Pelvic bone defect in patients with severe congenital dysplasia of the hip (CDH) lead to abnormalities in lumbar spine and lower limb alignment that can determine total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients' outcome. These variables may be different in uni- or bilateral CDH.

We compared the clinical outcome and the spinopelvic and lower limb radiological changes over time in patients undergoing THA due to uni- or bilateral CHD at a minimum follow-up of five years.

Sixty-four patients (77 hips) undergoing THA due to severe CDH between 2006 and 2015 were analyzed: Group 1 consisted of 51 patients with unilateral CDH, and group 2, 113 patients (26 hips) with bilateral CDH. There were 32 females in group 1 and 18 in group 2 (p=0.6). The mean age was 41.6 years in group 1 and 53.6 in group 2 (p<0.001). We compared the hip, spine and knee clinical outcomes. The radiological analysis included the postoperative hip reconstruction, and the evolution of the coronal and sagittal spinopelvic parameters assessing the pelvic obliquity (PO) and the sacro-femoro-pubic (SFP) angles, and the knee mechanical axis evaluating the tibio-femoral angle (TFA).

At latest follow-up, the mean Harris Hip Score was 88.6 in group 1 and 90.7 in group 2 (p=0.025). Postoperative leg length discrepancy of more than 5 mm was more frequent in group 1 (p=0.028). Postoperative lumbar back pain was reported in 23.4% of the cases and knee pain in 20.8%, however, there were no differences between groups. One supracondylar femoral osteotomy and one total knee arthroplasty were required. The radiological reconstruction of the hip was similar in both groups. The PO angle improved more in group 1 (p=0.01) from the preoperative to 6-weeks postoperative and was constant at 5 years. The SFP angle improved in both groups but there were no differences between groups (p=0.5). 30 patients in group 1 showed a TFA less than 10º and 17 in group 2 (p=0.7).

Although the clinical outcome was better in terms of hip function in patients with bilateral CDH than those with unilateral CDH, the improvement in low back and knee pain was similar. Patients with unilateral dysplasia showed a better correction of the PO after THA. All spinopelvic and knee alignment parameters were corrected and maintained over time in most cases five years after THA.

The pathophysiological basis of alterations in trabecular bone of patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) remains unclear. ONFH has classically been considered a vascular disease with secondary changes in the subchondral bone. However, there is increasing evidence suggesting that ONFH could be a bone disease, since alterations in the functionality of bone tissue distant from the necrotic lesion have been observed. We comparatively studied the transcriptomic profile of trabecular bone obtained from the intertrochanteric region of patients with ONFH without an obvious aetiological factor, and patients with osteoarthritis (OA) undergoing total hip replacement in our Institution. To explore the biological processes that could be affected by ONFH, we compared the transcriptomic profile of trabecular bone from the intertrochanteric region and the femoral head of patients affected by this condition. Differential gene expression was studied using an Affymetrix microarray platform. Transcriptome analysis showed a differential signature in trabecular bone from the intertrochanteric region between patients with ONFH and those with OA. The gene ontology analyses of the genes overexpressed in bone tissue of patients with ONFH revealed a range of enriched biological processes related to cell adhesion and migration and angiogenesis. In contrast, most downregulated transcripts were involved in cell division. Trabecular bone in the intertrochanteric region and in the femoral head also exhibited a differential expression profile. Among the genes differentially expressed, we highlighted those related with cytokine production and immune response. This study identified a set of differently expressed genes in trabecular bone of patients with idiopathic ONFH, which might underlie the pathophysiology of this condition.

Acknowledgements: This work was supported by grants PI18/00643 and PI22/00939 from ISCIII-FEDER, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICINN)-AES.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) outcome in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head ONFH) are excellent, however, there is controversy when compared with those in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Reduced mineralization capacity of osteoblasts of the proximal femur in patients with ONFH could affect implant fixation.

We asked if THA fixation in patients with ONFH is worse than in those with OA.

