Aims

This study aimed to develop and validate a fully automated system that quantifies proximal femoral bone mineral density (BMD) from CT images.

Aims

To develop and internally validate a preoperative clinical prediction model for acute adjacent vertebral fracture (AVF) after vertebral augmentation to support preoperative decision-making, named the after vertebral augmentation (AVA) score.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in patellar height and clinical outcomes at a mean follow-up of 7.7 years (5 to 10) after fixed-bearing posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (PS-TKA).

Introduction

Most of patients with unilateral hip disease shows muscle volume atrophy of pelvis and thigh in the affected side because of pain and disuse, resulting in reduced muscle weakness and limping. However, it is unclear how the muscle atrophy correlated with muscle strength in the patient with hip disorders. A previous study have demonstrated that the volume of the gluteus medius correlated with the muscle strength by volumetric measurement using 3 dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) data, however, muscles influence each other during motions and there is no reports focusing on the relationship between some major muscles of pelvis and thigh including gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, iliopsoas and quadriceps and muscle strength in several hip and knee motions. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between muscle volumetric atrophy of major muscles of pelvis and thigh and muscle strength in flexion, extension and abduction of hip joints and extension of knee joint before surgery in patients with unilateral hip disease.

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine whether hips with unilateral osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) have significant asymmetry in femoral length, and to determine potential related factors.

Introduction

Modulation of signaling pathways, which involves tendon development, regeneration, or homeostasis, is one of the potential modalities to facilitate proper regeneration of the injured tendon. Authors have previously reported that activation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling suppressed the expression of tenogenic genes (i.e. Scleraxis (Scx), Mohawk (Mkx), Tenomodulin (Tnmd)) in rat primary tendon-derived cells (TDCs) and SCX-transduced human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC-Scx cells), as a tendon progenitor cell line (kindly provided Dr. Docheva). The roles of TGF-beta signaling in tenogenesis have been elucidated. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of TGF-beta signaling on tenogenic genes and relationship between both two signalings in rat TDCs and hMSC-Scx cells.

The purposes of this study were to review retrospectively the 10-year outcome of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) using an active robot system in the femoral canal preparation for an anatomic short stem and navigation in the cup placement through a mini incision posterior approach. We reviewed all patients who underwent THA with this procedure in 53 hips between 2004 and 2007. There were no intraoperative fracture nor navigation- or robotic-related complications. All implant sizes were same as planned ones. All cases were followed up at least two years and all implants showed bone ingrowth stable according to the Engh's criteria. After then, six patients died of unrelated causes. Two patients (three hips) could not come to the 10-year follow-up examination. The remaining 44 hips were followed for 10 to 12 years (11 years on average). There is no dislocation. The average JOA hip score improved from 48 preoperatively to 96 at the final examination. On the postoperative x-ray measurements, the average cup radiographic inclination was 39° and the radiographic anteversion was 14°. There was no stem which showed more than 2° of varus or valgus alignment. There was no case who showed more than 5mm of limb length discrepancy. Postoperative CT images of 38 hips were obtained at 2 weeks. After matching the coordinates of the pelvis and femur with the preoperative planning, we got very small differences in alignment parameters between the measured values and the planed ones. The difference differences between the plan and measured values were −0.1° in cup inclination, −1.4° in cup anteversion, stem 0.5° in coronal alignment, 0.6° in stem sagittal alignment, and −1.6° in stem anteversion, respectively. We conclude that our robotic femoral preparation for a short anatomical stem and navigated cup placement thru a mini-posterior approach was safe and feasible without affecting the accuracy of the procedure. There were no long term adverse effect of the procedure.

