Aims

This study evaluates the association between consultant and hospital volume and the risk of re-revision and 90-day mortality following first-time revision of primary hip arthroplasty for aseptic loosening.

Introduction. In Europe a femoral neck retaining stem (Metha, Aesculap Inc, Tuttlingen, Germany) has been reported with excellent midterm survivorship. We report on a US series and compare it to a review of reports in Europe over the past decade to determine if US experience matches that in Europe. Methods. A review of published studies was performed on PubMed with search terms: Hip, replacement, arthroplasty, and Metha. We found four publications that met the criteria of reporting survivorship and reasons for revision surgery. The results from these four articles combined had 4179 THA with the Metha stem. After IRB approval three orthopaedic groups in the US were used to combine their experience over the last 11 years. These US sources had 824 surgeries performed between 2008–2019. We then reported on all revisions for comparison of survivorship. Results. In the four publications [1–4] there was a reported 4.8% failure over 5–10 years for any reason. In the 824 US cases there were 3 periprosthetic infections, 4 periprosthetic fractures (all within 15 months) and 2 revisions for other reasons (thigh pain and leg length discrepancy). If stem revisions for any reason are taken into account the Kaplan-Meier Survivorship at 5 years is 94.0%, and if only aseptic loosening is considered then the survivorship is 99.1% at 5 years and 98.4% at 11 years. Conclusion. Bone sparing implants for primary total hip replacement have seen the popularization of mid stems in the USA but a FNR stem has not seen significant popularity. This report from a three surgeon experience has excellent survivorship with two aseptic loosening cases both determined at time of periprosthetic fracture. Survivorship for this series at 11 years of 98.4% for aseptic loosening matches many reports of mid length or standard length primary total hip stems in national registry databases

Introduction. The patient's perspective is important in determining contemporary quality measures. Hip surgery may be much more disruptive on patient and family than many surgeons appreciate. We sought to investigate the character of the periacetabular osteotomy(PAO) experience from the patient's point of view. We hypothesized that interviewing this largely female population, treated in their very active years, would yield unique insights. Methods. We carried out an internet-based survey using a Google Forms platform posted on the PAO Facebook page and the Yahoo Hip Women group, comprising more than 1300 members. In a ten day enrollment period, 154 respondents completed the survey, which consisted of demographic information, plus multiple specific and open-ended questions. Results. 96% female, mean age 33y at surgery. 8.4y mean time from pain onset to PAO, >4y mean time from dx dysplasia to PAO. 30% not informed of PAO at dx of dysplasia. 18% connected with a “Hip Buddy” preop—all felt it strongly positive. Postop constipation severe problem>90%. All felt postop physical therapy important but 62% felt surgeon and PT team did not communicate well. Major emotional issues post discharge: depression/isolation 67%; emotionally unprepared for surgery 6%. Frequent mention of major negative impact on marriage/relationships/personal life/work/finances. Only 4/154 met with a mental health professional preoperatively. 88% did not regret having PAO. 73% felt PAO adequately corrected pain. Conclusion. The perioperative and postoperative experience of the PAO patient is far from universally positive. Learning the patient's perspective offers a previously-underappreciated important opportunity to improve outcomes. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

Aims

Perthes’ disease is an uncommon hip disorder with limited data on the long-term outcomes in adulthood. We partnered with community-based foundations and utilized web-based survey methodology to develop the Adult Perthes Survey, which includes demographics, childhood and adult Perthes’ disease history, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity Scale item, Short Form-36, the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and a body pain diagram. Here we investigate the following questions: 1) what is the feasibility of obtaining > 1,000 survey responses from adults who had Perthes’ disease using a web-based platform?; and 2) what are the baseline characteristics and demographic composition of our sample?

