Our aim in this prospective radiological study was to determine whether the flexibility rate calculated from radiographs obtained during forced traction under general anaesthesia, was better than that of fulcrum-bending radiographs before corrective surgery in predicting the extent of the available correction in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. We evaluated 33 patients with a Cobb angle >
60° on a standing posteroanterior radiograph, who had been treated by posterior correction. Pre-operative standing fulcrum-bending radiographs and those with forced-traction under general anaesthesia were obtained. Post-operative standing radiographs were taken after surgical correction. The mean forced-traction flexibility rate was 55% ( Radiographs obtained during forced traction under general anaesthesia were better at predicting the flexibility of the curve than fulcrum-bending radiographs in curves with a Cobb angle >
60° in the standing position and may identify those patients for whom supplementary anterior surgery can be avoided.
We followed up 83 patients who under went 92 Furlong Hydroxyapatite coated femoral stem, threaded acetabular component, and 28mm ceramic heads. These hips were inserted between the periods 1989–1992 The Average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 54 years with an age range 31–67. And were followed up at 5,7,10 years respectively. At the ten year follow up there were 64 patients with 70 hips. 5 hips were revised. 3 for acetabular component loosening, 2 for infection. 8 died from unrelated causes, 3 refused to attend but filled in the Oxford hip score by mail, 2 were lost to follow up. At the time of follow-up the average age was 64 years with an age range ( 41 – 77). The Oxford, and the Harris hip scores were used to Asses the patients clinically, and a standard AP pelvis X-Ray showing both hips was performed Clinically we found. The average Harris hip score 90 ( 51 – 100), the average Oxford hip score 20 ( 12 – 45 ). Radiographic assessment showed good component fixation with uniform bone growth around the components. The average angle of the Acetabular component was 52 ( 40– 60 ). 4 cups showed loose zones mainly in zone1. 21 hips showed polyethylene wear 6 had more than 2.5 mm wear. 52% of the hips showed proximal calcar remodelling, only 7 stems showed loose zones mainly in zone 1. We conclude that the Furlong HA coated THR is an excellent THR for the young patient who has a higher activity demand with a survival rate of 93.9% excluding deaths and patients who refused to attend at ten years follow up.
