Aims. The aim of this retrospective audit was to determine the route of referral or presentation of patients requiring revision following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Patients and Methods. A total of 4802 patients were implanted with an Orthopaedic Data Evaluation Panel (ODEP) 10A* cementless implant (Corail/Pinnacle) between 2005 and 2015; 80 patients with a mean age of 67.8 years (. sd. 10.8) underwent a subsequent revision. The primary outcome measure was route of referral for revision. Results. Of the 80 revisions, 31 (38.8%) took place within the first year and 69 (86.3%) took place within six years. Only two of the 80 patients were picked up at a routine review clinic, one for infection and the other for liner dissociation. A total of 36 revised patients (45.0%) were reviewed following self-referral. Of the remaining 44 revised patients (55.0%), 15 (18.8%) were General Practitioner referrals, 13 (16.3%) were other hospital referrals, six (7.5%) were inpatients, six (7.5%) were Emergency Department referrals, and two (2.5%) were readmitted from their homes. No revisions were carried out on asymptomatic patients. Conclusion. Our experience suggests that if there is a robust system in place for self-referral, patients with an ODEP 10A* hip implant can, if asymptomatic, be safely discharged at the time of their first postoperative review. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:536–539

Aims. We present the results, in terms of survival, clinical outcome, and radiological appearance at 20 years, in a cohort of 225 cemented Exeter Universal femoral components (Stryker, Newbury, UK) implanted in 207 patients, at a district general hospital. Methods. All patients in this study had a total hip arthroplasty (THA) using an Exeter Universal femoral component with a cemented (n = 215) or cementless (n = 10) acetabular component. Clinical and radiological data were collected prospectively at one year, five years, and every five years thereafter. Patients lost to radiological and clinical follow-up (five) were cross-referenced with National Joint Registry (NJR) data and general practitioner (GP) records to assess whether they had undergone revision for any reason. Results. During this period of study 144 patients (157 hips) died (69.78%). Two patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 61 patients (66 hips) available for review (29.33%). Of the 225 hips, three underwent revision for femoral failure with osteolysis. One underwent femoral component revision for treatment of a periprosthetic fracture. Eight underwent revision of the acetabular component only for loosening. Two hips had both components revised, when components were found to be loose at time of revision for acetabular loosening, though no radiological femoral osteolysis. Two patients underwent revision for infection. Using femoral loosening as an endpoint, the survival of the Exeter Universal femoral component was 98.7% (n = 220, 95% confidence interval (CI) 96.1% to 100%) at 20 to 22 years. Survival with an endpoint of revision for any reason was 92.6% (n = 209, 95% CI 89.4 to 95.55), with a ‘worst-case scenario’ (considering two patients lost to follow-up to have failed), the overall survival rate was 91.7% (n = 207, 95% CI 87.8 to 95.9) at 20 to 22 years. Conclusion. Our results confirm excellent long-term results for the cemented Exeter Universal femoral componentimplanted outside of the originating centre. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1319–1323

Due to limitations of existing pharmacological therapies for the management of chronic pain in osteoarthritis (OA), surgical interventions remain a major component of current standard of care, with total joint replacements (TJRs) considered for people who have not responded adequately to conservative treatment. This study aimed to quantify the economic burden of moderate-to-severe chronic pain in patients with OA in England prior to TJR. A retrospective, longitudinal cohort design was employed using Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD primary care data linked to Hospital Episode Statistics secondary care data in England. Patients (age ≥18 years) with an existing OA diagnosis of any anatomical site (Read/ICD-10) were indexed (Dec-2009 to Nov-2017) on a moderate-to-severe pain event (which included TJR) occurring within an episode of chronic pain. 5-year TJR rates from indexing were assessed via Kaplan-Meier estimates. All-cause healthcare resource utilisation and direct medical costs were evaluated in the 1–12 and 13–24 months prior to the first TJR experienced after index. Statistical significance was assessed via paired t-tests. The study cohort comprised 5,931 eligible patients (57.9% aged ≥65 years, 59.2% female). 2,176 (36.7%) underwent TJR (knee: 54.4%; hip: 42.8%; other: 2.8%). The 5-year TJR rate was 45.4% (knee: 24.3%; hip: 17.5%; other: 6.8%). Patients experienced more general practitioner consultations in 1–12 months pre-TJR compared with 13–24 months pre-TJR (means: 12.13 vs. 9.61; p<0.0001), more outpatient visits (6.68 vs. 3.77; p<0.0001), more hospitalisations (0.74 vs. 0.62; p=0.0032), and more emergency department visits (0.29 vs. 0.25, p=0.0190). Total time (days) spent as an inpatient was higher in 1–12 months pre-TJR (1.86 vs. 1.07; p<0.0001). Mean total per-patient cost pre-TJR increased from £1,771 (13–24 months) to £2,621 (1–12 months) (p<0.0001). Resource-use and costs incurred were substantially greater in the 12 months immediately prior to TJR, compared with 13–24 months prior. Reasons for increased healthcare and economic burden in the pre-TJR period deserve further exploration as potential targets for efforts to improve patient experience and efficiency of care

