Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate quality-of-life (QoL) in patients undergoing bilateral hip arthroplasty implanted during the same operation. Material and methods: Sixty-one patients (28 women and 33 men) underwent surgery between November 1989 and February 2002. Average age was 42±14 years (13–76). Indications were primary osteoarthritis (n=24), secondary osteoarthritis (n=31), aseptic osteonecrosis (n=25) and rheumatoid disease (n=6). The implants (Ceraver Osteal) were cemented (50 stems, 11 cups) or coated with hydroxyapatite (72 stems, 11 cups). An alumina-alumina bearing was used in all cases. The Postel-Merle-d’Aubigné score was noted to assess function. QoL was measured prospectively in 27 patients using the SF-36 and the WOMAC, preoperatively and every three months. Results: None of the patients were lost to follow-up. Complications included two intraoperative femoral fractures treated by cerclage, one early dislocation, three thromboemoblic events (including one case of pulmonary embolism). Unipolar revision was required for one hip due to aseptic acetabular loosening at 6.5 years. Surgical cleansing was performed in one other hip for infection. Intraoperative blood loss was 1529±451 ml (540–2550). Mean hospital stay was 13±2.5 days (8–22). At mean follow-up of 49±33 months (12–162), the mean function score was 17.8±0.5 (16–18) versus 10±2.7 (3–14) preoperatively (p< 0.05). Clinical outcome was good or excellent in 98% of the hips. There were no radiological signs of wear. A complete lucent line developed around one cup. The quality of life scores improved significantly (p< 0.01) as soon as three months postoperatively for the items ‘social activity’, ‘physical activity’ and ‘pain’, particularly in men p< 0.05). Discussion: Bilateral hip arthroplasty during the same operative time is not advocated by all authors. It is a difficult surgical situation requiring rigor and skill. The drawbacks include longer operative time, greater blood loss, and in some patients, higher morbidity. This approach however enables treating bilateral disease in one operation, particularly in younger subjects. Use of an alumina-alumina bearing and non-cemented implants is particularly indicated. The results of this series validate the efficacy of this technique which allows rapid improvement in the patients’ quality-of-life

The management of joint replacement in lysosomal storage diseases has not been well reported. We present three patients with progressive degenerative changes of the hips who required bilateral total hip replacement in early childhood. The stature of the patients make it essential to have access to appropriately scaled prostheses. Consideration has to be given to associated disorders of the skeleton which must be carefully screened to ensure safety in providing appropriate anaesthesia as well as ensuring that there is no cardiac abnormality. In one patient, a periprosthetic fracture was sustained in one hip in the early post-operative course requiring internal fixation.

The patient made a full recovery and all six hips were clinically and radiologically satisfactory at mid-term review.

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

Purpose

Overall outcome of bilateral hip and knee arthroplasty in the same patient with special regard to scheduling, postoperative complications and follow-up under consideration of the underlying disease.

Method

More than 6000 primary THA and 5500 primary TKA were implanted at Schulthess Clinic since 1985, 8% of which in rheumatoid patients. Quadruple THA and TKA was performed in a total of 51 rheumatoid patients. Mean follow-up for knees was 8. 5 years (1–17), and 9. 5 years (1–18) for hips. 67% of implants were uncemented. In 21% of patients, all four prostheses were implanted within one year and in over 50% within a five year period.

Results

Taking revision of components as failure there were three infections (CLS hip, GSB and LCS knee), two aseptic loosenings (Endler cup, GSB knee), two recurrent hip dislocations, three knee bearing exchanges (LCS, INNEX), and four patella component removals (GSB, PCA).

Conclusion

Quadruple arthroplasty in the lower extremity showed no increase of failure rate compared to single or dual arthroplasty patients. The results of this study support the indication for quadruple procedure with early postoperative rehabilitation and full weight bearing. Data suggest a procedure with hips before knees and at least two weeks between arthroplasty operations.

