Orientation of the acetabular component influences wear, range of movement and the incidence of dislocation after total hip replacement (THR). During surgery, such orientation is often referenced to the anterior pelvic plane (APP), but APP inclination relative to the coronal plane (pelvic tilt) varies substantially between individuals. In contrast, the change in pelvic tilt from supine to standing (dPT) is small for nearly all individuals. Therefore, in THR performed with the patient supine and the patient’s coronal plane parallel to the operating table, we propose that freehand placement of the acetabular component placement is reliable and reflects standing (functional) cup position. We examined this hypothesis in 56 hips in 56 patients (19 men) with a mean age of 61 years (29 to 80) using three-dimensional CT pelvic reconstructions and standing lateral pelvic radiographs. We found a low variability of acetabular component placement, with 46 implants (82%) placed within a combined range of 30° to 50° inclination and 5° to 25° anteversion. Changing from the supine to the standing position (analysed in 47 patients) was associated with an anteversion change < 10° in 45 patients (96%). dPT was < 10° in 41 patients (87%). In conclusion, supine THR appears to provide reliable freehand acetabular component placement. In most patients a small reclination of the pelvis going from supine to standing causes a small increase in anteversion of the acetabular component.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1326–31.

In this paper we propose a new classification of neurogenic peri-articular heterotopic ossification (HO) of the hip based on three-dimensional (3D) CT, with the aim of improving pre-operative planning for its excision. . A total of 55 patients (73 hips) with clinically significant HO after either traumatic brain or spinal cord injury were assessed by 3D-CT scanning, and the results compared with the intra-operative findings. At operation, the gross pathological anatomy of the HO as identified by 3D-CT imaging was confirmed as affecting the peri-articular hip muscles to a greater or lesser extent. We identified seven patterns of involvement: four basic (anterior, medial, posterior and lateral) and three mixed (anteromedial, posterolateral and circumferential). Excellent intra- and inter-observer agreement, with kappa values > 0.8, confirmed the reproducibility of the classification system. We describe the different surgical approaches used to excise the HO which were guided by the 3D-CT findings. Resection was always successful. . 3D-CT imaging, complemented in some cases by angiography, allows the surgeon to define the 3D anatomy of the HO accurately and to plan its surgical excision with precision. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:899–904

Femoral stem version has a major influence on impingement and early post-operative stability after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of a novel radiological method for measuring stem version. Anteroposterior (AP) radiographs and three-dimensional CT scans were obtained for 115 patients (female/male 63/72, mean age 62.5 years (50 to 75)) who had undergone minimally invasive, cementless THA. Stem version was calculated from the AP hip radiograph by rotation-based change in the projected prosthetic neck–shaft (NSA*) angle using the mathematical formula ST = arcos [tan (NSA*) / tan (135)]. We used two independent observers who repeated the analysis after a six-week interval. Radiological measurements were compared with 3D-CT measurements by an independent, blinded external institute. We found a mean difference of 1.2° (. sd. 6.2) between radiological and 3D-CT measurements of stem version. The correlation between the mean radiological and 3D-CT stem torsion was r = 0.88 (p < 0.001). The intra- (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.94) and inter-observer agreement (mean concordance correlation coefficient = 0.87) for the radiological measurements were excellent. We found that femoral tilt was associated with the mean radiological measurement error (r = 0.22, p = 0.02). . The projected neck–shaft angle is a reliable method for measuring stem version on AP radiographs of the hip after a THA. However, a highly standardised radiological technique is required for its precise measurement. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:306–11

