Introduction. To evaluate the effect of hydroxyapatite coating, two same shape cementless stems were compared in this randomized control trial study. Methods. Between May 2003 and February 2010, 88 patients had a primary cementless total hip arthroplasty with two different types of cementless stems. Forty-three patients had Proarc stems (P group) (Kyocera Medical, Osaka, Japan), and Forty-five patients had Proarc HA stems (HA group) (Kyocera Medical, Osaka, Japan) which was coated with thin (20 micrometer) hydroxyapatite on Proarc rough porous coating. Gender distribution, average age at surgery, average weight and average follow-up period were same in the two groups. The average follow-up period was 8.5 years (range, 5 to 13 years). The average age at the time of surgery was 63 years. Porous acetabular shells and highly crosslinked polyethylene liners made by Kyocera Medical corporation were implanted into all hips. Stems were implanted with a modified Hardinge surgical approach without trochanteric osteotomy. Harris Hip Score was used for clinical evaluation. Post-op radiographs of these patients were evaluated. Fisher's exact probability test was used for statistical analysis. P values of less than 0.05 were considered to be significant. Results. The mean preoperative score and postoperative score of P group were 39 points and 86 points, respectively. The mean preoperative score and postoperative score of HA group were 46 points and 87 points, respectively. All stems were evaluated as bone-ingrown fixation in both groups. The rate of varus inclination was not different between two groups. The rate of severe stress shielding was not different. Discussion. However hydroxyapatite coating is useful for early fixation, the adverse effect, such as delamination for long-term in vivo situation is questionable. There was no significant difference between P-group and HA group in the present study. Longer follow-up is required to evaluate hydroxyapatite coating

Problems

Biofilm infections are increasingly associated with orthopedic implants. Bacteria form biofilms on the surfaces of orthopedic devices. The biofilm is considered to be a common cause of persistent infections at a surgical site. The growth and the maturation of biofilm are enhanced by the flow of broth in culture environment. In order to reduce the incidence of implant-associated infections, we developed a novel coating technology of hydroxyapatite (HA) containing silver (Ag). We previously reported that the Ag-HA coating inhibits biofilm formation under flow condition of Trypto Soy Broth + 0.25% glucose for 7 days. In this study, we evaluated whether the Ag-HA coating continuously inhibits the biofilm formation on its surface under flow condition of fetal bovine serum, which contains many in vivo substrates such as proteins.

Polyimide (MP-1, MMATech, Haifa, Israel), is a high performance aerospace thermoplastic used for its lubricity, stability, inertness and radiation resistance. A wear resistant thin robust bearing is needed for total hip arthroplasty (THR). After independent laboratory testing, in 2006, the author used the material as a bearing in two Reflection (Smith and Nephew, USA) hip surgeries. The first, a revision for polyethylene wear, survives with no evidence of wear, noise, new osteolysis or complications related to the MP-1 bearing after 16 yrs. The second donated his asymptomatic MP-1 hip at 6.5yrs for post-mortem examination. There were no osteoclasts, cellular reaction bland in contrast to that of polyethylene. In 2013 a clinical study with ethical committee approval was started using a Biolox Delta (Ceramtec, Germany) head against a polyimide liner in 97 patients. MMATech sold all liners, irradiated: steam 52:45. Sixteen were re-machined in New Zealand. Acetabular shells were Delta PF (LIMA, Italy). The liner locked by taper. The cohort consisted of 46:51 M:F, and ages 43 to 85, mean 65. Ten received cemented stems. For contralateral surgery, a ceramic or polyethylene liner was used. Initial patients were lower demand, later, more active patients, mountain-biking and running. All patients have on-going follow up, including MP-1 liner revision cases. There has been no measurable wear, or osteolysis around the acetabular components using weight-bearing radiographs. Squeaking within the first 6 weeks was noted in 39 number of cases and subtle increase in palpable friction, (passive rotation at 50 degrees flexion), but then disappeared. There were 6 revisions, four of which were related to cementless Stemsys implants (Evolutis, Italy) fixed distally with proximal linear lucencies in Gruen zones 1 and 7, and 2 and 6. No shells were revised and MP-1 liners were routinely changed to ceramic or polyethylene. The liners showed no head contact at the apex, with highly polished contact areas. There were no deep or superficial infections, but one traumatic anterior dislocation at 7 years associated with 5 mm subsidence of a non-collared stem. The initial squeaking and increased friction was due to the engineering of the liner / shell composite as implanted, not allowing adequate clearance for fluid film lubrication and contributed to by shell distortion during impaction. The revised bearings were “equatorial” rather than polar, and with lack of wear or creep this never fully resolved. Where the clearance was better, function was normal. The “slow” utilization was due to my ongoing concern with clearances not being correct. The revision of 4 Stemsys stems, tribology issues may have contributed, but non “MP-1” / Stemsys combinations outside this study have shown the same response, thought to be due to de-bonding of the hydroxyapatite coating. With correct engineering and clearances, a 3.6 mm thick MP-1 bearing, a surface Ra<0.5, steam sterilized, shows no appreciable wear, and with confidence, can be used as a high performance THR bearing