We carried out a prospective comparative case (OA)-control (ONFH) study of patients undergoing THA at our hospital between 2017 and 2019. The minimum follow-up was 2 years. Inclusion criteria were patients with uncemented THA, younger than 70 years old, a Dorr femoral type C and idiopathic ONFH. We compared the clinical (Merlé D'Aubigné-Postel score) and radiological results related with implant positioning and fixation. Engh criteria and subsidence were assessed at the immediate postoperative, 12 weeks, 6 months, 12 months and yearly. Osteoblastic activity was determined by mineralization assay on primary cultures of osteoblasts isolated from trabecular bone samples collected from the intertrochanteric area obtained during surgery.

Group 1 (ONFH) included 18 patients and group 2 (OA), 22. Average age was 55.9 years old in group 1 and 61.3 in group 2. (p=0.08). There were no differences related with sex, Dorr femoral type or femoral filling. The mean clinical outcome score was 17.1 in group 1 and 16.5 in group 2 (p=0.03). There were no cases of dislocation, infection, or revision surgery in this series. There were 5 cases (28%) of femoral stem subsidence greater than 3mm within 6 first months in group 1 and 1 case (4.5%) in group 2 (p=0.05).

Although there were no significant differences related to clinical results, bone fixation was slower, and a greater subsidence was observed in patients with ONFH. Greater femoral stem subsidence was associated with a lower capacity for mineral nodule formation in cultured osteoblasts. The surgical technique could influence THA outcome in patients with reduced mineralization capacity of osteoblasts.

Results in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) for femoral head osteonecrosis (ON) when compared with primary osteoarthritis (OA) are controversial. Different factors like age, THA type or surgical technique may affect outcome. We hypothesized that patients with ON had an increased revision rate compared with OA. We analysed clinical outcome, estimated the survival rate for revision surgery, and their possible risk factors, in two groups of patients.

In this retrospective cohort analysis of our prospective database, we assessed 2464 primary THAs implanted between 1989 and 2017. Patients with OA were included in group 1, 2090 hips; and patients with ON in group 2, 374 hips. In group 2 there were more men (p<0.001), patients younger than 60 years old (p<0.001) and with greater physical activity (p<0.001). Patients with lumbar OA (p<0.001) and a radiological acetabular shape type B according to Dorr (p<0.001) were more frequent in group 1. Clinical outcome was assessed according to the Harris Hip Score and radiological analysis included postoperative acetabular and femoral component position and hip reconstruction. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was used to estimate the cumulative probability of not having revision surgery for different reasons. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to assess risk factors for revision surgery.

Clinical improvement was better in the ON at all intervals. There were 90 hips revised, 68 due to loosening or wear, 52 (2.5%) in group 1, and 16 (4.3%) in group 2. Overall, the survival rate for revision surgery for any cause at 22 years was 88.0 % (95% CI, 82-94) in group 1 and 84.1% (95% CI, 69 – 99) in group 2 (p=0.019). Multivariate regression analysis showed that hips with conventional polyethylene (PE), compared with highly-cross linked PEs or ceramic-on-ceramic bearings, (p=0.01, Hazard Ratio (HR): 2.12, 95% CI 1.15-3.92), and cups outside the Lewinnek´s safe zone had a higher risk for revision surgery (p<0.001, HR: 2.57, 95% CI 1.69-3.91).

Modern highly-cross linked PEs and ceramic-on-ceramic bearings use, and a proper surgical technique improved revision rate in patients undergoing THA due to ON compared with OA.

Pelvic tilt can vary over time due to aging and the possible appearance of sagittal spine disorders. Cup position in total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be influenced due to these changes. We assessed the evolution of pelvic tilt and cup position after THA and the possible appearance of complications for a minimum follow-up of ten years.

343 patients received a THA between 2006 and 2009. All were diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis and their mean age was 63.3 years (range, 56 to 80). 168 were women and 175 men. 250 had no significant lumbar pathology, 76 had significant lumbar pathology and 16 had lumbar fusion. Radiological analysis included sacro-femoral-pubic (SFP), acetabular abduction (AA) and anteversion cup (AV) angles. Measurements were done pre-operatively and at 6 weeks, and at five and ten years post-operatively. Three measurements were recorded and the mean obtained at all intervals. All radiographs were evaluated by the same author, who was not involved in the surgery.