Background. In recent years, ‘Get It Right First Time (GIRFT)’ have advocated cemented replacements in femoral part of Total hip arthroplasty (THA) especially in older patients. However, many studies were unable to show any difference in outcomes and although cemented prostheses may be associated with better short-term pain outcomes there is no clear advantage in the longer term. It is not clear when and why to do cemented instead of cementless. Aim. To assess differences in patient reported outcomes in uncemented THAs based on patient demographics in order to decide when cementless THA can be done safely. Method. Prospective data collection of consecutive 1079 uncemented THAs performed for 954 patients in single trust between 2010 and 2020. Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and complications were analysed against demographic variables (age, sex, BMI, ASA) and prosthesis features (femoral and acetabular size, offset and acetabular screws). Results. The mean pre-operative OHS was 14.6 which improved to 39.0 at 1 year follow up (P Value=0.000). There was no statistically significant difference between OHS outcome in patients aged over 70 versus younger groups. With a small number of revisable complications increase with age from 50s upwards. Male patients’ OHS score was on average 2.4 points higher than women. Men, however were 2.9 times more likely to experience fractures and high offset hips were 2.5 times more likely to experience dislocations. DAIR, intraoperative calcar fractures, post-operative fractures and dislocations were not associated with worse OHS. Patients with increased BMI had worse pre and post-operative hip functions yet, there was a significant multivariate association between increased BMI and increased improvement in OHS from pre-op to 1 year in women aged 55–80 and men under the age of 60. Femoral stem size increases with age but decreases in male patients over 80. There was no difference found in OHS between bilateral hip replacements and unilateral, nor was there any change found with laterality side of the replacement. Conclusions. This study suggests that ageing >70 is not associated with poorer outcomes despite small number of revisable complication rates that increase with age from 50 upwards. Men had marginally higher average OHS than women At 1 year. Higher BMI or ASA scores are associated with worse pre-operative hips and worse final outcome score. Despite this, the Delta OHS increases with increased BMI shown in the 55–80 year old female patients and male patients under 60. Key Words: THR, Uncemented, Oxford hip score, outcome

Aims. Hip and knee arthroplasty is commonly performed for end-stage arthritis. There is limited information to guide golfers on the impact this procedure will have postoperatively. This study aimed to determine the impact of lower limb arthroplasty on amateur golfer performance and return to play. Methods. A retrospective observational study was designed to collect information from golfers following arthroplasty. Data were collected from 18 April 2019 to 30 April 2019 and combined a patient survey with in-app handicap data. Results. A total of 2,198 responses were analyzed (1,097 hip and 1,101 knee). Of the respondents, 1,763 (80%) were male and the mean age was 70 years (26 to 92). Hip arthroplasty was associated with a mean increase in handicap of 1.03 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 1.25). No difference was seen between isolated leading or trailing leg (p = 0.428). Bilateral hip arthroplasty increased handicap (p < 0.001). Overall, 1,025 (94%) maintained or increased the amount of golf played, 258 (23.5%) returned to iron shots at six weeks, 883 (80%) returned to club competitions at six months, 18 (1.6%) had persistent pain, and 19 (1.7%) were unable to return to play. Knee arthroplasty was associated with a mean increase in handicap of 1.18 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.38). Trailing leg arthroplasty alone was associated with higher postoperative handicap (p = 0.002) as was bilateral surgery (p = 0.009). Overall, 1,009 (92%) maintained or increased the amount of golf played, 270 (25%) returned to iron shots at six weeks, 842 (76%) returned to club competition at six months, 66 (6%) had persistent pain, and 18 (1.6%) were unable to return to play. Conclusion. Hip and knee arthroplasty enables patients to maintain or increase the amount of golf played. The majority return to competitions within one year. Return to iron shots occurs from six weeks. A small increase in handicap following surgery is expected and is larger in patients undergoing bilateral surgery or those with knee arthroplasty to their trailing leg. Patients may still experience pain when playing golf. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(6):510–514

