Squeaking arising from a ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) total hip replacement (THR) may cause patient concern and in some cases causes patients to seek revision surgery. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the incidence of squeaking and the incidence of revision surgery for squeaking. A total of 43 studies including 16 828 CoC THR that reported squeaking, or revision for squeaking, were entered into the analysis. The incidence of squeaking was 4.2% and the incidence of revision for squeaking was 0.2%. The incidence of squeaking in patients receiving the Accolade femoral stem was 8.3%, and the incidence of revision for squeaking in these patients was 1.3%. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:181–7

We investigated factors that were thought to be associated with an increased incidence of squeaking of ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacements. Between June 1997 and December 2008 the three senior authors implanted 2406 primary total hip replacements with a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surface. The mean follow-up was 10.6 years. The diagnosis was primary osteoarthritis in each case, and no patient had undergone previous surgery to the hip. We identified 74 squeaking hips (73 patients) giving an incidence of 3.1% at a mean follow-up of 9.5 years (4.1 to 13.3). Taller, heavier and younger patients were significantly more likely to have hips that squeaked. Squeaking hips had a significantly higher range of post-operative internal (p = 0.001) and external rotation (p = 0.003) compared with silent hips. Patients with squeaking hips had significantly higher activity levels (p = 0.009). A squeaking hip was not associated with a significant difference in patient satisfaction (p = 0.24) or Harris hip score (p = 0.34). Four implant position factors enabled good prediction of squeaking. These were high acetabular component inclination, high femoral offset, lateralisation of the hip centre and either high or low acetabular component anteversion. This is the largest study to date to examine patient factors and implant position factors that predispose to squeaking of a ceramic-on-ceramic hip. The results suggest that factors which increase the mechanical forces across the hip joint and factors which increase the risk of neck-to-rim impingement, and therefore edge-loading, are those that predispose to squeaking

Objectives. Studies reporting specifically on squeaking in total hip arthroplasty have focused on cementless, and not on hybrid, fixation. We hypothesised that the cement mantle of the femur might have a damping effect on the sound transmitted through the metal stem. The objective of this study was to test the effect of cement on sound propagation along different stem designs and under different fixation conditions. Methods. An in vitro model for sound detection, composed of a mechanical suspension structure and a sound-registering electronic assembly, was designed. A pulse of sound in the audible range was propagated along bare stems and stems implanted in cadaveric bone femurs with and without cement. Two stems of different alloy and geometry were compared. Results. The magnitudes of the maximum amplitudes of the bare stem were in the range of 10.8 V to 11.8 V, whereas the amplitudes for the same stems with a cement mantle in a cadaveric bone decreased to 0.3 V to 0.7 V, implying a pulse-attenuation efficiency of greater than 97%. The same magnitude is close to 40% when the comparison is made against stems implanted in cadaveric bone femurs without cement. Conclusion. The in vitro model presented here has shown that the cement had a remarkable effect on sound attenuation and a strong energy absorption in cement mantle and bone. The visco-elastic properties of cement can contribute to the dissipation of vibro-acoustic energy, thus preventing hip prostheses from squeaking. This could explain, at least in part, the lack of reports of squeaking when hybrid fixation is used. Cite this article: F. J. Burgo, D. E. Mengelle, A. Ozols, C. Fernandez, C. M. Autorino. The damping effect of cement as a potential mitigation factor of squeaking in ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:531–537. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.511.BJR-2016-0058.R1

Noise generation has been reported with ceramic-on-ceramic articulations in total hip replacement (THR). This study evaluated 208 consecutive Delta Motion THRs at a mean follow-up of 21 months (12 to 35). There were 141 women and 67 men with a mean age of 59 years (22 to 84). Patients were reviewed clinically and radiologically, and the incidence of noise was determined using a newly described assessment method. Noise production was examined against range of movement, ligamentous laxity, patient-reported outcome scores, activity level and orientation of the acetabular component. There were 143 silent hips (69%), 22 (11%) with noises other than squeaking, 17 (8%) with unreproducible squeaking and 26 (13%) with reproducible squeaking. Hips with reproducible squeaking had a greater mean range of movement (p < 0.001) and mean ligament laxity (p = 0.004), smaller median head size (p = 0.01) and decreased mean acetabular component inclination (p = 0.02) and anteversion angle (p = 0.02) compared with the other groups. There was no relationship between squeaking and age (p = 0.13), height (p = 0.263), weight (p = 0.333), body mass index (p = 0.643), gender (p = 0.07) or patient outcome score (p = 0.422). There were no revisions during follow-up. Despite the surprisingly high incidence of squeaking, all patients remain satisfied with their hip replacement. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:160–5