Introduction. The achieved anteversion of uncemented stems is to a large extent limited by the internal anatomy of the bone. A better understanding of this has recently become an unmet need because of the increased use of uncemented stems. We aimed to assess plan compliance in six degrees of freedom to evaluate the accuracy of PSI and guides for stem positioning in primary THAs. Materials and Methods. We prospectively collected 3D plans generated from preoperative CTs of 30 consecutive THAs (17 left and 13 right hips), in 29 patients with OA, consisting of 16 males and 13 females (median age 68 years, range 46–83 years). A single CT-based planning system and cementless type of implant were used. Post operatively, all patients had a CT scan which was reconstructed using state-of-the-art software solution: the plan and CT reconstruction models were. Outcome measures: 1) discrepancy between planned and achieved stem orientation angles Fig.2&3; 2) clinical outcome. Results. 1) The mean (±SD) discrepancy was low for: Varus-valgus −1.1 ± 1.4 deg (IQR −2.2 – 0.3 deg); Anterior-posterior 0.1 ± 1.6 deg (IQR −0.7 – 1.3 deg). The discrepancy was higher for femoral version −1.4 ± 8.2 deg (IQR −8.3 – 7.2 deg). 3D-CT planning correctly predicted sizes in 93% of the femoral components. 2) There was no intra-operative fracture, no case showed evidence of early periprosthetic osseous injury. Discussion. Surgeons and engineers should be cautious with their expectation of achieving the planned femoral stem version of an uncemented femoral stem from the pre-operative 3D-CT plan. Conclusion. This is the first study to 3D-mensionally evaluate 3D-printed patient-specific instrumentation and guides for achieved femoral stem component orientation vis-à-vis to the plan. The tools allow accurate implant orientation, however there is still potential for improvement. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

We evaluated (1) wear rate, (2) prevalence and volume of osteolysis using 3D-CT scan, (3) other bearing-related complications, (4) HHS and survivorship free from revision at 15 years after THA using first-generation XLPE (1G XLPE). One-hundred sixty THAs were evaluated regarding bearing-related complication, HHS and survivorship. Among them, 112 hips underwent 3D-CT to analyze wear rate and osteolysis. All THAs were performed by single surgeon using cup of identical design, a 28-mm metal head and 1G XLPE (10 Mrad). Average age were 57 years and mean follow-up was 15.2 years. 3D-CT scan was performed at average of 13.0 years. Clinical evaluation included HHS and radiographic analysis was performed regarding stem alignment, cup anteversion and inclination angle, component stability, wear rate and osteolysis. Wear was measured using digital software. The prevalence and volume of osteolysis were also evaluated. Complications included XLPE dissociation/rim fracture, dislocation, periprosthetic fracture, infection, HO and any revision. Survivorship free from revision at 15 years was estimated. Average inclination and anteversion angle of cups were 40.7° and 20.6°. Mean stem alignment was 0.1° valgus. Average bedding-in and annual wear rate wear rate was 0.085 mm and 0.025 mm/yr. Eleven hips (10%) demonstrated osteolysis; pelvic osteolysis with average volume of 1.4 cm. 3. in six and femoral osteolysis with mean size of 0.4 cm. 2. in seven hips. Of 160 THAs, 5 hips (3%) dislocated. Overall, bearing-related complications occurred in 16 hips (10%). Other complications included postoperative periprosthetic fracture in 4 (3%), infection and HO in 3 hips, respectively. No hip demonstrated loosening, XLPE rim fracture/dissociation. Seven THAs (4%) were revised; recurrent dislocation in 5 and periprosthetic joint infection in 2 hips. Average HHS at last follow-up improved from 47.7 preoperatively to 91.2 points (p<0.001). Estimated survivorship free from revision at 15 years was 95.6 %. THA using 1G XLPE demonstrated low wear rate as well as low incidence of osteolysis at average follow-up of fifteen years. Longer-term studies will be necessary to determine if XLPE will continue to demonstrate this improved osteolysis characteristics

Purpose. Spinopelvic parameters are associated with the development of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement and subsequent osteoarthritis. Pelvic incidence (PI) characterizes the sagittal profile of the pelvis and is important in the regulation of both lumbar lordosis and pelvic orientation (i.e. tilt). The purpose of this imaging-based study was to test the association between PI and acetabular morphology. Methods. Measurements of the pelvis and acetabulum were performed for 96 control patients and 29 hip dysplasia patients using 3D-computed topography (3D-CT) scans. Using previously validated measurements the articular cartilage and cotyloid fossa area of the acetabulum, functional acetabular version/inclination, acetabular depth, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, and PI were calculated. Non-parametric statistical tests were used; significance was set at p<0.05. Results. Of the 125 scans analyzed in this study, 65% were females and the average age was 24.8±6.0 years old. Thirty-six (14.4%) hips had acetabular retroversion; 178 (71.2%) had normal acetabular version; and 36 (14.4%) had high acetabular anteversion. Acetabular version moderately correlated with pelvic incidence; (Sρearman= 0.4; p<0.001). Patients with acetabular retroversion had significantly lower PI (44.2. °. ; 95% CI 41.0–47.4. °. ), compared to those with normal acetabular version (49.4. °. ; 95% CI 47.8–51.0. °. ) (p=0.004). Patients with normal version had significantly lower PI compared to those with high acetabular anteversion (56.4. °. ; 95% CI 52.8–60.0. °. ) (p<0.001). A significant difference in pelvic tilt between the groups (retroversion: 3±7; normal: 9±6; high version: 17±7) (p<0.001) was noted. Acetabular depth inversely and weakly correlated with pelvic incidence (ρ= −0.2; p=0.001). No other of the acetabular parameter correlated with the spinopelvic parameters tested. Conclusion. This is the first study to demonstrate the association between PI and functional acetabular version using 3D-CT scans. The results of this study illustrate the importance of PI as a descriptor of both pelvic and acetabular morphology and function

