Aims. The primary aim of this trial was to compare the subsidence of two similar hydroxyapatite-coated titanium femoral components from different manufacturers. Secondary aims were to compare rotational migration (anteversion/retroversion and varus/valgus tilt) and patient-reported outcome measures between both femoral components. Methods. Patients were randomized to receive one of the two femoral components (Avenir or Corail) during their primary total hip arthroplasty between August 2018 and September 2020. Radiostereometric analysis examinations at six, 12, and 24 months were used to assess the migration of each implanted femoral component compared to a baseline assessment. Patient-reported outcome measures were also recorded for these same timepoints. Overall, 50 patients were enrolled (62% male (n = 31), with a mean age of 65.7 years (SD 7.3), and mean BMI of 30.2 kg/m. 2. (SD 5.2)). Results. The two-year subsidence was similar for Avenir (-0.018 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.053 to 0.018) and Corail (0.000 mm (95% CI -0.027 to 0.026; p = 0.428). Both anteversion/retroversion (Avenir 0.139° (95% CI -0.204 to 0.481°); Corail -0.196° (95% CI -0.445 to 0.053°; p = 0.110) and varus/valgus tilt (Avenir -0.024° (95% CI -0.077 to 0.028); Corail -0.049° (95% CI -0.098 to 0.000°; p = 0.473) were not statistically significantly different. After two years, patients reported similar improvements in EuroQol five-dimension five-level health questionnaire (Avenir 0.22 (SD 0.2); Corail 0.22 (SD 0.18); p = 0.965) and other outcomes scores. Patient satisfaction on a five-point Likert scale was also similar between both groups after two years (Avenir 1.38 (SD 0.88); Corail 1.33 (SD 0.57); p = 0.846). Conclusion. The performance of both femoral components was similar in terms of stability and patient outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(10):1045–1051

Aims. Instability is a common cause of failure after total hip arthroplasty. A novel reverse total hip has been developed, with a femoral cup and acetabular ball, creating enhanced mechanical stability. The purpose of this study was to assess the implant fixation using radiostereometric analysis (RSA), and the clinical safety and efficacy of this novel design. Methods. Patients with end-stage osteoarthritis were enrolled in a prospective cohort at a single centre. The cohort consisted of 11 females and 11 males with mean age of 70.6 years (SD 3.5) and BMI of 31.0 kg/m. 2. (SD 5.7). Implant fixation was evaluated using RSA as well as Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Harris Hip Score, Oxford Hip Score, Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, 38-item Short Form survey, and EuroQol five-dimension health questionnaire scores at two-year follow-up. At least one acetabular screw was used in all cases. RSA markers were inserted into the innominate bone and proximal femur with imaging at six weeks (baseline) and six, 12, and 24 months. Independent-samples t-tests were used to compare to published thresholds. Results. Mean acetabular subsidence from baseline to 24 months was 0.087 mm (SD 0.152), below the critical threshold of 0.2 mm (p = 0.005). Mean femoral subsidence from baseline to 24 months was -0.002 mm (SD 0.194), below the published reference of 0.5 mm (p < 0.001). There was significant improvement in patient-reported outcome measures at 24 months with good to excellent results. Conclusion. RSA analysis demonstrates excellent fixation with a predicted low risk of revision at ten years of this novel reverse total hip system. Clinical outcomes were consistent with safe and effective hip replacement prostheses. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(5):385–392

Early micromotion of hip implants measured with radiostereometric analysis (RSA) is a predictor for late aseptic loosening. Computed Tomography Radiostereometric Analysis (CT-RSA) can be used to determine implant micro-movements using low-dose CT scans. CT-RSA enables a non-invasive measurement of implants. We evaluated the precision of CT-RSA in measuring early stem migration. Standard marker-based RSA was used as reference. We hypothesised that CT-RSA can be used as an alternative to RSA in assessing implant micromotions. We included 31 patients undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Distal femoral stem migration at 1 year was measured with both RSA and CT-RSA. Comparison of the two methods was performed with paired-analysis and Bland-Altman plots. Furthermore, the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the CT-RSA method was evaluated. No statistical difference was found between RSA and CTMA measurements. The Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between marker-based RSA and CT-RSA. The intra- and interobserver reliability of the CT-RSA method was found to be excellent (≥0.992). CT-RSA is comparable to marker-based RSA in measuring distal femoral stem migration. CTMA can be used as an alternative method to detect early implant migration