This study used model-based radiostereometric analysis (MBRSA) to compare migration of a recently introduced cementless hip stem to an established hip stem of similar design. Novel design features of the newer hip stem included a greater thickness of hydroxyapatite coating and a blended compaction extraction femoral broach. Fifty-seven patients requiring primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) were enrolled at a single centre. Patients were randomized to receive either an Avenir collarless stem and Trilogy IT cup (ZimmerBiomet) or a Corail collarless stem and Pinnacle cup (DePuy Synthes) via a posterior or lateral approach. Both stems are broach-only femoral bone preparation. RSA beads (Halifax Biomedical) were inserted into the proximal femur during surgery. Patients underwent supine RSA imaging a 6 weeks (baseline), 6, 12, and 24 months following surgery. The primary study outcome was total subsidence of the hip stem from baseline to 24 months as well as progression of subsidence between 12 and 24 months. These values were compared against published migration thresholds for well-performing hip stems (0.5mm). The detection limit, or precision, of MBRSA was calculated based on duplicate examinations taken at baseline. Patient reported outcome measures were collected throughout the study and included the Oxford-12 Hip Score (OHS), EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L, Hip Osteoarthritis Score (HOOS) as well as visual analogue scales (VAS) for thigh pain and satisfaction. Analysis comprised of paired and unpaired t-tests with significance set at p≤0.05. Forty-eight patients (30 males) were included for analysis; 7 patients received a non-study hip stem intra-operatively, 1 patient suffered a traumatic dislocation within three weeks of surgery, and 1 patient died within 12 months post-surgery. RSA data was obtained for 45 patients as three patients did not receive RSA beads intra-operatively. Our patient cohort had a mean age of 65.9 years (±;7.2) at the time of surgery and body mass index of 30.5 kg/m2 (±;5.2). No statistical difference in total stem migration was found between the Avenir and Corail stems at 12 months (p=0.045, 95%CI: −0.046 to 0.088) and 24 months (p=0.936, 95% CI: −0.098 to 0.090). Progression of subsidence from 12-24 months was 0.011mm and 0.034mm for the Avenir and Corail groups which were not statistically different (p=0.163, 95%CI: −0.100 to 0.008) between groups and significantly less than the 0.5mm threshold (pNo statistically significant differences existed between study groups for any pre-operative function scores (p>0.05). All patients showed significant functional improvement from pre- to post-surgery and no outcome measures were different between study groups with exception of EQ-5D-5L health visual analogue scale at 12 months which showed marginally superior (p=0.036) scores in the Avenir group. This study was not powered to detect differences in clinical outcomes. This study has demonstrated no statistical difference in subsidence or patient-reported outcomes between the Corail hip stem and the more recently introduced Avenir hip stem. This result is predictable as both stems are of a triple-tapered design, are coated with hydroxyapatite, and utilize a broach-only bone preparation technique. Both stem designs demonstrate migration below 0.5mm suggesting both are low-risk for aseptic loosening in the long-term

Implant-associated infection is a major source of morbidity in orthopaedic surgery. There has been extensive research into the development of materials that prevent biofilm formation, and hence, reduce the risk of infection. Silver nanoparticle technology is receiving much interest in the field of orthopaedics for its antimicrobial properties, and the results of studies to date are encouraging. Antimicrobial effects have been seen when silver nanoparticles are used in trauma implants, tumour prostheses, bone cement, and also when combined with hydroxyapatite coatings. Although there are promising results with in vitro and in vivo studies, the number of clinical studies remains small. Future studies will be required to explore further the possible side effects associated with silver nanoparticles, to ensure their use in an effective and biocompatible manner. Here we present a review of the current literature relating to the production of nanosilver for medical use, and its orthopaedic applications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:582–9