Aims. This study sought to establish the prevalence of the cross over sign (COS) and posterior wall sign (PWS) in relation to the anterior pelvic plane (APP) in an asymptomatic population through reliable and accurate 3D-CT based assessment. Materials and Methods. Data from pelvic CT scans of 100 asymptomatic subjects (200 hips) undertaken for conditions unrelated to disorders of the hip were available for analysis in this study. A previously established 3D analysis method was applied to assess the prevalence of the COS and PWS in relation to the APP. Results. Of the 200 included hips, 24% (48) presented a positive COS and 5.5% (11) presented a positive PWS. A combination of COS and PWS was observed in 1% (two) of all hips (1%). . Conclusion. The high incidence of acetabular retroversion, determined by the COS, shows that this anatomic configuration may not differ in frequency between asymptomatic individuals and patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Patients presenting with hip pain and evidence of FAI should be subjected to strict diagnostic scrutiny and evaluated in the sum of their clinical and radiological presentation. In our cohort of asymptomatic adults, the COS showed a higher incidence than the PWS or a combined COS/PWS. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1584–9

Aims

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) patients report exacerbation of hip pain in deep flexion. However, the exact impingement location in deep flexion is unknown. The aim was to investigate impingement-free maximal flexion, impingement location, and if cam deformity causes hip impingement in flexion in FAI patients.

Aims

Asphericity of the femoral head-neck junction is common in cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and usually quantified using the alpha angle on radiographs or MRI. The aim of this study was to determine the natural alpha angle in a large cohort of patients by continuous circumferential analysis with CT.

We report the kinematic and early clinical results of a patient- and observer-blinded randomised controlled trial in which CT scans were used to compare potential impingement-free range of movement (ROM) and acetabular component cover between patients treated with either the navigated ‘femur-first’ total hip arthroplasty (THA) method (n = 66; male/female 29/37, mean age 62.5 years; 50 to 74) or conventional THA (n = 69; male/female 35/34, mean age 62.9 years; 50 to 75). The Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the Harris hip score, the Euro-Qol-5D and the Mancuso THA patient expectations score were assessed at six weeks, six months and one year after surgery. A total of 48 of the patients (84%) in the navigated ‘femur-first’ group and 43 (65%) in the conventional group reached all the desirable potential ROM boundaries without prosthetic impingement for activities of daily living (ADL) in flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and rotation (p = 0.016). Acetabular component cover and surface contact with the host bone were > 87% in both groups. There was a significant difference between the navigated and the conventional groups’ Harris hip scores six weeks after surgery (p = 0.010). There were no significant differences with respect to any clinical outcome at six months and one year of follow-up. The navigated ‘femur-first’ technique improves the potential ROM for ADL without prosthetic impingement, although there was no observed clinical difference between the two treatment groups.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:890–8.

The cam-type deformity in femoroacetabular impingement is a 3D deformity. Single measurements using radiographs, CT or MRI may not provide a true estimate of the magnitude of the deformity. We performed an analysis of the size and location of measurements of the alpha angle (α°) using a CT technique which could be applied to the 3D reconstructions of the hip. Analysis was undertaken in 42 patients (57 hips; 24 men and 18 women; mean age 38 years (16 to 58)) who had symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement related to a cam-type abnormality. An α° of > 50° was considered a significant indicator of cam-type impingement. Measurements of the α° were made at different points around the femoral head/neck junction at intervals of 30°: starting at the nine o’clock (posterior), ten, eleven and twelve o’clock (superior), one, two and ending at three o’clock (anterior) position.

