Aims

To evaluate the hypothesis that failed osteosynthesis of periprosthetic Vancouver type B1 fractures can be treated successfully with stem revision using a transfemoral approach and a cementless, modular, tapered revision stem with reproducible rates of fracture healing, stability of the revision stem, and clinically good results.

There is sufficient evidence that specialised orthopaedic services, in the form of ‘hub’ or specialist centres, which undertake a high volume of workload in revision arthroplasty generate superior outcomes. The East Midlands South Orthopaedic Network (EMSSON) was set up in 2015 and is an example of a ‘hub and spoke’ network. The network has recently undergone adaptation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is paucity of data considering the impact of such adaptations in a post-pandemic era and on adherence to advice given. Two data sets were obtained from the EMSSON data base, pertaining to pre and post pandemic eras respectively. Datasets were analysed and compared for case volumes, proportion of overall arthroplasty volume discussed and adherence to agreed management plans. Dataset one included 107 cases, of these 99 cases were discussed (54 knees and 45 hips). This equates to 35% of total revision arthroplasty volume recorded in the National Joint Registry (NJR), by units involved in the network. A change of plan was recommended in 45/99 cases (45%), of these 41 (93%) were adhered to. Dataset two included 99 cases, of these 98 were discussed (39 knees and 59 hips). This equates 68% of revision arthroplasty volume performed by the region according to NJR records. A change in plan was recommended in 20 cases (20.5%), all of which were adhered to. One case was referred to the ‘hub’ for surgery. Following the implementation of recent adaptations, the efficiency of the EMSSON network has significantly improved. A greater volume and proportion of revision arthroplasty cases are now being discussed on a weekly basis. Management plans for which adaptations are suggested have decreased, indicating an educational value of such networking practices. Adherence to agreed plans also showed improvement (p<0.03). These findings demonstrate a trend towards NHS England's target of 100% of revision arthroplasty cases undergoing MDT discussion. Changes made in light of the Covid-pandemic, are felt to have contributed significantly to the overall performance of regional networking and have been well received by consultants involved

Sound management decisions are critical to outcomes in revision arthroplasty. Aiming to improve outcomes, revision networks facilitate speciality trained, high volume surgeons, share experience and best practice, contributing to decision making within and away from their base hospital. We have reported the early clinical experience of East Midlands Specialist Orthopaedic Network (EMSON). In this paper we report beneficial clinical effects, both demonstrable and unquantifiable supporting the process. Using the UK HES database of revisions, performed before and after EMSON was established, (April 2011 – March 2018), data from EMSON hospitals were compared to all other hospitals in the same time-period. Primary outcome was re-revision surgery within 1 year. Secondary outcomes were re-revision, complications within first two years and median LOS. 57,621 RTHA and 33,828 RTKA procedures were involved with around 1,485 (2.6%) and 1,028 (3.0%) respectively performed within EMSON. Re-revision THA rates, within 1 year, in EMSON were 7.3% and 6.0% with re-revision knee rates 11.6% and 7.4%, pre- and post-intervention. Re-revision rates in the rest England in the same periods were 7.4% to 6.8% for hips and 11.7% to 9.7% for knees. This constituted a significant improvement in 1-year re-revision rates for EMSON knees. (β = −0.072 (−0.133 to −0.01), p = 0.024). The reduction in hip re-revision did not reach statistical significance. Secondary outcomes showed a significant improvement for 1 and 2-year RTHA complication rates. Re-revision rates for RTKA and complication rates for RTHA improved significantly after the introduction of EMSON. Other outcomes studied also improved to a greater extent in the network hospitals. While anecdotal experience with networks is positive, the challenge in collating data to prove clinic benefit should not be underestimated. Beyond the formal process, additional communication, interaction, and support has immeasurable benefit in both elective and emergency scenarios