Aims. The aim of this study was to report our experience at 3.5 years with outpatient total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods. In this prospective cohort study, we included all patients who were planned to receive primary THA through the anterior approach between 1 April 2014 and 1 October 2017. Patient-related data and surgical information were recorded. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) related to the hip and an anchor question were taken preoperatively, at six weeks, three months, and one year after surgery. All complications, readmissions, and reoperations were registered. Results. Of the 647 THA patients who had surgery in this period through the anterior approach, 257 patients (39.7%) met the inclusion criteria and were scheduled for THA in an outpatient setting. Of these, 40 patients (15.6%) were admitted to the hospital, mainly because of postoperative nausea and/or dizziness. All other 217 patients were able to go home on the day of surgery. All hip-related PROMs improved significantly up to 12 months after surgery, compared with the scores before surgery. There were three readmissions and two reoperations in the outpatient cohort. There were no complications related to the outpatient THA protocol. Conclusion. These study results confirm that outpatient THA can be performed safe and successfully in a selected group of patients, with satisfying results up to one year postoperatively, and without outpatient-related complications, readmissions, and reoperations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(1):82–89

Background. National hip fracture programmes are becoming widespread, but this practice is nascent and varied. The Scottish Hip Fracture Audit (SHFA) was an early adopter of this strategy and is credited with substantial systemic improvements in quality and outcomes. Objectives. To provide evidence and incentive to clinicians and administrators to adopt successful improvement strategies, and to facilitate data-driven change hip fracture care. Study Design and Methods. We reviewed the practice of seven national hip fracture improvement programmes in: Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Scotland, and Ireland. We report our experience from the SHFA and describe: the results of our programme; challenges and learning points encountered, and successful strategies for implementing change. Results. There is variance in approach to data collection and reporting, for example: standalone programmes versus combined trauma and arthroplasty registries; annual trend reporting versus ‘snapshot’ or real-time information; population-level versus patient-level data, and the emphasis placed on service-level characteristics. The governance model also varies – some act as a passive data registry whereas others act as active agents of change and regulation. There is consensus on the key performance makers: prompt admission; early surgery and mobilisation, and a multidisciplinary approach. There have been significant challenges encountered by the SHFA with respect to funding, logistical, and political issues. Analysis of the effects of our programme have demonstrated its clinical efficacy, and has identified successful strategies for improvement. We describe this experience. Conclusions. The establishment of national audit programmes has resulted in significant improvements in quality, efficiency, and outcomes. This study of major national programmes provides evidence, incentive, and instruction to clinicians and administrators who seek to improve healthcare systems

The use of routine sampling for histological analysis during revision hip replacement has been standard practice in our unit for many years. It is used to identify the presence of inflammatory processes that may represent peri-prosthetic infection. This study follows up on a smaller study in the same unit in 2019 where an initial 152 cases were scrutinised. In this follow up study we examined 1,361 consecutive patients over a 16-year period whom had undergone revision hip replacement in a tertiary orthopaedic centre for any reason excluding primary bone tumour or malignant metastasis. All patients had tissue sampling for histopathological analysis performed by consultant histopathologists with a specialist interest in musculoskeletal pathology. The presence of bacteria in greater than 50% of samples sent for microbiological analysis in each patient was used as the gold standard diagnostic comparator for infection. This was then compared with the histology report for each patient. After excluding 219 patients with incomplete data and 1 sample rejection, 1,141 cases were examined. Microbiology confirmed infection in 132 cases (prevalence of infection 11.04%) and histopathology analysis suggested infection in 171 cases. Only 64 cases with confirmed infection in more than 50% of microbiology samples had concurrent diagnosis of infection on histological analysis (5.60% of total; PPV 51.20%). Furthermore, microbiology analysis confirmed infection in 62 cases where histological analysis failed to identify infection (5.43% of total; False negative rate 49.21%). Overall, histopathology analysis was seen to have a good specificity of 93.99% but poor sensitivity of 50.79%. We believe that this is the largest series in the literature and is somewhat unique in that all histology analysis was performed by consultant histopathologists with specialist interest in musculoskeletal pathology. Based on the costs incurred by this additional investigation our experience does not support routine sampling for histological analysis in revision hip arthroplasty. This is a substantial paradigm shift from current practice among revision arthroplasty surgeons in the United Kingdom but would equate to a substantial cost saving

The periacetabular osteotomy(PAO) is an effective common hip-preserving procedure to treat symptomatic acetabular dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The literature regarding truly long-term patient outcomes after PAO remains limited. We sought to evaluate our patient cohort treated by PAO 25 to 33 years ago to identify factors positively and negatively associated with durable therapeutic success.