Introduction:. The clinical significance of serum metal ion levels alone in patients with stemmed MoM hip arthroplasty remains uncertain. This study aims to measure the metal ion levels in patients with unilateral and bilateral hip arthroplasty to see whether or not the patients with bilateral hips have higher metal ions. Patients and Methods. All the patients with bilateral MoM hip arthroplasty were identified from the research database. These patients were then matched with those in a similar age group who had a unilateral hip arthroplasty, but same University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score. The UCLA activity scores along with other hip scores have been previously gathered for all the patients. Both sets of patients then had measurement of serum cobalt and chromium levels. The results were analyzed and compared. Results:. There were a total of 53 patients with bilateral hips and 53 matched patients with unilateral hips. The average serum Cobalt and Chromium levels were 34 nmol/L (range <10–76) and 23 nmol/L (range <10–104) respectively in the bilateral group; and 14 nmol/L (range <10–45) and 21 nmol/L (range <10–57) in the unilateral group. Given that the MHRA (UK) threshold levels deemed clinically significant are 120 nmol/L and 135 nmol/L for Cobalt and Chromium respectively; the results obtained here are not clinically significant. Conclusions:. One would normally expect, with mathematical reasoning, a patient with bilateral hip arthroplasty to have higher serum metal ion levels than a patient with unilateral arthroplasty. However, this study goes to show that it is not the case

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a rare inherited disorder of connective tissue which may present with recurrent fractures which are prone to nonunion and malunion resulting in deformity. Some patients develop osteoarthritis of the hip. Formation of hyperplastic callus after recurrent fractures may deform the shape of the femur and preclude the use of standard implants at joint replacement. Replacement can thus be technically demanding. We present a case of bilateral hip replacement in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta and hyperplastic callus which was treated by the use of long femoral allografts and cemented femoral stems

Introduction. Despite several studies, controversies prevailed about the rate of complications following one-stage and two-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA). In current prospective study, we compared the complications and functional outcomes of one-stage and two-stage procedures. Methods. One hundred and eighty patients (ASA class I or II) with bilateral hip osteoarthritis were assigned randomly to two equal groups. Two groups were matched in term of age and sex. All of the surgeries were performed through the Harding approach using uncemented implants. In two-stage procedures, surgeries were performed with 6 months to one year interval. All patients were evaluated one year postoperatively. Results. The Harris hip score averaged 84.1±12.6 and 82.6±15.3 in one-stage and two-stage groups, respectively (p=0.528). The hospital stay was significantly longer in two-stage group (9.8±1.1 versus 4.9±0.8 days). The cumulative hemoglobin drop and number of transfused blood units were the same. One patient in each group developed symptomatic deep venous thrombosis and managed successfully. There was no patient with perioperative death, pulmonary embolism, infection, dislocation, periprosthetic fracture or heterotrophic ossification. No patient required reoperation. Two patients in one-stage group developed unilateral temporary peroneal nerve palsy resolved after 3 and 4 months. Conclusion. The current study showed that one-stage bilateral THA can be used successfully for patients who require bilateral hip arthroplasty without increased rate of complications. The functional and clinical outcomes are comparable and hospital stay is significantly shorter. However, the authors recommend to perform one-stage bilateral THA for healthy patients with ASA class I or II

Osteonecrosis of femoral head is well known and recognised complication in Sickle cell disease patients. Due to the severity of the Osteonecrosis, hip pain is major limiting factor for these patients requiring total hip arthroplasty in relatively young age. We studied and report our results in total hip arthroplasty of sickle cell patients. We studied 80 patients from our combined Orthopaedic & Haematology Sickle cell clinic. Twenty four patients had painful Osteonecrosis with secondary osteoarthritis of hip and underwent total hip arthroplasty. Three patients had bilateral hip replacements. A total of twenty seven replacements were studied retrospectively. 19 patients had uncemented (Corail/Pinnacle), 5 patients had hybrid(Pinnacle/Exeter) and 3 patients had cemented(Exeter) total hip arthroplasties respectively. The patients were serially followed up for clinical and radiological assessments for loosening. Oxford hip score (OHS) was used to assess the functional outcome. The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 38.4 (Range – 20 to 59 years. The average follow up was 5.1 years (Range – 6 months to 10 years). There were 13 female and 11 male patients. The average oxford hip score was 38.07 with 10% infection rate and 11% aseptic loosening. Arthroplasties carry high risk in patients with sickle cell disease. We report lower rates of infection and loosening rates compared to the earlier studies. Combined Haematological and Orthopaedic team input is optimal during assessment, surgery, peri-operative period and follow up. Our results of total hip replacements in sickle cell disease patients are good

