Introduction

In total hip arthroplasty (THA), it is important to define the coordinate system of the pelvis and femur for standardization in measuring the implant alignment. A coronal plane of the pelvis (functional pelvic coordinates) in supine position has been recommended as the pelvic coordinates for cup orientation and an anatomical plane of the femur (posterior condylar plane: PCP) is widely used as the femoral coordinates to measure stem or femoral anteversion. It has been reported that the pelvic sagittal tilt in supine does not change a lot after THA. However, changes in the axial rotation of the posterior condylar plane after THA have not been well studied. If the horizontal tilt of PCP of the femur in a resting position changes a lot after THA, the combined anteversion theory cannot be functional. Therefore, we evaluated the angulation changes of the posterior condylar plane after THA and analyzed the related factors by using CT images.

Introduction

Metal on metal hip resurfacing (MoM HR) is attractive for young active patients. Patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) are relatively young. HR can be an option of treatment, however, long-term stability of the femoral component is a concern because of the necrotic lesion in the femoral head. There is also a concern of ARMD for MoM implants. The purpose of this study is review a 10 year outcome of a consecutive patients with ONFH who underwent MoM HR.

Introduction

The incidence of dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) was reported to be 0.5 to 10% in primary THA and 10 to 25 % in revision THA. The main causes of instability after THA were reported to be implant malalignment and inappropriate soft tissue tension. However, there was no study about quantitative data of soft tissue tension of unstable THA. The purpose of this study is to clarify the features of soft tissue tension of unstable THA in comparison to stable THA.

Rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) may not restore normal hip range of motion (ROM) due to the inherent deformity of the hip and it may lead to femoro-acetabular impingement. The purpose of this study was to investigate morphological factors of the pelvis and femur influencing on simulated ROM after RAO with a fixed target for femoral head coverage. We retrospectively reviewed CT images of 52 DDHs with an average lateral centre edge angle (CEA) of 7.9° (−12° to 19°). After virtual RAO with 30° of lateral CEA and 55° of anterior CEA producing femoral head coverage similar to that of the normal hips, we measured simulated flexion ROM using pelvic and femoral computer models reconstructed from the CT images. Pelvic sagittal inclination, acetabular anteversion, lateral CEA, femoral neck anteversion, femoral neck shaft angle (FNSA), alpha angle and the position of the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) were investigated as morphological factor. When the most prominent point of the AIIS existed more distally than the cranial tip of the acetabular joint line in a lateral view of the pelvis model in supine position, the subjects were defined as AIIS-Type1; the remaining subjects were defined as Type 2. There were 10 hips with Type 1 and 42 hips with Type 2 AIIS. The Kappa value of inter-observer reproducibility to classify AIIS was 0.82. Multiple regression analyses were performed to analyse the relationship between ROM and the morphological parameters. We also analysed the relationship between the probability of flexion ROM being less than 110° and the factors which influenced on flexion ROM. FNSA and AIIS-Type independently influenced on simulated flexion ROM after RAO (standard regression coefficient: −0.51 and 0.37, respectively. p< 0.001). The multiple correlation coefficient was 0.68. Flexion ROM after RAO with a fixed femoral head coverage similar to that of the normal hips ranged from 95° to 141° with an average of 121°±8°. The probability of ROM being less than 110° was significantly higher in subjects with AIIS-Type 1 than in those with Type 2 (odds ratio: 13.3, p<0.01). It was also significantly higher in subjects with more than 135° of FNSA than in those with less than 135° of FNSA (odds ratio: 9.5, p<0.05). FNSA and the type of AIIS influenced on flexion ROM after RAO with approximately 40° of variation in spite of a fixed target for femoral head coverage. A large FNSA and a distal positioning of AIIS were independently associated with smaller flexion ROM after RAO.

Introduction

Inappropriate soft tissue tension around an artificial hip is regarded as one cause of dislocation or abductor muscle weakness. It has been considered that restoration of leg offset is important to optimise soft tissue tension in THA, while it is unclear what factors determine soft tissue tension around artificial hip joints. The purpose of the present study was to assess how postoperative leg offset influence the soft tissue tension around artificial hip joints.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to estimate the outcome improvements after Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) in patients who underwent THA with a navigation system in our institutions, and to compare them with those undergoing THA without a navigation system that had been reported in the literatures. The subjects in this study comprised 245 patients (39 males, 206 females; mean age, 59.9±12.0 years; mean BMI, 22.8±3.2 kg/m2) who underwent THA. All patients had adequate data to allow complete scoring of the WOMAC for a minimum one-year postoperative follow-up. CT-based navigation was used in all THAs. Postoperatively, no restrictions were imposed. A MEDLINE search was conducted using the search terms ‘Total hip’, ‘Quality of life (QOL)’, and ‘WOMAC’. 10 articles evaluated all WOMAC subscales one to two years after THA. The WOMAC subscale scores were compared statistically between our study and the results reported in the 10 articles using Welch's t-test. The present physical function subscale scores were the best of the 10 studies, and in 8 of the 10 studies, the differences were significant. WOMAC subscale results in our study were significantly better than those reported in most articles in which THA was performed without navigation. These results show that THA using navigation can improve patients' postoperative QOL.

Puropose

Three-dimensional (3D) templating based on computed tomography (CT) in total hip arthroplasty improves the accuracy of implant size. However, even when using 3D-CT preoperative planning, getting the concordance rate between planned and actual sizes to reach 100% is not easy. To increase the concordance rate, it is important to analyze the causes of mismatch; however, no such studies have been reported. This study had the following two purposes: to clarify the concordance rate in implant size between 3D-CT preoperative planning and actual size; and to analyze risk factors for mismatch.