Aims. BoneMaster is a thin electrochemically applied hydroxyapatite (HA) coating for orthopaedic implants that is quickly resorbed during osseointegration. Early stabilization is a surrogacy marker of good survival of femoral stems. The hypothesis of this study was that a BoneMaster coating yields a fast early and lasting fixation of stems. Methods. A total of 53 patients were randomized to be treated using Bi-Metric cementless femoral stems with either only a porous titanium plasma-sprayed coating (P group) or a porous titanium plasma-sprayed coating with an additional BoneMaster coating (PBM group). The patients were examined with radiostereometry until five years after surgery. Results. At three months, the mean total translation (TT) was 0.95 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to 1.22) in the P group and 0.57 mm (95% CI 0.31 to 0.83) in the PBM group (p = 0.047). From two to five years, the TT increased by a mean of 0.14 mm (95% CI 0.03 to 0.25) more in the P group than in the PBM group (p = 0.021). In osteopenic patients (n = 20), the mean TT after three months was 1.61 mm (95% CI 1.03 to 2.20) in the P group and 0.73 mm (95% CI 0.25 to 1.21) in the PBM group (p = 0.023). After 60 months, the mean TT in osteopenic patients was 1.87 mm (95% CI 1.24 to 2.50) in the P group and 0.82 mm (95% CI 0.30 to 1.33) in the PBM group (p = 0.011). Conclusion. There was less early and midterm migration of cementless stems with BoneMaster coating compared with those with only a porous titanium plasma-sprayed coating. Although a BoneMaster coating seems to be important for stem fixation, especially in osteopenic patients, further research is warranted. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):647–656

Aims. The objective of this study was to compare the two-year migration and clinical outcomes of a new cementless hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated titanium acetabular shell with its previous version, which shared the same geometrical design but a different manufacturing process for applying the titanium surface. Methods. Overall, 87 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) were randomized to either a Trident II HA or Trident HA shell, each cementless with clusterholes and HA-coating. All components were used in combination with a cemented Exeter V40 femoral stem. Implant migration was measured using radiostereometric analysis (RSA), with radiographs taken within two days of surgery (baseline), and at three, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Proximal acetabular component migration was the primary outcome measure. Clinical scores and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected at each follow-up. Results. Mean proximal migrations at three, 12, and 24 months were 0.08 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03 to 0.14), 0.11 mm (95% CI 0.06 to 0.16), and 0.14 mm (95% CI 0.09 to 0.20), respectively, in the Trident II HA group, versus 0.11 mm (95% CI 0.06 to 0.16), 0.12 mm (95% CI 0.07 to 0.17), and 0.14 mm (95% CI 0.09 to 0.19) in the Trident HA group (p = 0.875). No significant differences in translations or rotations between the two designs were found in any other direction. Clinical scores and PROMs were comparable between groups, except for an initially greater postoperative improvement in Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Symptoms score in the Trident HA group (p = 0.033). Conclusion. The Trident II clusterhole HA shell has comparable migration with its predecessor, the Trident hemispherical HA cluster shell, suggesting a similar risk of long-term aseptic loosening. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(2):136–143

