded at two and five years postoperatively. Results. At five years, the median levels of chromium, cobalt, and titanium were 0.5 μg/l (interquartile range (IQR) 0.50 to 0.62), 0.24 μg/l (IQR 0.18 to 0.30), and 1.16 μg/l (IQR 1.0 to 1.68) for the 32 mm group, and 0.5 μg/l (IQR 0.5 to 0.54), 0.23 μg/l (IQR 0.17 to 0.39), and 1.30 μg/l (IQR 1 to 2.05) for the 36 mm to 44 mm group, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.825, p = 1.000, p = 0.558). There were increased levels of metal ions at two years postoperatively in seven patients in the 32 mm group, compared with four in the 36 mm to 44 mm group, and at five years postoperatively in six patients in the 32 mm group, compared with seven in the 36 mm to 44 mm group. There was no significant difference in either the OHS (p = 0.665) or UCLA (p = 0.831) scores between patients with or without an increased level of metal ions. Conclusion. In patients who underwent MoP THA, we found no differences in the levels of metal ions five years postoperatively between those with a femoral head of 32 mm and those with a femoral head of between 36 mm and 44 mm, and no corrosion-related revisions. As taper corrosion can start after five years, there remains a need for longer-term studies investigating the relationship between the size of the femoral head size and corrosion in patients undergoing MoP THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3 Supple A):31–37

Aim. Antibacterial activity of coatings based on metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) often depends on materials and biotic targets resulting in a material-specific killing activity of selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including drug-resistant strains. In this perspective, the NPs loading amount, the relative elemental concentration inside the nanogranular building blocks and the deposition method are of paramount importance when the goal is to widen the antimicrobial spectrum, but at the same time to avoid high levels of metal content to limit undesired toxic effects. Aim of the present study was evaluation of the antimicrobial properties of two multielement nanogranular coatings composed of Titanium-Silver and Copper and of Magnesium-Silver and Copper. Method. Ti-Ag-Cu and Mg-Ag-Cu NPs were deposited on circular cover glasses (VWR) by Supersonic Cluster Beam Deposition. Biofilm-producer strains of Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin susceptible and resistant), Staphylococcus epidermidis (methicillin susceptible and resistant), Escherichia coli (fully susceptible and producer of extended spectrum beta lactamases), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (susceptible and multidrug-resistant) were selected. The abilities of the selected strains to adhere, colonize and produce biofilm on the discs coated with Ti-Ag-Cu or Mg-Ag-Cu NPs were compared to uncoated circular cover glasses which were used as growth control. Cytotoxicity was also evaluated in order to assess the biocompatibility of the newly synthesized NPs. Results. In comparison to uncoated controls, both coatings showed significant anti-adhesive properties against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and E. coli. Reduction in adhesion to Mg-Ag-Cu coated discs was observed also for P. aeruginosa isolates, although differences vs uncoated controls did not reach statistical significance. Biofilm formation was reduced on discs coated with Mg-Ag-Cu compared to Ti-Ag-Cu and, again, coatings had a milder effect on P. aeruginosa, probably due to its exceptional capability of attachment and matrix production. These results were confirmed by the evaluation of bacterial colonization on nanoparticles-coated discs by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy. A viability of 95.8% and 89.4% of cells cultured in the presence of Ti-Ag-Cu and Mg-Ag-Cu discs, respectively, when compared to negative controls was observed, thus excluding cytotoxic effects on eukaryotic cells. Conclusions. The newly synthesized Ti-Ag-Cu and Mg-Ag-Cu coatings are able to limit bacterial adhesion colonization and biofilm production, thus highlighting the safe use of multi-element families of NPs as new strategies against bacterial attachment to the surface of biomedical implants. However, further studies addressing activity against P. aeruginosa and including a wide number of isolates are warranted