We determined the ten-year life expectancy of 5831 patients who had undergone 6653 elective primary total hip replacements at a regional orthopaedic centre between April 1993 and October 2004. Using hospital, general practitioner and the local health authority records, we recorded the dates of death for those who died following surgery. The mean age at operation was 67 years (13 to 96) with a male:female ratio of 2:3. Of 1154 patients with a ten-year follow-up 340 (29.5%) had died a mean of 5.6 years (0 to 10) after surgery. Using Kaplan-Meier curves, the ten-year survival was 89% in patients under 65 years at surgery, 75% in patients aged between 65 and 74 years, and 51% in patients over 75. The standardised mortality rates were considerably higher for patients under 45 years, 20% higher for those between 45 and 64 years, and steadily reduced in patients aged 65 and over. The survival of cemented hip replacement derived from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register Annual Report 2004 exceeds the life expectancy of patients over the age of 60 in our area, suggesting that cemented hip replacement is the procedure of choice in this population

The primary aim of this study was to determine dislocation and revision total hip replacement (THR) up to ten years following primary THR, as well as rates of polyethylene wear, in patients previously enrolled in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) which compared 28 mm and 36 mm metal on highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) articulations. 328 primary THR patients were enrolled in the RCT in Australia. Dislocation was identified from hip instability and hospital visit questionnaires completed by patients or, if they were unable to do so, by their next of kin or primary carer, or General Practitioner. All reported dislocations were confirmed radiographically. Patients' names were cross-matched with the Australian National Joint Replacement Registry to determine whether the index hip had undergone revision THR. Linear wear was measured on plain radiographs using PolyWare (Rev 5, Draftware Developers, Vevay IN, USA). A separate RCT examined the mean proximal wear rate of 28 and 36 mm articulations using radiostereometric analysis (RSA). At 10 years, 110 patients were deceased and 3 patients were lost to follow-up. Overall, dislocation was identified in 8 of 167 (5%) patients with a 28 mm articulation and 2 of 158 (1%) patients with a 36 mm articulation. Three patients experienced recurrent dislocation; all had a 28 mm articulation. 320 (163 28 mm; 157 36 mm) patients were successfully cross-matched with Registry data to identify revision THR. Three patients, all with a 28 mm articulation, underwent revision because of dislocation. Other reasons for revision were infection (1:2), periprosthetic fracture (0:3), loosening/lysis (1:2) and liner fracture (0:1). Adequate radiographs were available to measure wear in 122 hips (67:55) using PolyWare. Excluding bedding in, the mean annual linear wear rate from 1–10 years was 0.04 mm/yr for both 28 and 36 mm articulations (p=0.48). The more sensitive RSA data indicated that at 7 years following primary THR, the mean annual wear rate did not exceed 0.02 mm/yr with either articulation. Up to 10 years following primary THR, 36 mmm articulations were associated with fewer dislocations and revisions for dislocation and did not increase the mean annual linear wear rate

Introduction. Patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) have a significantly increased risk of both superficial wound infection and deep infection following arthroplasty. Debate continues as to whether treatment of pre-operative ASB reduces the risk of subsequent prosthetic joint infection. Patients/Materials & Methods. All arthroplasty units in Scotland were contacted by telephone and asked a standard series of questions regarding pre-operative urine testing in arthroplasty patients. A review of the literature was also performed. Results. All arthroplasty units in Scotland test all patients’ urine pre-operatively. 55% of clinics dipstick urine and send a midstream urine (MSU) sample if dipstick positive. 45% send an MSU without urine dipstick testing. All treat a positive MSU with oral antibiotics via the patient's GP practice. Discussion. Historically all arthroplasty patients have had urine testing as part of their routine pre-operative assessment, and this remains current British Hip Society guidance. Globally, antibiotic use is under increasing scrutiny. The evidence for treating pre-operative ASB with antibiotics appears to be lacking but this study suggests the majority of arthroplasty units continue to test for and treat ASB. Locally, this practice has been increasingly questioned by microbiologists and general practitioners. Irrespective of antibiotic treatment, we believe identifying patients with pre-operative ASB remains useful as ASB appears to represent a surrogate marker for immunocompromise. This allows patients to be warned of the increased infection risk and these patients may require altered peri-operative prophylactic antibiotic cover depending on local policy. Conclusion. Evidence for pre-operative antibiotic treatment of ASB is lacking but the majority of arthroplasty units continue this practice. Identification of pre-operative ASB is useful to identify increased infection risk and need for potential altered prophylactic antibiotic cover. We recommend formation of a consensus among arthroplasty surgeons to guide practice