Background. Short bone-conserving femoral stem implants were developed to achieve more physiological, proximal bone loading than conventional femoral stems. Concerns have arisen, however, that improved loading may be offset by lower primary stability because of the reduced potential area for bony contact. Aims. The aim of this study was to determine the primary stability of a novel short femoral stem compared with a conventional femoral stem following cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA), in a prospective, blinded, randomised, controlled trial using radiostereometric analysis. Methods. Fifty-three patients were randomised to receive cementless THA with either a short femoral stem or a conventional femoral stem. The CONSORT diagram is shown (Figure I). Surgery was performed at one institution by three surgeons. 26 patients received the short stem and 23 received the conventional stem. Complete follow-up was available on 40 patients (82%). All patients received the same cementless acetabular component. The primary outcomes were dynamically inducible micromotion and migration of the femoral stems at two years. Both were measured using radiostereometric analysis. Radiographs for radiostereometric analysis were taken post-operatively and at three, six, 12, 18 and 24 months. Validated geometric algorithms were used to determine the relative three-dimensional position of the prosthetic stem and host bone. Results. At two years, there was significantly less subsidence (inferior migration) of the short femoral stem (head: 0.28mm; 95% confidence interval [CI] +/−0.17; SD 0.38; tip: 0.10mm; 95% CI +/− 0.18; SD 0.41) compared with the conventional stem (head: 0.61mm, 95% CI +/−0.26, SD 0.55, P=0.03; tip: 0.44mm, 95% CI +/−0.21, SD 0.43, P=0.02) (Figure II). There was no significant difference in dynamically inducible micromotion. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that the short femoral stem has a stable and predictable migration. However, longer-term survival analysis remains important. For any figures and tables, please contact the authors directly

Aims. Vitamin E-infused highly crosslinked polyethylene (VEPE) has been introduced into total hip arthroplasty (THA) with the aim of further improving the wear characteristics of moderately and highly crosslinked polyethylenes (ModXLPE and HXLPE). There are few studies analyzing the outcomes of vitamin E-infused components in cemented arthroplasty, though early acetabular component migration has been reported. The aim of this study was to measure five-year polyethylene wear and acetabular component stability of a cemented VEPE acetabular component compared with a ModXLPE cemented acetabular component. Methods. In a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT), we assessed polyethylene wear and acetabular component stability (primary outcome) with radiostereometric analysis (RSA) in 68 patients with reverse hybrid THA at five years follow-up. Patients were randomized to either a VEPE or a ModXLPE cemented acetabular component. Results. Mean polyethylene wear in the proximal direction was 0.17 mm (SD 0.15) for the VEPE group and 0.20 mm (SD 0.09) for the ModXLPE group (p = 0.005) at five years. Annual proximal wear rates were 0.03 mm/year (VEPE) and 0.04 mm/year (ModXLPE). Total 3D wear was 0.21 mm (SD 0.26) and 0.23 mm (SD 0.10) for the VEPE and ModXLPE groups, respectively (p = 0.009). Total 3D cup translation was 0.72 mm (SD 0.70) (VEPE) and 0.50 mm (SD 0.44) (ModXLPE) (p = 0.409). Conclusion. At five years, there was less polyethylene wear in the VEPE group than in the ModXLPE group. Both VEPE and ModXLPE cemented components showed low annual wear rates. Component stability was similar in the two groups and remained constant up to five years. Whether these results will equate to a lower long-term revision rate is still unknown. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1646–1653

Aims. Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) studies of vitamin E-doped, highly crosslinked polyethylene (VEPE) liners show low head penetration rates in cementless acetabular components. There is, however, currently no data on cemented VEPE acetabular components in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of a new cemented VEPE component, compared with a conventional polyethylene (PE) component regarding migration, head penetration, and clinical results. Patients and Methods. We enrolled 42 patients (21 male, 21 female) with osteoarthritis and a mean age of 67 years (. sd. 5), in a double-blinded, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial. The subjects were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive a reverse hybrid THA with a cemented component of either argon-gas gamma-sterilized PE component (controls) or VEPE, with identical geometry. The primary endpoint was proximal implant migration of the component at two years postoperatively measured with RSA. Secondary endpoints included total migration of the component, penetration of the femoral head into the component, and patient-reported outcome measurements. Results. In total, 19 control implants and 18 implants in the VEPE group were analyzed for the primary endpoint. We found a continuous proximal migration of the component in the VEPE group that was significantly higher with a difference at two years of a mean 0.21 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05 to 0.37; p = 0.013). The total migration was also significantly higher in the VEPE group, but femoral head penetration was lower. We found no difference in clinical outcomes between the groups. Conclusion. At two years, this cemented VEPE component, although having a low head penetration and excellent clinical results, failed to meet noninferiority compared with the conventional implant by a proximal migration above the proposed safety threshold of RSA. The early proximal migration pattern of the VEPE component is a reason for continued monitoring, although a specific threshold for proximal migration and risk for later failure cannot be defined and needs further study. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1192–1198