Aims. The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) arthroplasty has been used as a surgical treatment of coxarthrosis since 1997. We present 20-year results of 234 consecutive BHRs performed in our unit. Methods. Between 1999 and 2001, there were 217 patients: 142 males (65.4%), mean age 52 years (18 to 68) who had 234 implants (17 bilateral). They had patient-reported outcome measures collected, imaging (radiograph and ultrasound), and serum metal ion assessment. Survivorship analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Revision for any cause was considered as an endpoint for the analysis. Results. Mean follow-up was 20.9 years (19.3 to 22.4). Registry data revealed that 19 hips (8.1%) had been revised and 26 patients (12%) had died from causes unrelated to the BHR. Among the remaining 189 hips, 61% were available for clinical follow-up at 20 years (n = 115) and 70% of patients had biochemical follow-up (n = 132). The cumulative implant survival rate at 20 years for male patients was 96.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 93.5 to 99.6), and for female patients 87% (95% CI 79.7 to 94.9). The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.029). The mean Oxford Hip Score, Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Forgotten Joint Score were 45 (29 to 48), 89 (43 to 100), and 84 (19 to 100), respectively. The mean scores for each of the five domains of the EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire were 1.2, 1.0, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.1, and mean overall score 82.6 (50 to 100). Ultrasound showed no pseudotumour. Mean cobalt and chromium levels were 32.1 nmol/l (1 to 374) and 45.5 nmol/l (9 to 408), respectively. Conclusion. This study shows that BHRs provide excellent survivorship and functional outcomes in young male patients. At 20 years, soft-tissue imaging and serum metal ion studies suggest that a metal-on-metal resurfacing implant can be well tolerated in a group of young patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(9):946–952

Aims

The aims of the study were to report for a cohort aged younger than 40 years: 1) indications for HRA; 2) patient-reported outcomes in terms of the modified Harris Hip Score (HHS); 3) dislocation rate; and 4) revision rate.

The implantation of endoprosthesis is a routine procedure in orthopaedics. Endoprosthesis are mainly manufactured from ceramics, polymers, metals or metal alloys. To ensure longevity of the implants they should be as biocompatible as possible and ideally have antibacterial properties, to avoid periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). Various antibacterial implant materials have been proposed, but have so far only been used sporadically in patients. PJI is one of the main risk factors for revision surgeries. The aim of the study was to identify novel implant coatings that both exhibit antibacterial properties whilst having optimal biocompatibility. Six different novel implant coatings and surface modifications (EBM TiAl6V4, strontium, TiCuN, TiNbN, gentamicin phosphate (GP), gentamicin phosphate+cationic polymer (GP+CP)) were compared to standard CoCrMo-alloy. The coatings were further characterized with regard to the surface roughness. E. coli and S. capitis were cultured on the modified surfaces to investigate the antibacterial properties. To quantify bacterial proliferation the optical density (OD) was measured and viability was determined using colony forming units (CFU). Murine bone marrow derived macrophages (BMMs) were cultured on the surfaces and differentiated into osteoblasts to quantify the mineralisation using the alizarin red assay. All novel coatings showed reduced bacterial proliferation and viability compared to standard CoCrMo-alloy. A significant reduction was observed for GP and GP+CP coated samples compared to CoCrMo (OD. GP,E.coli. = 0.18±0.4; OD. GP+CP,E.coli. = 0.13±0.3; p≤0.0002; N≥7-8). An increase in osteoblast-mediated mineralisation was observed on all surfaces tested compared to CoCrMo. Furthermore, GP and GP+CP coated samples showed a statistically significant increase (M. GP. = 0.21±0.1; M. GP+CP. = 0.25±0.2; p<0.0001; N≥3-6). The preliminary data indicates that the gentamicin containing surfaces have the most effective antibacterial property and the highest osseointegrative capacity. The use of antibiotic coatings on prostheses could reduce the risk of PJI while being applied on osseointegrative implant surfaces

Cobalt chrome alloy is commonly used in joint replacement surgery. However, it is recognised that some patients develop lymphocyte mediated delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses to this material, which may result in extensive bone and soft tissue destruction. Phase 1. United Kingdom: From an existing database, we identified extreme phenotype patient groups following metal on metal (MoM) hip resurfacing or THR: ALVAL with low wearing prostheses; ALVAL with high wear; no ALVAL with high wear; and asymptomatic patients with implants in situ for longer than ten years. Class I and II HLA genotype frequency distributions were compared between these patients’ groups, and in silico peptide binding studies were carried out using validated methodology. Phase 2. United Kingdom: We expanded the study to include more patients, including those with intermediary phenotypes to test whether an algorithm could be developed incorporating “risk genotypes”, patient age, sex and metal exposure. This model was trained in phase 3. Phase 3. United Kingdom, Australia, United States. Patients from other centres were invited to give DNA samples. The data set was split in two. 70% was used to develop machine learning models to predict failure secondary to DTH. The predictions were tested using the remaining blinded 30% of data, using time-dependent AUROCs, and integrated calibration index performance statistics. A total of 606 DNA samples, from 397 males and 209 female patients, were typed. This included 176 from patients with failed prostheses, and 430 from asymptomatic patients at a mean of >10 years follow up. C-index and ROC(t) scores suggested a high degree of discrimination, whilst the IBS indicated good calibration and further backed up the indication of high discriminatory ability. At ten years, the weighted mean survival probability error was < 4%. At present, there are no tests in widespread clinical use which use a patient's genetic profile to guide implant selection or inform post-operative management. The algorithm described herein may address this issue and we suggest that the application may not be restricted to the field of MoM hip arthroplasty