Femoral head diameters in THA have been increasing due to good long-term outcomes of 1^st generation HXLP cups. Furthermore, some 2^nd generation HXLP cups allow 36mm or larger heads. However, larger femoral head diameters increase the frictional torque and may lead to early cup migration and loosening. And there is a concern that larger head diameters and reduced liner thickness may increase polyethylene wear. In this study, we compared early acetabular component migration and wear rates between a group of larger heads using a 2^nd generation HXLP and a group smaller heads using a 1^st generation HXLP.

The larger head group comprising 30 hips underwent THA between February 2010 and March 2011 with the use of a sequentially cross-linked polyethylene liner (X3). 30 patients were included in this study (30 women). Their mean age was 59.3years; mean weight was 53.6kg. Trident HA-coated cementless cups were used and the sizes ranged from 46mm to 56mm (mean 50.5mm). The head diameters were 36mm in 23hips, 40mm in 5 hips, and 44mm in 2hips. All X3 liners were 5.9mm or less in thickness.

A control group was selected from a previous case series that had undergo THA between July 2007 and January 2008 using a 1st generation HXLP liner (Crossfire) by matching age and sex. Therefore 30 patients were included in this study (30 women) too. Their mean age was 60.0 years; mean weight was 55.5kg. The same Trident cups were used and the sizes ranged from 46mm to 56mm (mean 49.5mm). The head diameters were 26mm in 19hips and 32mm in 11hips. The liner thicknesses were 7.8mm or more.

All hips had standardized anteroposterior pelvic digital radiographs performed postoperatively and cup migration was measured on digital radiographs at the immediate postoperative period and two year using EBRA-CUP software. We analyzed horizontal and vertical cup migration distance and the difference in cup anteversion and inclination angle at two years. Additionally, total head penetrarion and polyethylene liner volumetric wear rates were measured using a computer-assited method with PolyWear software.

The larger head group revealed an average of 0.48mm of horizontal migration, 0.75mm of vertical migration, 0.19degree of inclination change, and 1.26 degrees of anteversion change. The control group showed an average of 0.63mm of horizontal migration, 0.36mm of vertical migration, 0.07 degree of inclination change, and 0.88 degree of anteversion change. Based on the EBRA-CUP measurements, there were no cases of significant early loosening which was indicated by more than 1mm of migration, more than 2.5 degree of inclination change, or more than 3.3 degree of anteversion change.

The liner penetration rates were 0.388±0.192mm/yr in the large head group and 0.362±0.178mm/yr in the control group. The difference was not significant (p=0.64.) The volumetric wear rates were 42.8±27.9mm⁁3/yr in the large head group and 42.0±33.0mm⁁3/yr in the control group. Again, the difference was not significant (p=0.94).

No significant early cup migration or increased wear rate were detected in THA with the sequentially cross-linked polyethylene liner and 36mm or large heads at two years.

In total hip arthroplasty (THA), inappropriate cup alignment cause edge loading and prosthetic impingement, which lead to various mechanical problems including dislocation, excessive wear and breakage of bearing materials, and stem neck fracture. To find the optimal cup alignment, various computer simulation studies have been conducted. However there have been few studies focusing on pelvic coordinate system as a reference of cup positioning. Our hypothesis is that the functional pelvic coordinate system with pelvic sagittal inclination in the supine position is appropriate for a reference frame of cup alignment. To test the hypothesis, we have been investigating preoperative and postoperative kinematics of pelvis and hip of THA patients.

In 25 % of the consecutive 163 patients, the difference in preoperative pelvic inclination angle between the supine and standing positions (positional change of pelvic inclination [PC]) was 10^o or more. Patients’ age and age-related spinal disorders including compression fracture and lumbar spondylolisthesis were independent factors associated with large preoperative PC. This raises a concern that large PC might increase the risk of edge loading and posterior prosthetic impingement when cup was positioned referencing supine pelvic position, especially in elderly patients.

We compared kinematics of the hip after THA in patients with a preoperative large PC (≥10°) with that in patients with a preoperative small PC (<10°), assuming that the supine position as a zero position of the pelvis. First, we compared intraoperative passive range of motion (ROM) after implantation of the 91 hips using navigation system. No significant differences in intraoperative hip ROM were observed between the both groups. Next, we compared postoperative ROM of the 50 hips during motion of daily livings using our 4-dimentional motion analysis system within two year after THA. No significant differences in postoperative hip flexion or extension angles were observed between the both groups. These results suggested that if cup was positioned referencing the supine pelvic position, the degree of preoperative PC does not matter early after primary THA.

Regarding long-term change of pelvic inclination after THA, 49 % of 70 patients followed for 10 years showed the change more than 10^o in the standing position, although only 9% showed the change more than 10^o in the supine position. This means that aging after THA increase discrepancy of pelvic inclination between the preoperative supine position as the reference for preoperative planning and the postoperative standing positions in some patients. However we could not find any preoperative predictors of this long-term change of pelvic inclination in the standing position. Therefore, although it is unclear whether surgeons should change the reference pelvic plane for cup alignment taking the longitudinal change of pelvic inclination in the standing position, at least, strict cup alignment control at primary THA is considered to be important to minimize the risk of edge loading and prosthetic impingement due to longitudinal changes of pelvic inclination.

In conclusion, our current recommendation of pelvic coordinate system as a reference of cup alignment is a functional pelvic coordinate system with pelvic sagittal inclination in supine position.

Introduction

Support cages are often used for reconstruction of acetabular bone defects in revision total hip arthroplasty. A Burch-Schneider cage is one of the most reliable systems that has shown good clinical results. It has an ischial flange and an iliac plate for screw fixation to the ilium. It is sometimes necessary to bend the flange or the plate to fit the shape of the peri-acetabulum. However, the frequency, indications, and characteristics of bending the flange or plate have not been reported. To clarify them, a simulation study was conducted.