There were nine dislocations: six were solved with closed reduction, and three required cup revision. All the mean angles changed over time; the SFP angle from 59.2º to 60º (p=0.249), the AA angle from 44.5º to 46.8º (p=0.218), and the AV angle from 14.7º to 16.2º (p=0.002). The SFP angle was lower in older patients at all intervals (p<0.001). The SFP angle changed from 63.8 to 60.4º in women and from 59.4º to 59.3º in men, from 58.6º to 59.6º (p=0.012). The SFP angle changed from 62.7º to 60.9º in patients without lumbar pathology, from 58.6º to 57.4º in patients with lumbar pathology, and from 57.0º to 56.4º in patients with a lumbar fusion (p=0.919). The SFP cup angle was higher in patients without lumbar pathology than in the other groups (p<0.001), however, it changed more than in patients with lumbar pathology or fusion at ten years after THA (p=0.04).

Posterior pelvic tilt changed with aging, influencing the cup position in patients after a THA. Changes due to lumbar pathology could influence the appearance of complications long-term.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have potent immunomodulatory and regenerative effects via soluble factors. One approach to improve stem cell-based therapies is encapsulation of MSC in hydrogels based on natural proteins such as collagen and fibrin, which play critical roles in bone healing. In this work, we comparatively studied the influence of collagen and fibrin hydrogels of varying stiffness on the paracrine interactions established by MSC with macrophages and osteoblasts.

Type I collagen and fibrin hydrogels in a similar stiffness range loaded with MSC from donants were prepared by modifying the protein concentration. Viability and morphology of MSC in hydrogels as well as cell migration rate from the matrices were determined. Paracrine actions of MSC in hydrogels were evaluated in co-cultures with human macrophages from healthy blood donors or with osteoblasts from bone explants of patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Lower matrix stiffness resulted in higher MSC viability and migration. Cell migration rate from collagen hydrogels was higher than from fibrin matrices. The secretion of the immunomodulatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) by MSC in both collagen and fibrin hydrogels increased with increasing matrix stiffness. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion by macrophages cultured on collagen hydrogels was lower than on fibrin matrices. Interestingly, higher collagen matrix stiffness resulted in lower secreted TNF-α while the trend was opposite on fibrin hydrogels. In all cases, TNF-α levels were lower when macrophages were cultured on hydrogels containing MSC than on empty gels, an effect partially mediated by PGE₂. Finally, mineralization capacity of osteoblasts co-cultured with MSC in hydrogels increased with increasing matrix stiffness, although this effect was more notably for collagen hydrogels.

Paracrine interactions established by MSC in hydrogels with macrophages and osteoblasts are regulated by matrix composition and stiffness.

Aims

A significant reduction in wear at five and ten years was previously reported when comparing Durasul highly cross-linked polyethylene with nitrogen-sterilized Sulene polyethylene in total hip arthroplasty (THA). We investigated whether the improvement observed at the earlier follow-up continued, resulting in decreased osteolysis and revision surgery rates over the second decade.

Introduction and Objective

Despite pure alumina have shown excellent long-term results in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), alumina matrix composites (AMCs) composed of alumina and zirconium oxide are more commonly used. There are no comparative studies between these two different ceramics. We performed a retrospective case-control study to compare results and associated complications between AMC from two manufacturers and those with pure alumina from another manufacturer.

Introduction and Objective

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are attractive candidates for bone regeneration approaches. Benefits of MSC therapy are mainly attributed to paracrine effects via soluble factors, exerting both immunoregulatory and regenerative actions. Encapsulation of MSC in hydrogels prepared with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins has been proposed as a strategy to enhance their survival and potentiate their function after implantation. Functional activity of MSC can be regulated by the physical and mechanical properties of their microenvironment. In this work, we investigated whether matrix stiffness can modulate the crosstalk between MSC encapsulated in collagen hydrogels with macrophages and osteoblasts.