Aims. This study reports the mid-term results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed using a monoblock acetabular component with a large-diameter head (LDH) ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearing. Patients and Methods. Of the 276 hips (246 patients) included in this study, 264 (96%) were reviewed at a mean of 67 months (48 to 79) postoperatively. Procedures were performed with a mini posterior approach. Clinical and radiological outcomes were recorded at regular intervals. A noise assessment questionnaire was completed at last follow-up. Results. There were four re-operations (1%) including one early revision for insufficient primary fixation (0.4%). No hip dislocation was reported. The mean University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) Mental Component Summary (MCS) score, SF-12 Physical Component Summary (PCS) score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) were 6.6 (2 to 10), 52.8 (25.5 to 65.7), 53.0 (27.2 to 66.5), 7.7 (0 to 63), and 88.5 (23 to 100), respectively. No signs of loosening or osteolysis were observed on radiological review. The incidence of squeaking was 23% (n = 51/225). Squeaking was significantly associated with larger head diameter (p < 0.001), younger age (p < 0.001), higher SF-12 PCS (p < 0.001), and UCLA scores (p < 0.001). Squeaking did not affect patient satisfaction, with 100% of the squeaking hips satisfied with the surgery. Conclusion. LDH CoC THAs have demonstrated excellent functional outcomes at medium-term follow-up, with very low revision rate and no dislocations. The high incidence of squeaking did not affect patient satisfaction or function. LDH CoC with a monoblock acetabular component has the potential to provide long term implant survivorship with unrestricted activity, while avoiding implant impingement, liner fracture at insertion, and hip instability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1434–41

Aims. Long-term clinical outcomes for ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearings are encouraging. However, there is a risk of squeaking. Guidelines for the orientation of the acetabular component are defined from static imaging, but the position of the pelvis and thus the acetabular component during activities associated with edge-loading are likely to be very different from those measured when the patient is supine. We assessed the functional orientation of the acetabular component. Patients and Methods. A total of 18 patients with reproducible squeaking in their CoC hips during deep flexion were investigated with a control group of 36 non-squeaking CoC hips. The two groups were matched for the type of implant, the orientation of the acetabular component when supine, the size of the femoral head, ligament laxity, maximum hip flexion and body mass index. . Results. The mean functional anteversion of the acetabular component at the point when patients initiated rising from a seated position was significantly less in the squeaking group than in the control group, 8.1° (-10.5° to 36.0°) and 21.1° (-1.9° to 38.4°) respectively (p = 0.002). . Conclusion. The functional orientation of the acetabular component during activities associated with posterior edge-loading are different from those measured when supine due to patient-specific pelvic kinematics. Individuals with a large anterior pelvic tilt during deep flexion might be more susceptible to posterior edge-loading and squeaking as a consequence of a significant decrease in the functional anteversion of the acetabular component. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:910–16

Ceramic-on-ceramic bearings in hip replacement have low rates of wear and are increasingly being used in young adults. Our aim was to determine the incidence of audible phenomena or other bearing-related complications. We retrospectively analysed 250 ceramic-on-ceramic hip replacements in 224 patients which had been implanted between April 2000 and December 2007. The mean age of the patients at operation was 44 years (14 to 83) and all the operations were performed using the same surgical technique at a single centre. At a mean follow-up of 59 months (24 to 94), the mean Oxford hip score was 40.89 (11 to 48). There were six revisions, three of which were for impingement-related complications. No patient reported squeaking, but six described grinding or clicking, which was usually associated with deep flexion. No radiological evidence of osteolysis or migration of the components was observed in any hip. The early to mid-term results of contemporary ceramic-on-ceramic hip replacement show promising results with few concerns in terms of noise and squeaking. Positioning of the acetabular component remains critical in regard to the reduction of other impingement-related complications