To confirm whether developmental dysplasia of the hip has a risk of hip impingement, we analysed maximum ranges of movement to the point of bony impingement, and impingement location using three-dimensional (3D) surface models of the pelvis and femur in combination with 3D morphology of the hip joint using computer-assisted methods. Results of computed tomography were examined for 52 hip joints with DDH and 73 normal healthy hip joints. DDH shows larger maximum extension (p = 0.001) and internal rotation at 90° flexion (p < 0.001). Similar maximum flexion (p = 0.835) and external rotation (p = 0.713) were observed between groups, while high rates of extra-articular impingement were noticed in these directions in DDH (p < 0.001). Smaller cranial acetabular anteversion (p = 0.048), centre-edge angles (p < 0.001), a circumferentially shallower acetabulum, larger femoral neck anteversion (p < 0.001), and larger alpha angle were identified in DDH. Risk of anterior impingement in retroverted DDH hips is similar to that in retroverted normal hips in excessive adduction but minimal in less adduction. These findings might be borne in mind when considering the possibility of extra-articular posterior impingement in DDH being a source of pain, particularly for patients with a highly anteverted femoral neck.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:580–9.

We investigated differences in the location and mode of labral tears between dysplastic hips and hips with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). We also investigated the relationship between labral tear and adjacent cartilage damage. We retrospectively studied 72 symptomatic hips (in 68 patients: 19 men and 49 women) with radiological evidence of dysplasia or FAI on high-resolution CT arthrography. The incidence and location of labral tears and modes of tear associated with the base of the labrum (Mode 1) or body of the labrum (Mode 2) were compared among FAI, mildly dysplastic and severely dysplastic hips. The locations predominantly involved with labral tears were different in FAI and mild dysplastic hips (anterior and anterosuperior zones) and in severely dysplastic hips (anterosuperior and superior zones) around the acetabulum. Significant differences were observed in the prevalence of Mode 1 versus Mode 2 tears in FAI hips (72% (n = 13) vs 28% (n = 5)) and severe dysplastic hips (25% (n = 2) vs 75% (n = 6)). The frequency of cartilage damage adjacent to Mode 1 tears was significantly higher (42% (n = 14)) than that adjacent to Mode 2 tears (14% (n = 3)).

Hip pathology is significantly related to the locations and modes of labral tears. Mode 1 tears may be a risk factor for the development of adjacent acetabular cartilage damage.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1320–5.

Although there are several reports of excellent long-term survival after cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA), cemented acetabular components are prone to become loose when compared with femoral components. On the other hand, the survival of cementless acetabular components has been reported to be equal or better than cemented ones and the use of cementless acetabular components is increasing. However, most of the reports on survival after THA are for patients with primary hip osteoarthritis (OA) and there is no report of 20-year survival of cementless THA for patients with hip dysplasia. It is supposed to be more difficult to fix cementless acetabular components for OA secondary to hip dysplasia than primary OA. The purposes of this study were to review retrospectively the 20-year survival of cemented and cementless THA for hip dysplasia and to compare the effect of fixation methods on the long-term survival for patients with hip dysplasia. We retrospectively reviewed all patients with OA secondary to hip dysplasia treated with a cemented Bioceram hip system between 1981 and 1987, and a cementless cancellous metal Lübeck hip system between 1987 and 1991. We excluded patients aged more than 60 years, males, and Crowe 4 hips. The studied subjects were 70 hips of cemented THA (Group-C) and 57 hips of cementless THA (Group-UC). Both hip implants had a 28-mm alumina head on polyethylene articulation. The mean age at operation was 50.5 years (range, 36–60 years) in Group-C and 50.0 years (range, 29–60 years) in Group-UC. The mean BMI was 23.2 kg/m² in Group-C (range, 17.3–29.3 kg/m²) and 22.9 kg/m² in Group-UC (range, 18.8–28.0 kg/m²). There were no significant differences in age and BMI between the two groups. The average follow-up period was 18.0 years in Group-C and 18.4 years in Group-UC. In Group-C, revision was performed in 33 hips due to aseptic cup loosening (30 hips), stem loosening (one hip), and loosening of both components (two hips). In Group-UC, revision was performed in 10 hips due to stem fracture secondary to distal fixation (4 hips), cup loosening (three hips), polyethylene breakage (two hips), and extensive osteolysis around the stem (one hip). The survival at 20 years regarding any revision as the endpoint was 51% in Group-C and 84% in Group-UC. This difference was significant using Log-rank test (P=0.006). The cup survival at 20 years was 54% in Group-C and 92% in Group-UC. This difference was also significant (P = 0.0003). The stem survival at 20 years was 95% in Group-C and 92% in Group-UC. This difference was not significant (P = 0.4826). Cementless THA showed a higher survival rate at 20 years for hip dysplasia than cemented THA because of the excellent survival of the acetabular component without cement. We conclude that cementless THA with the cancellous metal Lübeck hip system led to better longevity at 20 years than cemented THA with the Bioceram for patients with OA secondary to hip dysplasia.

Purpose

There are concerns of soft-tissue reactions such as metal hypersensitivity or pseudotumors for metal-on-metal (MoM) bearings in hip arthroplasty, however, such reactions around ceramic or polyethylene bearings are incompletely understood. The present study was conducted to examine the capabilities of ultrasound screening and to compare the prevalence of periarticular soft-tissue lesions among various types of bearings.