Introduction and Objective

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is an evolving and disabling condition that often leads to subchondral collapse in late stages. It is the underlying diagnosis for approximately 3%–12% of total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and the most frequent aetiology for young patients undergoing THA. To date, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ONFH remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated whether ONFH without an obvious etiological factor is related to impaired osteoblast activities, as compared to age-matched patients with primary OA.

Aims

To investigate whether idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is related to impaired osteoblast activities.

Aims

We previously reported the long-term results of the cementless Duraloc-Profile total hip arthroplasty (THA) system in a 12- to 15-year follow-up study. In this paper, we provide an update on the clinical and radiological results of a previously reported cohort of patients at 23 to 26 years´ follow-up.

We assessed the clinical and radiological outcome of a single uncemented total hip replacement (THR) after twenty years, analysing polyethylene wear and osteolysis.

82 hips implanted between 1992 and 1995 were prospectively evaluated. Mean follow-up was 20.6 years (18–23). A hemispherical porous-coated cup matched to a proximally hydroxyapatite-coated anatomic stem. A 28mm PE liner, sterilised by gamma irradiation in air, was used in all hips. Radiological position, eventual loosening and osteolysis were recorded over time. Penetration of the head into the liner was measured by the Roentgen Monographic Analysis (ROMAN) Tool at 6 weeks, 6 months, one year and yearly thereafter.

Six cups were revised due to wear and four cups because of late dislocation. All stems showed osseointegration and all cups appeared radiographically well-fixed. Six unrevised hips showed osteolysis on the acetabular side and two hips on the proximal femur. Creep at one year was 0.30±0.23 mm. Mean total femoral head penetration was 1.23mm at ten years, 1.52mm at 15 years and 1.92mm at 23 years. Overall mean wear was 0.12±0.1 mm/year and 0.09±0.06 mm/year after the creep period. Mean wear was 0.08±0.06 mm/year in hips without osteolysis and 0.14±0.03 mm/year in hips revised or hips with osteolysis (p<0.001).

Although continued durable fixation can be observed with porous-coated cups and proximally hydroxyapatite-coated anatomic stems, true wear continues to increase at a constant level over time. PE wear remains as the main reason for osteolysis and revision surgery in uncemented THR after twenty years.

Aims

To determine the effect of a change in design of a cementless ceramic acetabular component in fixation and clinical outcome after total hip arthroplasty

Background

Although the tribological characteristics are excellent, cup fixation has been one of the limitations in alumina-on-alumina total hip replacement (THR), so different types of materials and surfaces have been developing. We analysed the clinical and radiological outcome of two different uncemented cups for the same alumina-on-alumina THR.

Background and aim

Recent proposals have been introduced to modify stem design and/or femoral fixation in total hip replacement (THR). New designs need to consider previous design features and their results. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of six different designs of tapered uncemented stems implanted in our Institution.

Total hip replacement (THR) in young patients has been associated to higher revision rates than in older population. Different conditions may lead to end-stage arthritis of the hip in these patients. We compared the clinical and radiological outcome of two different groups of young and very young patients who underwent a ceramic-on-ceramic THR.

120 hips were prospectively followed for a mean of 10.4 years (range, 5 to 17). 38 patients (46 hips) were less than 30 years old (group 1), and, 68 (74 hips) were between 31 and 40 years old (group 2). Weight (p<0.001) and physical activity level were greater in group 2 (p<0.001). Preoperative function (p=0.03) and range of mobility (p=0.03) were worse in group 1. Primary osteoarthritis was not found in any case. Rheumatoid juvenile arthritis was the most frequent diagnosis in group 1 and avascular necrosis of the femoral head in group 2. A femoral funnel-shaped type 1 according to Dorr was more frequent in group 2 (p=0.04). The same ceramic-on-ceramic uncemented THR was used in all cases. Screws for cup fixation were only used when strictly needed. We analysed the clinical results according to the Merle-D´Aubignè and Postel scale, the postoperative radiological reconstruction of the hip and the radiological appearance of cup loosening. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was used to estimate the cumulative probability of not having a revision surgery.