Between January 2003 and December 2004, 14 patients underwent bilateral resurfacing arthroplasty via a Ganz trochanteric osteotomy. This bilateral group was mobilised fully weight-bearing with crutches. During the same period 139 Ganz trochanteric osteotomies were performed for unilateral hip resurfacing. These patients were mobilised with crutches, weight-bearing up to 10 kg on the operated leg. Nine osteotomies (32%) in the bilateral group subsequently developed a symptomatic non union requiring revision of fixation. This compares with 10 patients (7%) in the unilateral group. Applying the Fisher’s exact test, the difference reached significance (p=0.0004). In 2 patients a second revision was required to achieve union. In 1 patient, revision of trochanteric fixation precipitated a deep infection. Protected weight-bearing following a Ganz trochanteric osteotomy is important to the success of the procedure. Simultaneous bilateral hip arthroplasty through a Ganz approach should be avoided. If it is undertaken, we recommend that patients should be non weight-bearing for 6 weeks following surgery. Non union following a Ganz trochanteric osteotomy for arthroplasty carries a significant morbidity

It has been suggested that metal ion level elevations in certain bilateral MM bearing arthroplasties were overwhelming the renal threshold for metal excretion leading to systemic build-up of metal ions above the expected levels. In order to investigate this we studied renal concentrating efficacy through concurrent specimens of urine and whole blood over a range of metal levels. Concurrent specimens from 305 unselected patients were obtained. They include preoperative patients (76) and those with unilateral and bilateral hip arthroplasties (229) through to ten years after operation. 39 pre-operative specimens and 4 follow-up specimens had blood levels at or below the detection limit for cobalt or chromium and were excluded. The ratio of urine to whole blood concentration was 0.78 in the pre-operative patients. In patients with MM arthroplasties the different ratios in patients increased (from 3.1 to 9.2) with increasing urine concentrations. The ratio of urine cobalt concentration to blood cobalt concentration is a measure of renal concentrating efficacy. Amongst pre-operative controls, this ratio is 0.78, indicating that there is renal conservation of cobalt. In terms of cobalt, these patients’ urine was dilute in comparison to whole blood. In patients with MM bearings, the ratio went up to 4.8 indicating that the kidneys were now actively excreting against a concentration gradient in an attempt to maintain internal milieu. If renal threshold was being breached at higher levels, then the ratio should progressively fall at higher concentrations. The trend in this experiment shows quite the contrary effect and the ratio reached 9.2 in those with urine cobalt > 15 μg/l, demonstrating that renal clearance efficiency holds up even against this steep gradient and that the threshold is not breached within clinically relevant levels