Porous surfaces on orthopaedic implants have been shown to promote tissue ingrowth. This study evaluated biological fixation of novel additively manufactured porous implants with and without hydroxyapatite coatings in a canine transcortical model. Laser rapid manufacturing (LRM) Ti6Al4V cylindrical implants were built with a random interconnected architecture mimicking cancellous bone (5.2 mm diameter, 10mm length, 50–60% porous, mean pore size 450μm). Three groups were investigated in this study: as-built with no coating (LRM), as-built coated with solution precipitated hydroxyapatite (LRM-PA), and as-built coated with a plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite (LRM-PSHA). Implants were press-fit into a 5mm unicortical, perpendicular drill hole in the femoral diaphysis of the left and right femurs in 12 canines. Right femora were harvested for histology (SEM, bone ingrowth into implant within cortical region) and left femora for mechanical push-out testing (shear strength of bone-implant interface) at 4 and 12 weeks (N=6, un-paired Student's t-test, p=0.05). For mean bone ingrowth, there was no significant difference between groups at 4 weeks (LRM, LRM-PA, LRM-PSHA: 41.5+8.6%, 51+5.5% and 53.2+11%, respectively) or 12 weeks (LRM, LRM-PA, LRM-PSHA: 64.4+2.8%, 59.9+7.6%, 64.9+6.4%, respectively). LRM and LRM-PA implants had more bone ingrowth at 12 weeks than 4 weeks (p < 0 .05). Mean shear strength of all implants at 12 weeks (LRM, LRM-PA, LRM-PSHA: 39.9+3.6MPa, 33.7+4.6MPa, 36+4.1MPa respectively) were greater than at 4 weeks (LRM, LRM-PA, LRM-PSHA: 21.6+2.8MPa, 20.7+1.1MPa, 20.2+2.5MPa respectively) (p < 0 .05). No significant difference was observed between all groups at 4 or 12 weeks. Overall, this canine study confirmed the suitability of this novel additive manufacturing porous material for biological fixation by bone ingrowth. All implants exhibited high bone ingrowth and mechanical shear strength in this canine model. No difference was observed between uncoated and hydroxyapatite coated implants

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

Dislocation is a particular problem after total hip replacement in femoral neck fractures and elderly, especially female, patients. The increased rate of dislocation in this population is probably due to significant ligamentous laxity in these patients and poor coordination and proprioception. Another population of patients with increased propensity for dislocation is the revision hip replacement patient. Current dislocation rates in these patients can approach 10% with conventional implant systems. The Dual Mobility total hip system is composed of a cobalt chrome acetabular shell that has a grit blasted, beaded and/or hydroxyapatite coating to improve bone ingrowth. The polyethylene liner is highly crosslinked polyethylene and fits congruently into the cobalt chrome shell and acts like a large femoral head (usually > 40 mm). The femoral head attached to the trunnion is usually 28 mm. The femoral head snaps into the polyethylene liner to acts as a second protection against dislocation. Indications for the Dual Mobility socket are in the high risk for dislocation patient and particularly in elderly, female patients. It is also indicated in patients with neuromuscular disease who are at more risk to dislocate. To date 237 dual mobility cups have been performed with an average age of 79 and 207 of the procedures in women. The follow up extends to 5.6 years with an average of 3.5. There has been 1 dislocation which occurred after a traumatic event. There have been no mechanical failures, no infections and no other revisions in this series. Interprosthetic dislocation has been reported in long term follow up and there was, in this series, when reduction was performed on the only liner dislocation. Pain relief has been no different than conventional hip replacement and range of motion is unchanged as well

Introduction. Deformity after femoral osteotomy varies between patients. Some researchers reported good results when using cemented stems for the hips after femoral osteotomy, but there are many disadvantages that obstruct ideal fixation using cemented stems. Therefore, we developed cementless custom-made stems and inserted those using a computed tomography (CT) –based navigation system. Methods. Eighteen dysplastic hips of 15 patients after intertrochanteric osteotomy were investigated in the present study. Individual computed tomography data were used to manufacture cementless custom-made femoral stems out of Ti-6Al-4V. The proximal 1/3 of each stem was coated using porous coating covered with hydroxyapatite coating. The stems were inserted using a CT-based fluoro navigation system for accuracy of insertion. The average patient age at time of surgery was 66 years, and the average follow-up period was 3.5 years. Results. No fracture was observed during any surgery or follow-up period. The average preoperative Harris Hip Score was 44 points, and the average postoperative score was 85 points. No patient complained of postoperative thigh pain. The average difference between preoperatively planned anteversion and postoperative anteversion was 2° (range 0–5°). According to Engh's radiological classification system, there was bone ingrowth fixation in all hips. Conclusions. The technique of inserting the custom-made stems using a computed tomography-based navigation system was useful; however, there was an associated increase in manufacture time and cost