Screw use required to obtain a secured interference fit of the acetabular component was found more frequently in group 1 (p=0.01). Postoperative pain (p=0.002) and function (p=0.002) were better in group 1. Mean acetabular abduction angle of the cup was greater in group 1 (p=0.03) and reconstruction to the hip rotation center according to Ranawat (p=0.01) was better in group 2. Placement of the acetabular component inside the Lewinnek´s zone and stem position were similar in both groups. No hips were revised due to complications related to ceramic or to stem loosening. Three cups were revised for aseptic loosening in group 1 and four in group 2. The survival rate for cup aseptic loosening at 15 years was 92.3% (95% CI: 83.7 to 100) for group 1 and 93.1% (95% CI: 85.3 to 99.9) for group 2 (Log rank, p=0.88).

Ceramic-on-ceramic uncemented THR is an excellent option for young and very young patients. Despite worse preoperative conditions in patients under the age of 30 years, a similar clinical outcome was found in this series.

Although cemented fixation provides excellent results in primary total hip replacement (THR), particularly in patients older than 75 years, uncemented implants are most commonly used nowadays. We compare the rate of complications, clinical and radiological results of three different designs over 75-years-old patients.

433 hips implanted in patients over 75 years old were identified from our Local Joint Registry. Group A consisted of 139 tapered cemented hips, group B of 140 tapered grit-blasted uncemented hips and group C of 154 tapered porous-coated uncemented hips. A 28 mm femoral head size on polyethylene was used in all cases. The mean age was greater in group A and the physical activity level according to Devane was lower in this group (p<0.001 for both variables). Primary osteoarthritis was the most frequent diagnoses in all groups. The radiological acetabular shape was similar according to Dorr, however, an osteopenic-cylindrical femur was most frequently observed in group A (p<0.001). The pre- and post-operative clinical results were evaluated according to the Merle-D'Aubigne and Postel scale. Radiological cup position was assessed, including hip rotation centre distance according to Ranawat and cup anteversion according to Widmer. We also evaluated the lever arm and height of the greater trochanter distances and the stem position. Kaplan-Meier analysis was done for revision for any cause and loosening.

The hip rotation centre distance was greater and the height of the greater trochanter was lower in group B (p=0.003, p<0.001, respectively). The lever arm distance was lower in group C (p<0.001). A varus stem position was more frequently observed in group B (p<0.001). There were no intra- or post-operative fractures in group A, although there were five intra-operative fractures in the other groups plus two post-operative fractures in group B and four in group C. The rate of dislocation was similar among groups and was the most frequent cause for revision surgery (8 hips for the whole series). The mean post-operative clinical score improved in all groups. The overall survival rate for revision for any cause at 120 months was 88.4% (95% CI 78.8–98), being 97.8% (95% CI 95.2–100) for group A, 81.8% (95% CI 64.8–98.8) for group B and 95.3% (95% CI 91.1–99.6) for group C (log Rank: 0.416). Five hips were revised for loosening. The overall survival rate for loosening at 120 months was 91.9% (95% CI 81.7–100), being 99.2%(95% CI 97.6–100) for group A, 85.5 (95% CI 69.9 −100) for group B and 100% for group C (Log Rank 0.093).

Despite a more osteopenic bone in the cemented group, the rate of peri-prosthetic fractures was higher after uncemented THR in patients older than 75 years. Although the overall outcome is good with both types of fixation, the post-operative reconstruction of the hip, which might be more reliable after cemented fixation, may affect the rate of complications in this population.

Between 1999 and 2001, 90 patients underwent total hip replacement using the same uncemented acetabular and femoral components with a 28 mm metallic femoral head but with prospective randomisation of the acetabular liner to either Durasul highly cross-linked polyethylene or nitrogen-sterilised Sulene polyethylene. We assessed 83 patients at a minimum follow-up of ten years. Linear penetration of the femoral head was estimated at six weeks, six and 12 months and annually thereafter, using the Dorr method, given the non-spherical shape of the acetabular component.

