We have developed a technique with the underlying principle being that the difference in height between what is removed and what is inserted will determine the leg length correction (Figure 1). The height of the implant to be inserted is determined from the manufacturer's specifications. We have developed a Vertical Measurement Tool to accurately and reproducibly determine the height of the resected bone (Figure 2). Leg length correction = a−b−c+d. Vertical Measurement Tool validation was performed by 4 separate surgeons on 20 resected femoral heads in the laboratory. Inter and intra-observer error was assessed. Fifty patients were assessed clinically and radiologically, to assess if desired leg length correction was achieved. Statistical analysis showed the device to be accurate with high intra and inter observer reliability. Differences between the observers were tested using a general linear model in a repeated measure design. No main effect and interaction effects were found. Intra operatively the resected head was measured and the formula was applied. The range of desired correction was 0mm to 18mm. In all cases the post-operative correction was within 4mm of the pre-operative planned correction. Statistical analysis showed that a linear Regression with ‘Actual’ as dependent and ‘Lambda’ as independent variables resulted in R= 0.889. We believe that it is consistently possible to achieve a leg length correction to within 5 mm of the pre-operative plan using the Vertical Measurement System. The system is simple and reproducible even in the hands of relatively inexperienced surgeons. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly by clicking on ‘Info & Metrics’ above to access author contact details

Aims. There is no consensus about the best method of achieving equal leg lengths at total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with Crowe type-IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). We reviewed our experience of a consecutive series of patients who underwent THA for this indication. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 78 patients (86 THAs) with Crowe type-IV DDH, including 64 women and 14 men, with a minimum follow-up of two years. The mean age at the time of surgery was 52.2 years (34 to 82). We subdivided Crowe type-IV DDH into two major types according to the number of dislocated hips, and further categorised them into three groups according to the occurrence of pelvic obliquity or spinal curvature. Leg length discrepancy (LLD) and functional scores were analysed. Results. Type-I included 53 patients with unilateral dislocation, in which 25 (category A) had no pelvic obliquity or spinal deformity, 19 (category B) had pelvic obliquity with a compensated spinal curvature and nine (category C) had pelvic obliquity and decompensated spinal degenerative changes. Type-II included 25 patients with one dislocated and one dysplastic hip, in which there were eight of category A, 15 of category B and two of category C. Pre-operatively, there were significant differences between the anatomical and functional LLD in type-IB (p = 0.005) and -IC (p < 0.001), but not in type-IA, -IIA or -IIB. Post-operatively, bony LLD increased significantly in types-IB, -IC and -IIB, whereas functional LLD decreased significantly in each type except for IIA. The mean functional LLD decreased from 30.7 mm (standard deviation (. sd. ) 18.5) pre-operatively to 6.2 mm (. sd. 4.4) post-operatively and the mean anatomical LLD improved from 35.8 mm (. sd. 19.7) pre-operatively to 12.4 mm (. sd. 8.3) post-operatively. Conclusion. Pelvic and spinal changes are common in patients with Crowe type-IV DDH and need to be taken into consideration when planning THA, in order to obtain equal leg lengths post-operatively. The principal subdivisions of Crowe type-IV DDH which we describe proved effective in achieving equal leg lengths and satisfactory outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:872–9