219 dysplastic hips (183 patients) underwent PAO between August 1991 and December 1999 by a single surgeon. 164 hips in 134 patients were retrospectively evaluated at minimum of 25 years and maximum of 33 years post-operatively. Hips were evaluated using the pain subscale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) postoperatively. Osteotomy failure was defined as WOMAC pain score of >/=10 or the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA). 7 patients (7 hips) had died - none of whom had THR. 142/176 remaining patients were located. All patients returned questionnaires; some were seen in person with images.

Of patients analyzed to date, 109 hips (63%) were asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic with a preserved hip. 58 hips (33%) had undergone THA. 7 preserved hips (5%) were symptomatic (WOMAC>10). Patients with THA were slightly older than asymptomatic patients (54 ± 8 years vs. 50 ± 11 years; p=0.08), as they had been at time of PAO. Most patients were female (83%), with 89% of hip replacement patients being female. 4/58 replaced hips had been revised - 3 for instability and 1 for acetabular loosening. Data collection is ongoing as more patients are located and reviewed.

Long-term follow-up of patients is challenging. Review after minimum of 25 years of the Boston cohort treated with PAO after minimum of 25 years dysplasia reveals that most at long-term follow-up report high levels of function, whether or not they had required arthroplasty, although 33% had required interim treatment with THA.

Objectives. Modern metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA), while achieving good results with well-orientated, well-designed components in ideal patients, is contraindicated in women, men with head size under 50 mm, or metal hypersensitivity. These patients currently have no access to the benefits of HRA. Highly crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) has demonstrated clinical success in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and, when used in HRA, potentially reduces metal ion-related sequelae. We report the early performance of HRA using a direct-to-bone cementless mono-bloc XLPE component coupled with a cobalt-chrome femoral head, in the patient group for whom HRA is currently contraindicated. Methods. This is a cross-sectional, observational assessment of 88 consecutive metal-on-XLPE HRAs performed in 84 patients between 2015 and 2018 in three centres (three surgeons, including the designer surgeon). Mean follow-up is 1.6 years (0.7 to 3.9). Mean age at operation was 56 years (. sd. 11; 21 to 82), and 73% of implantations were in female patients. All patients were individually counselled, and a detailed informed consent was obtained prior to operation. Primary resurfacing was carried out in 85 hips, and three cases involved revision of previous MoM HRA. Clinical, radiological, and Oxford Hip Score (OHS) assessments were studied, along with implant survival. Results. There was no loss to follow-up and no actual or impending revision or reoperation. Median OHS increased from 24 (interquartile range (IQR) 20 to 28) preoperatively to 48 (IQR 46 to 48) at the latest follow-up (48 being the best possible score). Radiographs showed one patient had a head-neck junction lucency. No other radiolucency, osteolysis, component migration, or femoral neck thinning was noted. Conclusion. The results in this small consecutive cohort suggest that metal-on-monobloc-XLPE HRA is successful in the short term and merits further investigation as a conservative alternative to the current accepted standard of stemmed THA. However, we would stress that survival data with longer-term follow-up are needed prior to widespread adoption. Cite this article: R. B. C. Treacy, J. P. Holland, J. Daniel, H. Ziaee, D. J. W. McMinn. Preliminary report of clinical experience with metal-on-highly-crosslinked-polyethylene hip resurfacing. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:443–450. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.810.BJR-2019-0060.R1

Aims

The aim of this study is to report the long-term outcomes of instrumented femoral revisions with impaction allograft bone grafting (IBG) using the X-change femoral revision system at 30 years after introduction of the technique.

The purpose of this study was to determine long-term survival free from all-cause revision and stem-related failure, as well as radiographic and functional outcomes of the ZMR stem in revision THA.