Background. Skeletal stem cells can be combined with human allograft, and impacted to produce a mechanically stable living bone composite. This strategy has been used for the treatment of femoral head avascular necrosis, and has been translated to four patients, of which three remain asymptomatic at up to three year follow-up. In one patient collapse occurred in both hips due to widely distributed and advanced AVN disease, necessitating bilateral hip arthroplasty. However this has provided the opportunity to retrieve the femoral heads and analyse human tissue engineered bone. Aims. Analysis of retrieved human tissue-engineered bone in conjunction with clinical follow-up of this translational case series. Methods. A parallel in vitro culture of the implanted cell-graft constructs was set up at the time of surgery, with serial cell viability stains performed up to six weeks. Patient follow-up was by serial clinical and radiological examination. Tissue engineered bone from the two retrieved femoral heads was analysed histologically by Alcian blue & Sirius red stain and bi-refringence, by micro computed tomography (microCT) for both bone density and morphology, and by compression testing for mechanical strength. Normal trabecular and cortical bone from the femoral heads was used as controls. Results. Parallel in vitro analysis demonstrated sustained cell growth and viability on the allograft. Histologically, the retrieved tissue engineered specimens demonstrated a mature trabecular micro-architecture and organization identical to normal trabecular bone. MicroCT revealed trabecular morphology within the tissue-engineered bone, with bone density of 1400 Grey scale units (compared to 1200 for natural trabecular bone and 1800 for cortical bone). Axial compression testing showed no difference in strength between engineered and trabecular bone. Conclusions. Widespread residual necrosis in the femoral heads of one patient resulted in collapse requiring hip arthroplasty, but analysis of the tissue engineered bone sections has demonstrated the translational potential of a living bone composite to restore both the biological and mechanical characteristics of bone defects. Clinical follow-up shows this to be an effective new treatment for focal early stage avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and this unique retrieval analysis data confirms the potential of cell-based strategies for clinical treatment of bone defects

Introduction: The success of cemented total hip replacements (THR) has been well documented. However, few studies have shown how patients who have had a primary THR function compare with the general population. Materials and Methods: We prospectively collected data on 193 patients (83 males, 109 females, 1 missing) who had a primary cemented THR (Exeter stem). 25 patients had bilateral hip replacements. Patients were evaluated using the Oxford Hip Score and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire pre operatively and at 3 months and 1, 3, 4 and 5 years follow up. SF-36 questionnaires were also completed by 8117 people from the general population, recruited from 12 General Practices in the local city. The two groups (age and sex matched) were then compared for quality of life and function. Results: The mean age of patients in the THR group was 54 years (range 21 – 93 years). The underlying diagnosis was primary osteoarthritis in 159 patients, secondary osteoarthritis in 20 and rheumatoid arthritis in 6 patients. Post operative complications included deep vein thrombosis (2.7%), infection (1.8%) and dislocation (2.7%). There was a significant improvement in the mean Oxford Hip score post operatively in patients following THR and this trend was maintained at 5 years. Apart from physical function, for all other aspects of the SF-36 there were no significant differences between patients following THR at 5 years and that of the general population. Conclusion: Cemented total hip arthroplasty significantly improves quality of life and can restore it to that of the general population

Purpose. To define the orthopaedic problems associated with pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) and their functional impact. Methods. We reviewed the medical records of 12 consecutive patients presenting to our unit. Radiographic analysis of deformity included assessment of mechanical axis and dysplasia at hip, knee and ankle measured by acetabular index (AI), Reimer's migration percentage (MP), neck-shaft angle, distal lateral femoral (aDFLA) and proximal (mMPTA) and distal tibial angles. The paediatric/adolescent PODCI questionnaires and the SF36 were used to assess quality of life issues. Results. 12 patients (9 female) were reviewed at median age 18yrs (range 12-43yrs). Most symptoms related to walking tolerance, joint discomfort and deformity: 9 patients had genu varum, 7 tibial torsion, 2 patella instability and 3 significant low back pain. All patients had hip dysplasia. 10 had medial displacement of the mechanical axis, with a mean mDFLA 105 deg (88 -128) and mMPTA 75deg (51-90). 2 patients have been treated only with growth hormone; 10 patients have undergone a total of 9 distal femoral, 19 proximal tibial and 2 supramalleolar osteotomies. 6 procedures were performed using an external fixator. 7 limb segments have been treated by guided growth and in all these cases alignment has improved. One patient has had bilateral hip arthroplasties (age 29), a second patient has had bilateral patellectomies. These 10 patients have undergone a mean 3.8 operative procedures on a mean 2.4 occasions. Patients scored less well than their peer groups in all domains of the PODCI assessment. All have maintained some independent mobility. Conclusions. PSACH is a severe skeletal dysplasia with deformity at all levels of the lower limb affecting patient satisfaction and quality of life. Knee deformities are those which most frequently require surgical intervention. Significance. The genetic defect in PSACH differs from that in achondroplasia, joint degeneration is more common and maintenance of limb alignment is essential