Aims

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

Aims. Achieving accurate implant positioning and restoring native hip biomechanics are key surgeon-controlled technical objectives in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The primary objective of this study was to compare the reproducibility of the planned preoperative centre of hip rotation (COR) in patients undergoing robotic arm-assisted THA versus conventional THA. Methods. This prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) included 60 patients with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis undergoing conventional THA (CO THA) versus robotic arm-assisted THA (RO THA). Patients in both arms underwent pre- and postoperative CT scans, and a patient-specific plan was created using the robotic software. The COR, combined offset, acetabular orientation, and leg length discrepancy were measured on the pre- and postoperative CT scanogram at six weeks following surgery. Results. There were no significant differences for any of the baseline characteristics including spinopelvic mobility. The absolute error for achieving the planned horizontal COR was median 1.4 mm (interquartile range (IQR) 0.87 to 3.42) in RO THA versus 4.3 mm (IQR 3 to 6.8; p < 0.001); vertical COR mean 0.91 mm (SD 0.73) in RO THA versus 2.3 mm (SD 1.3; p < 0.001); and combined offset median 2 mm (IQR 0.97 to 5.45) in RO THA versus 3.9 mm (IQR 2 to 7.9; p = 0.019). Improved accuracy was observed with RO THA in achieving the desired acetabular component positioning (root mean square error for anteversion and inclination was 2.6 and 1.3 vs 8.9 and 5.3, repectively) and leg length (mean 0.6 mm vs 1.4 mm; p < 0.001). Patient-reported outcome measures were comparable between the two groups at baseline and one year. Participants in the RO THA group needed fewer physiotherapy sessions postoperatively (median six (IQR 4.5 to 8) vs eight (IQR 6 to 11; p = 0.005). Conclusion. This RCT suggested that robotic-arm assistance in THA was associated with improved accuracy in restoring the native COR, better preservation of the combined offset, leg length correction, and superior accuracy in achieving the desired acetabular component positioning. Further evaluation through long-term and registry data is necessary to assess whether these findings translate into improved implant survival and functional outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(4):324–335

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to compare the hip-specific functional outcome of robotic assisted total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) with manual total hip arthroplasty (mTHA) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Secondary aims were to compare general health improvement, patient satisfaction, and radiological component position and restoration of leg length between rTHA and mTHA. Methods. A total of 40 patients undergoing rTHA were propensity score matched to 80 patients undergoing mTHA for OA. Patients were matched for age, sex, and preoperative function. The Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), and EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) were collected pre- and postoperatively (mean 10 months (SD 2.2) in rTHA group and 12 months (SD 0.3) in mTHA group). In addition, patient satisfaction was collected postoperatively. Component accuracy was assessed using Lewinnek and Callanan safe zones, and restoration of leg length were assessed radiologically. Results. There were no significant differences in the preoperative demographics (p ≥ 0.781) or function (p ≥ 0.383) between the groups. The postoperative OHS (difference 2.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1 to 4.8; p = 0.038) and FJS (difference 21.1, 95% CI 10.7 to 31.5; p < 0.001) were significantly greater in the rTHA group when compared with the mTHA group. However, only the FJS was clinically significantly greater. There was no difference in the postoperative EQ-5D (difference 0.017, 95% CI -0.042 to 0.077; p = 0.562) between the two groups. No patients were dissatisfied in the rTHA group whereas six were dissatisfied in the mTHA group, but this was not significant (p = 0.176). rTHA was associated with an overall greater rate of component positioning in a safe zone (p ≤ 0.003) and restoration of leg length (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Patients undergoing rTHA had a greater hip-specific functional outcome when compared to mTHA, which may be related to improved component positioning and restoration of leg length. However, there was no difference in their postoperative generic health or rate of satisfaction. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(1):22–30

The purpose of this study was to assess the variability in implant position between sides in patients who underwent staged, bilateral THA and whether variation from one side to the other affected patient-reported outcomes. A retrospective review was conducted on 207 patients who underwent staged, bilateral THA by the same surgeon from 2017–2022. Leg length, acetabular height, cup version, and coronal and sagittal stem angles were assessed radiographically and compared to the contralateral THA. Surgical approach and technology utilization were further assessed for their impact on variability. Linear regression was used to model the relationship between side-to-side variability and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS). Between sides, mean radiographic leg length varied by 4.6mm (0.0–21.2), acetabular height varied by 3.3mm (0.0–13.7), anteversion varied by 8.2° (0.0 to 28.7), coronal stem alignment varied by 1.1° (0.0 to 6.9), and sagittal angulation varied by 2.3° (0.0 to 10.5). The anterior approach resulted in more variability in stem angle position in both the coronal (1.3° vs. 1.0°, p=0.036) and sagittal planes (2.8° vs. 2.0° p=0.012) compared to the posterior approach. The posterior approach generally led to more anteversion than the anterior approach. Use of robotics or navigation for acetabular positioning did not increase side-to-side variability in cup-related position or leg length. Despite considerable side-to-side variability, Hip dysfunction and osteoarthritis outcome scores (HOOS JR) were not affected by higher levels of position inconsistency. Staged, bilateral THA results in considerable variability in component position between sides. The anterior approach leads to more side-to-side variability in sagittal stem angle and cup anteversion than the posterior approach. Navigation and robotics do not improve the consistency of component position in bilateral THA. Variation in implant position was not associated with differences in PROMs, suggesting that despite variability, patients can tolerate these differences between sides