We retrospectively identified all patients in our institutional database who underwent revision THA using the ZMR Revision Hip system from the year 2000 to 2007 (minimum two-year follow-up). Of the 112 ZMR hips (110 patients) identified, a total of 106 hips (104 patients) met inclusion criteria. The mean study follow-up 13.9 years (range 2–22). Indications for index ZMR revision included aseptic loosening (72.1%), periprosthetic joint infection (17.3%), periprosthetic fracture (9.6%), and stem fracture (1.0%). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine the all-cause and stem-related failure revision-free survival. Validated patient reported outcomes were collected and available radiographs were reviewed to determine implant stability.

A total of 17 hips (16.0%) underwent a re-revision of any component. The indications for re-revision were stem failure (35.3%), infection (29.4%), instability (29.4%), and aseptic loosening of the acetabular component (5.9%). The five- and 15-year all-cause survivorship was 89.5% (95% CI 86.5–92.5) and 83.0% (95% CI 79.2–86.8), respectively. There were six re-revisions for stem failure (5.7%); five for stem fracture and one for aseptic loosening. The average time to stem failure was 4.6 years (range 1.3–8.2). The five- and 15-year survivorship free from stem-related failure was 97.2% (95% CI 95.6–98.8) and 93.9% (95% CI 91.5–96.3), respectively. At final follow-up the mean Oxford hip score was 36.9 and all surviving ZMR stems were well fixed on radiographs.

Femoral revision with the ZMR stem offers satisfactory long-term survivorship and promising clinical outcomes. Although uncommon, stem fracture was the most common reason for stem-related failure.

Dual-mobility (DM) bearings are effective to mitigate dislocation in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, data on its use for treating dislocation is scarce. Aim of this study was to compare DM bearings, standard bearings and constrained liner (CL) in revision THA for recurrent dislocation and to identify risk factors for re-dislocation.

We reviewed 100 consecutive revision THAs performed for dislocation from 2012 and 2019. 45 hips (45%) received a DM construct, while 44 hips (44%) and 11 hips (11%) had a standard bearing and CL, respectively. Rates of re-dislocation, re-revision for dislocation and overall re-revision were compared. Radiographs were assessed for cup positioning, restoration of centre of rotation, leg length and offset. Risk factors for re-dislocation were determined by cox regression analysis. Modified Harris hip scores (mHHS) were calculated. Mean follow-up was 53 months (1 to 103).

DM constructs were used more frequently in elderly patients (p=0.011) and hips with abductor deficiency (p< 0.001). The re-dislocation rate was 11.1% for DM bearings compared with 15.9% for standard bearings and 18.2% for CL (p=0.732). Revision-free survival for DM constructs was 83% (95% CI 0.77 – 0.90) compared to 75% (95% CI 0.68 – 0.82) for standard articulations and 71% (95% CI 0.56 – 0.85) for CL (p=0.455). Younger age (HR 0.91; p=0.020), lower comorbidity (HR 0.42; p=0.031), smaller heads (HR 0.80; p=0.041) and cup retention (HR 8.23; p=0.022) were associated with re-dislocation. Radiological analysis did not reveal a relationship between restoration of hip geometry and re-dislocation. mHHS significantly improved from 43.8 points to 65.7 points (p<0.001) with no differences among bearing types.

Our findings suggest that DM bearings do not sufficiently prevent dislocation in revision THA for recurrent dislocation. Reconstruction of the abductor complex may play a key role to reduce the burden in these high-risk patients.

