A modular hemiarthroplasty has a Metal-on-Metal (MoM) taper-trunnion junction, which may lead to increased wear and Adverse-Reaction-to-Metal-Debris (ARMD). To-date no wear related issues have been described in the elderly and less active that receives a hemiarthroplasty. This study aims to determine in vivo wear (i.e. serum metal ion levels) in hip hemiarthroplasty, and identify factors associated with increased wear.

This is a prospective, IRB approved, single-centre, cohort study of patients that received an uncemented, modular hemiarthroplasty of proven design for the treatment of hip fracture between 2013–2015. All, alive, patients at 12-months post-implantation with AMTS≥6 were invited to participate. Of the 125 eligible patients, 50 accepted the invitation and were reviewed, including clinical/radiological assessment, metal-ion ([Chromium (Cr) and Cobalt (Co)]) measurement and Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Acetabular erosion was graded (0–3: normal-protrusio). Metal ion levels were considered high if ≥7ppb.

The mean OHS was 37 (SD: 10). No acetabular erosion was detected in 21, whilst the remaining had either grade-1 (n=21) or grade-2 (n=8). The median Cr and Co levels were 2.9 (SD:9) and 2.2 (SD:4) respectively. There were 8 cases (16%) with high ion levels. To-date only 2 of them has an ARMD lesion, and none have been revised. Patients with metal ion levels had similar pre-fall mobility, taper- and head- size and OHS to those with low metal ion levels (p=0.2–0.7) However, all hips with high metal ion levels had evidence of acetabular erosion (≥1).

Modular Hip hemiarthroplasties and their taper-trunnion junction are not immune to high wear and ARMD despite being implanted in a less active cohort. Acetabular erosion should alert clinicians, as it is associated with 20× increased-risk of taper wear, presumably due to the increased transmitted torque. Whether the use of modular hemiarthroplasties should remain is debatable.

Degenerative hip and spine pathologies often co-exist, as Hip-Spine-Syndrome (HSS). Many patients eventually need surgery in both hip (THR) and spine [decompression-spinal-arthrodesis (DSA)]. This case-control study aims to determine whether the presence of a DSA compromised THR outcome and whether outcome of THR is better if performed prior to- (THR-1^st) or after- DSA (THR-2^nd).

This is a single centre, multi-surgeon, retrospective, case-control study. Of the 748 patients that underwent DSA between 2004–15, 43 patients (54 THRs) have also had a 1° THR(s) at our unit and formed the cases. Thirty-two THRs were performed prior to the DSA (THR-1^st) and 22 were done following the DSA (THR-2^nd). Most cases had either 1- (n=3) or 2-level (n=20) DSA. The most common DSA level was L4/5 (n=23). The mean THR-DSA interval was 3.6 years. Controls were patients (n=67) without DSA or previous spinal surgery, that had a THR in our unit over the same study period matched for age, gender and type of THR implanted.

Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) were obtained using the Oxford-Hip- and Harris-Hip-Scores (OHS/HHS), with the difference between post- and pre-operative scores defined as Δ. Outcome was compared between Cases and Controls and between THR-1^st and THR-2^nd Groups. Outcome measures included complications, revisions, PROMs and cup orientations achieved.

The mean age at THR was 67 years old (SD: 11) and most patients were female (n=82, 68%). The mean cup inclination and anteversion angles were 41° (SD:8) and 21° (SD:8). At a mean follow-up of 6 years, the OHS improved from OHS_pre:16 (SD: 7) to OHS_fu:41 (SD:10) and the HHS improved from HHS_pre:51 (SD:14) to HHS_fu:88 (SD:13).

A greater incidence of complications were seen in the Cases (n=10; ARMD-3, infection-4, loosening-2, dislocation-1) compared to the Controls (n=3; dislocation-2, loosening-1) (p=0.01). Consequently, more THRs required revision in the Cases (n=7) compared to the Controls (n=1) (p=0.01). There were no differences in OHS_pre/OHS_fu/ΔOHS/HHS_pre/HHS_fu/ΔHHS between cases and controls (p=0.1 – 0.9).

There were no difference in complications (7/29 Vs. 3/25; p=0.3), nor revision rates (5/29 Vs. 2/25; p=0.3) between THA-1^st and THA-2^nd Groups. Greater differences in PROMs were detected between the groups. The THA-1^st Group, compared to the THA-2^nd Group had higher OHS_pre (19 Vs 12), HHS_pre (54 Vs 48), OHS_fu (43 Vs 32) and HHS_fu (93 Vs 76), (p=0.001–0.005). However, no statistically significant difference in ΔOHS (24 Vs 17) and ΔHHS (39 Vs 26) were seen between the THA-1^st and THA-2^nd Groups (p=0.1).

Patients with a 1° THR and DSA, had a greater rate complications and revisions compared to a matched control. Overall, no difference in PROMs were seen between Cases and Controls. No significantly increased risk of dislocation was seen in this predominantly 1- and 2-level DSA cohort. The superior PROMs detected in the THA-1^st Group provide evidence that the hip pathology should be addressed 1^st (in cases with 1- or 2-level planned DSA).

In total hip replacement, orientation of the cup is critical to the stability of the prosthesis. A new method to determine the angle of planar anteversion is described. A simple mathematical formula uses the measurements taken from anteroposterior radiographs to calculate the planar anteversion without reference to tables or charts.

An experimental study in vitro has shown the efficacy of the formula in giving results which are within a clinically acceptable range.