Aims. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of implant placement with robotic-arm assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods. The study analyzed a consecutive series of 69 patients who underwent robotic-arm assisted THA between September 2018 and December 2019. Of these, 30 patients had DDH and were classified according to the Crowe type. Acetabular component alignment and 3D positions were measured using pre- and postoperative CT data. The absolute differences of cup alignment and 3D position were compared between DDH and non-DDH patients. Moreover, these differences were analyzed in relation to the severity of DDH. The discrepancy of leg length and combined offset compared with contralateral hip were measured. Results. The mean values of absolute differences (postoperative CT-preoperative plan) were 1.7° (standard deviation (SD) 2.0) (inclination) and 2.5° (SD 2.1°) (anteversion) in DDH patients, and no significant differences were found between non-DDH and DDH patients. The mean absolute differences for 3D cup position were 1.1 mm (SD 1.0) (coronal plane) and 1.2 mm (SD 2.1) (axial plane) in DDH patients, and no significant differences were found between two groups. No significant difference was found either in cup alignment between postoperative CT and navigation record after cup screws or in the severity of DDH. Excellent restoration of leg length and combined offset were achieved in both groups. Conclusion. We demonstrated that robotic-assisted THA may achieve precise cup positioning in DDH patients, and may be useful in those with severe DDH. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(10):629–638

The results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) revisions to correct leg length discrepancy (LLD) are not clear, with only two former limited series (< 25 patients). Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study of THA revisions for LLD to determine: 1) the change in LLD, 2) the function outcomes and whether obtaining equal leg lengths influenced function, 3) the complication and survival rates. This multicenter study included 57 patients: 42 THA revisions for limb shortening and 15 revisions for limb lengthening. LLD was measured on conventional radiographs and EOS. The Oxford-12 and FJS outcome scores were collected and the number of patients achieving the Oxford-12 MCID. The revisions were carried out a mean of 2.8 years after the index THA. The median LLD decreased from 7.5 mm (IQR: [5;12]) to 1 mm (IQR: [0.5;2.5]) at follow-up (p=0.0002). Overall, 55 of 57 patients (96%) had < 5 mm LLD at follow-up and 12 patients (21%) had equal leg lengths. The complication rate was 25%: 12 mechanical complications (8 periprosthetic femoral fractures, 2 stem loosening and 1 cup loosening, 1 dislocation) and 1 periprosthetic infection. The patient satisfaction was high with a median FJS of 79.2/100 and 77% of patients reached the Oxford-12 MCID. Lengthening procedures had significantly worst function than shortening (38% vs 91% of patients achieving the Oxford-12 MCID (p=0.0004)). Survivorship was 85% (95% CI: 77.9 – 92.5) at 2 years and 77% (95% CI: 66.3 – 87.1) at 4.6 years when using re-revision for any reason as the endpoint. When LLD after THA does not respond to conservative management, revision THA should be considered. Although revision THA for LLD improved medium-term functional outcomes with a high patient satisfaction rate, especially for shortening procedures, the complication rate was high, particularly related to periprosthetic femoral fracture