The use of routine sampling for histological analysis during revision hip replacement has been standard practice in our unit for many years. It is used to assess for the presence of inflammatory processes that may represent peri-prosthetic infection. Our study examines 152 consecutive patients who underwent revision hip replacement in our centre for all reasons, excluding malignant neoplasm or metastasis. We reviewed the cases from a prospectively collated database, comparing microbiology results with histology results. Both microscopic and macroscopic analysis by specialist musculoskeletal histopathologist was included in our study. We found 17 (11.2%) patients had cultured bacteria from intra-operative samples. Eight patients (5.3%) had histological findings interpreted as infection. Only one patient who had macroscopic and microscopic histology findings suggestive of infection also had culture results that identified a pathogen. Furthermore, the macroscopic analyses by the histopathologist suggested infection in nine patients. Only one patient with positive culture in greater than 2 samples had histological features of infection. Of the 4 patients who were found to have 3 or more samples where an organism was identified only one had histological features of infection. This represents 25% sensitivity when using histology to analyse samples for infection. Of the 8 patients who had both macroscopic and microscopic features of infection only 1 patients cultured bacteria in more than 3 samples (PPV 12.5%). Our experience does not support the routine sampling for histology in revision hip replacement. We suggest it is only beneficial in cases where infection is suspected or where a multi-procedure, staged revision is performed and the surgeon is planning return to theatre for the final stage. This is a substantial paradigm shift from the current practice among revision arthroplasty surgeons in the United Kingdom but will equate to a substantial cost saving

We previously reported the five to ten-year results of the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) implant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survivorship, radiographic results, and clinical outcomes of the BHR at long-term follow-up.

We retrospectively reviewed 250 patients from the original cohort of 324 BHRs performed from 2006 to 2013 who met contemporary BHR indications. Of these, 4 patients died and 4 withdrew. From the 242 patients, 224 patients (93%) were available for analysis. Modified Harris hip score (mHHS) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores were collected and compared to a matched total hip arthroplasty (THA) cohort. Mean follow-up was 14 years.

Survivorship free of aseptic revision was 97.4% and survivorship free of any revision was 96.0% at 15 years. Revisions included 3 periprosthetic joint infections, 2 for elevated metal ions and symptomatic pseudotumor, 2 for aseptic femoral loosening, and 1 for unexplained pain. The mean mHHS was 93 in BHR patients at final follow-up, similar to the THA cohort (p=0.44). The UCLA score was significantly higher for BHR patients (p=0.02), however there were equal proportions of patients who remained highly active (UCLA 9 or 10) in both groups, 60.5% and 52.2% (p=0.45) for BHR and THA respectively. Metal ion levels at long term follow-up were low (mean serum cobalt 1.8±1.5 ppb and mean serum chromium 2.2±2.0 ppb).

BHR demonstrated excellent survivorship in males less than 60 years of age at time of surgery. Clinical outcomes and activity levels were similar to THA patients. Failures related to the metal-on-metal bearing were rare and metal levels were low at long-term follow-up.

Level of evidence: III

Keywords: survivorship; hip arthroplasty; activity; metal-on-metal

Surface Replacement Arthroplasty demonstrates low revision rates and similar activity level compared to total hip arthroplasty at long-term follow-up.

Introduction. Femoroacetabular impingement(FAI) is a relatively common cause causes of hip pain and dysfunction in active young adults. The concept of FAI was popularized by Ganz et al in early 2000s. Surgical treatment for FAI has been widely employed over the last two decades. The long term outcome of femoroacetabular osteoplasty (FAO) and risk factors for long-term failure of FAO is less studied. The goal of this single surgeon series is to identify the long term outcome of FAO (minimum 10-year follow-up) and risk factors for surgical treatment failure in these patients. Methods. The prospective database on hip joint preservation identified 1,120 patients who have undergone FAO between January 2005-June 2019. Of these 164 patients (178 hips) have a minimum 10-year follow-up (range, 10–14). The database collects detailed information on patient demographics, clinical history, radiographic and cross sectional imaging findings, intraoperative findings (site and size of chondral lesion, labral tear, subchondral cyst, size of cam lesion, etc), and patient outcome using the modified HHS, SF-36, and UCLA activity score. Patients are contacted on an annual basis and the functional outcome instruments administered. Of 1,120 patients, 122 patients have been lost to follow-up. Results. The mean age of patients in the cohort is 34.3±10.4 years and 39.6% of patients are female. FAO resulted in an improvement in mean mHHS (58.2±3.9 to 86.4±3.2) and SF-36(60.4±4 to 85±4.1) in 89% of patients. At the latest follow up 8.1% of patients have undergone THA. The study found that older age, longer preoperative symptomatic period, higher preoperative alpha angle, presence of hip dysplasia and acetabular retroversion, inability to repair acetabular labrum, and full thickness acetabular chondral lesion were associated with higher risk of failure of treatment. Conclusion. Patients with symptomatic FAI who undergo surgery experience pain relief and functional improvement that appears to endure over a decade in the majority. This study on a large cohort with long term follow-up has also identified patients who are at higher risk of failure. The study has also shed light on some interesting findings such as labral tear being very common in patients without hip symptoms and others that will be presented. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