Dislocation is a particular problem after total hip replacement in femoral neck fractures and elderly especially female patients. The increased rate of dislocation in this population is probably due to significant ligamentous laxity in these patients and poor coordination and proprioception. Another population of patients with increased propensity for dislocation is the revision hip replacement patient. Current dislocation rates in these patients can approach 10% with conventional implant systems. The Dual Mobility total hip system is composed of a cobalt chrome acetabular shell with a grit blasted, beaded and/or hydroxyapatite coating to improve bone ingrowth. The polyethylene liner is highly cross-linked polyethylene and fits congruently into the cobalt chrome shell and acts like a large femoral head (usually >40mm). The femoral head attached to the trunnion is usually 28mm or 32mm. The femoral head snaps into the polyethylene liner to acts as a second protection against dislocation. Indications for the Dual Mobility socket are in the high risk for dislocation patient and particularly in elderly female patients. One hundred fifty-six patients with an average age of 79 have been performed to date with a maximum follow up to 4.2 years. To date there have been no mechanical or septic failures and no dislocations. Pain relief has been no different than conventional hip replacement and range of motion is unchanged as well. There have been reported cases of intraprosthetic dislocation but these have not occurred to date

The custom triflange acetabular component has been advocated for severe acetabular defects and pelvic discontinuity, cases in which a porous-coated hemisphere will not work. These are AAOS type III or IV defects, or alternatively classified as Paprosky 3B. Many have a pelvic discontinuity. A pre-operative CT of the pelvis is sent to the manufacturer who generates a one-to-one scale 3D model of the hemipelvis. The surgeon can review either a pdf file or an actual model. If the visualised defect cannot be treated with traditional methods then a triflanged component is created. The components have backside porous and hydroxyapatite coating. Initial rigid fixation is obtained with screw fixation to the ilium and ischium. Subsequent bone ingrowth can provide long term fixation. The goal is to span the acetabular defect and obtain fixation to the ilium and ischium with a third arm which rests on the pubis. Christie first reported on 67 hips (half with a discontinuity) with a mean follow-up of 53 months. No components were removed. There was an 8% reoperation for dislocation, 6% partial sciatic nerve palsy. 46% walked without support. Dennis reported 26 hips with a mean 54 month follow-up. Eighty-eight percent were considered successful. One implant was removed and left with a resection arthroplasty and 2 others had loose components but refused reoperation. Loosening of the ischial screws was a sign of failure in the three cases. Taunton reported 57 cases with a pelvic discontinuity treated with a triflange at mean follow-up of 65 months. Eighty-one percent had a stable component and a healed pelvic discontinuity. These authors also compared a custom triflange to a trabecular metal cup-cage construct finding similar implant costs of $12,500 and $11,250, respectively. All advocates of custom triflange acetabular components believe the results are similar or superior to other options in these very challenging cases at early follow-up. The primary disadvantage of the technique is the pre-operative time required to manufacture the device – typically 4–8 weeks

The design of the femoral prosthesis in cementless total hip arthroplasty is known to affect the initial strains in the cortex during implantation and in the early postoperative time period. High strains have a direct influence on periprosthetic fracture. This study compares the existing ABGII stem, which is proximally coated with a grit blasted titanium surface with hydroxyapatite coating with a prototype that has a rougher titanium plasma spray proximal coating. The Australian National Joint registry results 2011 reported the ABG2 femoral component cumulative percent revision (CPR) of 6.5 (93.5% survival), which compares favourably with equivalent stems with 10 year CPR data such as the Taperloc 6.6 and Corail 7.3. Six pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric femurs were mounted in blocks according to ISO guidelines in single leg stance setup. Five strain gauges were attached around the neck of the femur and then prepared according to routine operative techniques to accept the femoral prosthesis. Cortical strains were measured during insertion of the prosthesis with an instrumented mallet attached to an accelerometer. Subsequently, force-displacement readings were taken during cyclical loading on a servo-hydraulic machine and finally the stems were tested to failure. Our results showed significantly less strain during cyclical loading of the stem with increased surface roughness (p < 0.05). They also showed no significant differences loads/strains during impaction (p = 0.159), no significant difference in micromotion (p = 0.148) and no significant difference in load-to-failure (p = 0.37)