Aims. Traditionally, acetabular component insertion during total hip arthroplasty (THA) is visually assisted in the posterior approach and fluoroscopically assisted in the anterior approach. The present study examined the accuracy of a new surgeon during anterior (NSA) and posterior (NSP) THA using robotic arm-assisted technology compared to two experienced surgeons using traditional methods. Methods. Prospectively collected data was reviewed for 120 patients at two institutions. Data were collected on the first 30 anterior approach and the first 30 posterior approach surgeries performed by a newly graduated arthroplasty surgeon (all using robotic arm-assisted technology) and was compared to standard THA by an experienced anterior (SSA) and posterior surgeon (SSP). Acetabular component inclination, version, and leg length were calculated postoperatively and differences calculated based on postoperative film measurement. Results. Demographic data were similar between groups with the exception of BMI being lower in the NSA group (27.98 vs 25.2; p = 0.005). Operating time and total time in operating room (TTOR) was lower in the SSA (p < 0.001) and TTOR was higher in the NSP group (p = 0.014). Planned versus postoperative leg length discrepancy were similar among both anterior and posterior surgeries (p > 0.104). Planned versus postoperative abduction and anteversion were similar among the NSA and SSA (p > 0.425), whereas planned versus postoperative abduction and anteversion were lower in the NSP (p < 0.001). Outliers > 10 mm from planned leg length were present in one case of the SSP and NSP, with none in the anterior groups. There were no outliers > 10° in anterior or posterior for abduction in all surgeons. The SSP had six outliers > 10° in anteversion while the NSP had none (p = 0.004); the SSA had no outliers for anteversion while the NSA had one (p = 0.500). Conclusion. Robotic arm-assisted technology allowed a newly trained surgeon to produce similarly accurate results and outcomes as experienced surgeons in anterior and posterior hip arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(6):365–370

Aims. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of ≥ 5 mm asymmetry in lower and whole leg lengths (LLs) in patients with unilateral osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH-OA) and primary hip osteoarthritis (PHOA), and the relationship between lower and whole LL asymmetries and femoral length asymmetry. Methods. In total, 116 patients who underwent unilateral total hip arthroplasty were included in this study. Of these, 93 had DDH-OA and 23 had PHOA. Patients with DDH-OA were categorized into three groups: Crowe grade I, II/III, and IV. Anatomical femoral length, femoral length greater trochanter (GT), femoral length lesser trochanter (LT), tibial length, foot height, lower LL, and whole LL were evaluated using preoperative CT data of the whole leg in the supine position. Asymmetry was evaluated in the Crowe I, II/III, IV, and PHOA groups. Results. The incidences of whole and lower LL asymmetries were 40%, 62.5%, 66.7%, and 26.1%, and 21.7%, 20.8%, 55.6%, and 8.7% in the Crowe I, II/III, and IV, and PHOA groups, respectively. The incidence of tibial length asymmetry was significantly higher in the Crowe IV group (44.4%) than that in the PHOA group (4.4%). In all, 50% of patients with DDH-OA with femoral length GT and LT asymmetries had lower LL asymmetry, and 75% had whole LL asymmetry. The incidences of lower and whole LL asymmetries were 20% and 42.9%, respectively, even in the absence of femoral length GT and LT asymmetries. Conclusion. Overall, 43% of patients with unilateral DDH-OA without femoral length asymmetry had whole LL asymmetry of ≥ 5 mm. Thus, both the femur length and whole LL should be measured to accurately assess LL discrepancy in patients with unilateral DDH-OA. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(2):79–86

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the use of simultaneous hip arthroplasty compared to staged procedures in patients with bilateral pathology. The aim of this study was to compare simultaneous and staged hip arthroplasty in patients with bilateral pathology by assessing the transfusion rate, postoperative hemoglobin drop, length of stay (LOS), in-hospital complications, 30-days readmissions, leg length difference and early functional outcome. We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included all patients who were undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) by a single surgeon in a high-volume arthroplasty center between 2015 and 2020 as simultaneous or staged procedures. Staged bilateral arthroplasties were performed within 12 months and were stratified by the time between procedures. Data was acquired through the electronic files at the Orthopädische Chirurgie München (OCM). For functional outcome we compared the ability of the patients to walk independently on the ward and the ability to walk a set of stairs alone which was recorded daily by the attending physiotherapist. In total n=290 patients were assessed for eligibility and included in this study. One hundred and thirty eight patients were allocated to the staged arthroplasty group. The second staged procedure was performed within 12 months of the first procedure. One hundred and fifty two patients were allocated to the simultaneous arthroplasty group. No statistical difference was found between the two groups regarding demographic data. Primary outcome measurements: There was no significant difference in transfusion rate or complication rate (p=0.1147). In both groups the transfusion rate was actually 0%. Secondarily, no statistically significant difference was found between the postoperative hemoglobin drop (p=0.1147) and the functional outcome (p=0.7249), nor the length of stay (LOS) (p=: 0.6415), as well as the 30 days readmission rate between both groups. No difference was found in leg length in the simultaneous group. The OR time in the simultaneous group ranged from 62min to 111min with an average of 77min. No surgery exceeded a 120min window. We observed no significant differences in transfusion rate, in hospital complications, as well as readmission rate between both groups. The early functional outcome showed no significant difference in mobility. Simultaneous hip arthroplasty is as safe as a staged procedure, with no higher risk for the patient, in a specialized high volume center with a specialized surgeon and an adequate team. Level of evidence: Level IV