The purpose of this experimental study was to elucidate the accuracy of neck-cut PSG setting, and femoral component implantation using neck-cut PSG in the THA through the anterolateral-approach relative to the preoperative planning goals, and to determine the usefulness of PSG compared with the procedure without PSG. A total of 32 hips from 16 fresh Caucasian cadaveric samples were used and classified into 4 groups: cementless anatomical stem implantation with wide-base-contact PSG (AWP: 8 hips, Fig.2); (2) cementless anatomical stem implantation with narrow-base-contact PSG (ANP: 8 hips, Fig.2); (3) cementless anatomical stem implantation without PSG (Control: 8 hips); and (4) cementless taper-wedge stem implantation with wide-base-contact PSG (TWP: 8 hips). The absolute error of PSG setting in the sagittal plane of the AWP group was significantly less than that of the ANP (p=0.003).THA with wide-base- contact PSG resulted in better alignment of the femoral component than THA without PSG or with narrow- base-contact PSG. Although the neck-cut PSG did not control the sagittal alignment of taper-wedge stem, the neck-cut PSG was effective to realise the preoperative coronal alignment and medial height for THA via the anterolateral approach regardless of the femoral component type.

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The purposes of this study were to review retrospectively the 25-year survival of cemented and cementless THA for hip dysplasia and to compare the effect of fixation methods on the long-term survival in patients with DDH. 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. The studied subjects were 76 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 survival at 25 years regarding any revision as the endpoint was 46% in Group-C and 76% in Group-UC. These difference was significant using Log-rank test (P=0.008). The cup survival at 25 years was 47% in Group-C and 83% in Group-UC (P= 0.0003). The stem survivals at 25 years were 95% in Group-C and 92% in Group-UC. (P= 0.416). Cementless THA in patients with DDH showed a higher survival rate at 25 years 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 25 years than cemented THA with the Bioceram in patients with OA secondary to DDH.

Introduction

Patients with hip osteoarthritis have a substantial loss of muscular strength in the affected limb compared to the healthy limb preoperatively, but there is very little quantitative information available on preoperative muscle atrophy and degeneration and their influence on postoperative quality of life (QOL) and the risk of falls. The purpose of the present study were two folds; to assess muscle atrophy and degeneration of pelvis and thigh of patients with unilateral hip osteoarthritis using computed tomography (CT) and to evaluate their impacts on postoperative QOL and the risk of falls.

Background

Cup anteversion and inclination are important to avoid implant impingement and dislocation in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, it is well known that functional cup anteversion and cup inclination also change as the pelvic sagittal inclination (PSI) changes, and many reports have been made to investigate the PSI in supine and standing positions. However, the maximum numbers of subjects studied are around 150 due to the requirement of considerable manual input in measuring the PSIs. Therefore, PSI in supine and standing positions were measured fully automatically with a computational method in a large cohort, and the factors which relate to the PSI change from supine to standing were analyzed in this study.

Although many distal fit and fill design cementless stems have shown a very good long term stable fixation, short proximal coated stems are recently increasing in their use with an expectation of less stress shielding and an ease of removal at revision surgery. We introduced an anatomic short stem made from titanium alloy with proximal plasma-spray titanium and hydroxyapatite coating (CentPillar, Stryker, Mahwah) in 2002. To evaluate a minimum 10-year outcome of the system in terms of fixation and stress shielding, we reviewed initial 100 consecutive cases operated by a single surgeon. There were 91 hips with osteoarthritis and 9 hips with osteonecrosis. There were 94 females and 6 males. Average age at operation was 58 years. The patients were followed up for an average of 11 years. Average JOA hip score improved significantly from 46.9 preoperatively to 96.7 at the final examination. There were no dislocation, or revision, or radiographic loosening. When we looked at the level of bone atrophy, 80% of cases showed no stress shielding below the lessor trochanter. We conclude that the CentPillar stem showed mild stress shielding due to short proximal bone ongrowth coating while keeping a long term good clinical score and radiographic stability.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to elucidate longitudinal kinematic changes of the hip joint during heels-down squatting after THA.