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine whether fixation, as opposed to revision arthroplasty, can be safely used to treat reducible Vancouver B type fractures in association with a cemented collarless polished tapered femoral stem (the Exeter). Methods. This retrospective cohort study assessed 152 operatively managed consecutive unilateral Vancouver B fractures involving Exeter stems; 130 were managed with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and 22 with revision arthroplasty. Mean follow-up was 6.5 years (SD 2.6; 3.2 to 12.1). The primary outcome measure was revision of at least one component. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed. Regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for revision following ORIF. Secondary outcomes included any reoperation, complications, blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, and mortality. Results. Fractures (B1 n = 74 (49%); B2 n = 50 (33%); and B3 n = 28 (18%)) occurred at median of 4.2 years (interquartile range (IQR) 1.2 to 9.2) after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) (n = 138) or hemiarthroplasty (n = 14). Rates of revision and reoperation were significantly higher following revision arthroplasty compared to ORIF for B2 (p = 0.001) and B3 fractures (p = 0.050). Five-year survival was significantly better following ORIF: 92% (95% confidence interval (CI) 86.4% to 97.4%) versus 63% (95% CI 41.7% to 83.3%), p < 0.001. ORIF was associated with reduced blood transfusion requirement and reoperations, but there were no differences in medical complications, hospital stay, or mortality between surgical groups. No independent predictors of revision following ORIF were identified: where the bone-cement interface was intact, fixation of B2 or B3 fractures was not associated with an increased risk of revision. Conclusion. When the bone-cement interface was intact and the fracture was anatomically reducible, all Vancouver B fractures around Exeter stems could be managed with fixation as opposed to revision arthroplasty. Fixation was associated with reduced need for blood transfusion and lower risk of revision surgery compared with revision arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):309–320

Revision arthroplasty after infection can often be complicated by both extensive bone loss and a relatively high rate of re-infection. Using allograft to address the bone loss in such patients is controversial because of the perceived risk of bacterial infection from the use of avascular graft material. We describe 12 two-stage revisions for infection in which segmental allografts were loaded with antibiotics using iontophoresis, a technique using an electrical potential to drive ionised antibiotics into cortical bone. Iontophoresis produced high levels of antibiotic in the allograft, which eluted into the surrounding tissues. We postulate that this offers protection from infection in the high-risk peri-operative period. None of the 12 patients who had two-stage revision with iontophoresed allografts had further infection after a mean period of 47 months (14 to 78)

Stem loosening can be associated with a wide spectrum of bone loss and deformity that represent key factors for choosing the most appropriate revision implant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and the survivorship of a consecutive series of THA revisions using a taper rectangular cementless stem for primary implants (Alloclassic® Zweymuller®, Zimmer Warsaw US) at medium-term follow-up.

We retrospectively evaluated 113 patients (115 revisions) who underwent femoral revision with Zweymuller stem with a preoperative Paprosky I (86) or II (29) defects from January 2011 to December 2020. The mean follow up was 6 years (2–10). The median age at time of surgery was 71(41–93) with 60 males and 53 females. Osteolysis/radiolucency were observed in the following Gruen zones: I (91), II (3), III (2), VII (15), V (3), VI (1). Clinical assessment was performed by means of Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Visual Analogic Scale (VAS), whereas for the radiological analysis we used conventional x-rays of the hips. The statistical analysis was performed using Graphpad Prism v5.0 and data distribution was assessed by Shapiro-Wilk test, and Wilcoxon matched paired test was used to test the differences between preoperative and postoperative score.

9 patients were lost to fu (deceased or not available), 104 (106 hips) were evaluated. The mean HHS and VAS significantly improved at final follow-up, going from 33,84 and 5,78 preoperatively to 66,42 and 2,05 postoperatively, respectively. 28 patients (25%) showed unprogressive radiolucent lines in Gruen zones 1 and 7 with no other radiological nor clinical signs of loosening. One patient suffered from recurrence of the infection. The survivorship with stem revision as endpoint was 100%.

Alloclassic Zweymüller primary stem showed good medium-term results and survival rate in revision THA for aseptic loosening and second stages of two stage revisions.