Introduction

Preoperative planning is an essential procedure for successful total hip arthroplasty. Many studies reported lower accuracy of two-dimensional analogue or digital templating for developmentally dysplastic hips (DDH). There have been few studies regarding the utility of three-dimensional (3D) templating for DDH. The aim of the present study is to assess the accuracy and reliability of 3D templating of cementless THA for hip dysplasia.

Introduction

The shuck test was widely used to assess the overall soft-tissue tension around the hip joint during surgery. There have been few attempts to standardize how one evaluates soft tissue tension in total hip arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to ask how reliable the shuck test was as a measure of soft tissue tension in total hip arthroplasty.

Purpose

Ceramic-on-ceramic bearings in total hip arthroplasty (CoC THA) have theoretical advantages of wear resistance and favorable biocompatibility of ceramic particles to the surrounding bony and soft tissue. Long-time durability of CoC THA has been expected, however, clinical results over 10 years after operation were scarcely reported. In the present study, clinical results at follow of 10 years were examined for CoC THAs with a changeable femoral neck which allowed correction of anteversion of the femoral component in cases with abnormal femoral anteversion in dysplastic hips.

Introduction

Current standard cups of metal on metal resurfacing hip arthroplasty (RHA) have no dome holes and it is very difficult for surgeons to confirm full seating of these cups. This sometimes results in gap formation between the cup and acetabular floor. Although the incidence of initial gaps using modular press-fit cups with dome screw holes has been reported to range from 20 to 35%, few studies have reported the incidence of gap formation with monoblock metal cups and its clinical consequences in RHA. The purpose of this study was to investigate retrospectively the incidence of initial gap formation and whether the initial gap influences the clinical results in RHA.

Introduction

The initial mechanical stability of cementless femoral stems in total hip arthroplasty is an important factor for stable biological fixation. Conversely, insufficient initial stability can lead to stem subsidence, and excessive subsidence can result in periprosthetic femoral fracture due to hoop stress. The surface roughness of stems with a surface coating theoretically contributes to initial mechanical stability by increasing friction against the bone, however, no reports have shown the effect of surface roughness on stability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of differences in surface roughness due to different surface treatments with the same stem design on the initial stability.

Introduction

Lesion location and volume are critical factors to select patients with osteonecrosis for whom resurfacing arthroplasty is appropriate. However, no reliable surgical planning system which can assess relationship between necrotic lesions and the femoral component has been established. We have developed a 3D-MRI-based planning system for resurfacing arthroplasty. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate its feasibility.

Introduction

In osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), progression of collapse is influenced by a repair reaction, especially bone resorptive activity, around the necrotic bone. Alendronate is a potent inhibitor of bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast activity. We performed a clinical study to test if systemic alendronate treatment would prevent the development of collapse in patients with ONFH.

Introduction

Femoral neck fracture (FNF) is a common trauma in the elderly individuals. When the blood supply to the femoral head is impaired with a fracture event, the reduction or disruption of blood supply to the bone, hypoxia, leads to death of the bone marrow and trabecular bone, and eventual late segmental collapse. In the reparative process, osteoblasts and osteoclasts perform the important function of repairing the fracture site at the femoral neck. However, the reparative reaction including angiogenesis and osteogenesis remains unknown. In order to investigate the reparative reaction in patients with FNF, the distribution of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells and expression of HIF-1 alpha, VEGF, and FGF-2 were observed in 36 hips in 35 patients.

Using a larger diameter femoral head in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has advantages in terms of the increased joint stability and range of motion. And the wear resistance of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) even combined with a larger head has already been demonstrated by in vitro studies. The purpose of this study was to compare the in vivo wear of Longevity HXLPE sockets against 32 mm and 26 mm heads at a 5-year follow-up.

From November 2000 to November 2001, 51 primary cementless THAs were performed with a 26 mm cobalt-chromium head and a Longevity HXLPE socket (Zimmer). A cohort of 32 mm cobalt-chromium heads was comprised of 51 THAs with the same prosthesis performed from December 2001 to December 2003. No significant differences between the groups were observed in gender, age, and BMI, however, polyethylene liners with 32 mm heads were significantly thinner than those with 26 mm heads. Two-dimensional linear wear was measured using PolyWare software on annual x-rays, and total head penetration rates at postoperative 5-year and steady state wear rates were calculated. In addition, periprosthetic osteolysis was evaluated.

At the 5-year follow-up, the total head penetration rates were 0.047±0.022 mm/year with 26 mm heads and 0.048±0.026 mm/year with 32 mm heads. The steady state wear rates were −0.008 mm/year with 26 mm heads and 0.001 mm/year with 32 mm heads. No significant differences were seen between the two groups (p=0.82 and p=0.24). Osteolysis was not observed around pros-theses in any hips.

At the 5-year follow-up, the wear rate of Longevity HXLPE was very low. A Longevity HXLPE socket will undergo the same level of wear whether with a 32 mm head or a 26 mm head.

The long-term results of grafting with hydroxyapatite granules for acetabular deficiency in revision total hip replacement are not well known. We have evaluated the results of revision using a modular cup with hydroxyapatite grafting for Paprosky type 2 and 3 acetabular defects at a minimum of ten years’ follow-up. We retrospectively reviewed 49 acetabular revisions at a mean of 135 months (120 to 178). There was one type 2B, ten 2C, 28 3A and ten 3B hips. With loosening as the endpoint, the survival rate was 74.2% (95% confidence interval 58.3 to 90.1). Radiologically, four of the type 3A hips (14%) and six of the type 3B hips (60%) showed aseptic loosening with collapse of the hydroxyapatite layer, whereas no loosening occurred in type 2 hips. There was consolidation of the hydroxyapatite layer in 33 hips (66%). Loosening was detected in nine of 29 hips (31%) without cement and in one of 20 hips (5%) with cement (p = 0.03, Fisher’s exact probability test). The linear wear and annual wear rate did not correlate with loosening.