Introduction

Range of motion (ROM) simulation of the hip is useful to understand the maximum impingement free ROM in total hip arthroplasty (THA). In spite of a complex multi-directional movement of the hip in daily life, most of the previous reports have evaluated the ROM only in specific directions such as flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, and internal - external rotation at 0° or 90° of hip flexion. Therefore, we developed ROM simulation software (THA analyzer) to measure impingement free ROM in any positions of the hip. Recent designs of the hip implants give a wider ROM by increasing the head diameter and then, bone to bone impingement can be a ROM limit factor particularly in a combination of deep flexion, adduction and internal rotation of the hip. Therefore, the purpose of this study were to observe an individual variation in the pattern of the bone impingement ROM in normal hip bone models using this software, to classify the bone impingement ROM mapping types and to clarify the factors affecting the bone impingement type.

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.

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.

Introduction

Adult tendon injuries occur very frequently, but injured tendon heals very slowly and the mechanisms of the slow-healing response to injury are still largely unknown. Currently, the main barrier is our insufficient understanding of the mechanisms responsible for homeostasis, regeneration and repair of adult tendon. This gap in knowledge translates to a lack of experimental models. Therefore, using the combination of state-of-the-art genetic approaches, we have established novel cell biological tools to advance the understanding of tendon biology.

The robotic-assisted system (ROBODOC) is the first active robot that was designed to reduce potential human errors in performing cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). We have reported minimum five years follow-up clinical results. However, to our knowledge, there have been no longer follow-up reports. The purpose of this study was to prospectively compare the minimum ten years follow-up results of robotic-assisted and hand-rasping stem implantation techniques.

Between 2000 and 2002, we performed 146 THA on 130 patients who were undergoing primary THA. Robot assisted primary THA was performed on 75 hips and a hand-rasping technique was used on 71 hips. Among them, 112 hips (53 hips in the robotic milling group and 59 hips in the hand-rasping group) were followed more than 10 years. Follow-up periods ranged from 120–152 months (average 135). Preoperatively, we plan the position and the size of the stem three-dimensionally for both groups. At the operation, posterolateral approach was used. We evaluated survivorship and compared clinical results.

At the final follow-up, no stem was revised in either group. Plain radiographs showed bone ingrowth fixation for all the stems of both groups. There were no signs of mechanical loosening in any implant. Preoperatively, there were no significant differences in the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) hip scores between the two groups. Ten years postoperatively, it was significantly better in the robotic milling group (98 points and 96 points, respectively) (Mann-Whitney U-test; p<0.05). The main difference was observed in the category of range of motion (19 points and 18 points, respectively) (p=0.01).

In the previous study, we have reported that the JOA hip score was significantly better in the robotic milling group up to three years postoperatively. In the present study, we found that it was still significantly better at ten years postoperatively. In conclusion, robotic milling THA was associated with better clinical scores until ten years postoperatively.

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.

The occurrence of impingement can lead to instability, accelerated wear, and unexplained pain after THA. While implant and bony impingement were widely investigated, importance of soft tissue impingement was unclear. In the THA through posterior approach, it is known that posterior soft tissue repair can decrease the risk of dislocation. However, it is not known whether anterior soft tissue impingement by anterior hip capsule will influence hip ROM. The purpose of this study is to quantitatively measure the effect of anterior capsule resection on hip ROM in vivo during posterior approach THA using hip navigation system.

From June 2011, 26 hips (25 patients) that underwent primary THA using Stryker CT-based hip navigation system were the subjects. All were female osteoarthritis patients and the average age at the operation was 59 (47–76) years. Intraoperatively, acetabular cup and femoral stem placement were performed through posterior approach under the navigation system. After reduction of the joint, we measured hip ROM using the same navigation system. We measured them before and after the resection of anterior hip capsule and compared the difference.