Aims

Osteoporosis is common in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. It plays a substantial factor in the surgery’s outcome, and previous studies have revealed that pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis influences implant survival rate. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of and treatment rates for osteoporosis prior to THA, and to explore differences in osteoporosis-related biomarkers between patients treated and untreated for osteoporosis.

Aims

The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) was introduced in 1997 to address the needs of young active patients using a historically proven large-diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) bearing. A single designer surgeon’s consecutive series of 130 patients (144 hips) was previously reported at five and ten years, reporting three and ten failures, respectively. The aim of this study was to extend the follow-up of this original cohort at 25 years.

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The aim of this study was to estimate the clinical and economic burden of dislocation following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in England.

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The aim of this study was to estimate time to arthroplasty among patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to identify factors at enrolment to first-line intervention that are prognostic for progression to surgery.

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This study aims to assess the feasibility of conducting a pragmatic, multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the clinical and cost-effectiveness of an informal caregiver training programme to support the recovery of people following hip fracture surgery.

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Previous research has demonstrated increased early complication rates following total hip arthroplasty (THA) in obese patients, as defined by body mass index (BMI). Subcutaneous fat depth (FD) has been shown to be an independent risk factor for wound infection in cervical and lumbar spine surgery, as well as after abdominal laparotomy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether increased peritrochanteric FD was associated with an increased risk of complications in the first year following THA.

Aims

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients continue to require urgent surgery for hip fractures. However, the impact of COVID-19 on perioperative outcomes in these high-risk patients remains unknown. The objectives of this study were to establish the effects of COVID-19 on perioperative morbidity and mortality, and determine any risk factors for increased mortality in patients with COVID-19 undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Aim

This paper describes the methods applied to assess the cost-effectiveness of cemented versus uncemented hemiarthroplasty among hip fracture patients in the World Hip Trauma Evaluation Five (WHiTE5) trial.

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The aim of this study was to determine if the Oxford Knee and Hip Score (OKHS) can accurately predict when a primary knee or hip referral is deemed nonsurgical versus surgical by the surgeon during their first consultation, and to identify nonsurgical OKHS screening thresholds.

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To analyse the effectiveness of debridement and implant retention (DAIR) in patients with hip periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and the relationship to patient characteristics. The outcome was evaluated in hips with confirmed PJI and a follow-up of not less than two years.

Objectives

A possible solution for the management of proximal femoral bone loss is a modular femoral endoprosthesis (EPR). Although the outcome of EPRs in tumour surgery has been well described, the outcome of their use in revision hip surgery has received less attention. The aim of this study was to describe the outcome of using EPR for non-neoplastic indications.

Aims

We present a minimum 20-year follow-up study of 382 cemented Exeter Universal total hip arthroplasties (350 patients) operated on at a mean age of 66.3 years (17 to 94).

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an enhanced recovery program (ERP) on the short-term functional outcome after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Secondary outcomes included its effect on rates of dislocation and mortality.

As adverse events related to metal on metal hip arthroplasty have been better understood, there has been increased interest in toxicity related to the high circulating levels of cobalt ions. However, distinguishing true toxicity from benign elevations in cobalt levels can be challenging. The purpose of this review is to examine the use of cobalt alloys in total hip arthroplasty, to review the methods of measuring circulating cobalt levels, to define a level of cobalt which is considered pathological and to review the pathophysiology, risk factors and treatment of cobalt toxicity. To the best of our knowledge, there are 18 published cases where cobalt metal ion toxicity has been attributed to the use of cobalt-chromium alloys in hip arthroplasty. Of these cases, the great majority reported systemic toxic reactions at serum cobalt levels more than 100 μg/L. This review highlights some of the clinical features of cobalt toxicity, with the goal that early awareness may decrease the risk factors for the development of cobalt toxicity and/or reduce its severity.

Take home message: Severe adverse events can arise from the release of cobalt from metal-on-metal arthroplasties, and as such, orthopaedic surgeons should not only be aware of the presenting problems, but also have the knowledge to treat appropriately.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:14–20.