Aims. Hip arthroplasty does not always restore normal anatomy. This is due to inaccurate surgery or lack of stem sizes. We evaluated the aptitude of four total hip arthroplasty systems to restore an anatomical and medialized hip rotation centre. Methods. Using 3D templating software in 49 CT scans of non-deformed femora, we virtually implanted: 1) small uncemented calcar-guided stems with two offset options (Optimys, Mathys), 2) uncemented straight stems with two offset options (Summit, DePuy Synthes), 3) cemented undersized stems (Exeter philosophy) with three offset options (CPT, ZimmerBiomet), and 4) cemented line-to-line stems (Kerboul philosophy) with proportional offsets (Centris, Mathys). We measured the distance between the templated and the anatomical and 5 mm medialized hip rotation centre. Results. Both rotation centres could be restored within 5 mm in 94% and 92% of cases, respectively. The cemented undersized stem performed best, combining freedom of stem positioning and a large offset range. The uncemented straight stem performed well because of its large and well-chosen offset range, and despite the need for cortical bone contact limiting stem positioning. The cemented line-to-line stem performed less well due to a small range of sizes and offsets. The uncemented calcar-guided stem performed worst, despite 24 sizes and a large and well-chosen offset range. This was attributed to the calcar curvature restricting the stem insertion depth along the femoral axis. Conclusion. In the majority of non-deformed femora, leg length, offset, and anteversion can be restored accurately with non-modular stems during 3D templating. Failure to restore hip biomechanics is mostly due to surgical inaccuracy. Small calcar guided stems offer no advantage to restore hip biomechanics compared to more traditional designs. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(7):476–485

Aims. Cement-in-cement revision of the femoral component represents a widely practised technique for a variety of indications in revision total hip arthroplasty. In this study, we compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of two polished tapered femoral components. Methods. From our prospectively collated database, we identified all patients undergoing cement-in-cement revision from January 2005 to January 2013 who had a minimum of two years' follow-up. All cases were performed by the senior author using either an Exeter short revision stem or the C-Stem AMT high offset No. 1 prosthesis. Patients were followed-up annually with clinical and radiological assessment. Results. A total of 97 patients matched the inclusion criteria (50 Exeter and 47 C-Stem AMT components). There were no significant differences between the patient demographic data in either group. Mean follow-up was 9.7 years. A significant improvement in Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and 12-item Short-Form Survey (SF-12) scores was observed in both cohorts. Leg lengths were significantly shorter in the Exeter group, with a mean of -4 mm in this cohort compared with 0 mm in the C-Stem AMT group. One patient in the Exeter group had early evidence of radiological loosening. In total, 16 patients (15%) underwent further revision of the femoral component (seven in the C-Stem AMT group and nine in the Exeter group). No femoral components were revised for aseptic loosening. There were two cases of femoral component fracture in the Exeter group. Conclusion. Our series shows promising mid-term outcomes for the cement-in-cement revision technique using either the Exeter or C-Stem AMT components. These results demonstrate that cement-in-cement revision using a double or triple taper-slip design is a safe and reliable technique when used for the correct indications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1215–1221