There was no loosening of any component; only one hip in the Sulene group showed proximal femoral osteolysis. The mean penetration of the femoral head at six weeks was 0.08 mm (0.02 to 0.15) for the Durasul group and 0.16 mm (0.05 to 0.28) for the Sulene group (p = 0.001). The mean yearly linear penetration was 64.8% lower for the Durasul group at 0.05 mm/year (sd 0.035) for the Sulene group and 0.02 mm/year (sd 0.016) for the Durasul (p < 0.001). Mean linear femoral head penetration at ten years was 61% less in the Durasul than Sulene group. Highly cross-linked polyethylene gives excellent results at ten years.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:326–32.

Acetabular bone structure is not the same in all patients and can be defined by the radiolucent triangle superior to the acetabulum. We ask if the acetabular anatomy determines the initial cup fixation and screws use.

We have assessed 205 hips in which a Cerafit cementless cup was implanted. According to Dorr et al., acetabulae were classified as type A, in which the radiolucent triangle had an isosceles shape (86 hips), type B, in which the triangle extended into the teardrop (90 hips), and type C which had a right-angle triangle (29 hips). The use of screws was decided at the time of surgery and according to cup stability, not acetabular anatomy.

Avascular necrosis and inflammatory arthritis were the most frequent diagnoses in type A hips, osteoarthritis in type B, and dysplasia in type C. Women were more frequent in types A and C (p< 0.001). The use of screws was more frequent in women (p< 0.001) and in type A (34.9%) and type C hips (62.1%) than in type B hips (20.0%) (p< 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression model showed the acetabular type (p=0.11) and gender (p=0.003) as independent factors. Acetabular types A (OR=1.98, 95% CI: 0.922–4.208, p=0.075) and C (OR=5.09, 95% CI: 1.74–14.9, p=0.003) increase the risk for screw use. Men have a lower risk for screw use (OR=0.329, 95% CI: 0.16–0.68, p=0.003).

Acetabular anatomy and gender determine the use of screws in cementless cups. Continued follow-up is necessary to determine if screws results in less loosening and osteolysis.

Introduction and Objectives: We compared the clinical and radiographic results of patients with JRA and primary arthritis using a non-cemented THR with an alumina-alumina THA.

Materials and Methods: We studied 29 THR (Cerafit cup and Multicone stem) implanted in 19 patients with JRA in group 1 and 135 with primary arthritis in group 2. Mean follow-up was 59.0 months. It was seen that 13 hips in group 1 had moderate-severe acetabular protrusion and allograft was used in 12 hips. The center of rotation was determined pre and postoperatively in group 1 according to Ranawat.

Results: In group 1 age (p< 0.001), weight (p< 0.001), and level of activity (p< 0.001) were less. Type A acetabulum (p=0.014) and a cylindrical femur (p< 0.01), according to Dorr, were more frequent in group 1. There was no noise or alumina breakage. There were two intraoperative femur fractures in group 1. There was a revision of 1 cup in group 1 and infection of 1 stem in group 2. In most of the group 1 cases anatomical position was recovered (p< 0.001). The preoperative center of rotation of the hip with acetabular protrusion was 23.2 mm and in the postoperative X-ray 5.6 mm.

Discussion and Conclusions: In spite of the differences, THR with alumina-alumina allows similar results to be obtained in the medium term in patients with JRA. The use of an allograft in those patients with severe acetabular protrusion makes it possible to reconstruct the center of rotation of the hip.

Introduction and Objectives: We compared the clinical and radiological results in patients under and over 40 years of age who had received a non-cemented alumina-alumina hip replacement.

Materials and Methods: We studied 337 Cerafit acetabular cups implanted in 4 hospitals in association with Multicone-Hydroxyapatite stems with alumina-alumina bearing surfaces. Group 1 consisted of 63 patients under 40 years of age and group 2 of 274 patients over 40 years of age. Mean follow-up was 59.0 months. Demographic data and clinical and radiological results of both groups were compared.