The aim of this study was to asses the results of total hip replacements using the Elite Plus femoral stem. During the period 1995 to 2000, 212 total hip replacements were done using the Elite Plus femoral stem. These were followed up prospectively. The cohort of patients included 11 with bilateral hip replacements. 38% of patients were male and 62% were female. The average age at surgery was 61 years, with 18% being younger that 50 years at the time of surgery. All hip replacements were done using the same surgical and cementing techniques. Both cemented and uncemented cups were used in this cohort of patients. 2 patients died peri-operatively, and 22 hips were lost to follow-up. 6 hips have been revised, with 1 revision being due to sepsis and 5 due to loosening. A further 4 hips have radiographic evidence of early loosening, and 1 other hip has developed late sepsis. None of these 5 has yet been revised. Our survivorship at an average of 9 years is 97%. The survivorship of total hip replacements using the Elite Plus femoral stem in our unit is 97% at an average of 9 years. This compares very well with the results reported in other series. We do note though that there are 5 hips that may need revision, and this would bring the survivorship down to 94%. We feel that our good results are due to careful attention to surgical and cementing techniques, and this may explain our improved results compared to previous reports

Introduction: Increasingly, clinical pathways and fast-track protocols are reducing hospital in-patient stay following elective joint replacement surgery. In order to improve efficiency in our unit, we undertook a prospective observational study to identify pre–and peri-operative factors associated with increased length of stay. Methods: From our prospective primary hip arthroplasty database we analysed data from 2678 consecutive patients over a 9-year period from 1998–2007. Patients were excluded who had bilateral hip replacement, died within 30 post-operative days, or had surgery for a diagnosis other than primary osteoarthritis. This left 2302 patients who were analysed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Length of stay varied from 3 to 58 days, with a mean of 8.1 days, and median 7 days. After multivariate analysis, factors that were found to be significantly associated with shorter length of stay were younger age (p< 0.001), male sex (p< 0.001), more recent year of admission (p=0.008), regular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (p< 0.001), lower Harris Hip Score (p< 0.001), and higher General Health Perception dimension score on SF-36 questionnaire (p< 0.001). In addition, the absence of blood transfusion during admission (p< 0.001) and absence of post-operative urinary catheter (p< 0.001) were also associated with shorter length of stay. The following factors, in particular, were not found to be significantly associated with increased length of stay: obesity, diabetes, smoking, medical comorbidity, other disabling joint condition, use of wound drain post-operatively. Conclusions: We have identified a number of pre-operative factors that predict likely length of stay in a large cohort of patients undergoing primary hip replacement. This data could be used in the future for resource allocation and to improve efficiency in this significant area of healthcare

Background. Skeletal stem cells (SSCs) have been used for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head to prevent subsequent collapse. In isolation SSCs do not provide structural support but an innovative case series in Southampton, UK, has used SSCs in combination with impaction bone grafting (IBG) to improve both the biological and mechanical environment and to regenerate new bone at the necrotic site. Aims. Analysis of retrieved tissue-engineered bone as part of ongoing follow-up of this translational case series. Methods. With Proof-of-Concept established in vitro and in vivo, the use of a living bone composite of SSCs and allograft has been translated to four patients (five hips) for treatment of osteonecrosis of their femoral heads. Parallel in vitro culture of the implanted cell-graft construct was performed. Patient follow-up was by serial clinical and radiological examination. In one patient collapse occurred in both hips due to more advanced disease than was originally appreciated. This necessitated bilateral hip arthroplasty, but allowed retrieval of the femoral heads. These were analyzed for Type 1 Collagen production, bone morphology, bone density and mechanical strength by micro computed tomography (CT), histology (A/S stain, Collagen Type 1 immunostain, biorefringence) and mechanical testing. Representative sections of cortical, trabecular and tissue engineered bone were excised from the femoral heads using a diamond-tipped saw-blade and tested to failure by axial compression. Results. Parallel in vitro analysis demonstrated sustained cell growth and viability on the allograft. Three patients currently remain asymptomatic at up to three year follow-up. Histological analysis of the two retrieved femoral heads demonstrated, critically, Type 1 collagen production in the regenerated tissue as well as mature trabecular architecture, indicative of de novo tissue engineered bone. The trabecular morphology of regenerated bone was evident on CT, and this had a bone density of 1400 Grey scale units, (compared to 1200 for natural trabecular bone and 1800 for cortical bone). On axial compressive testing the regenerated bone on the left showed a 24.8% increase in compressive strength compared to ipsilateral normal trabecular bone, and a 22.9% increase on the left. Conclusions. Retrieval analysis data has demonstrated the translational potential of a living bone composite, while ongoing clinical follow-up shows this to be an effective new treatment for osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Regeneration of the necrotic bone may prevent subsequent collapse, thereby delaying, or possibly avoiding, the need for hip arthroplasty in early stage osteonecrosis. Evaluation of this tissue engineering construct has confirmed the potential for clinical treatment of bone defects using SSC based strategies