Constrained acetabular inserts provide a solution for both complex primary and revision hip arthroplasty, but there have been ongoing concerns for high risk of failure and their longevity. The Stryker® Trident acetabular insert is pre-assembled with its constrained ring. We believe this to be the largest series of constrained acetabular inserts with a minimum of 5 year follow-up.

We retrospectively reviewed all Stryker® Trident ‘All-Poly’ constrained acetabular inserts cemented into bone in our unit between 2008 and 2016. We collated demographic details and reviewed all patients’ radiographs and clinical notes. Indications for surgery, latest Oxford Hip Scores (OHS) and clinical and radiographic complications were identified.

117 consecutive Stryker® Trident ‘All-Poly’ constrained inserts were cemented into bone in 115 patients during the study period with a mean age of 80 (47–97). Most common indications for surgery were recurrent dislocation (47), complex primary arthroplasty (23), revision arthroplasty (19) and failed hemiarthroplasty (12). 41 patients required revision of the acetabular component only. Follow-up was a minimum of 5 years (mean 8.6, range 5–13). There were three 30-day mortalities and six 1-year mortalities. The mean latest OHS was 37 (24–45). Four cups failed in three patients, one at the cement-bone interface, two at the cement-prosthesis interface and one at the bipolar interface. These were treated conservatively in three patient and with excision arthroplasty in one patient. There were four peri-prosthetic fractures, one Vancouver C distal femur fracture treated conservatively and three Vancouver B1 fractures, two treated conservatively and one treated with open reduction internal fixation. There was breakage of one constrained ring with no adverse effects and one superficial wound infection requiring oral antibiotics only.

This series demonstrated that despite the elderly and complex nature of these patients’ clinical situations, constrained acetabular inserts offer a useful and pragmatic solution, with relatively low complications, including in our series a cup failure rate of 3% and peri-prosthetic fracture rate of 3%.

Different techniques have been described to address massive bone loss of the acetabulum in revision hip surgery. aMace has gained popularity as it provides customization aiming to restore hip centre and provide good initial stability in cases of large non-contained defects. It takes into account quality of host bone. Its porous defect filling scaffold provides an excellent surface for osteointegration.

Our aim was to assess the short and mid-term outcomes of patients who underwent revision surgery using aMace system.

Ethical approval was obtained. A retrospective study included all patients who had aMace between June 2013 and October 2022 allowing for a minimum of 12-months follow-up. Patients’ demographics, indication, bone-loss severity, reconstruction details, re-operation, complications, mortality, pain and function were assessed.

52 cases were performed by 13 surgeons with median 51 months follow-up. Median age was 72.7 years. 86.5% were female. Average BMI was 25.3. Average ASA grade was 3.

65% were classified as Paprosky IIIB and 32% were IIIA.

73% were found to have poor bone quality on CT. Main indication for aMace was massive bone loss/discontinuity secondary to aseptic loosening in 88.5%.

77% underwent single-stage revision. 53.8% had 2 or more previous revisions. 71% underwent stem revision in the same setting. 77% received a dual mobility bearing.

Re-operation rate was 5.7% for instability and femoral PPF. LLD was reported in 9.6%.

Permanent Sciatic nerve palsy occurred in 3.8% of the cases.

30-days mortality was 1.9%.

Statistically significant post-op improvements in pain and mobility were reported (p<0.001). None of the acetabular components have been revised.

Our study shows satisfactory surgical outcomes with a relatively low complication rate and significant pain and mobility improvements in the early to mid-term stages.

We recommend these costly cases to be done in highly specialist centres adopting MDT approach.