Results: There were no cases of primary arthritis in group 1, however severe hip dysplasia and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis were frequent (p< 0.001). Weight (p< 0.001) and degree of activity (p=0.003) were greater in group 2. Preoperative function (p=0.03) and mobility (p< 0.001) were worse in group 1. There were 3 cup revisions in group 1 and 4 (including an alumina breakage) in group 2. Survival with no revision due to any cause was 91.4+5.1% in group 1 and 97.0+ 1.1 in group 2 (p=0.4007). There were no noises. Clinical and radiological results were similar in both groups.

Discussion and Conclusions: Diagnoses were different in both groups, the younger patients were in worse conditions. In spite of these differences, the alumina-alumina prosthesis showed similar results in both groups in the medium term. Long-term follow-ups are necessary to confirm these results.

We reviewed 111 hemispherical Duraloc series-500 acetabular components with a minimum follow-up of 12 years. The mean clinical and radiological follow-up was 13.4 years (12 to 15). A Profile hydroxyapatite-coated anatomical femoral component was used in each case. Six patients had a late dislocation, for whom the polyethylene liner was exchanged. Each acetabular component was well fixed and all femoral components showed signs of bone ingrowth. The mean rate of femoral head penetration was 0.10 mm/year (0.021 to 0.481). The probability of not developing femoral cortical hypertrophy and proximal osteopenia by 12 years was 80.2% (95% confidence interval, 72.7 to 87.6) and 77.5% (95% confidence interval, 69.7 to 85.2), respectively. Despite these good clinical results, further follow-up is needed to determine whether these prostheses will loosen with time.

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene sterilised in the absence of air and highly cross-linked polyethylene have been used to avoid osteolysis and loosening in total hip replacement. Our prospective randomised study has assessed the results using two different polyethylenes associated with the same prosthetic design. We assessed 45 Allofit acetabular components with a Sulene-polyethylene liner of conventional polyethylene gamma sterilised with nitrogen and 45 Allofit acetabular components with a Durasul-polyethylene liner sterilised in ethylene oxide, both matched with an Alloclassic stem with a 28 mm modular femoral head. The prostheses were implanted between May 1999 and December 2001. The mean follow-up was for 66.3 months (60 to 92). The linear penetration of the femoral head was estimated at 6 weeks, at 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter from standardised digitised radiographs using image-analysis software.

There was no loosening of any prosthetic component. There were no radiolucent lines or osteolysis. The mean rate of penetration calculated from regression analysis during the first five years was 38 μm/year (sd 2) for the Sulene group and 6 μm/year (sd 1) for the Durasul group (p = 0.00002). The rate of penetration of the Durasul group was 15.7% of that of the Sulene group.

Aim: We assessed prospectively clinical and radiographic results of two different polyethylenes (PE) associated with the same prosthetic design (Zimmer-Centerpulse).

Material and Methods: We assessed 56 Allofit cups with Sulene-PE liner (sterilized in nitrogen) and 45 with Durasul-PE liner (highly cross-linked) associated with an Alloclassic stem (28-mm femoral head) implanted between 1999–2002. The mean follow-up was 29.4 months for the Sulene-PE and 25.3 for Durasul-PE. The radiologic study according to Johnston et al. and the PE wear estimated according to a software package (AutoCAD R14), were analysed at 6 weeks (zero position), at 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter.

Results: There were 3 dislocations which were excluded from the follow-up study. There were no infections. All assessed hips had good clinical and radiographic results. There was no loosening of any prosthetic component. There were no radiolucent lines, osteolysis, cortical hypertrophy, or femoral osteopenia. The distances between the acetabular shell and the femoral head centres taken in the early postoperative radiographs (zero position or bedding-in) were 0.30+0.094 mm for the Sulene-PE group and 0.20+0.074 for the Durasul-PE (p=0.029). The mean wear related with the zero position was 0.1035+0.0686 and 0.0819+0.078 (p=0.108) respectively.