Aims. This study compared the cobalt and chromium serum ion concentration of patients treated with two different metal-on-metal (MoM) hinged total knee arthroplasty (TKA) systems, as well as a titanium nitride (TiN)-coated variant. Methods. A total of 63 patients (65 implants) were treated using either a MoM-coated (n = 29) or TiN-coated (n = 7) hinged TKA (GenuX mobile bearing, MUTARS; Implantcast, Germany) versus the BPKS (Brehm, Germany) hinged TKA (n = 27), in which the weight placed on the MoM hinge is diffused through a polyethylene (PE) inlay, reducing the direct load on the MoM hinge. Serum cobalt and chromium ion concentrations were assessed after minimum follow-up of 12 months, as well as functional outcome and quality of life. Results. No differences in mean age (69 years, 40 to 86), mean age adapted Charlson Comorbidity Index (3.1 (SD 1.4)), mean BMI (29.2 kg/m. 2. (SD 5.8)), or number of other implants were observed between groups. Significant improvements in outcome scores and pain levels were achieved for all groups, and there was no difference in quality of life (12-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-12)). Mean cobalt and chromium ion levels were significantly higher for the GenuX versus the BPKS hinged TKA (GenuX vs BPKS: cobalt: 16.3 vs 9.4 µg/l; chromium: 9.5 vs 5.2 µg/l). The TiN-coated implants did not appear to confer improvement in the metal ion levels. Metal ion concentrations above 7 µg/l were detected in 81%(29/36) of GenuX patients versus 41% (11/27) in the BPKS group. No GenuX patients had normal levels under 2 µg/l, versus 22% of BPKS patients. No significant reduction in outcome scores was observed regardless of the metal ion levels, whereas higher work-related activity was correlated with higher chromium concentrations. Conclusion. Hinged TKA, using MoM hinges, resulted in critically high cobalt and chromium ion concentrations. The BPKS hinged TKA showed significantly lower metal ion concentrations compared with the GenuX TKA. No benefits were observed using TiN coating. The different weightbearing mechanics might influence the wear of the component materials. Higher workloads and physical activity could influence chromium levels. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(3):376–385

Aims

Large-diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) has demonstrated unexpected high failure rates and pseudotumour formation. The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to report ten-year results in order to establish revision rate, prevalence of pseudotumour formation, and relation with whole blood cobalt levels.

Aims. Metal allergy in knee arthroplasty patients is a controversial topic. We aimed to conduct a scoping review to clarify the management of metal allergy in primary and revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. Studies were identified by searching electronic databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase, from their inception to November 2020, for studies evaluating TKA patients with metal hypersensitivity/allergy. All studies reporting on diagnosing or managing metal hypersensitivity in TKA were included. Data were extracted and summarized based on study design, study population, interventions and outcomes. A practical guide is then formulated based on the available evidence. Results. We included 38 heterogeneous studies (two randomized controlled trials, six comparative studies, 19 case series, and 11 case reports). The evidence indicates that metal hypersensitivity is a rare complication with some histopathological features leading to pain and dissatisfaction with no reliable screening tests preoperatively. Hypoallergenic implants are viable alternatives for patients with self-reported/confirmed metal hypersensitivity if declared preoperatively; however, concerns remain over their long-term outcomes with ceramic implants outperforming titanium nitride-coated implants and informed consent is paramount. For patients presenting with painful TKA, metal hypersensitivity is a diagnosis of exclusion where patch skin testing, lymphocyte transformation test, and synovial biopsies are useful adjuncts before revision surgery is undertaken to hypoallergenic implants with shared decision-making and informed consent. Conclusion. Using the limited available evidence in the literature, we provide a practical approach to metal hypersensitivity in TKA patients. Future national/registry-based studies are needed to identify the scale of metal hypersensitivity, agreed diagnostic criteria, and management strategies. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(10):785–795

Aims

The main advantage of 3D-printed, off-the-shelf acetabular implants is the potential to promote enhanced bony fixation due to their controllable porous structure. In this study we investigated the extent of osseointegration in retrieved 3D-printed acetabular implants.