These results suggest that the long-term results of hydroxyapatite grafting with cement for type 2 and 3A hips are encouraging.

We compared a modular neck system with a non-modular system in a cementless anatomical total hip replacement (THR). Each group consisted of 74 hips with developmental hip dysplasia. Both groups had the same cementless acetabular component and the same articulation, which consisted of a conventional polyethylene liner and a 28 mm alumina head. The mean follow-up was 14.5 years (13 to 15), at which point there were significant differences in the mean total Harris hip score (modular/non-modular: 98.6 (64 to 100)/93.8 (68 to 100)), the mean range of abduction (32° (15° to 40°)/28 (0° to 40°)), use of a 10° elevated liner (31%/100%), the incidence of osteolysis (27%/79.7%) and the incidence of equal leg lengths (≥ 6 mm, 92%/61%). There was no disassociation or fracture of the modular neck.

The modular system reduces the need for an elevated liner, thereby reducing the incidence of osteolysis. It gives a better range of movement and allows the surgeon to make an accurate adjustment of leg length.

Ceramic heads and highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) as bearing surface materials have been introduced to reduce the production of polyethylene wear particles. The present study hypothesized that the wear rate of HXLPE could be further reduced when combined with a ceramic head. The purpose of this study was to compare the in vivo wear of Longevity HXLPE against cobalt-chromium and zirconia heads after a minimum 5-year follow-up.

A prospective cohort study was performed in 102 cementless total hip arthroplasties (THAs) with the Longevity HXLPE socket (Zimmer) between June 2000 and October 2001. Same prostheses were used in all cases both acetabular cups (Trilogy; Zimmer) and femoral stems (Versys Fiber Metal Taper; Zimmer). 26-mm zirconia heads (NGK) or 26-mm cobalt-chromium heads (Zimmer) were randomly used in 51 hips each. A minimum 5-year follow-up was completed for 47 hips with zirconia heads and 46 hips with cobalt-chromium heads. Two-dimensional linear wear of Longevity HXLPE was measured using computer-assisted methods (PolyWare) on annual x-rays, and total head penetration rates and steady state wear rates were calculated. In addition, periprosthetic osteolysis was evaluated.

At a mean 6-year follow-up, the total head penetration rates were 0.034±0.016 mm/year (zirconia) and 0.031±0.015 mm/year (cobalt-chromium). The steady state wear rates were −0.01 mm/year (zirconia) and −0.01 mm/year (cobalt-chromium). No significant difference was seen between the two groups (p=0.4 and p=0.91). Osteolysis was not observed around prostheses in any hips.

In conclusion, no advantage was seen for the zirconia head compared with the cobalt-chromium head in this time period.

To analyze the long term results of a third generation ceramic on ceramic bearing in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA), we reviewed the clinical and radiological results of 100 consecutive THAs performed in 86 patients (68 females, 80 hips; 18 males, 20 hips) between 1996 and 1998. The average age at operation was 55 years with a range of 26 to 73 years. The diagnoses were osteoarthritis in 83 hips, osteonecrosis in 10 hips and rheumatoid arthritis in 7 hips. The articulation was composed of a hemispherical titanium porous bead-coated cup (AnCA), a Biolox Forte alumina ceramic cup liner and a ball with a diameter of 28-mm. The modular ceramic liner was fixed directly to the metal cup without polyethylene sandwich or metal rim. A press-fit technique of 1 mm under-reaming without screws was used for cup fixation. The ceramic head was fixed to a 12/14 taper cone of a modular neck which allowed changes in neck-shaft angle, anteversion, and offset. All operations were performed via a posterolateral approach under general anesthesia. To measure the cup orientation, an ellipse was fitted to the acetabular component rim on the early postoperative AP radiographs using computer software. The average cup inclination and anteversion in the radiographic definition were 41 (range 28 to 63) and 17 (range 3 to 34) degrees, respectively. 22 cups were outside the Lewinnek safe zone. All patients were radiographically evaluated in term of implant stability at two years using Engh’s criteria. All of the acetabular components radiologically were judged to be bone-ingrown stable at two years except one cup. 98 stems were judged to be bone-ingrown stable and the remaining two stems were judged to be fibrous stable at two years. After two years, all patients except for two were followed up clinically and radiologically for at least 10 years or until revision or death. One unstable cup was revised at 2.5 years. This case had a previous Chiari’s pelvic osteotomy and insufficient press-fit of the cup was assumed to have led to loosening. One of the two fibrous stable stems was revised at six years due to aseptic loosening. One rheumatoid arthritis hip with stable bone ingrown fixation developed late infection at six years and was revised. One stable cup showed chipping of the acetabular liner at 8 years and required revision. The orientation of this cup was 55 degrees of inclination and 17 degrees of anteversion and the high inclination was thought to be related to the ceramic liner chipping. The remaining hips showed no osteolysis or loosening at the final follow-up. There were no squeaking hips. The 10-year survivorships with the endpoint of mechanical loosening or revision were 96.7% and 95.6%, respectively. We conclude that the third generation ceramic on ceramic hip bearing without polyethylene sandwich provided long term stability and eliminated periprosthetic osteolysis.

The anterior pelvic plane (APP) through the bilateral anterior superior iliac spines (ASIS) and pubic tuberosities is often used as a pelvic reference in measuring orientation of the acetabular cup in total hip arthroplasty. Apophyses such as ASIS are, however, anatomically variable among patients and APP does not always represent the functional pelvic tilt in the sagittal plane in each patient. Therefore, malposition of the cup and recurrent dislocation may occur even though the cup is placed in a safe zone when measured against APP. We analyzed dynamic pelvic tilt angle in the sagittal plane using a motion analysis system after THA and we found a case of recurrent dislocation due to an unusual APP tilt.