Conclusions: Despite the measurement error of PE wear being higher in the Allofit cup, a higher zero position (bedding-in) was found in the Sulene-PE group than in the Durasul-PE. Although the mean wear was higher in the Sulene-PE than in the Durasul-PE, with the number of hips available, differences were not significant after 3 years

Introduction. Plain radiograph underestimates the lysis extent while bone defect determines acetabular revision. We determine the multislice computed tomography (CT) efficacy with metal-artifact minimization to calculate the volume, extent and location of lytic lesions around a loose acetabular cup.

Patients and Methods. 48 hips with a loose acetabular cup were evaluated before cup revision. Multislice CT scans with metal-artifact minimization (Toshiba-MEC CT) were done. Scans were taken at 135 kV and 250 mA to maximize the resolution and bone contrast. CT slice thickness was 3 mm and reconstruction index 1.5 mm. Evidence of osteolytic lesion on these scans was compared with plain radiographs and with intraoperative findings. Bone defects were classified according to Paprosky.

Results. Acetabular lysis were found in the radiographs of 18 hips and in the CT scans of 36 hips. The most frequent locations of osteolysis were medial (32 hips) and posterior walls (23 hips). Radiographs underestimated the extent of the lysis: there were 28 hips with radiographic type 1 defects and 16 hips with CT defects; 6 and 11 with type 2; 8 and 10 with type 3A; and 6 and 11 with type 3B respectively (Wilcoxon test, p< 0.001). The mean volumetric bone loss was 35.4 cm3 . Intraoperative findings confirmed CT findings.

Conclusions. Multislice CT scans with metal-artifact minimization is more sensitive for identifying and quantifying osteolysis around the cup than are plain radiographs. Since CT scans allow us to show the extent and location of the osteolysis, they are useful to plan cup revision.

Introduction and purpose: This study analyses the long-term results and the polyethylene wear rate of a first-generation hemispherical porous shell.

Materials and methods: 40 Tri-Lock shells were analyzed associated to an ACS (DePuy) PE insert implanted between 1988 and 1992. The PE had been gamma sterilized in air. The mean follow-up until revision or last control was 9.3 years (range: 3.1–15.0). PE wear was assessed by means of image digitalization with an Auto-CAD 14R software after 6 weeks (position zero), 6 and 12 months and, then, once a year. All cases were associated to a Profile stem.

Results: All shells showed themselves to be radiographically osseointegrated. 7 cases had acetabular osteolysis (Kaplan-Meier survival: 74.1% at 13 years). The appearance of osteolysis was related to a higher average wear rate (p=0.0021) and a higher wear rate at the end of follow-up (p=0.0147). 11 cases showed a breakage of the PE (Kaplan-Meier survival: 61.69+29.9% at 13 years). These breakages appeared on average after 60.1 months. The distance between the axis of the femoral head and that of the shell on the initial radiograph (position zero or initial settling) was 0.6018 in cases with breakage and 0.2338 in cases with no breakage (p=0.009). PE breakage was related to a higher mean wear rate (p< 0.0001) and the verticalization of the shell (p=0.0016).

Conclusions: Although all Tri-Lock cups were osseoin-tegrated, the breakage of the ACS insert was an usual finding, which was related with a higher initial settling of the PE, a higher mean wear rate and the verticalization of the shell.

We have analysedin the results of 24 femoral lengthenings in 23 patients operated on between 1993 and 2000, using a gradual elongation intramedullary nail (Albizzia). Of the 23 patients, 22 had femoral deficiency and one was of short stature. Their mean age was 16.9 years. Technical difficulties encountered during the procedure were mild or moderate in 18 femora and severe in six femora. Distraction was obtained by 15 ratchetings per day (1 mm/day).

There were 18 excellent results although in two patients this was achieved after the development of a pseudarthrosis which required further surgery. There were four good and two fair results in which the lengthening obtained was at least 3 cm less than had been projected. The consolidation index was 35.2 days/cm. No patient had associated long-term stiffness of the knee.

Femoral lengthening using an elongation nail gives good results and is a comfortable procedure.