An increase in metal ion levels is seen after implantation of all MoM hip prosthesis due to release from the surface directly, more so during articulation and corrosion of the bearing surfaces. The bearing surfaces in MoM prosthesis consist of cobalt, chromium and molybdenum. Several case-reports of cobalt toxicity due to a MoM prosthesis have been published in the last decade. Cobalt intoxication may lead to a variety of symptoms: neuro-ocular toxicity (tinnitus, vertigo, deafness, blindness, convulsions, headaches and peripheral neuropathy), cardiotoxicity and thyroid toxicity. Nausea, anorexia and unexplained weight loss have been described. Systemic effects from metal ions even with well functioning implants or with ion concentrations lower than those associated with known adverse effects may exist and warrant investigation. The aim of this study is to investigate self-reported systemic complaints in association with cobalt ion concentrations in patients with any type of MoM hip prosthesis. A cohort study was conducted. Patients with both unilateral and bilateral, resurfacing and large head metal on metal total hip arthroplasties were included for the current study. Blood metal ion concentrations (cobalt and chromium) were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Based on the known cobalt toxicity symptoms of case-reports and toxicology reports a new non-validated questionnaire was developed. questions were subdivided in general questions/symptoms, vestibular symptoms, neurological symptoms, emotional health and cardio- and thyroid toxicity symptoms. Independent samples T test, Fishers Exact Test and Pearsons (R) correlation were used. Analysis was performed on two groups; a low cobalt ion concentration group and a high cobalt ion concentration group A total of 62 patients, 36 (58%) men and 26 (42%) women, were included with a mean age at surgery of 60.8 ± 9.3 years (41.6 – 78.1) and a mean follow up of 6.3 ± 1.4years (3.7 – 9.6). In these patients a total of 71 prosthesis were implanted: 53 unilateral and 9 bilateral. Of these, 44 were resurfacing and 27 large head metal on metal (LHMoM) total hip arthroplasties. Mean cobalt and chromium ion concentrations were 104 ± 141 nmol/L (9 – 833) and 95 ± 130nmol/L (6 – 592), respectively. Based on the different thresholds (120 – 170 or 220 nmol/L) the low cobalt ion concentration group consisted of 44 (71%), 51 (82%) or 55 (89%) subjects respectively. No differences were found in general characteristics, independently of the threshold. The composite score of vestibular symptoms (vision, hearing, tinnitus, dizziness) was significantly higher (p < .050) in all high cobalt ion concentrations groups, independent of the threshold value This study aimed to detect a trend in self-reported systemic complaints in patients with metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty due to raised cobalt ion concentrations. Vestibular symptoms were more common in high cobalt ion concentration groups independent of the three threshold levels tested. The upper limit of acceptable cobalt ion concentrations remains uncertain. With regards to proactively inquired, self-reported symptoms the threshold where effects may be present could be lower than values currently applied in clinical follow-up. It is unknown what exposure to elevated metal ion concentrations for a longer period of time causes with aging subjects. Further research with a larger cohort and a more standardized questionnaire is necessary to detect previously undiscovered or under-reported effects

Introduction. The rise of the anterior approach (AA) in primary surgery has led to enthusiasm for using this approach in revision surgery, especially because head and liner exchanges have been accompanied by a high dislocation rate when the posterior approach (PA) is used. The aim of this study was to compare the institutional dislocation rate comparing the PA and AA in isolated head and liner exchange. Methods. A retrospective institutional database query was done to identify all aseptic head and liner exchanges between the years 2010- June, 2020. 186 hips were identified with an average age of 64.8+/−10.8 yrs (27.9–87.6) and average BMI of 28.7+/−6.3 kg/m2 (16.2–52). The reason for revision was polyethylene wear and osteolysis in 105 hips (56.5%), adverse tissue reaction to metal on metal (MOM) in 43 hips (23.1%), and recurrent instability in 38 hips (20.4%). The approach used for the revision surgery was PA in 128 hips (68.8%) and AA in 58 hips (31.2%). The mean follow-up for this cohort is 1.9±2 yrs (0.0–8.6). Results. The overall dislocation rate for the entire cohort was 28/186 (15%). There was no difference in the dislocation rate whether the revision surgery was performed by the PA 19/128 (15%) or the AA 9/58 (16%) (p=0.9). With the numbers available, there was no difference in dislocation rates when comparing reason for revision: poly wear/osteolysis 12/105 (11%), MOM 8/43 (19%) or recurrent instability 8/38 (21%) (p=0.28). The head size used in the exchange did not influence the dislocation rate; 28 mm-2/11 (18%), 32 mm-6/56 (11%), 36 mm-16/91 (18%), 40 mm-4/26 (15%) (p=0.89). Conclusion. The use of either the PA or AA did not alter the dislocation rate in our cohort. While there was a trend towards a higher dislocation rate when liner exchange was performed for MOM or recurrent instability, no statistical difference was shown with the numbers available. The head size used in the revision did not influence the rate of dislocation