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) for congenital hip dysplasia (CDH) presents a challenge. In high-grade CDH, key surgical targets include cup placement in the anatomical position and leg length equality. Lengthening of more than 4 cm is associated with sciatic nerve injury, therefore shortening osteotomies are necessary. We present our experience of different shortening osteotomies including advantages and disadvantages of each technique. 89 hips, in 61 pts (28 bilateral cases), for high CDH were performed by a single surgeon from 1997 to 2022. 67 patients were female and 22 were male. Age ranged from 38 to 68 yrs. In all patients 5–8cm of leg length discrepancy (LLD) was present, requiring shortening femoral osteotomy. 12 patients underwent sequential proximal femoral resection with trochanteric osteotomy, 46 subtrochanteric, 6 midshaft, and 25 distal femoral osteotomies with simultaneous valgus correction were performed. All acetabular prostheses were placed in the true anatomical position. We used uncemented high porosity cups. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. All osteotomies healed uneventfully except 3 non-unions of the greater trochanter in the proximal femur resection group. No femoral shaft fractures in proximally based osteotomies. No significant LLD compared to the unaffected or reconstructed side. 2 patients suffered 3 and 5 degrees malrotation of the femur in the oblique sub-trochanteric group. 3 patients suffered transient sciatic nerve palsies. Shortening femoral osteotomies in the treatment of DDH are necessary to avoid injury to the sciatic nerve. In our series, we found transverse subtrochanteric osteotomies to be the most technically efficient, versatile and predictable in their clinical outcome, due to the ability to correct rotation and preserve the metaphyseal bone integrity, allowing for better initial stem stability. Distal femoral osteotomies allowed for controllable correction of valgus knee deformity

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

Aims. Iliopsoas pathology is a relatively uncommon cause of pain following total hip arthroplasty (THA), typically presenting with symptoms of groin pain on active flexion and/or extension of the hip. A variety of conservative and surgical treatment options have been reported. In this retrospective cohort study, we report the incidence of iliopsoas pathology and treatment outcomes. Methods. A retrospective review of 1,000 patients who underwent THA over a five-year period was conducted, to determine the incidence of patients diagnosed with iliopsoas pathology. Outcome following non-surgical and surgical management was assessed. Results. In all, 24 patients were diagnosed as having developed symptomatic iliopsoas pathology giving an incidence of 2.4%. While the mean age for receiving a THA was 65 years, the mean age for developing iliopsoas pathology was 54 years (28 to 67). Younger patients and those receiving THA for conditions other than primary osteoarthritis were at a higher risk of developing this complication. Ultrasound-guided steroid injection/physiotherapy resulted in complete resolution of symptoms in 61% of cases, partial resolution in 13%, and no benefit in 26%. Eight out of 24 patients (who initially responded to injection) subsequently underwent surgical intervention including tenotomy (n = 7) and revision of the acetabular component (n = 1). Conclusion. This is the largest case series to estimate the incidence of iliopsoas pathology to date. There is a higher incidence of this condition in younger patients, possibly due to the differing surgical indications. Arthoplasty for Perthes' disease or developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) often results in leg length and horizontal offset being increased. This, in turn, may increase tension on the iliopsoas tendon, possibly resulting in a higher risk of psoas irritation. Image-guided steroid injection is a low-risk, relatively effective treatment. In refractory cases, tendon release may be considered. Patients should be counselled of the risk of persisting groin pain when undergoing THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):305–308

The MAKO Robotic arm is a haptic robotic system that can be used to optimise performance during total hip arthroplasty (THA). We present the outcome of the first 40 robotic cases performed in an NHS foundation trust along with the technique of performing robotic THA in our unit. Forty consecutive patients undergoing robotic THA (rTHA) were compared to a case matched group of patients undergoing manual THA (m-THA). 2:1 blinded case matching was performed for age, sex, implants used (Trident uncemented socket and cemented Exeter stem, Stryker Mahwah, NJ, US) and surgeon grade. Comparisons were made for radiological positioning of implants, including leg length assessment, and patient reported functional outcome (PROMS). Pre- and post-operative radiographs were independently analysed by 2 authors. All patients underwent THA for a primary diagnosis of osteoarthritis. No significant difference between groups was identified for post-operative leg length discrepancy (LLD) although pre-operatively a significantly higher LLD was highlighted on the MAKO group, likely due to patient selection. Significantly lower post-operative socket version was identified in the MAKO cohort although no difference in post-operative cup inclination was noted. However, there was significantly larger variance in post-op LLD (p=0.024), cup version (p=0.004) and inclination (p=0.05) between groups indicating r-THA was significantly less variable (Levene's test for homogeneity of variance). There was no significant difference in the number of cases outside of Lewinnek's ‘safe’ zone for inclination (p=0.469), however, there were significantly more cases outside Lewinnek's ‘safe’ zone for version (12.5% vs 40.3%, p=0.002) in the m-THA group. We report the commencement of performance of MAKO robotic THA in an NHS institution. No problems with surgery were reported during our learning curve. Robotic THA cases had less variability in terms of implant positioning suggesting that the MAKO robot allows more accurate, less variable implant positioning with fewer outliers. Longer term follow-up of more cases is needed to identify whether this improved implant positioning has an effect on outcomes, but the initial results seem promising