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological results of patients who were revised using a custom-made triflange acetabular component (CTAC) for component loosening and pelvic discontinuity (PD) after previous total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Introduction. Severe osteolysis of the femur secondary to aseptic loosening in hip arthroplasty, remains a difficult revision scenario. Multiple techniques have been developed to aid the surgeon, including restoration of bone stock with impaction bone grafting or strut allografts, various distal fixation prostheses and mega-prostheses. Cemented femoral components, with integration of the cement into the cavitations, has largely fallen out of favour. We examined the long-term outcomes with this technique. Patients/Materials & Methods. Between 1977 and 1990, 109 patients had a cemented stem revision (without bone grafting) for severe femoral osteolysis in the absence of infection. Severe osteolysis was defined as cavitation in a minimum of 4 Gruen zones. Follow-up included functional scoring, radiological assessment and any complications. Further revision and survivorship analysis for stem failure or aseptic loosening of the femoral component were recorded. Results. 109 patients (117 hips) were reviewed with an average age of 65.4years (range 31–82). 39 patients had five zone involvement, 25 had six zone involvement and in 13 patients all seven zones were affected. 17 patients had an isolated stem revision, 100 patients had both components revised. Post-operative complications during the entire follow-up period were 7 dislocations, 10 trochanteric non-unions, 2 periprosthetic fractures and no infections. Only 9 patients had further revision of the femoral stem, 8 for aseptic loosening and 1 for stem fracture. In addition, re-revision procedures were performed for aseptic loosening of the cup (8 procedures) and dislocation (2 procedures). Analysis for stem revision demonstrated 91.17% survival at 12 years (minimum 40 hips at risk). Conclusion. Cemented revision arthroplasty for severe osteolysis of the femur has results comparable, if not superior, to alternative treatment modalities. Where restoration of bone stock is not a principle goal in the revision setting, cemented revision arthroplasty is a viable option in severe femoral osteolysis

Introduction. Between 2005 and 2010, the number of revision hip arthroplasties rose by 49.1%, and revision knee arthroplasties by 92.1%. This number is predicted to rise by 31% and 332% respectively by 2030. In March 2014, NHS England invited bids to run a pilot revision network. Nottingham Elective Orthopaedic Service (NEOS) was successful and the East Midlands Specialist Orthopaedic Network (EMSON) runs on a ‘hub-and-spoke’ model. Patients/Materials & Methods. All patients within the EMSON area requiring revision arthroplasty are discussed at a weekly meeting. The meeting is chaired by a revision hip and knee surgeon and attended by arthroplasty surgeons and an orthopaedic microbiologist. Other specialties are available as required. EMSON discussions and a proposed management plan are recorded, signed by the Chair and returned as a permanent record in the patient's notes. Results. To date, 255 arthroplasties in 253 patients have been discussed. 131 have been for revision hip arthroplasties. Two patients had both problematic hip and knee replacements. In 47% of the cases there was a recommendation to change the management plan. Several of these changes have been significant. 4% of cases have been transferred to NUH for revision surgery. In 35% of cases extra loan kit was likely to be required, predominantly in the spoke hospitals. Discussion. Although we have not seen many patients transferred to NEOS, we have seen a 20% increase in tertiary referrals from the spoke hospitals. Surgeons taking part in EMSON have expressed their satisfaction with the support received from EMSON. Conclusion. Discussing these complex cases supports revision surgeons in the region and is likely to improve patient care. We note a high number of changes to the management plan and an increase in direct referrals to NEOS. EMSON has been well received and we recommend this approach to other regions

This study aimed to verify the hypothesis that an antibiotic loaded hydrogel, defensive antimicrobial coating (DAC), reduces overall complication and infection rates when used for high-risk primary and revision total hip arthroplasty (THA).

This was a retrospective study matched cohort study of 238 patients, treated with cementless implants with and without DAC. A sub-group analysis of patients undergoing 2nd stage revision THA for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) was also conducted. Re-infection rates within 2 years, complications necessitating surgical intervention and radiographic analysis for aseptic loosening was assessed.

The mean age was 68.3±11.5 years, with 39 (32.8%) Macpherson class A, 64 (53.8%) class B and 16 (13.4%) class C patients. 4 (3.4%) patients in the DAC group developed complications including 1 PJI and 1 delayed wound healing, while 13 (10.9%) patients in the control group developed complications including 5 PJIs and 3 delayed wound healing (p=0.032). PJI rates (p=0.136) and delayed wound healing rates (p=0.337) were not statistically significant. For 2nd stage revision THA for PJI there were 86 patients in the DAC group and 45 in the control group. 1 (1.2%) patient in the DAC group developed complications with no recurrences of infection or delayed wound healing, while 10 (22.2%) patients in the control group developed complications including 4 recurrent PJI and 1 delayed wound healing (p=0.003). Recurrent PJI rates were statistically significant (p=0.005) while delayed wound healing rates were not (p=0.165). Patients treated with DAC also had lower rates of aseptic loosening (0% vs 6.7%; p=0.015).