A 77-year-old woman underwent primary THA 3 years ago and cup re-implantation was done with the use of a 10-degree elevated liner and the head diameter was increased from 26mm to 28 mm after two anterior dislocations. However, posterior dislocation occurred 11 times after this. A second revision was performed with a 36 mm head and cup anteversion was optimized against APP. Further posterior dislocations occurred twice again. To probe the cause of recurrent dislocation, we performed motion analysis using a 6-camera VICON system and the markers were registered to the bone and implant models based on the postoperative CT images. This system visually represents four-dimensional dynamic motions that include the time sequential transitions of components and their posture. The cup had been placed in 6 degrees of radiographic anteversion against APP, and in −13 degrees of radiographic retroversion in supine (FPP), because the pelvic flexion angle in supine was 17.6 degrees. Furthermore, when standing, the pelvic flexion angle increased 10 degrees.

Malposition of the acetabular cup in THA is the most common cause of dislocation. To avoid errors in cup placement, computer navigation systems have been introduced and most of the navigation systems refer APP to establish cup orientation. There are two drawbacks in using APP as the reference. One is that apophyses such as ASIS develop variably in each patient with a resulting variability in APP tilt in the sagittal plane in supine. The other is significant changes in pelvis tilt during various activities of daily living such as standing, walking, and sitting. Therefore, even if cup orientation is acceptable when referencing APP, it can be mal-oriented in a functional position of the pelvis as in this case, which showed proper anteversion against APP but retroversion in supine, standing and sitting.

In conclusion, we found that there exists a case in which APP is not a suitable pelvic reference in determining orientation of the cup.

Introduction: In order to investigate the reparative reaction process in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), we performed tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining for the femoral head retrieved from the patients at the surgery.

Methods: This study included 21 hips in 19 patients. There were 15 women and 4 men who had a mean age of 42 years (range, 22 to 79 years). Associated risk factors included corticosteroids (n=15), alcohol (n=4), and idiopathic (n=1). Radiologic staging according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Classification included one stage 1, six stage 3A (collapse < 3mm), five stage3B (collapse> 3mm), and nine stage 4 (osteoarthritic change). After femoral head samples were fixed in formalin, 15 samples were decalcified by EDTA, while 6 were not decalcified. All samples were stained by Haematoxylin and Eosin and TRAP.

Results: TRAP positive multinucleated cells were existed at not only necrotic trabecular bone but also new appositional trabecular bone. TRAP positive cells were mainly located at the reactive interface (revascularized) zone while they did not exist in the necrotic zone. They were sometimes located at the normal bone marrow area near the retinacula or teres. While subchondral fractures were detected in two stage 3A hips, five stage 3B hips, and three stage 4 hips, TRAP positive cells around the subchondral fracture were detected in only two stage 3B hips and three stage 4 hips. In one stage 1 hip, TRAP positive mononuclear cells were detected around the enlarged adipocytes at the reactive interface zone. In six stage 3A hips, TRAP positive cells were detected at the reactive interface zone just around the subchondral area. In five stage 3B hips, they were detected along the reactive interface zone in the femoral head. In nine stage 4 hips, they were detected through the subchondral area and along the reactive interface zone.

Discussion: The expression mode of TRAP positive cells changes according to the radiologic stages in ONFH, represents the reparative reaction process.

We have developed a novel system of 4-dimensional motion analysis after total hip arthroplasty (THA) that can aid in preventing dislocation by assessing safe range of motion for patients in several daily activities.

This system uses skeletal structure data from CT and motion capture data from an infrared position sensor. A 3-D model reconstructed from CT data is combined with the motion capture data. Using this system, we analyzed hip motion when getting up from and sitting down in a chair or picking up an object while sitting in a chair in 17 patients (26 hips) who underwent THA. To assess the accuracy of this system’s measurements, open MRI was used to evaluate positions of skin markers against bones in 5 healthy volunteers in various postures.

No impingement between bones and/or implants was found in any subjects during any activities. However, mean angle at the point of maximum hip flexion was different for each patient. The open MRI results indicated that average error in hip angle of the present system was within 5 degrees for each static posture.

The functional position of the pelvis during daily activities must be taken into account when assessing the real risk of dislocation. The present system enables dynamic analysis involving not only alignment of components and bones of each patient, but also individual differences in characteristics of daily motions. Further investigation using this system can help determine safe ranges of motion for preventing hip dislocation, improving the accuracy of individualized guidance for patients regarding postoperative activities.

Alendronate is a potent inhibitor of bone resorptive activity, and has been shown to prevent and restore periprosthetic osteolysis in experimental models. A preliminary study was conducted to examine clinical usefulness of a lendronate treatment.

Twenty-five patients (27 hips) with radiological evidence of osteolysis after cemented total hip arthroplasty were included. Of these, 14 patients (15 hips) were administered 5 mg of alendronate daily (alendronate group), and 11 patients (12 hips) did not receive alendronate treatment (control group). The subjects were followed up for 12 months, using radiological examinations and biochemical markers. The radiological analysis was evaluated blindly by 2 joint arthroplasty experts, each with more than 10 years of experience, without knowledge of alendronate administration.