Glenoid failure remains the most common mode of total shoulder arthroplasty failures. Porous tantalum metal (Trabecular Metal™, Zimmer) have grown in popularity in hip and knee arthroplasty. First-generation porous tantalum metal-backed glenoid components demonstrated metal debris, resulted in failure, and were revised to second-generation glenoid implants. Evidence for second-generation porous tantalum metal implants in shoulder arthroplasty is sparse.1–4 The purpose of this study was to assess clinical and radiographic outcomes in a series of patients with second-generation porous tantalum glenoid components at a minimum two-years postoperative. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients who received a second-generation porous tantalum glenoid component anatomic shoulder arthroplasty between May 2009 and December 2017 with minimum 24 months follow-up. The shoulder arthroplasties were performed by one of two senior fellowship-trained surgeons. We collected postoperative clinical outcome indicators: EQ5D visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) Index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, and Constant Score (CS). Radiographic review was performed by an independent fellowship-trained surgeon. The Endrizzi metal debris grading system1 was utilized to grade metal debris. We computed descriptive statistics and compared outcome scores between groups via the non-parametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test, with group-wise comparisons defined by: metal debris and humeral head migration (secondary analyses). Thirty-five patients [23 male (65.7%) and 12 female (34.3%)] with 40 shoulder replacements participated in the study. Forty of 61 shoulders (65.6%) had an average of 64 ± 20.3 months follow-up (range 31 to 95). Average BMI was 27.5 ± 4.4 kg/m2 (range 19.5 to 39.1). The average postoperative EQ5D VAS at final follow-up was 74.6 ± 22.5, WOOS Index 87.9 ± 16.6, ASES Score 88.3 ± 10.9, and CS 80.4 ± 13. At final follow-up, 18 of 40 shoulders (45%) had metal debris [15 of 40 (37.5%) Endrizzi grade 1 and three of 40 (7.5%) Endrizzi grade 2], and 22 of 40 shoulders (55%) did not show evidence of metal debris. There was one non-revision reoperation (open subscapularis exploration), one shoulder with anterosuperior escape, three shoulders with glenoid radiolucencies indicative of possible glenoid loosening, and nine shoulders with superior migration of the humeral head (>2mm migration at final follow-up compared to immediate postoperative). When comparing postoperative scores between patients with vs without metal debris, we found no statistically significant difference in the EQ5D VAS, WOOS Index, ASES Score and CS. On further analyses, when comparing superior migration of the humeral head and postoperative outcomes scores, we found no statistically significant difference. We report the longest published follow-up with clinical and radiographic outcomes of second-generation porous tantalum glenoid anatomic shoulder arthroplasties. In this series of patients, 45% of total shoulder arthroplasties with a second-generation porous tantalum glenoid implant had radiographic evidence of metal debris. This metal debris was not statistically associated with poorer postoperative outcomes. Further investigation and ongoing follow-up are warranted

Aims. This study aimed to determine if macrophages can attach and directly affect the oxide layers of 316L stainless steel, titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V), and cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy (CoCrMo) by releasing components of these alloys. Methods. Murine peritoneal macrophages were cultured and placed on stainless steel, CoCrMo, and Ti6Al4V discs into a 96-well plate. Cells were activated with interferon gamma and lipopolysaccharide. Macrophages on stainless steel discs produced significantly more nitric oxide (NO) compared to their control counterparts after eight to ten days and remained elevated for the duration of the experiment. Results. On stainless steel, both nonactivated and activated cell groups were shown to have a significant increase in metal ion release for Cr, Fe, and Ni (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, and p = 0.020 respectively) compared with medium only and showed macrophage-sized corrosive pits on the stainless steel surface. On titanium alloy discs there was a significant increase in aluminum (p < 0.001) among all groups compared with medium only. Conclusion. These results indicated that macrophages were able to attach to and affect the oxide surface of stainless steel and titanium alloy discs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7 Supple B):116–121

Aims

Studying the indications for revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) may enable surgeons to change their practice during the initial procedure, thereby reducing the need for revision surgery. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the potentially avoidable indications for revision THA within five years of the initial procedure.