We performed a three-year radiostereometric analysis (RSA) study of the Elite Plus femoral component on 25 patients undergoing primary total hip replacement. Additional assessments and measurements from standard radiographs were also made. Subsidence of the stem occurred at the cement-stem interface. At 36 months the subsidence of the stem centroid was a mean of 0.30 mm (0.02 to 1.28), and was continuing at a slow rate. At the same time point, internal rotation and posterior migration of the femoral head had ceased. One stem migrated excessively and additional assessments suggested that this was probably due to high patient demand. The failure rate of 4% in our study is consistent with data from arthroplasty registers but contrasts with poor results from another RSA study, and from some clinical studies. We believe that the surgical technique, particularly the use of high-viscosity cement, may have been an important factor contributing to our results

Aims. Vitamin E-diffused, highly crosslinked polyethylene (VEPE) and porous titanium-coated (PTC) shells were introduced in total hip arthroplasty (THA) to reduce the risk of aseptic loosening. The purpose of this study was: 1) to compare the wear properties of VEPE to moderately crosslinked polyethylene; 2) to assess the stability of PTC shells; and 3) to report their clinical outcomes at seven years. Patients and Methods. A total of 89 patients were enrolled into a prospective study. All patients received a PTC shell and were randomized to receive a VEPE liner (n = 44) or a moderately crosslinked polyethylene (ModXLPE) liner (n = 45). Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) was used to measure polyethylene wear and component migration. Differences in wear were assessed while adjusting for body mass index, activity level, acetabular inclination, anteversion, and head size. Plain radiographs were assessed for radiolucency and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were administered at each follow-up. Results. In total, 73 patients (82%) completed the seven-year visit. Mean seven-year linear proximal penetration was -0.07 mm (. sd. 0.16) and 0.00 mm (. sd. 0.22) for the VEPE and ModXLPE cohorts, respectively (p = 0.116). PROMs (p = 0.310 to 0.807) and radiolucency incidence (p = 0.330) were not different between the polyethylene cohorts. The mean proximal shell migration rate was 0.04 mm per year (. sd. 0.09). At seven years, patients with radiolucency (34%) demonstrated greater migration (mean difference: 0.6 mm (. sd. 0.2); p < 0.001). PROMs were lower for patients with radiolucency and greater proximal migration (p = 0.009 to p = 0.045). No implants were revised for aseptic loosening. Conclusion. This is the first randomized controlled trial to report seven-year RSA results for VEPE. All wear rates were below the previously reported osteolysis threshold (0.1 mm per year). PTC shells demonstrated acceptable primary stability through seven years, as indicated by low migration and lack of aseptic loosening. However, patients with acetabular radiolucency were associated with higher shell migration and lower PROM scores. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:760–767

This was a randomised controlled trial studying the safety of a new short metaphyseal fixation (SMF) stem. We hypothesised that it would have similar early clinical results and micromovement to those of a standard-length tapered Synergy metaphyseal fixation stem. Using radiostereometric analysis (RSA) we compared the two stems in 43 patients. A short metaphyseal fixation stem was used in 22 patients and a Synergy stem in 21 patients. No difference was found in the clinical outcomes pre- or post-operatively between groups. RSA showed no significant differences two years post-operatively in mean micromovement between the two stems (except for varus/valgus tilt at p = 0.05) (subsidence 0.94 mm (. sd.  1.71) vs 0.32 mm (. sd. 0.45), p = 0.66; rotation 0.96° (. sd. 1.49) vs 1.41° (. sd. 2.95), p = 0.88; and total migration 1.09 mm (. sd. 1.74) vs 0.73 mm (. sd. 0.72), p = 0.51). A few stems (four SMF and three Synergy) had initial migration > 1.0 mm but stabilised by three to six months, with the exception of one SMF stem which required revision three years post-operatively. For most stems, total micromovement was very low at two years (subsidence < 0.5 mm, rotation < 1.0°, total migration < 0.5 mm), which was consistent with osseous ingrowth. The small sample makes it difficult to confirm the universal applicability of or elucidate the potential contraindications to the use of this particular new design of stem. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:595–602

Aims

Femoral bone preparation using compaction technique has been shown to preserve bone and improve implant fixation in animal models. No long-term clinical outcomes are available. There are no significant long-term differences between compaction and broaching techniques for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in terms of migration, clinical, and radiological outcomes.