Antibiotic impregnated hydrogel coatings on cementless implants showed decreased complication rates after complex primary or revision THA. In 2nd stage revision THA for PJI, it was associated with reduced risk of re-infection and aseptic loosening.

Pelvic discontinuity (PD) is a detrimental complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological results of patients with PD who were revised using a custom-made triflange acetabular component (CTAC).

This is a single centre prospective study of patients with PD following THA who were treated with a CTAC. The Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), modified Oxford Hip Score (mOHS), EurQol five-dimension three-level (EQ-5D-3L) utility, and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), including visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, were gathered at baseline, and at one- and two-year follow-up. Clinical and radiological complications, including reasons for revisions were registered. Trends over time are described and tested for significance and clinical relevance.

18 females with 22 CTACs were included with a mean age of 73.5 years (SD 7.7). There were significant improvements between baseline and final follow-up in HOOS (p<0.01), mOHS (p<0.01), EQ-5D-3L utility (p<0.01), EQ-5D-3L NRS (p<0.01), VAS pain rest (p<0.01), and VAS pain activity (p<0.01). A minimal clinically important improvement in mOHS and the HOOS was observed in 16 patients (73%) and 14 patients (64%), respectively. Definite healing of the PD was observed in 19 hips (86%). Complications included six cases with broken screws (27%), four cases (18%) with bony fractures, and one case (4.5%) with sciatic nerve paresthesia. One patient with concurrent bilateral PD had revision surgery due to recurrent dislocations. No revision surgery was performed for screw failure or implant breakage.

This is the first prospective assessment in clinical outcome of patients with PD who were treated with a CTAC. We have demonstrated that CTAC in patients with THA acetabular loosening and PD can result in stable constructs with no mechanical failures. Moreover, clinically relevant improvements in health-related quality of life at two years’ follow-up was observed.

Aims

Custom-made partial pelvis replacements (PPRs) are increasingly used in the reconstruction of large acetabular defects and have mainly been designed using a triflange approach, requiring extensive soft-tissue dissection. The monoflange design, where primary intramedullary fixation within the ilium combined with a monoflange for rotational stability, was anticipated to overcome this obstacle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the design with regard to functional outcome, complications, and acetabular reconstruction.

Deficiencies of acetabular bone stock at revision hip replacement were reconstructed with two different types of allograft using impaction bone grafting and a Burch-Schneider reinforcement ring. We compared a standard frozen non-irradiated bone bank allograft (group A) with a freeze-dried irradiated bone allograft, vitalised with autologous marrow (group B). We studied 78 patients (79 hips), of whom 87% (69 hips) had type III acetabular defects according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons classification at a mean of 31.4 months (14 to 51) after surgery. At the latest follow-up, the mean Harris hip score was 69.9 points (13.5 to 97.1) in group A and 71.0 points (11.5 to 96.5) in group B. Each hip showed evidence of trabeculation and incorporation of the allograft with no acetabular loosening.

These results suggest that the use of an acetabular reinforcement ring and a living composite of sterile allograft and autologous marrow appears to be a method of reconstructing acetabular deficiencies which gives comparable results to current forms of treatment.

Aims

The burden of revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) continues to grow. The surgery is complex and associated with significant costs. Regional rTHA networks have been proposed to improve outcomes and to reduce re-revisions, and therefore costs. The aim of this study was to accurately quantify the cost and reimbursement for a rTHA service, and to assess the financial impact of case complexity at a tertiary referral centre within the NHS.

Aims

The duration of systemic antibiotic treatment following first-stage revision surgery for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is contentious. Our philosophy is to perform an aggressive debridement, and to use a high local concentration of targeted antibiotics in cement beads and systemic prophylactic antibiotics alone. The aim of this study was to assess the success of this philosophy in the management of PJI of the hip using our two-stage protocol.

Hip and knee revisions continue to increase in number and complexity. With an understanding that revisions have a high re-revision rate, the importance of correct decisions made at the index procedure, is paramount for patients and surrounding health care economy.

Since January 2015, East Midlands Specialist Orthopaedic Network, (set up on a ‘hub-and-spoke’ model), has allowed all revisions performed within our region, (5 hospitals with a 4 million population), to be discussed at a weekly ‘web’ conference. Integrated radiology allows clinical information to be reviewed remotely at each hospital. Chaired by specialist revision surgeons, with other surgeons, a microbiologist and radiology, vascular, plastics opinions available as required, a formal management plan is ‘signed off’ by the chair and returned to referring institution. We present prospective data of Network activities.