In the alendronate group, average serum bone alkaline phosphatase and urinary excretion of the N-telopep-tide of type I collagen values decreased from the baseline values after administration of alendronate, to 71% and 76% of baseline at the 3-month examination, and 57% and 62% at the 1-year examination, respectively. In the control group, expansion of osteolysis was found in 5 hips (42%) and no hip showed restoration of osteolysis. In the alendronate group, expansion of osteolysiswas found in 2 hips (13%), and restoration of osteolysis was found in 5 hips (33%). There was a statistically significant difference in ratio of hips with osteolysis restoration between the 2 groups (p< 0.05). In the alendronate group, there was no significant difference in age, average linear wear rate of polyethylene, and the biochemical markers, between the hips with and without diminishment of osteolysis.

Conclusions: The present results indicate that clinicala-lendronate treatment can prevent and restore periprosthetic osteolysis, which is generally thought to require surgical intervention. These findings warrant further study of the effects of duration and dose of alendronate treatment, component materials, and component fixation methods.

We have developed a CT-based navigation system using infrared light-emitting diode markers and an optical camera. We used this system to perform cementless total hip replacement using a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing couple in 53 patients (60 hips) between 1998 and 2001. We reviewed 52 patients (59 hips) at a mean of six years (5 to 8) postoperatively. The mid-term results of total hip replacement using navigation were compared with those of 91 patients (111 hips) who underwent this procedure using the same implants, during the same period, without navigation. There were no significant differences in age, gender, diagnosis, height, weight, body mass index, or pre-operative clinical score between the two groups. The operation time was significantly longer where navigation was used, but there was no significant difference in blood loss or navigation-related complications. With navigation, the acetabular components were placed within the safe zone defined by Lewinnek, while without, 31 of the 111 components were placed outside this zone. There was no significant difference in the Merle d’Aubigne and Postel hip score at the final follow-up. However, hips treated without navigation had a higher rate of dislocation. Revision was performed in two cases undertaken without navigation, one for aseptic acetabular loosening and one for fracture of a ceramic liner, both of which showed evidence of neck impingement on the liner. A further five cases undertaken without navigation showed erosion of the posterior aspect of the neck of the femoral component on the lateral radiographs. These seven impingement-related mechanical problems correlated with malorientation of the acetabular component. There were no such mechanical problems in the navigated group.

We conclude that CT-based navigation increased the precision of orientation of the acetabular component and control of limb length in total hip replacement, without navigation-related complications. It also reduced the rate of dislocation and mechanical problems related to impingement.

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiogra phic outcome of patients with secondary osteoarthritis of the hip, who underwent custom-made cementless THA.

Methods: Between January 1994 and June 1997, 98 prim ary cementless custom-made THA’s were performed in 76 patients with secondary osteoarthritis and reviewed at mean 6 years follow-up (range: 4 – 7.5 years). Nine patients had a previous femoral osteotomy. There were 69 females and seven males. The mean age at operation was 54 years (40 – 73 years). Custom-made, 125 mm-long, titanium femoral components with blasted surface were fabricated based on the computerized tomography.

Results: The mean Harris Hip Score improved from 43 to 95 points. 97 patients (99%) had more than 80 points for total score, and 2 patients (2%) had thigh pain at the latest follow-up. Radiographically, 86 hips (87%) showed obviously extensive bone ongrowth onto the middle part of the stem while 8 hips (9%) showed stable fibrous fixation. Four hips (4%) were unstable: more than 2 mm subsidence in 2 hips and more than 2 degrees varus migration in 2 hips. Of these 4 hips, 2 had intraoperative cracks of the poximal femur and 2 had varus positioning of the stem.

Discussion and conclusion: Cementless THA has been advocated to enhance fit and fill of variable hip geometry. However, some clinical studies failed to show that custom implants significantly improve clinical success or implant longevity because their surface finish was not optimal. Custom-made titanium femoral components with blasted surface showed good clinical results. The reasons for radiolographical failures were because of intraoperative technical errors and these might be derived from 125 mm-long stem with maximum canal fill. A shorter stem may be an option because it may improve the feasibility of stem insertion and the distal fill.

We investigated the effect of the Birmingham hip resurfacing (BHR) arthroplasty on the bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur. A comparative study was carried out on 26 hips in 25 patients. Group A consisted of 13 patients (13 hips) who had undergone resurfacing hip arthroplasty with the BHR system and group B of 12 patients (13 hips) who had had cementless total hip arthroplasty with a proximal circumferential plasma-spray titanium-coated anatomic Ti6A14V stem. Patients were matched for gender, state of disease and age at the time of surgery. The periprosthetic BMD of the femur was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiomentry of the Gruen zones at two years in patients in groups A and B.

The median values of the BMD in zones 1 and 7 were 99% and 111%, respectively. The post-operative loss of the BMD in the proximal femur was significantly greater in group B than in group A. These findings show that the BHR system preserves the bone stock of the proximal femur after surgery.

Introduction: Progression of collapse in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is greatly influenced by repair reactions, especially bone resorptive activity. This study was performed to test if systemic alendronate treatment, a potent inhibitor of osteoclast activity, can prevent the development of collapse in ONFH.

Materials and Methods: Daily administration of oral alendronate (5mg/day) was started in 14 hips in 11 patients with ONFH (Alendronate group). At the beginning of the study (3, 6, 12 months), plain radiographs, T1-weighted MR imaging, and biochemical makers of osteoclast activity (N-telopeptide of type-I collagen) and osteoblast activity (Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase), were examined. At 12 months, MR imaging was repeated. Eleven hips in 6 patients with ONFH who did not receive alendronate administration were considered as the control group.