Objectives. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most successful surgical procedures; several bearing technologies have been used, however none of these is optimal. Metal on polycarbonate-urethane (PCU) is a new bearing technology with several potential advantages: PCU is a hydrophilic soft pliable implant quite similar in elasticity to human cartilage, offers biostability, high resistance to hydrolysis, oxidation, and calcification, no biodegradation, low wear rate and high corrosion resistance and can be coupled with large metal heads (Tribofit Hip System, THS). The aim of this prospective study was to report the survivorship and the clinical and radiographic outcomes and the metal ions dosage of a group of patients operated with metal on PCU arthroplasty featuring large metal diameter heads, at 5 years from surgery. Study Design & Methods. 68 consecutive patients treated with the THS were included. The patients have been contacted by phone call and invited to return to our centre for clinical (Oxford Hip Score, OHS, and Harris Hip Score, HHS), radiographic exam and metal ion levels evaluation. All the patients were operated with uncemented stems. Results. The survival rate is 100% and no major complications were seen. The average preoperative OHS was 17 (6–34), at follow-up it was 44 (40–48). The average preoperative HHS was 48 (12–76), at follow-up it was 93 (84–100). On the x rays taken at follow-up, no signs of periprosthetic bone rarefaction and/or osteolysis were seen. No signs of PCU liner wear were visible. At follow up mean Co serum level was 0.52 ng/mL (<0.1–2.5, sd 0.5), mean Cr level was 0.27 ng/mL (0.1–2.2, sd 0.2). In this prospective study at a mean follow up of 5 years, all implants were well functioning, with no radiological signs of loosening and normal serum levels of cobalt and chrome. Although large diameter metal heads and metal sleeve were used no trunnionosis occurred. Conclusions. We believe that these positive outcomes are due the positive biomechanical characteristics of PCU. These results need to be confirmed at a longer follow up and in a more active younger patient population

Introduction. It is well-known that wear debris generated by metal-on-metal hip replacements leads to aseptic loosening. This process starts in the local tissue where an inflammatory reaction is induced, followed by an periprosthetic osteolysis. MOM bearings generate particles as well as ions. The influence of both in human bodies is still the subject of debate. For instance hypersensitivity and high blood metal ion levels are under discussion for systemic reactions or pseudotumors around the hip replacement as a local reaction. The exact biopathologic mechanism is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of local injected metal ions and metal particles. Material and Methods. We used an established murine inflammation model with Balb/c mice and generated three groups. Group PBS (control group, n=10) got an injection of 50µl 0.1 vol% PBS-suspension, Group MI (Metal-ion, n=10) got an injection of 50µl metal ion suspension at a concentration of 200µg/l and Group MP (Metal-particles, n=10) got an injection of 50µl 0.1 vol% metal particle suspension each in the left knee. After incubation for 7 days the mice were euthanized and the extraction of the left knee ensued. Followed by immunhistochemical treatment with markers of inflammation that implied TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, CD 45, CD 68, CD 3, we counted the positive cells in the synovial layer in the left knees by light microscopy, subdivided into visual fields 200× magnified. The statistical analysis was done with Kruskal-Wallis test and a post hoc Bonferroni correction. Results. The Group with metal particles showed significantly elevated inflammatory markers (TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, CD 68, CD 45) compared to all other groups. Interestingly, CD 3 as a marker for T-lymphocytes showed no increased levels in all groups. The metal ion group showed significant elevated CD 45 expressions compared to the control group. Conclusion. The results clearly demonstrate that especially metal wear particles lead to an intensive inflammatory reaction. The tissue formations in the metal particle group show an osseous destructive behavior in previously demonstrated results, comparable to pseudotumors. But, in this study, the expression of the immunohistological markers CD 3, CD 45 and CD 68 indicate that the tissue consists of leucocytes and macrophages, whereas lymphocytes could not be detected. This might be due to an acute inflammatory reaction, whereas the adaptive immune response by T-lymphocytes seems not (yet) to be activated. Overall it must be stated that solid metal wear particles are responsible for local inflammatory reactions, whereas it is still unknown whether wear particles corrode in vivo and release a potentially high level of locally toxic metal ions