Osteolysis secondary to ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear is a leading cause of late-term implant failure via aseptic loosening in patients treated with total hip arthroplasty (THA). Radiation crosslinking of UHMWPE has been shown to decrease wear. However, the resulting polymer (crosslinked-PE) has a high free radical content. Two different methods that have been used to reduce the remaining free radicals are mechanical annealing and chemical stabilization using Vitamin E, a free radical scavenger. The primary purpose of the current study was to evaluate and compare the wear properties of vitamin E-doped crosslinked-PE (VEPE) and one formulation of mechanically annealed crosslinked-PE using radiostereometric analysis (RSA) in patients five years after primary THA. We also sought to understand the association between polyethylene wear and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Three-hundred and five patients from six international centers were enrolled. Seventy-six percent were treated with highly-crosslinked (95 kGy) VEPE liners, and the rest received moderately-crosslinked (50 kGy) (ModXL), mechanically annealed liners. Data was collected prospectively at one-, two-, and five-year intervals. At the 5-year follow-up, proximal femoral head penetration into the VEPE liners (median = 0.05mm (range, −0.03–1.20)) was significantly lower than the penetration into the ModXL liners (median = 0.15mm (range, −0.22–1.04)) (p<0.001). In the VEPE cohort the median proximal penetration did not increase from one- to five-year follow-up (p=0.209). In contrast, there was a significant increase in femoral head penetration for the ModXL group (p<0.001) during that same time. Multivariable regression showed that the only variable predictive of increased wear was ModXL liner type (B=0.12, p<0.001). There were no differences in PROMs between the liner groups, and there was no correlation between polyethylene wear and PROMs for the cohort as a whole. The current study is the largest analysis of polyethylene wear at five-year follow-up using the RSA technique. We observed similar bedding in through the two-year interval between the two liner types, however, there was significantly more wear in the ModXL cohort at five-years. Currently, the wear rates for both liner groups are below the osteolysis threshold and have not led to any implant failures via aseptic loosening. Continued follow-up will provide a better understanding of the association between wear rate and clinical outcomes

Aims

Short, bone-conserving femoral components are increasingly used in total hip arthroplasty (THA). They are expected to allow tissue-conserving implantation and to render future revision surgery more straightforward but the long-term data on such components is limited. One such component is the global tissue-sparing (GTS) stem. Following the model for stepwise introduction of new orthopaedic implants, we evaluated early implant fixation and clinical outcome of this novel short-stem THA and compared it to that of a component with established good long-term clinical outcome.

The primary purpose of the current study was to evaluate and compare the wear properties of vitamin E-doped, highly-crosslinked PE (VEPE) and one formulation of moderately cross-linked and mechanically-annealed ultra-high molecular weight PE (ModXLPE) in patients five years after primary THA. We also sought to understand whether polyethylene wear is associated with radiographic evidence of bone resorption or with deterioration in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

A total of 221 patients from four international centers were recruited into a prospective RSA and clinical outcomes study. Seventy percent (76%) of patients received VEPE (vs. ModXLPE) liners, and 36% received ceramic (vs. metal) femoral heads. PROMs and radiographs were collected preoperatively and at one, two, and five years postoperatively. In addition, RSA radiographs were collected to measure PE wear.

We observed similar bedding in through the one-year interval and wear through the two-year interval between the two liner types. However, there was significantly more femoral head penetration in the ModXLPE cohort compared to the VEPE cohort at the five-year follow-up (p<0.001). The only variables independently predictive of increased wear were ModXLPE (vs VEPE) liner type (β=0.22, p=0.010) and metal (vs. ceramic) femoral head type (β=0.21, p=0.013). There was no association between increased wear and radiolucency development (p=0.866) or PROMs. No patients were found to have evidence of osteolysis.