Aims. We conducted a prospective study of a delta ceramic total hip arthroplasty (THA) to determine the rate of ceramic fracture, to characterise post-operative noise, and to evaluate the mid-term results and survivorship. Patients and Methods. Between March 2009 and March 2011, 274 patients (310 hips) underwent cementless THA using a delta ceramic femoral head and liner. At each follow-up, clinical and radiological outcomes were recorded. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was undertaken to estimate survival. Results. Four patients (four hips) died and 18 patients (20 hips) were lost to follow-up within five years. The remaining 252 patients (286 hips) were followed for a mean of 66.5 months (60 to 84). There were 144 men (166 hips) and 108 women (120 hips) with a mean age of 49.7 years (16 to 83) at surgery. The mean pre-operative Harris Hip Score of 47.1 points improved to 93.8 points at final follow-up. Six patients reported squeaking in seven hips; however, none were audible. Radiolucent lines involving Gruen zones one and/or seven were seen in 52 hips (18.2%). No hip had detectable wear, focal osteolysis or signs of loosening. One hip was revised because of fracture of the ceramic liner, which occurred due to an undetected malseating of the ceramic liner at the time of surgery. One hip was revised for a periprosthetic fracture of the femur, and one hip was treated for periprosthetic joint infection. The six-year survivorship with re-operation for any reason as the endpoint was 99.0% (95% confidence interval 97.8% to 100%). Discussion. The rate of delta ceramic fracture was 0.3% (one of 286). While ceramic head fracture was dominant in previous ceramic-on-ceramic THA, fracture of the delta ceramic liner due to malseating is a concern. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:741–8

Introduction. Porous coated cups have a low modulus of elasticity that enhances press-fit and a surface that promotes osseointegration as well as permitting modularity. Monoblock ceramic acetabular cups represent a subtype of uncemented cup permitting the use of large femoral heads. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term clinical and radiographic performances of both cups. Methods. This was a prospective RCT of 86 unilateral THA patients (M: 40, F: 48; mean age: 59.5 ± 10.6) randomized to either a porous-coated, modular metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) acetabular component (pore size 250µm, 45% mean volume porosity)(n=46) or a hydroxyapatite (HA) and titanium-coated monoblock shell with ceramic-on-ceramic(CoC) bearing (pore size 300µm, 48% mean volume porosity & 80nm HA coating thickness)(n=42). All sockets were under-reamed by 1 mm. Two-year radiographs and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) were available. Results. Thirty-two (69%) and 28 (6%) gaps were found in modular cup and monoblock groups, respectively (p=0.001). For the modular, 17 filled the gaps, whereas 15 turned into radiolucency; for the monoblock, 1 of the gaps turned into radiolucency at final follow-up (p<0.001). Complete shell-to-bone contact without radiolucent lines was seen in 30 (65%) porous-coated cups and in 41 (98%) HA shells (p<0.001). There were no associations between presence of lucent lines and PROMs (mHHS, WOMAC and UCLA) (p>0.05) in both groups. Modular cup group was an independent predictor of developing lucent lines (OR: 19.1, p= 0.007). No case underwent revision surgery due to acetabular loosening. There were 2 cases of squeaking in CoC monoblock shell with no functional limitations. Conclusion. Both cups showed successful clinical results at short-term follow-up; however, the porous-coated modular evidenced a significantly higher rate of radiolucent line occurrence, without any association with PROMs. Since these lines indicate the possibility of future cup loosening, longer follow-up is necessary. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

Aims

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a very successful and cost-effective operation, yet debate continues about the optimum fixation philosophy in different age groups. The concept of the 'cementless paradox' and the UK 'Getting it Right First Time' initiative encourage increased use of cemented fixation due to purported lower revision rates, especially in elderly patients, and decreased cost.