Although drains date back to the Hippocratic era, their routine use remains controversial in total hip arthroplasty. The literature suggests that they can provide a retrograde route for infection as well as decreasing the organism count required to develop an infection. The use of drains has not decreased the size of wound haematomas at day five on ultrasound or the incidence of massive wound haematomas. Neither have they been shown to significantly decrease wound infections. This consecutive prospective randomised study was designed to evaluate what role drains have in the management of patients undergoing hip arthroplasty. A total of 577 patients undergoing unilateral or bilateral hip arthroplasty were evaluated in a randomised prospective trial of drain versus no drain, between September 1997 and December 2000. All patients had a standardised pre, inter and post operative regime and were independently assessed using the Harris hip score and SF36 pre-operatively, at discharge and at six months post surgery. The superficial and deep infection rate of 6. 4% and 0. 4% was seen in those drained and 7. 1% and 0. 7% in the non-drained group. Only one patient sustained a clinical haematoma that did not requiring drainage or transfusion in the non-drain group. The transfusion rate in those drained was 33. 0% compared to 26. 4% in those not drained. There was no statistical advantage in using a drain P> 0. 05 regarding these variables or in the length of stay, SF36 or Harris hip scores at pre-op and six months. Using a drain did significantly increase the likelihood of requiring a transfusion P< 0. 05. In conclusion drains provide no statistical advantage whilst represent an additional cost and expose hip arthroplasty patients to an unacceptable risk of infection and transfusion

Introduction: Previous studies have suggested that bilateral total hip replacement (THR) is a safe and economically advantageous procedure. It has not become routine practice in many centres due to persisting concerns about complications and the patients’ ability to rehabilitate. In this study we compare one group of patients who underwent bilateral THR with another group who had only a unilateral procedure despite osteoarthritis in both hips. They were assessed for complications and functional outcome. Methods: All data collected prospectively between 1998 and 2002. All patients had osteoarthritis and were recruited during the same time period . Group A comprised 49 patients who were listed for bilateral THR. Group B consisted of 215 patients listed for unilateral THR, with both hips symptomatic. Pain and function were assessed using the Harris Hip Score preoperatively and at 6 months post operatively. All intra and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: There was no statistical difference between the groups for sex , pathology, body mass index or American Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) scores. There is a difference in age between the two groups with the bilateral group being younger (p< 0.01). Although group A had a higher death rate, it was not statistically significant. The deep infection and revision rate was similar for both groups. The average length of stay for group A was 13 days compared to 8 days for group B.There was a significant difference in the likelihood of blood transfusion with a transfusion rate of 78% in group A and 22% in group B (p< 0.001). Conclusion: This study has demonstrated no significant increased risk of death, deep infection or need for revision with bilateral hip replacements. The increased likelihood of blood transfusion should be offset against the definite economic advantages and the good early outcome from performing bilateral total hip replacements