At five-years postoperatively, patients treated with VEPE (vs. ModXLPE) and ceramic (vs. metal) femoral heads demonstrated decreased wear. At the longest follow-up (five years postoperatively), the wear rates for both liner groups were very low and have not led to any osteolysis or implant failures via aseptic loosening.

This was a safety study where the hypothesis was that the newer-design CPCS femoral stem would demonstrate similar early clinical results and micromovement to the well-established Exeter stem. Both are collarless, tapered, polished cemented stems, the only difference being a slight lateral to medial taper with the CPCS stem. A total of 34 patients were enrolled in a single-blinded randomised controlled trial in which 17 patients received a dedicated radiostereometric CPCS stem and 17 a radiostereometric Exeter stem. No difference was found in any of the outcome measures pre-operatively or post-operatively between groups. At two years, the mean subsidence for the CPCS stem was nearly half that seen for the Exeter stem (0.77 mm (−0.943 to 1.77) and 1.25 mm (0.719 to 1.625), respectively; p = 0.032). In contrast, the mean internal rotation of the CPCS stem was approximately twice that of the Exeter (1.61° (−1.07° to 4.33°) and 0.59° (0.97° to 1.64°), respectively; p = 0.048). Other migration patterns were not significantly different between the stems. The subtle differences in designs may explain the different patterns of migration.

Comparable migration with the Exeter stem suggests that the CPCS design will perform well in the long term.

We evaluated an anatomical uncemented stem, SP-CL, (Static Physiologicus – CementLess) designed to facilitate insertion and to avoid stress concentration at solitary contact points in a randomized controlled trial, with use of the Corail stem as control. The SPÅ-Cl stem has been on the market since 2014 but is still not well documented.

79 patients (80 hips) were primarily recruited and 71 patients (72 hips, 36 SP-CL, 36 Corail) attended the last follow up at 2 years. The clinical evaluation included several types of PROMs with Oxford Hip Score (OHS) as primary outcome. In addition, repeated measurements of stem migration, changes in bone mineral density and development of radiolucencies were studied with RSA, DXA and conventional radiography.

At two years the Oxford Hip Score did not differ between the SP-CL and Corail stem (estimated mean difference: −0.70 (95% CI: −4.28 – 2.89). In both groups Oxford hip score had almost doubled at 3 months, continued to increase up to 6 months and was about equal at 2 years (SP-CL; median 46 (17–48), Corail; median 47 (19–48)). At 2 years the SP-CL stems showed a median distal migration of −0.23 (−5.2 – 0.1) and the Corail stems of − 0.11 (−4.4 – 0.4). The SP-CL stems showed slightly more loss of bone mineral density in Gruen region 7 (p = 0.003).

We found no difference in clinical results with use of either of the two stems. Bone mineral density loss tended to be higher with use of the SP-CL stem and the early subsidence tended to be more pronounced, which turned out to be compatible with about the same stem stability reached between 1 and 2 years. As a next step we think that the SP-CL stem should be studied in a multi-center setting, before accepted for general use.

Acetabular components used to treat large defects are at greater risk of loosening. Porous tantalum acetabular components have reported the most promising early to midterm revision rates. Early stability of acetabular components used at revision THR was shown to be a good predictor of later loosening. The primary aim was to assess the migration of porous acetabular component used to reconstruct severe acetabular defects. Secondarily, we investigated the effect of acetabular defect severity and type of component fixation on migration.

Radiosterometric analysis was used to measure migration at a mean follow-up of four years, (range 2–10) in 59 reconstructions of severe acetabular defects with porous tantalum components. Acetabular component fixation was classified as superior if augmented with screws through cup, augments or cage in the ilium only. Fixation was classified as combined, superior and inferior, if flanges and/or screws were also placed in the ischium and or pubis. Acceptable limits of proximal migration were defined as ≤1mm within 2 years and ≤2.5mm at any time point.

Eight hips had reconstruction of Paprosky II defects with superior fixation only. The mean proximal migration of the eight acetabular components was 0.25mm (0.08–0.40) at 2 years and 0.29mm (0.10–0.81) at last follow-up.