Results: There was no significant difference with respect to gender distribution, etiology factors, initial ARCO stages, and extent of necrosis in the two groups. In the alendronate group, there was an early decrease of osteoclast activity at 3 months, with a decrease to 62% at 12 months, while the decrease of osteoblast activity was smaller with 80% at 12 months. Development of collapse was observed in 4 of the 11 hips (36%) in the control group, and in none of the 14 hips in the alendronate group. There was a significant difference of collapse development between the two groups (p=0.026, Mann-Whitney U-test). Signal change on serial MR images was observed in 5 of 9 hips (56%) in the control group, with only one of 9 hips (11%) in the alendronate group.

Discussion: The low incidence of signal change on serial MR images may reflect the decrease of repair activity in the alendronate group. The present study was the first clinical trial to show that alendronate has a significant preventive effect of collapse development in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Introduction: In order to investigate the relationship between the degeneration of the acetabular cartilage and the radiological staging of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, the following study was performed.

Materials and Methods: Acetabular cartilage with sub-chondral bone was taken from the superior dome from 34 hips from 30 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty due to osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The specimens were stained with hematoxylineosin and safranin-O, and were evaluated as to the thinning of cartilage, fibrillation, clefts, and proliferation of chondrocytes. There were 18 females and 12 males with an average age of 49 years. We used the radiological staging system proposed by the working group of the Specific Disease Investigation Committee under the auspices of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. There were eight hips in stage IIIA disease (collapse of the femoral head less than 3 mm), 19 hips in stage IIIB disease (collapse 3 mm or greater), and seven stage IV disease hips.

Results: All 34 specimens showed histological abnormalities. In eight stage IIIA hips, six hips were mild and two were moderate histological degeneration. In 19 stage IIIB hips, five hips were mild, six were moderate, and eight had severe arthrosis. Seven stage IV hips had severe arthrosis.

Discussion: Although the radiographs cannot demonstrate early degeneration of cartilage, degenerative changes were present in all stage III hips. Histological degenerative changes in stage IIIB hips were more severe than those in stage IIIA hips. These findings should be kept in mind in treating patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Introduction: There is controversy over whether the lesions of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) will spontaneously decrease. This study reports a longitudinal study of lesion volume using high-resolution serial MRI and recently developed techniques for image registration to realign serial images.

Materials and Methods: Baseline and follow-up (minimum one year later) MRI scans were carried out on 15 patients (18 hips). Accurate subvoxel registration was performed and subtraction images were produced to reveal areas of regional necrotic lesion change. Volume-to-femoral head ratio (VFR) was calculated to normalize the measured volume to the total femoral head volume.

Results: Three of 18 hips showed spontaneous reductions in the size of the lesions. They were all related to steroid use and were within one year after initial steroid treatment The mean volume decrease of these 3 hips was 3.4 ± 2.0 cm³ (SD) and its VFR was 6.8 ± 3.1 % (SD). Mean necrotic lesion volumes at baseline of decreasing lesions and unchanged lesions were 4.6 ± 2.5 cm³ (VFR, 9.1 ± 3.9 %) and 7.5 ± 5.5 cm³ (VFR, 16.7 ± 12.4 %), respectively.

There was no statistically significant difference in baseline lesion volume between decreasing lesions and unchanged lesions.

Discussion: In conclusion, some early lesions within one year after onset can decrease in size on MRI, regardless their size at baseline.

We report two cases of surface deterioration of a zirconia ceramic femoral head associated with phase transformation after total hip arthroplasty. One head was retrieved at revision due to recurrent dislocation after six years and the other because of failure of the locking mechanism of the polyethylene liner after three years. The monoclinic content of the zirconia ceramics rose from 1% to about 30% on the surface of the heads. SEM revealed numerous craters indicating extraction of the zirconia ceramics at the surface. Surface roughness increased from an initial value of 0.006 3m up to 0.12 3m. This is the first report to show that phase transformation of zirconia ceramics causes deterioration of the surface roughness of the head in vivo after total hip arthroplasty.

We performed a modified, rotational acetabular osteotomy through a lateral transtrochanteric approach on 19 hips in 18 patients with a dysplastic joint. Six hips in six patients were operated on using the original approach. The mean age at operation was 28 years (14 to 54) and the mean period of follow-up 2.3 years (1 to 4.4).

Clinical evaluation using the Merle d’Aubigné score showed excellent or good results in 76%. Radiologically, 15 hips showed good acetabular remodelling and no signs of progressive osteoarthritis. In ten hips (40%) there was chondrolysis and collapse of the transferred acetabulum or both within one year, although this gave only mild pain in some patients. Factors which were significantly associated with the grade of outcome included age at the time of operation, the thickness of the transferred acetabulum, failure to use a bone graft, and a transtrochanteric approach.

From 1981 to 1983, we implanted Bioceram type-4 and type-5 prostheses in 61 hips in 54 patients with osteoarthritis secondary to acetabular dysplasia, congenital subluxation, or congenital dislocation of the hip. Fifty-seven hips in 50 patients were followed for a mean of 11.1 years (10 to 13). The mean age of the patients at operation was 53 years (31 to 70). Functional evaluation using the Merle d'Aubigne and Postel hip score showed a 77% success rate. Radiological loosening occurred in three femoral (5%) and 16 acetabular components (28%). Autologous femoral head grafts were used in 18 hips and became incorporated, giving mechanical support to the socket except for one which occupied a large weight-bearing area and eventually collapsed. The mean polyethylene wear was 1.1 mm (0 to 3.6) and the mean wear rate was 0.10 mm/year (0 to 0.31). A high rate of wear correlated with calcar resorption (p > 0.002) but not with acetabular loosening. There was no breakage of a ceramic head. Study of the ceramic heads and polyethylene sockets retrieved after ten years showed excellent surface roughness, sphericity, and bending strength for the heads but scratches and voids were seen on the sockets.