The custom triflange acetabular component has been advocated for severe acetabular defects and pelvic discontinuity, cases in which a porous-coated hemisphere will not work. These are AAOS type III or IV defects, or alternatively classified as Paprosky 3B. Many have a pelvic discontinuity. A preoperative CT of the pelvis is sent to the manufacturer who generates a one-to-one scale 3D model of the hemipelvis. The surgeon can review either a pdf file or an actual model. If the visualised defect cannot be treated with traditional methods then a triflanged component is created. The components have backside porous and hydroxyapatite coating. Initial rigid fixation is obtained with screw fixation to the ilium and ischium. Subsequent bone ingrowth can provide long term fixation. The goal is to span the acetabular defect and obtain fixation to ilium and ischium with a third arm which rests on the pubis. Christie first reported on 67 hips (half with a discontinuity) with a mean follow-up of 53 months. No components were removed. There was an 8% reoperation for dislocation, 6% partial sciatic nerve palsy. 46% walked without support. Dennis reported 26 hips with a mean 54 month follow-up. 88% were considered successful. One implant was removed and left with a resection arthroplasty and 2 others had loose components but refused reoperation. Loosening of the ischial screws was a sign of failure in the three cases. Taunton reported 57 cases with a pelvic discontinuity treated with a triflange at mean follow-up of 65 months. 81% has a stable component and a healed pelvic discontinuity. These authors also compared a custom triflange to a trabecular metal cup-cage construct finding similar implant costs of $12,500 and $11,250, respectively. All advocates of custom triflange acetabular components believe the results are similar or superior to other options in these very challenging cases at early follow-up. The primary disadvantage of the technique is the preoperative time required to manufacture the device – typically 4–8 weeks

Introduction. The use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is becoming increasingly common in the treatment of rotator cuff arthropathy. In recent years indications for use have expanded to include elderly patients in whom either internal fixation is not possible due to fracture configuration, poor bone quality, or presence of a rotator cuff deficiency. There is however relatively little evidence to support its use in these circumstances. Objective. This study aims to assess the viability of RSA as a salvage procedure in the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures or irreducible dislocations, quantified in terms of functional outcome, complication rates and patient reported satisfaction. Methods. All patients presenting between January 2011 and December 2013 with a complex 3- or 4-part humeral fracture or a delayed presentation with an irreducible non-acute dislocation, treated with salvage RSA were eligible for inclusion. All operations were performed in a single centre by one of two specialist upper limb surgeons. Standard deltopectoral approach was performed. Tournier reverse fracture stem with two choices of inserts and graft hole in the stem with proximal hydroxyapatite coating was the implant of choice. All patients and underwent a standardised rehabilitation programme. Clinical outcome was measured at final follow up using (1) patient reported satisfaction, (2) clinician measured range of movement (3) complication rate. Results. A total of 16 patients were eligible for inclusion in this study. Mean age at time of operation was 72.8 years (41–91 years) with a mean follow-up of 7 months (2–13 months). At time of last follow-up 100 per cent of patients were satisfied with the results of their operation and functionally independent with activities of daily living. Mean oxford score was 39 (36–48). Range of movement post-operatively had a mean active forward extension 97° (70–150°) and abduction 101° (80–170°). 43% of patients were pain-free, whilst the remainder only required the use of occasional analgesia. One patient developed heterotrophic ossification post operatively and underwent surgical excision. One patient sustained a peri-prosthetic avulsion fracture at 18months treated non-operatively. Patients who underwent RSA for dislocation fared better than for those with proximal humeral fractures. The mean active forward extension was 107.5° (90–150°) and abduction 112.5° (90–170°) in the dislocation group (N=5) compared with those who had a fracture (N= 11) in which the forward extension was 91.4° (70–120°) and abduction 95° (80–120°). Conclusion. Reverse TSA should be considered in patients with complex proximal humeral fractures or delayed presentation with irreducible dislocation. Early results demonstrate good outcomes in terms of patient satisfaction, pain relief and preservation of function. These early result are encouraging however a further study with longer follow-up is required to confirm sustained benefit