After the resection of anterior hip capsule, the average increases of ROM were 0.7±3.5 degrees for flexion, 2.3±2.3 degrees for extension, 1.1±2.3 degrees for abduction and 2.1±2.9 degrees for external rotation at flexion 0 degree compared with ROM before the resection. However, it significantly increased 7.5±5.1 degrees for internal rotation at flexion 90 degree (range; −3–20, paired t-test p<0.001) and 6.1±5.5 degrees for internal rotation at flexion 45 degree (range; −4–18, p<0.001).

In this study, we used navigation system for assessment of soft tissue impingement. We found that during posterior approach THA, resection of anterior hip capsule brought about significant increase of ROM, especially in the direction of flexion with internal rotation. We also found that this procedure did not change ROM of flexion, extension, abduction and external rotation. These results indicated that, during THA through posterior approach, resection of anterior hip capsule could reduce the risk of posterior instability without increasing the risk of anterior instability.

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.

The in vivo kinematics of squatting after total hip arthroplasty (THA) has remained unclear. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate range of motion (ROM) of the hip joint and the incidence of prosthetic impingement during heels-down squatting after THA.

23 primary cementless THAs using a computed tomography-based navigation system (CT-HIP, Stryker Navigation, Freiberg, Germany) were investigated using fluoroscopy. An acetabular component with concavities around the rim (TriAD HA PSL, Stryker Orthopaedics, Mahwah, NJ) and a femoral component with reduced neck geometry (CentPiller, Stryker Orthopaedics), which provided a large oscillation angle, were used. The femoral head size was 28mm (8 hips), 32mm (10 hips), and 36mm (5 hips). Post-operative analysis was performed within 6 months in 6 hips, and at 6 months to 2 years in 17 hips. Successive hip motion during heels-down squatting was recorded as serial digital radiographic images in a DICOM format using a flat panel detector. The coordinate system of the acetabular and femoral components based on the neutral standing position was defined. The images of the hip joint were matched to three-dimensional computer aided design models of the acetabular and femoral components using a two-dimensional to three-dimensional (2D/3D) registration technique. In the previous computer simulation study of THA, the root mean square errors of rotation was less than 1.3°, and that of translation was less than 2.3 mm.

We estimated changes in the relative angle of the femoral component to the acetabular component, which represented the hip ROM, and investigated the incidence of prosthetic impingement during squatting. We also estimated changes in the flexion angle of the acetabular component, which represented the pelvic posterior tilting angle (PA), and the flexion angle of the femoral component, which represented the femoral flexion angle (FA). The contribution of the PA to the FA at maximum squatting was evaluated as the pelvic posterior tilting ratio (PA/FA). In addition, when both components were positioned most closely during squatting, we estimated the minimum angle (MA) up to theoretical prosthetic impingement.

No prosthetic impingement occurred in any hips. The maximum hip flexion ROM was mean 92.7° (SD; 15.7°, range; 55.1°–119.1°) and was not always consisted with the maximum squatting. The maximum pelvic posterior tilting angle (PA) was mean 27.3° (SD; 11.0°, range; 5.5°–46.5°). The pelvis began to tilt posteriorly at 50°–70° of the hip flexion ROM. The maximum femoral flexion angle (FA) was mean 118.9° (SD; 10.4°, range; 86.4°–136.7°). At the maximum squatting, the ratio of the pelvic posterior tilting angle to the femoral flexion angle (pelvic posterior tilting ratio, PA/FA) was mean 22.9% (SD; 10.4%, range; 3.8%–45.7%). The minimum angle up to the theoretical prosthetic impingement was mean 22.7° (SD; 7.5°, range; 10.0°–37.9°). The maximum hip flexion of ROM in 36 mm head cases was larger than that in 32 mm or 28 mm head cases, while the minimum angle up to the prosthetic impingement in 36 mm head cases was also larger than that in 32 mm or 28 mm head cases.

Three-dimensional assessment of dynamic squatting motion after THA using the 2D/3D registration technique enabled us to elucidate hip ROM, and to assess the prosthetic impingement, the contribution of the pelvic posterior tilting, and the minimum angle up to theoretical prosthetic impingement during squatting.