Fifty-one hips had reconstruction of Paprosky III defects. Seven of these reconstructions exceeded the migration thresholds. Five reconstructions (four with superior fixation and one cup cage construct with no inferior screw fixation) of hips with pelvic discontinuity developed pain and were re-revised for loosening. Two reconstructions are asymptomatic and migrated 2.68mm (cup-cage construct with superior screws) and 2.86mm (no pelvic discontinuity, superior fixation) at final follow-up. The mean proximal migration of the 51 Paprosky III reconstructions was 0.99mm (0.03 to 16.4) at 2 years and 1.92mm (0.01 to 29.4) at last follow-up. The mean proximal translation at 2 years of the 11 reconstructions with inferior screw fixation was 0.2mm (−0.6 to 0.7mm), compared with 0.9mm (−0.6 to 16.4mm) for the reconstructions without inferior screw fixation.

In conclusion, when used to reconstruct Paprosky II defects, porous tantalum acetabular components provide component stability similar to a good performing primary THR. These implants achieve adequate stability when used to treat Paprosky III defects, including those with pelvic discontinuity. For the most severe defects, combined fixation with inferior screws is recommended, particularly when reconstructing hips with pelvic discontinuity.

Aims. Refobacin Bone Cement R and Palacos R + G bone cement were introduced to replace the original cement Refobacin Palacos R in 2005. Both cements were assumed to behave in a biomechanically similar fashion to the original cement. The primary aim of this study was to compare the migration of a polished triple-tapered femoral stem fixed with either Refobacin Bone Cement R or Palacos R + G bone cement. Repeated radiostereometric analysis was used to measure migration of the femoral head centre. The secondary aims were evaluation of cement mantle, stem positioning, and patient-reported outcome measures. Methods. Overall, 75 patients were included in the study and 71 were available at two years postoperatively. Prior to surgery, they were randomized to one of the three combinations studied: Palacos cement with use of the Optivac mixing system, Refobacin with use of the Optivac system, and Refobacin with use of the Optipac system. Cemented MS30 stems and cemented Exceed acetabular components were used in all hips. Postoperative radiographs were used to assess the quality of the cement mantle according to Barrack et al, and the position and migration of the femoral stem. Harris Hip Score, Oxford Hip Score, Forgotten Joint Score, and University of California, Los Angeles Activity Scale were collected. Results. Median distal migration (y-axis) at two years for the Refobacin-Optivac system was -0.79 mm (-2.01 to -0.09), for the Refobacin-Optipac system was -0.75 mm (-2.16 to 0.20), and for the Palacos-Optivac system was -1.01 mm (-4.31 to -0.29). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups. Secondary outcomes did not differ statistically between the groups at the two-year follow-up. Conclusion. At two years, we found no significant differences in distal migration or clinical outcomes between the three groups. Our data indicate that Refobacin Bone Cement R and Palacos R + G are comparable in terms of stable fixation and early clinical outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(5):435–441

Aims. Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) is the most accurate radiological method to measure in vivo wear of highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) acetabular components. We have previously reported very low wear rates for a sequentially irradiated and annealed X3 XLPE liner (Stryker Orthopaedics, USA) when used in conjunction with a 32 mm femoral heads at ten-year follow-up. Only two studies have reported the long-term wear rate of X3 liners used in conjunction with larger heads using plain radiographs which have poor sensitivity. The aim of this study was to measure the ten-year wear of thin X3 XLPE liners against larger 36 or 40 mm articulations with RSA. Methods. We prospectively reviewed 19 patients who underwent primary cementless THA with the XLPE acetabular liner (X3) and a 36 or 40 mm femoral head with a resultant liner thickness of at least 5.8 mm. RSA radiographs at one week, six months, and one, two, five, and ten years postoperatively and femoral head penetration within the acetabular component were measured with UmRSA software. Of the initial 19 patients, 12 were available at the ten-year time point. Results. The median proximal, 2D, and 3D wear rates calculated between one and ten years were all less than 0.005 mm/year, with no patient recording a proximal wear rate of more than 0.021 mm/year. Importantly, there was no increase in the wear rate between five and ten years. Conclusion. The very low wear rate of X3 XLPE liners with larger articulations remains encouraging for the future clinical performance of this material. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(11):839–845