Introduction. The dual mobility cup was introduced in the 1970s to allow extensive range of motion associated with great stability thanks to double articulation; the first between the head and polyethylene, the second between the polyethylene and the cup. The original plan was to install a stainless-steel uncemented cup coated with a thin layer of alumina and a metal head of 22,2 mm with a polyethylene liner of first generation. Long term follow-up case studies are cited in the literature showing excellent results in reducing dislocations; however wearing and aseptic loosening are noted. The new dual-mobility cups, with reticular polyethylene and titanium and hydroxyapatite coating are proving as reliable as the older ones in terms of stability whilst they appear to be more durable. Furthermore, cemented dual-mobility cups are available, these are the topic of this study. One of the most frequent complications in the major revisions of hip replacement is dislocation. This study summarises our experience gathered in the use of dual-mobility cups during revisions of complex cases (GIR III-IV femoral or acetabular). Materials and Methods. Between July 2014 to March 2015, we have implanted 13 cemented cups with dual-mobility (Avantage® Biomet) each in different patients, who have undergone revision with severe ostheolysis (GIR III-IV femoral or acetabular). The mean age of patients was 71.5 years old (46 to 89). Indications for revisions were: aseptic loosening in 7 patients (two at third surgery), recurrent dislocation in 3 patients, 1 septic loosening, 1 revision after spacer removal e 1 post-traumatic. We used dual-mobility cup in revision surgery when implant stability could have been compromised due to difficult positioning of acetabular component in cases of walls defects or muscolar laxity. The patients have been evaluated clinically and radiographically. Results. In most difficult cases with a severe lack of acetabular walls (9 patients), and thus difficulties in correct cup positioning, we have choosen to implant a cemented cup inside a Burch-schneider® (Zimmer) ring; in those cases where acetabular morphology was still sufficient, a dual-mobility cup was directly cemented to the bone. No dislocations occured during the folllow-up, neither infections, neurological events or DVT. Discussion. Dual mobility cups are often used both as primary implant or as a revision cup. Dislocation rate in primary total hip replacement is comparable to other kind of cup normally used, while in revision cases, the incidence of dislocation decrease from a range of 5–30% to 1,1–5,5%. Our results are not yet comparable to those in literature due to short follow-up, but first impressions are comforting thanks to the lack of dislocation even in really severe cases. Conclusions. The dual-mobility cup in acetabular revisions, is one of the possible choice to keep in mind in more complex cases, where obtaining stability is difficult or impossible using other revision implants. In the literature, the available follow up are not yet long enough to be sure of implant longevity and so it's important to pay attention to use this cup in those patients with long life expectancy

Bone ingrowth fixation of large diameter, beaded cobalt chromium cups is generally considered to be reliable but this is typically judged radiographically. To date, implant retrieval data of attached bone has been limited. This study evaluated correlations between the pre-revision radiographic appearance and the measured amount of bone attachment on one design of porous coated cup. Methods. Twenty-six monoblock, CoCr Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR, Smith and Nephew, TN, USA) cups with macroscopic beads and hydroxyapatite coating were studied. Seventeen were revised for acetabular malposition with the remainder revised for femoral loosening (4), pain (1), infection (1), dislocation (1) or lysis (2). Median time to revision was 35 months (10 – 70 months). Ten patients were female; the median age of all patients was 54 years. The pre-revision radiographs were visually ranked for cup-bone integration as follows: 0 = none, 1 = < 50%, 2 = 50 – 75%, 3 = 76 – 95%, 4 = > 96% integration. Rankings were made for the superior and inferior aspects, without knowledge of the appearance of bone on the retrievals. The revised cups were photographed at an angle so the dome and the cup periphery were visualized. The area of bone in four equal segments in each of the superior and inferior aspects was measured with image analysis software. A probe was used to differentiate bone from soft tissue. Only bone that covered the beads was counted. Correlation coefficients were calculated for the radiographic and image analysis data. Results. Radiographically, most cups were assessed as having more than 50% of bone attachment and 7 cups were ranked as having almost total integration with bone. Only 2 cups were assessed radiographically as fully loose. Measured total bone attachment ranged from none to 55%. Superior and inferior percent ingrowth were highly correlated (corr=0.68, p<0.001) but there was no correlation between percent bone and x-ray rank (inferior corr=0.01, p=0.96; superior corr=0.23, p=0.26). There was no correlation between cup malpositioning as a reason for revision and x-ray integration ranking (superior p=0.34; inferior p=0.80). Discussion. Despite the radiographic appearance of good fixation, there was little or no correlation between percent area of actual bone attachment and x-ray appearance. One study limitation is the assumption that attached bone was indeed integrated with the beads as destructive sectioning was not done to verify this. Published autopsy retrieval studies have shown that even a small amount of actual ingrowth can provide clinically successful fixation. Another possible limitation was the variable quality of the radiographs. Never-the-less these results raise questions about the accuracy of radiographic analysis of bone fixation. The possibility that inadequate fixation is a cause for pain leading to revision should be considered even when the radiographic appearance indicates otherwise