Introduction. Proximal short stems have gained in popularity for perceived bone preservation but more recently, physiological loading. We report the medium term success of a calcar loading, short stem in a large cohort from a single unit with multiple surgeons. Patients/Materials & Methods. Prospectively collected sequential data, with no loss to follow-up, was retrospectively analysed from our own local database. Demographic data was assimilated to collect age, sex, BMI smoking history. Revision cases were analysed for cause and a PTIR and Kaplan Meier Curve constructed to quantify survival. Radiographs reviewed in 100 of the oldest (2009 to 2011) cases to look specifically for calcar resorption and stem sink. Imatri software was used for calculations: sink was categorised into greater or less than 0.5cm; calcar resorption was estimated using maximal osteotomy surface change of slope. Patient pre-operative and post-operative outcome scores (using Harris Hip, Charnley and Oxford scales) were extracted from the database. Results. 752 cases (in 685 patients) were identified: 313 male, 372 females with a combined average age of 61 (19 to 84); and, an average BMI of 29 kg/m. 2. ; (18–49); and, 4% were noted to be smoking on their last assessment with a maximum implantation of 9 (average 4.2) years. 74% (556) of cases utilised a 36mm Solid Ceramic head but 28, 32, 40 and 44mm heads in CrCo and TiN were also used. The majority (84%) of cases were performed for Osteoarthritis (Inflammatory arthropathy was a relative contraindication); but, 22 cases were performed for revision from a resurfacing arthroplasty. 17 patients were noted to have died (all more than 90 days post-operatively). 14 cases were revised for any cause (1.8%): 5 for cup related reasons (including dislocation); 4 deep infection, 2 for failure of fixation; 3 for periprosthetic fracture. All failures occurred within the first 4.5 years and all within the first 100 cases for each surgeon. The KM survival curve gave a 5 year survival (185 at risk) of 96.1% all causes and 99.1% for femur only. The PTIR (non-competing) was 6.5 (per 1000 years exposed) and 6.3 (competing). No reported cases of thigh pain were observed; one ceramic on ceramic bearing reported transient but recurrent squeak within the first 2 years before settling. Average sink was less than 1mm but greater than 0.5cm in 5 cases (2 of which required revision for non-fixation). All sink occurred within the first 6 months. Calcar resorption was only noted in 3 cases and was greater than 45° from the prosthesis bone interface. Discussion. Our results are similar to unpublished, smaller outcomes of the same stem in other centres. Two relatively new modes of failure were noted with sink and early periprosthetic fracture accounting for 56% of stem related failures. In this novel designed stem, there appears to be a narrow window between under and over-sizing with the methods of failure of sink or fracture probable