Cement-in-cement revision of the femoral component represents a widely practiced technique for a variety of indications. In this study we compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of two polished tapered stems. From our prospectively collated database we identified all patients undergoing cement-in-cement revision from January 2005 – 2013 who had a minimum of two years follow-up. All cases were performed by the senior author using either an Exeter short revision stem or the C-stem AMT high offset No 1. Patients were followed-up annually with clinical and radiological assessment. Ninety-seven patients matched the inclusion criteria. There were 50 Exeter and 47 C-stem AMT components. There were no significant differences between the patient demographics in either group. Mean follow-up was 9.7 years. A significant improvement in OHS, WOMAC and SF-12 scores was observed in both cohorts. Leg lengths were significantly shorter in the Exeter group, with a mean of -4mm in this cohort compared to 0mm in the C-stem AMT group. One patient in the Exeter group had early evidence of radiological loosening. In total, 16 patients (15%) underwent further revision of the femoral component (seven in the C-stem AMT group and nine in the Exeter group). No femoral components were revised for aseptic loosening. There were two cases of femoral component fracture in the Exeter group. Our series shows promising long-term outcomes for the cement-in-cement revision technique using either the Exeter or C-stem AMT components. These results demonstrate that cement-in-cement revision using a double or triple taper-slip design is a safe and reliable technique when used for the correct indications

Total hip replacement for high dislocation of the hip joint remains technically difficult in terms of preparation of the true acetabulum and restoration of leg length. We describe our experience of cementless total hip replacement combined with a subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy in 20 hips with Crowe grade IV dislocation with a mean follow-up of 8.1 years (4 to 11.5). There was one man and 17 women with a mean age of 55 years (44 to 69) at the time of the operation. After placment of the acetabular component at the site of the natural acetabulum, a cementless porous-coated cylindrical femoral component was implanted following a subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy. The mean Japanese Orthopedic Association hip score improved from a mean of 38 (22 to 62) to a mean of 83 points (55 to 98) at the final follow-up. The mean lengthening of the leg was 14.8 mm (−9 to 34) in patients with iliofemoral osteoarthritis and 35.3 mm (15 to 51) in patients with no arthritic changes. No nerve palsy was observed. Total hip replacement combined with subtrochanteric shortening femoral osteotomy in this situation is beneficial in avoiding nerve injury and still permits valuable improvement in inequality of leg length

We compared a modular neck system with a non-modular system in a cementless anatomical total hip replacement (THR). Each group consisted of 74 hips with developmental hip dysplasia. Both groups had the same cementless acetabular component and the same articulation, which consisted of a conventional polyethylene liner and a 28 mm alumina head. The mean follow-up was 14.5 years (13 to 15), at which point there were significant differences in the mean total Harris hip score (modular/non-modular: 98.6 (64 to 100)/93.8 (68 to 100)), the mean range of abduction (32° (15° to 40°)/28 (0° to 40°)), use of a 10° elevated liner (31%/100%), the incidence of osteolysis (27%/79.7%) and the incidence of equal leg lengths (≥ 6 mm, 92%/61%). There was no disassociation or fracture of the modular neck. The modular system reduces the need for an elevated liner, thereby reducing the incidence of osteolysis. It gives a better range of movement and allows the surgeon to make an accurate adjustment of leg length