Introduction. Surgeons are often confronted with large amounts of bone loss during the revision of total hip prostheses. Regularly, porous metals are applied to reconstruct the missing bone. Rapid and extensive bone infiltration into the implant's pores is essential to obtain strong and durable biological fixation. Today, specialised layered manufacturing techniques provide the flexibility to produce custom-made metallic implants with a personalized external shape and a well-controlled internal network of interconnected pores. In this study, bone ingrowth in porous titanium structures that were manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM) was evaluated in an in vivo goat model. Methods. Cylindrical Ti6Al4V constructs (Ø8mm × 14mm, porosity 75%) with or without hydroxyapatite coating were implanted in six Saanen goats. Three holes were drilled in the subchondral bone of each tibia and femur. Constructs were inserted into the holes in a press-fit manner. Resonance frequency analysis was used to measure construct stability. At 3, 6 and 9 weeks after surgery, fluorochrome labels were injected. After 6 and 12 weeks, samples were explanted. Some samples were scanned with micro-CT and subsequently sectioned for histological analysis. The others were used for pull-out tests. Results. Resonance frequency analysis indicated a noticeable increase in implant stability. Evaluation of micro-CT and histological data showed bone ingrowth for all goats at 6 and 12 weeks. Most bone ingrowth occurred during the first 6 weeks, which was followed by a slight increase between week 6 and 12. Fluorochrome labeling confirmed these results. Pull-out tests showed an increased fixation at the bone-implant interface. Conclusion. Porous titanium structures manufactured by SLM have good osseointegration characteristics. As custom-made bone augments, they provide a promising approach to the reconstruction of severe bone defects

An attempt to analyse whether impaction allografting without cement is more or less satisfactory than the technique with the addition of cement is compromised by conflicting reports of where the migration actually occurs. In some cemented series distal migration of the prosthesis within the cement mantle has been recorded as well as migration of the whole cement/prosthesis construct into the graft. Two prospective consecutive series of revision hip arthroplasties by a single surgeon:- Group 1; Uncemented impaction grafting revision hip replacement in a series of 30 patients (33 hips). Group 2; Cemented impaction grafting revision hip replacement in a series of 30 patients (31 hips). Group demographics were similar. Each case used the same design of hip implant with the only difference in design being a proximal hydroxyapatite coating used on the uncemented implants. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 17 years for the uncemented group and from 1 to 11 years for the cemented group. A validated hip scoring system was employed at regular follow up incorporating pain and functional assessment. Migration rates for the uncemented group were 0 to 15 mm for 30 hips; however 3 hips were revised early due to excessive migration. 3 hips sustained early complications (1 fracture, 1 dislocation, 1 varus malposition of stem). Migration rates for the cemented group were 0 to 9 mm for 29 hips, however the remaining 3 hips were revised due to excessive migration (up to 33mm). Although similar results were obtained in terms of success and also pain and function scores, marginal improvement in results did occur with the cemented series overall. Statistical significance was not reached however. More sinkage occurred in the uncemented group overall, the majority occurring in the first 6 post-operative months. Part of the improvement with the cemented series results may be explained by the improved techniques achieved whilst performing the uncemented series. These results from a single surgeon demonstrate that the method is highly technique dependent and relies on adequate graft impaction. With sufficient graft and an appropriate prosthetic design, cement is not essential to the early success of this method. However, the extent of the initial migration did not accurately predict a successful outcome for the procedure. The absence of cement removes any confusion as to the location of any migration