Aims

This study reports the ten-year wear rates, incidence of osteolysis, clinical outcomes, and complications of a multicentre randomized controlled trial comparing oxidized zirconium (OxZr) versus cobalt-chrome (CoCr) femoral heads with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) liners in total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Introduction. Accurate acetabular position is an important goal during THA. It is also well known that accurate acetabular positioning is very frequently not achieved, even by experienced, high volume surgeons. Problems associated with cup malposition are: dislocation, accelerated poly wear, impingement, ceramic squeaking, metalosis. Murray et al described 3 methods of measurement and assessment of acetabular inclination and anteversion (I&A): anatomic, radiographic and operative. It is the hypothesis of the authors, that the differences and details of these 3 methods are poorly understood by many surgeons and this is contributory to inconsistent cup positioning. Additionally, the radiographic method, which is most commonly used for post op assessment and academic studies, contributes to misunderstanding and error. Modern computer guidance and software assessment of radiographs allows us to easily measure anatomic I&A which should be thought of as “true” I&A. Methods. The mathematical criteria for radiographic measurement of anatomic I&A are defined as well as the mathematical relationships and discrepancies between anatomic and radiographic I&A for any given cup. A. =. A. n. g. l. e.  . o. f.  . a. n. t. e. v. e. r. s. i. o. n.  . o. f.  . c. u. p. I. =. A. n. g. l. e.  . o. f.  . i. n. c. l. i. n. a. t. i. o. n.  . o. f.  . c. u. p. E = Angle of ellipse major diameter to horizontal. E = Radiographic inclination. Sin.  . A. =. H. o. r. i. z. o. n. t. a. l.  . w. i. d. t. h.  . o. f.  . e. l. l. i. p. s. e. L. e. n. g. t. h.  . o. f.  . e. l. l. i. p. s. e.  . m. a. j. o. r.  . d. i. a. m. e. t. e. r. Sin.  . I. =. V. e. r. t. i. c. a. l.  . h. e. i. g. h. t.  . o. f.  . e. l. l. i. p. s. e. L. e. n. g. t. h.  . o. f.  . e. l. l. i. p. s. e.  . m. a. j. o. r.  . d. i. a. m. e. t. e. r. Tan I = Tan E / Cos A. Tan E = (Tan I) x (Cos A). Results. Numerical values for radiographic I&A and anatomic I&A coincide for cups placed at 0 degrees anteversion. However, as cup anteversion increases, there is an exponentially increasing discrepancy between anatomic and radiographic inclination values with I always having a higher value than E. Commonly used radiographic inclination values (E) therefore always underestimate anatomic (true) inclination. Additionally, radiographic anteversion, except for 0 degrees anteversion, always underestimates anatomic (true) anteversion. Wear testing of cups by manufacturers and associated recommendations for cup positioning are based on anatomic measurement of inclination while surgeons now use a different method (radiographic) for measuring position. Axial CT analysis of cup anteversion agrees mathematically with anatomic anteversion and does not mathematically agree with the Murray radiographic criteria. Conclusions. Surgeons can intuitively understand that accurate radiographic measurement of femoral neck-shaft angle can only be done if the proximal femur is correctly rotated in relation to the x-ray beam, specifically the x-ray beam must be perpendicular to the plane determined by the intersection of the center lines of the neck and shaft. Any other femoral rotation will show a false increase in the neck shaft angle. Though less intuitive, true cup I is only represented by the angle seen on x-ray at only one A value, 0 degrees. Anteverting the cup as is desirable for THA stability creates a discrepancy between the apparent cup angle (E) and true inclination. Since the principles of solid geometry are widely adopted and accepted, the above results and conclusions are based on mathematical proof, not experimental findings. Erroneous conclusions such as “the cup position is good but the hip still dislocates” can be associated with a surgeon's lack of understanding of true I&A. Surgeons need to understand the differences between what they believe to be represented by x-rays and anatomic or true I&A as represented by the cup's position in relation to the body's transverse, coronal, and sagittal planes and x, y, and z axes. The authors believe that a surgeon's continued lack of understanding of the mathematics can be compensated for by the technologies of computer guidance and/or software analysis of cup x-rays

Aims

Despite advances in the treatment of paediatric hip disease, adolescent and young adult patients can develop early onset end-stage osteoarthritis. The aims of this study were to address the indications and medium-term outcomes for total hip arthroplasty (THA) with ceramic bearings for teenage patients.

Aims

This combined clinical and in vitro study aimed to determine the incidence of liner malseating in modular dual mobility (MDM) constructs in primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) from a large volume arthroplasty centre, and determine whether malseating increases the potential for fretting and corrosion at the modular metal interface in malseated MDM constructs using a simulated corrosion chamber.

Objectives

Modern metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA), while achieving good results with well-orientated, well-designed components in ideal patients, is contraindicated in women, men with head size under 50 mm, or metal hypersensitivity. These patients currently have no access to the benefits of HRA. Highly crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) has demonstrated clinical success in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and, when used in HRA, potentially reduces metal ion-related sequelae. We report the early performance of HRA using a direct-to-bone cementless mono-bloc XLPE component coupled with a cobalt-chrome femoral head, in the patient group for whom HRA is currently contraindicated.

Aims

The purpose of this study is to examine six types of bearing surfaces implanted at a single institution over three decades to determine whether the reasons for revision vary among the groups and how long it takes to identify differences in survival.

Aims

Studying the indications for revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) may enable surgeons to change their practice during the initial procedure, thereby reducing the need for revision surgery. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the potentially avoidable indications for revision THA within five years of the initial procedure.

Aims

We evaluated the short-term functional outcome and prevalence of bearing-specific generation of audible noise in 301 patients (336 hips) operated on with fourth generation (Delta) medium diameter head, ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) total hip arthroplasties (THAs).

Aims

It is important to consider sagittal pelvic rotation when introducing the acetabular component at total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study was to identify patients who are at risk of unfavourable pelvic mobility, which could result in poor outcomes after THA.