The mean maximum increased α° was 64.6° (50.8° to 86°). The two o’clock position was the most common point to find an increased α° (53 hips; 93%), followed by one o’clock (48 hips; 84%). The largest α° for each hip was found most frequently at the two o’clock position (46%), followed by the one o’clock position (39%). Generally, raised α angles extend over three segments of the clock face.

Single measurements of the α°, whether pre- or post-operative, should be viewed with caution as they may not be representative of the true size of the deformity and not define whether adequate correction has been achieved following surgery.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1167–71.

There have been several studies examining the association between the morphological characteristics seen in acetabular dysplasia and the incidence of the osteoarthritis (OA).

However, most studies focus mainly on acetabular morphological analysis, and few studies have scrutinised the effect of femoral morphology. In this study we enrolled 36 patients with bilateral acetabular dysplasia and early or mid-stage OA in one hip and no OA in the contralateral hip. CT scans were performed from the iliac crest to 2 cm inferior to the tibial tuberosity, and the morphological characteristics of both acetabulum and femur were studied.

In addition, 200 hips in 100 healthy volunteer Chinese adults formed a control group. The results showed that the dysplastic group with OA had a significantly larger femoral neck anteversion and a significantly shorter abductor lever arm than both the dysplastic group without OA and the controls. Femoral neck anteversion had a significant negative correlation with the length of the abductor lever arm and we conclude that it may contribute to the development of OA in dysplastic hips.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1586–93.

We measured the orientation of the acetabular and femoral components in 45 patients (33 men, 12 women) with a mean age of 53.4 years (30 to 74) who had undergone revision of metal-on-metal hip resurfacings. Three-dimensional CT was used to measure the inclination and version of the acetabular component, femoral version and the horizontal femoral offset, and the linear wear of the removed acetabular components was measured using a roundness machine.

We found that acetabular version and combined version of the acetabular and femoral components were weakly positively correlated with the rate of wear. The acetabular inclination angle was strongly positively correlated with the rate of wear. Femoral version was weakly negatively correlated with the rate of wear. Application of a threshold of > 5 μm/year for the rate of wear in order to separate the revisions into low or high wearing groups showed that more high wearing components were implanted outside Lewinnek’s safe zone, but that this was mainly due to the inclination of the acetabular component, which was the only parameter that significantly differed between the groups.

We were unable to show that excess version of the acetabular component alone or combined with femoral version was associated with an increase in the rate of wear based on our assessment of version using CT.

This study evaluates the outcome of arthroscopic femoral osteochondroplasty for cam lesions of the hip in the absence of additional pathology other than acetabular chondral lesions. We retrospectively reviewed 166 patients (170 hips) who were categorised according to three different grades of chondral damage. The outcome was assessed in each grade using the modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) and the Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS).

Overall, at the last follow-up (mean 22 months, 12 to 72), the mean MHHS had improved by 15.3 points (95% confidence interval (CI), 8.9 to 21.7) and the mean NAHS by 15 points (95% CI, 9.4 to 20.5). Significantly better results were observed in hips with less severe chondral damage. Microfracture in limited chondral lesions showed superior results.

Arthroscopic femoral osteochondroplasty for cam impingement with microfracture in selected cases is beneficial. The outcome correlates with the severity of acetabular chondral damage.

We retrospectively analysed concentrations of chromium and cobalt ions in samples of synovial fluid and whole blood taken from a group of 92 patients with failed current-generation metal-on-metal hip replacements. We applied acid oxidative digestion to our trace metal analysis protocol, which found significantly higher levels of metal ion concentrations in blood and synovial fluid than a non-digestive method. Patients were subcategorised by mode of failure as either ‘unexplained pain’ or ‘defined causes’. Using this classification, chromium and cobalt ion levels were present over a wider range in synovial fluid and not as strongly correlated with blood ion levels as previously reported. There was no significant difference between metal ion concentrations and manufacturer of the implant, nor femoral head size below or above 50 mm. There was a moderately positive correlation between metal ion levels and acetabular component inclination angle as measured on three-dimensional CT imaging.

Our results suggest that acid digestion of samples of synovial fluid samples is necessary to determine metal ion concentrations accurately so that meaningful comparisons can be made between studies.

Lately, concerns have arisen following the use of large metal-on-metal bearings in hip replacements owing to reports of catastrophic soft-tissue reactions resulting in implant failure and associated complications. This review examines the literature and contemporary presentations on current clinical dilemmas in metal-on-metal hip replacement.