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.

Lumbar spondylolysis is a stress fracture of the pars interarticularis. We have evaluated the site of origin of the fracture clinically and biomechanically.

Ten adolescents with incomplete stress fractures of the pars (four bilateral) were included in our study. There were seven boys and three girls aged between 11 and 17 years. The site of the fracture was confirmed by axial and sagittal reconstructed CT. The maximum principal tensile stresses and their locations in the L5 pars during lumbar movement were calculated using a three-dimensional finite-element model of the L3-S1 segment.

In all ten patients the fracture line was seen only at the caudal-ventral aspect of the pars and did not spread completely to the craniodorsal aspect. According to the finite-element analysis, the higher stresses were found at the caudal-ventral aspect in all loading modes. In extension, the stress was twofold higher in the ventral than in the dorsal aspect.

Our radiological and biomechanical results were in agreement with our clinical observations.

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.

It has been noted that bony union of a pars defect can be achieved in children if they wear a trunk brace. Our aim was to evaluate how the stage of the defect on CT and the presence or absence of high signal change in the adjacent pedicle on T2-weighted MRI were related to bony healing. We treated 23 children conservatively for at least three months. There were 19 boys and four girls with a mean age of 13.5 years (7 to 17). They were asked to refrain from sporting activity and to wear a Damen soft thoracolumbosacral type brace. There were 41 pars defects in 23 patients. These were classified as an early, progressive or terminal stage on CT. The early-stage lesions had a hairline crack in the pars interarticularis, which became a gap in the progressive stage. A terminal-stage defect was equivalent to a pseudarthrosis. On the T2-weighted MR scan the presence or absence of high signal change in the adjacent pedicle was assessed and on this basis the defects were divided into high signal change-positive or -negative. Healing of the defect was assessed by CT.

In all, 13 (87%) of the 15 early defects healed. Of 19 progressive defects, only six (32%) healed. None of the seven terminal defects healed. Of the 26 high signal change-positive defects 20 (77%) healed after conservative treatment whereas none of the high signal change-negative defects did so. We concluded that an early-stage defect on CT and high signal change in the adjacent pedicle on a T2-weighted MR scan are useful predictors of bony healing of a pars defect in children after conservative treatment.

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.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical results of total knee arthroplasty with three different implants for patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in our institution.

Materials and methods: From January 1993 to October 1998, 41 total knee arthroplasties were done at our institution. Clinical assessment was performed preoperatively and at most recent follow-up using the Japan Orthopaedic Association scoring system (JOA score). The Knee Society Radiological Evaluation System was used to evaluate a series of 41 total knee arthroplasties. The population consisted of 41 patients, 37 women and four men, with an average age of 71.8 (55-85) who had total knee arthroplasty, and the average BMI was 24.5 (18.1-36.0). Preoperative diagnoses were osteoarthritis in 25 patients and rheumatoid arthritis in 16 patients. Used implants were Miller-Garante 2 (Zimmer) in 15 knees, KU3 (Kyocera) in seven knees and Nexgen (Zimmer) in 19 knees.

Results: The average preoperative JOA score were 48.0 points and postoperative score were 74 points. Preoperative and postoperative maximum extension was −16.4 ± 10.9° and –2.86 ± 4.9°. Preoperative and postoperative maximum flexion was 105 ± 21.6° and 106 ± 15.0°. On the AP radiographs, the average angulation of the femoral component was 96.9 ± 2.2° and tibial component position was 88.0 ± 2.5°. The lateral radiographs revealed an average femoral component flexion of 3.03 ± 3.9° The average tibial component flexion was 3.53 ± 3.02°. And there was no significant difference in radiographic evaluation among those implants.

Conclusion: In the middle term results, there was a significant correlation between preoperative and postoperative flexion and a significant improvement of maximum extension of the knee after total knee arthroplasty.