To January 2018, 1007 cases have been referred by 18 consultants from 5 hospitals. A change in proposed plan was seen in 48% cases. (40% involved technique and exposure advice; 18% involved surgical inventory; 22% further investigation; 11% microbiological input; 9% other miscellaneous advice) Few (5%) patients were transferred directly. We also identified 20% increase in outpatient referrals to the ‘hub’.

The network is an excellent tool for discussing complex cases, supporting surgeons in smaller units. A significant number of alterations in plan are made with a few patients transferred directly. We feel the network can only enhance care and are working now to identify exactly how it has affected clinical outcomes. We encourage others to adopt this approach.

Glass ionomer cement (Ionocem) was developed for use in bone surgery and is reported to be notably biocompatible. Between 1991 and 1994 we performed revision operations for aseptic loosening of arthroplasties of the hip on 45 patients using this material in its granulate form (Ionogran) mixed with homologous bone as a bone substitute. Of these 45 patients, 42 were followed up for a mean of 42 months. Early reloosening of the acetabular component has occurred in ten after a mean of 30 months. Histological examination showed large deposits of aluminium in the adjacent connective tissue and bone. Osteoblastic function and bone mineralisation were clearly inhibited. The serum levels of aluminium were also increased. The toxic damage at the bone interface caused by high local levels of aluminium must be seen as an important factor in the high rate of early reloosening. Our findings cast doubt on the biocompatibility of this material and we do not recommend continuation of its further use in orthopaedic surgery.

We have managed 27 patients (16 women and 11 men) with a mean age of 68.4 years (50 to 84), with failed total hip replacement and severe proximal femoral bone loss by revision using a distal fix/proximal wrap prosthesis. The mean follow-up was for 55.3 months (25 to 126). The mean number of previous operations was 2.2 (1 to 4). The mean Oxford hip score decreased from 46.2 (38 to 60) to 28.5 (17 to 42) (paired t-test, p < 0.001) and the mean Harris Hip score increased from 30.4 (3 to 57.7) to 71.7 (44 to 99.7) (paired t-test, p < 0.001). There were two dislocations, and in three patients we failed to eradicate previous infection. None required revision of the femoral stem.

This technique allows instant distal fixation while promoting biological integration and restoration of bone stock. In the short term, the functional outcome is encouraging and the complication rates acceptable in this difficult group of patients.

An uncemented hemispherical acetabular component is the mainstay of acetabular revision and gives excellent long-term results.

Occasionally, the degree of acetabular bone loss means that a hemispherical component will be unstable when sited in the correct anatomical location or there is minimal bleeding host bone left for biological fixation. On these occasions an alternative method of reconstruction has to be used.

A major column structural allograft has been shown to restore the deficient bone stock to some degree, but it needs to be off-loaded with a reconstruction cage to prevent collapse of the graft. The use of porous metal augments is a promising method of overcoming some of the problems associated with structural allograft. If the defect is large, the augment needs to be protected by a cage to allow ingrowth to occur. Cup-cage reconstruction is an effective method of treating chronic pelvic discontinuity and large contained or uncontained bone defects.

This paper presents the indications, surgical techniques and outcomes of various methods which use acetabular reconstruction cages for revision total hip arthroplasty.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B(1 Suppl A):73–7.

Periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) is a potentially devastating complication after total hip arthroplasty, with historically high rates of complication and failure because of the technical challenges of surgery, as well as the prevalence of advanced age and comorbidity in the patients at risk.

This study describes the short-term outcome after revision arthroplasty using a modular, titanium, tapered, conical stem for PFF in a series of 38 fractures in 37 patients.

The mean age of the cohort was 77 years (47 to 96). A total of 27 patients had an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade of at least 3. At a mean follow-up of 35 months (4 to 66) the mean Oxford Hip Score (OHS) was 35 (15 to 48) and comorbidity was significantly associated with a poorer OHS. All fractures united and no stem needed to be revised. Three hips in three patients required further surgery for infection, recurrent PFF and recurrent dislocation and three other patients required closed manipulation for a single dislocation. One stem subsided more than 5 mm but then stabilised and required no further intervention.

In this series, a modular, tapered, conical stem provided a versatile reconstruction solution with a low rate of complications.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1031–7.