The Lubinus SP II is an anatomical femoral stem with high survivorship levels notably described in the Swedish Arthroplasty Register. As the clinical and economic burden of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) and periprosthetic fracture (PPF) continues to increase, it has been suggested that use of anatomical stems may facilitate more uniform cement mantles and improve implant survival. The primary aim of this study was to determine the long-term survivorship and PPF rate of the Lubinus SP II 150mm stem in a single UK centre.

Between January 2007 and April 2012, 1000 consecutive THAs were performed using the Lubinus SP II femoral stem in our institution. Patient demographics and operative details were collected in a prospective arthroplasty database. Patient records and national radiographic archives were then reviewed at a mean of 12.3 years (SD 1.3) following surgery to identify occurrence of subsequent revision surgery, dislocation or periprosthetic fracture.

Mean patient age at surgery was 69.3 years (SD 10.1, 24–93 years). There were 634 women (63%). Osteoarthritis was the operative indication in 974 patients (97%). There were 13 revisions in total (4 for recurrent dislocation, 3 for infection, 6 for acetabular loosening) and 16 dislocations (1.6%). Stem survivorship at 10 years was 99.6% (95 % confidence interval [CI], 99.5%–99.7%) and at 15 years was 98.8% (98.7%–98.9%). The 15-year stem survival for aseptic loosening was 100%. Analysis of all cause THA failure demonstrated a survivorship of 99.1% (99.0%–99.3%) at 10 years and 98.2% (98.1%–98.3%) at 15 years. There were 4 periprosthetic fractures in total (0.4%) at mean 12.3 year follow-up.

The Lubinus SP II stem demonstrated excellent survivorship, low dislocation rates and negligible PPF rates up to 15 years following primary THA. Use of anatomical stems such as the Lubinus SPII would appear to be a wise clinical and economic investment for patients and healthcare systems alike.

Arthroplasty has consistently shown ‘beneficial and often dramatic improvements in quality of life'. In developed healthcare systems arthroplasty has evolved to minimised complications through evidence-based implant selection, rigorous infection control and high volume training. The Children's Surgical Centre has performed 256 THAs since 2007, We aim to assess the outcome of arthroplasty in a LMIC. Our primary outcome was all cause of re-operation and our secondary outcome was any complications not requiring return to theatre.

A retrospective review of all consecutive THA since 2007 was conducted. Electronic and physical case notes were reviewed and basic demographics, indication for THA, risk factors for complications, implant combinations and complications were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using MedCalc.

A total of 256 THA were identified in 225 patients. The mean age was 43, with a M2:1F ratio. The most common pathologies were (1)AVN (44%), (2)OA (11%) and (3)DDH (11%). Revision rate was 13%. The mean time from implantation to revision was 2.8 years (0–9). The most common reasons for revision were (1)stem fracture (5.8%), (2)aseptic loosening (4.8%) and (3)infection (2.7%). Six different stems have been use over the time period. The best surviving were the Zimmer ML Taper and the UMA Muller stems. The UMA C-Stem was the worst performing which suffered 100% stem fracture. 109 complications were identified in 85 patients (33.2%). The three most common complications were (1)aseptic loosening (10.5%) (2)stem fracture (5.8%) and (3)dislocation (5.8%). Previous surgery (n=44) was found to be a significant risk for complications but not infection. OHS initially improved but began to decline after year 3.

Patients present to CSC with neglected hip pathology, disability and significant pre-operative deformity. These patients benefit from THA and the initially high complication rates at CSC are declining suggesting the apex of the ‘learning curve' has passed. Cheap poorly manufactured implants continue to cause catastrophic failure.

We studied the effect of surgical experience on the dislocation rate after 4230 primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) all performed using the posterior approach at three orthopaedic centres at major county hospitals. There were 129 postoperative (3%) dislocations. Twice the number of dislocations were registered for inexperienced surgeons as for their more experienced colleagues. This frequency of dislocation levelled off with increasing numbers of operations and remained constant after approximately 30. For every ten primary THAs performed annually, the risk of dislocation decreased by 50%