Purpose. of this study is to analyze the results of a modular reconstructive tumor prosthesis for the lower limb (GMRS. (r). ) with a comparative statistical analysis of primary and secondary implants. Material and methods. From October 2003 to September 2007 at Rizzoli 161 GMRS. (r). prostheses were implanted, most after resection of osteosarcoma (94 cases, 58%). It is a modular system with a rotating hinge mechanism for the knee, cemented and uncemented stems, in titanium and chromium-cobalt-molybdenum, curved and straight-fluted, with or without hydroxyapatite coating. Moreover adaptors are available to revise HMRS. (r). implants. This series includes 88 males and 73 females ranging in age from 9 to 80 years. Sites of reconstruction were 109 distal femurs, 19 proximal femurs, 1 total femur and 32 proximal tibias. There were 149 oncologic and 12 non oncologic diagnoses, including 96 primary reconstructions and 65 revisions after failure of previous implant. A retrospective analysis of imaging and complications was performed and functional results assessed according to MSTS system. Statistical analysis with Kaplan-Meier curves was used to study implant survival. Results. At a mean follow up of 2 yrs. 106 patients are continuously NED, 31 are NED after treatment of one or more local recurrence or metastasis, 7 AWD, 5 DWD. There were 10 major complications: 8 infections (4,7%) (5 in primary and 3 in secondary implants, 2 previously infected) and 2 aseptic loosening (1,2%) (1 each). There were 9 minor complications (4 wound sloughs, 1 stiff joint, 3 disrupted extensor apparatus,1 patellar instability) requiring revision. Comparative statistical analysis of primary and secondary implants survival at major complications shows no statistically significant difference. Functional results were good or excellent in 95% of the evaluated patients, without any poor. Conclusions. Middle term results are promising: good function, very low incidence of major complications, no breakage of implant components. This prosthetic reconstruction is indicated in oncological cases as well as in selected in some non oncological settings, such as challenging revisions of prosthetic failures with massive bone loss or post-radiation non unions or allografts failures. Although a higher incidence of complications was expected in secondary implants, statistical analysis shows similar survival

INTRODUCTION. Cementless femoral component designs supplemented with hydroxyapatite (HA) coating have been hypothesised to enhance osseointegration, thereby improving stability and clinical outcomes. We herein offer interim results at 5 years from a prospective, multi-centre study of a femoral stem (SL-PLUS™ Hip Stem Prosthesis), forged from titanium alloy (Ti6Al7Nb) and consisting of a titanium plasma sprayed coating (0.3mm) with an additional 0.05mm layer of HA. METHODS. Investigators at 2 centres enrolled patients between 18–75 years of age who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) with this HA-coated stem. The study's primary outcome was the clinical efficacy of the stem, as measured by the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Score calculated out of Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), and the EuroQol EQ-5D-3L index score and visual analogue scale (VAS). Its secondary outcomes included a radiographic assessment of implant position and fixation, and overall safety, as measured by intraoperative/early postoperative complications and survivorship calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates. RESULTS. Ninety-three patients (94 hips) were enrolled in the study. At the time of surgery, the study population had a mean age of 60.1 years (standard deviation [SD], 8.4), a mean body mass index of 27.9 kg/m. 2. (SD, 4.75), and 54.8% were female. Indications for surgery include primary osteoarthritis (74.5%), dysplasia (17.5%), femoral head necrosis (6.4%), and other (2.1%). Patients were followed up through 5 years in the ongoing safety and performance analysis. Between preoperative baseline and final follow up, there were notable improvements in the mean scores for all primary clinical outcomes: HHS (51.6 to 91.4, respectively), WOMAC from HOOS (42.6 to 91.0, respectively), mean EQ-5D-3L index score (0.7 to 0.9, respectively), and EQ-5D-3L VAS (54.7 to 80.2, respectively). The majority of patients rated their satisfaction as excellent (84.2% of treated hips), with an additional 14.5% of treated hips being mostly satisfied. Five years after surgery, radiographic findings showed an overall stability of the device, with 100% unchanged stem positions (no movement in varus/valgus or subsidence) and no stem was classified as loose. Intraoperative complications were observed in 3 patients (3.2%), consisting of 2 cases of trochanteric fracture and 1 case of leg lengthening. There were no general early postoperative complications reported in any patient. Two revision surgeries of the study device were reported, both due to infection, resulting in a survivorship of 97.5% (95% confidence interval: 90.3% – 99.4%) at 5 years. CONCLUSION. These results confirm the safety and efficacy of this HA-coated femoral stem at 5 years. All clinical outcomes showed significant improvement between baseline and midterm follow up, with mean HHS in particular meeting the 90-point range considered “excellent.” Additionally, revision rates met the accepted benchmarks for a successful THA device. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly