Aims. Acetabular edge-loading was a cause of increased wear rates in metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties, ultimately contributing to their failure. Although such wear patterns have been regularly reported in retrieval analyses, this study aimed to determine their in vivo location and investigate their relationship with acetabular component positioning. Methods. 3D CT imaging was combined with a recently validated method of mapping bearing surface wear in retrieved hip implants. The asymmetrical stabilizing fins of Birmingham hip replacements (BHRs) allowed the co-registration of their acetabular wear maps and their computational models, segmented from CT scans. The in vivo location of edge-wear was measured within a standardized coordinate system, defined using the anterior pelvic plane. Results. Edge-wear was found predominantly along the superior acetabular edge in all cases, while its median location was 8° (interquartile range (IQR) -59° to 25°) within the anterosuperior quadrant. The deepest point of these scars had a median location of 16° (IQR -58° to 26°), which was statistically comparable to their centres (p = 0.496). Edge-wear was in closer proximity to the superior apex of the cups with greater angles of acetabular inclination, while a greater degree of anteversion influenced a more anteriorly centred scar. Conclusion. The anterosuperior location of edge-wear was comparable to the degradation patterns observed in acetabular cartilage, supporting previous findings that hip joint forces are directed anteriorly during a greater portion of walking gait. The further application of this novel method could improve the current definition of optimal and safe acetabular component positioning. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(10):639–649

Aims. The optimum clearance between the bearing surfaces of hip arthroplasties is unknown. Theoretically, to minimize wear, it is understood that clearances must be low enough to maintain optimal contact pressure and fluid film lubrication, while being large enough to allow lubricant recovery and reduce contact patch size. This study aimed to identify the relationship between diametrical clearance and volumetric wear, through the analysis of retrieved components. Methods. A total of 81 metal-on-metal Pinnacle hips paired with 12/14 stems were included in this study. Geometrical analysis was performed on each component, using coordinate and roundness measuring machines. The relationship between their as-manufactured diametrical clearance and volumetric wear was investigated. The Mann-Whitney U test and unpaired t-test were used, in addition to calculating the non-parametric Spearman's correlation coefficient, to statistically evaluate the acquired data. Results. The hips in this study were found to have had a median unworn diametrical clearance of 90.31 μm (interquartile range (IQR) 77.59 to 97.40); 32% (n = 26) were found to have been below the manufacturing tolerance. There was no correlation found between clearance and bearing (r. s. = -0.0004, p = 0.997) or taper (r. s. = 0.0048, p = 0.966) wear rates. The wear performance of hips manufactured within and below these specifications was not significantly different (bearing: p = 0.395; taper: p = 0.653). Pinnacles manufactured from 2007 onwards had a greater prevalence of bearing clearance below tolerance (p = 0.004). Conclusion. The diametrical clearance of Pinnacle hips did not influence their wear performance, even when below the manufacturing tolerance. The optimum clearance for minimizing hip implant wear remains unclear. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(8):515–523

Introduction. As new innovations are developed to improve the longevity of joint replacement components, preclinical testing is necessary in the early stages of research into areas such as osseointegration, metal-cartilage wear and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Large-animal studies that test load-bearing components are expensive, however, requiring that animals be housed in special facilities that are not available at all institutions. Comparably, small animal models, such as the rat, offer several advantages including lower cost. Load-bearing implants remain difficult to manufacture via traditional methods in the sizes required for small-animal testing. Recent advances in additive manufacturing (3D metal-printing) have allowed for the creation of miniature joint replacement components in a variety of medical-grade metal alloys. The objective of this work is to create and optimize an image-based 3D-printed rat hip implant system that will allow in vivo testing of functional implant properties in a rat model. Methods. A database of n=25 previously-acquired, 154μm micro-CT volumes (eXplore Locus Ultra, GE Medical) of male Sprague-Dawley rats (390–610g) were analyzed to obtain spatial and angular relationships between several anatomical features of the proximal rat femora. Mean measurements were used to guide the creation of a femoral implant template in computer-aided design software (Solidworks, Dassault Systemes). Several different variations were created, including collarless and collared designs, in a range of sizes to accommodate rats of various weights. Initial prototypes were 3D-printed 316L stainless steel with subsequent iterations printed in Ti6Al4V titanium and F75 cobalt-chrome. Implants were post-processed via sandblasting, hand-polishing, ultrasonic bath, and sterilization in an autoclave. Innate surface texturing was left on manufactured stems to promote osseointegration. Surgical implantation was performed in three live Sprague-Dawley rats (900g, 500g, 750g) with preservation of muscle attachments to the greater trochanter. Micro-CT imaging and X-ray fluoroscopy were performed post-operatively on each animal at 1 day, and 1, 3, 9 and 12 weeks to evaluate gait and component positioning. Results. Implantation of components was successful and each animal was observed to ambulate on its affected limb immediately following recovery from surgery. The 900g rat, given a collarless 316L stainless steel component, was kept for 11 months post-implantation before succumbing to old age. Micro-CT and fluoroscopic findings revealed no evidence of implant subsidence. The 500g animal, given a collarless 316L stainless steel implant, showed evidence of implant subsidence at 3 weeks, with full subsidence and hip dislocation at 12 weeks. The 750g rat, given a collared F75 cobalt-chrome implant, was observed ambulating on its affected limb, but experienced implant rotation and failure at 9 weeks. Conclusions. We report the first hip hemi-arthroplasty in a rat using a 3D-printed metal implant. This model aims to provide a low-cost platform for studying osseointegration, metal-cartilage interactions, and PJI using a functional, loaded implant. Efforts to further optimize the surgical approach will be made to reduce early implant loosening. A study with larger sample sizes is needed to determine if implants can be installed repeatedly, without complications, before the utility of this approach can be validated. Future work will include surface preparations on implant stems, with micro-CT to longitudinally track changes at the bone-metal interface, and gait analysis on a radiolucent treadmill to quantify post-operative kinematics

Aims

Hip arthroplasty does not always restore normal anatomy. This is due to inaccurate surgery or lack of stem sizes. We evaluated the aptitude of four total hip arthroplasty systems to restore an anatomical and medialized hip rotation centre.

Alumina–alumina bearings are among the most resistant to wear in total hip replacement. Examination of their surfaces is one way of comparing damage caused by wear of hip joints simulated in vitro to that seen in explanted bearings. The aim of this study was to determine whether second-generation ceramic bearings exhibited a better pattern of wear than those reported in the literature for first-generation bearings. We considered both macro- and microscopic findings.

We found that long-term alumina wear in association with a loose acetabular component could be categorised into three groups. Of 20 specimens, four had ‘low wear’, eight ‘crescent wear’ and eight ‘severe wear’, which was characterised by a change in the physical shape of the bearing and a loss of volume. This suggests that the wear in alumina–alumina bearings in association with a loose acetabular component may be variable in pattern, and may explain, in part, why the wear of a ceramic head in vivo may be greater than that seen after in vitro testing.

Background

There has been a trend in the evolution of total hip arthroplasty towards increased modularity, with this increase in modularity come some potentially harmful consequences. Modularity at the neck shaft junction has been linked to corrosion, adverse reaction to metal debris and pseudotumor formation.

The aim of this retrieval study is to assess whether the surface integrity of the polyethylene (PE) liner is affected by metal wear debris in a single implant design series of THA revised for trunnionosis.

Osteolysis is due to particulate wear debris and is responsible for the long-term failure of total hip replacements. It has stimulated the development of alternative joint surfaces such as metal-on-metal or ceramic-on-ceramic implants.

Since 1988 the second-generation metal-on-metal implant Metasul has been used in over 60 000 hips. Analysis of 118 retrieved specimens of the head or cup showed rates of wear of approximately 25 μm for the whole articulation per year in the first year, decreasing to about 5 μm per year after the third. Metal surfaces have a ‘self-polishing’ capacity. Scratches are worn out by further joint movement. Volumetric wear was decreased some 60-fold compared with that of metal-on-polyethylene implants, suggesting that second-generation metal-on-metal prostheses may considerably reduce osteolysis.

We previously reported the five to ten-year results of the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) implant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survivorship, radiographic results, and clinical outcomes of the BHR at long-term follow-up.

We retrospectively reviewed 250 patients from the original cohort of 324 BHRs performed from 2006 to 2013 who met contemporary BHR indications. Of these, 4 patients died and 4 withdrew. From the 242 patients, 224 patients (93%) were available for analysis. Modified Harris hip score (mHHS) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores were collected and compared to a matched total hip arthroplasty (THA) cohort. Mean follow-up was 14 years.

Survivorship free of aseptic revision was 97.4% and survivorship free of any revision was 96.0% at 15 years. Revisions included 3 periprosthetic joint infections, 2 for elevated metal ions and symptomatic pseudotumor, 2 for aseptic femoral loosening, and 1 for unexplained pain. The mean mHHS was 93 in BHR patients at final follow-up, similar to the THA cohort (p=0.44). The UCLA score was significantly higher for BHR patients (p=0.02), however there were equal proportions of patients who remained highly active (UCLA 9 or 10) in both groups, 60.5% and 52.2% (p=0.45) for BHR and THA respectively. Metal ion levels at long term follow-up were low (mean serum cobalt 1.8±1.5 ppb and mean serum chromium 2.2±2.0 ppb).

BHR demonstrated excellent survivorship in males less than 60 years of age at time of surgery. Clinical outcomes and activity levels were similar to THA patients. Failures related to the metal-on-metal bearing were rare and metal levels were low at long-term follow-up.

Level of evidence: III

Keywords: survivorship; hip arthroplasty; activity; metal-on-metal

Surface Replacement Arthroplasty demonstrates low revision rates and similar activity level compared to total hip arthroplasty at long-term follow-up.

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

Dislocation after total hip replacement (THR) is a devastating complication. Risk factors include patient and surgical factors. Mitigation of this complication has proven partially effective. This study investigated a new innovating technique to decrease this problem using rare earth magnets. Computer simulations with design and magnetic finite element analysis software were used to analyze and quantitate the forces around hip implants with embedded magnets into the components during hip range of motion. N52 Neodymium-Iron-Boron rare earth magnets were sized to fit within the existing acetabular shells and the taper of a hip system. Additionally, magnets placed within the existing screw holes were studied. A 50mm titanium acetabular shell and a 36mm ceramic liner utilizing a taper sleeve adapter were modeled which allowed for the use of a 12mm × 5mm magnet placed in the center hole, an 18mm × 15mm magnet within the femoral head, and 10mm × 5mm magnets in the screw holes. Biomechanical testing was also performed using in-vitro bone and implant models to determine retention forces through a range of hip motion. The novel system incorporating magnets generated retentive forces between the acetabular cup and femoral head of between 10 to 20 N through a range of hip motion. Retentive forces were stronger at the extreme position hip range of motion when additional magnets were placed in the acetabular screw holes. Greater retentive forces can be obtained with specially designed femoral head bores and acetabular shells specifically designed to incorporate larger magnets. Mechanical testing validated the loads obtained and demonstrated the feasibility of the magnet system to provide joint stability and prevent dislocations. Rare earth magnets provide exceptional attractive strength and can be used to impart stability and prevent dislocation in THR without the complications and limitations of conventional methods

Total hip arthroplasty has been constantly evolving with technological improvements to achieve the best survival rates. Although the new implants are under closer surveillance through processes such as Beyond Compliance, orthopaedic surgeons generally tend to look out for the latest implants with good short-term results and hope for better long-term results for these. We questioned whether such an assumption or bias is valid. We analysed the data of Kaplan-Meier estimates of cumulative revisions of primary hip replacement by fixation, stem/cup brand and bearing combinations from the NJR 19th Annual Report published in September 2022. We performed a univariate linear regression analysis to predict the 10- and 15-year revision rates for these different hip implant combinations from the 3- and 5-year revision rates. Thirty-seven implant combinations had their 15-year revision rates reported and 67 had the 10-year revision rates. The correlation co-efficients were 0.43 and 0.58 for the 3-year and 5-year revision rates against 15-year revision rates. Only 17% of the variance in 15-year revision rates could be predicted by a linear regression model from the 3-year revision rate and 32% from the 5-year revision rate. Corresponding values for the 10-year revision rates were 46% and 67%. 95% prediction intervals for the 15-year revision rate were +/− 3.1% from the 3-year revision rate and +/− 2.8% from the 5-year revision rate. Corresponding values for the 10-year revision rates were +/− 1.3% and +/− 1%. 19 of 37 implant combinations showed 15-year revision rate of more than 4%. Average 3-year and 5-year revision rates for this cohort was 1.0% and 1.42% compared to 1.4% and 1.9% for the rest and the difference was statistically significant. Although average early revision rates showed small but significant difference between the groups with lower and higher 15-year revision rates, the prediction intervals for 15-year revision rates for individual hips based on their 3-year and 5-year revision rates are very wide. Three- and 5-year revision rates for primary total hip replacements are poor predictors of 15-year revision rates

Fracture risks are the most common argument against the use of Ceramic on ceramic (CoC) hip implants. Question: is ceramic material at risk in case of severe local trauma?. Over a long period, we tried to identify patients with a CoC prosthesis (Ceraver Osteal°)who did sustain a trauma. This was conducted in three different institutions. Eleven patients were found: 9 males and 2 females aged 17 to 70 years at time of index surgery. Accident occurred 6 months to 15 years after index: one car accident, five motorcycle accident, five significant trauma after a fall, including one ski board accident. Consequences of these trauma were: six fractures of the acetabulum with socket loosening in 4 that needed revision, two femoral shaft fracture, one orifed and one stem exchanged, one traumatic hip dislocation associated to loosening of the socket revised at 10 years, and one traumatic loosening of the socket. Ten had no consequence on ceramic integrity. One experienced a fracture of the patella from a dashboard trauma, a liner shipping was discovered during socket revision 2 years later. This is the only case of possible relation between trauma and ceramic fracture. In a more recent longitudinal study on 1856 CoC prosthesis performed from 2010 to 2021, 29 severe traumas were identified with no consequence on Ceramic material. From this limited case study, it can be assumed that Pure Alumina Ceramic well designed and manufactured, will not break after a significant trauma

Aims

This study aims to assess the relationship between history of pseudotumour formation secondary to metal-on-metal (MoM) implants and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) rate, as well as establish ESR and CRP thresholds that are suggestive of infection in these patients. We hypothesized that patients with a pseudotumour were at increased risk of infection.

Introduction. The BIRMINGHAM HIP. ◊. Resurfacing is a metal-on-metal (MOM) hip implant system approved by the US FDA in 2006. The approval required a multicenter, prospective, post-approval study (PAS). Our purpose is to report the current minimum 10-year results. Methods. 253 patients (280 hips) had surgery between October 2006 and December 2009 at one of 5 sites. We report revisions, survivorship, EQ-5D, Harris Hip Score (HHS), radiographic findings, and metal levels including cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr). The mean age at surgery was 51 years, 74% male, BMI 28, osteoarthritis 95%. 243 (87%) of hips have known outcome or 10-year minimum follow-up (fup). Prior to 10 years, 5 patients died, 20 hips were revised, and 37 hips did not complete 10-year fup. Results. The 10-year component survivorship is 92.9% (95% CI 89.8–96.1%). The reasons for revision were femoral neck fracture (3), femoral loosening (5), acetabular loosening (1), pseudotumor (3), osteolysis (2) and the remaining 6 for a combination of pain, noise, or metal levels. The EQ-QAL VAS improved (mean preop: 70, 1-year: 89, p<0.001) and was stable through 10 years (87, p=0.05). The HHS improved (mean preop: 57, 1-year: 96, p<0.001) and remained stable through 10 years (96, p=0.93). Radiographically, no surviving components have migrated. 4.6% (10/218) have osteolysis. The Co and Cr levels increased at 1 year (median Co preop: 0.12 ppb, 1-year: 1.5 ppb, p<0.001; Cr preop: 0.60 ppb, 1-year: 1.70 ppb, p<0.001) and remained stable through 10 years (Co 10-year: 1.29 ppb, p=0.28; Cr 10-year: 1.36 ppb, p=0.88). The number of patients with a Co or Cr >7 ppb at one and 10 years remained similar (1-year: 3.4% (7/205), 10-year: 4.4%, (9/205), p=0.61). Conclusion. This prospective, multicenter PAS demonstrated this resurfacing is safe and durable. 10-year survivorship for males less than 55 years old is 98.3% (95% CI 95.9–100%)

Aims

The Exeter V40 femoral stem is the most implanted stem in the National Joint Registry (NJR) for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). In 2004, the 44/00/125 stem was released for use in ‘cement-in-cement’ revision cases. It has, however, been used ‘off-label’ as a primary stem when patient anatomy requires a smaller stem with a 44 mm offset. We aimed to investigate survival of this implant in comparison to others in the range when used in primary THAs recorded in the NJR.

Aims

Traditionally, total hip arthroplasty (THA) templating has been performed on anteroposterior (AP) pelvis radiographs. Recently, additional AP hip radiographs have been recommended for accurate measurement of the femoral offset (FO). To verify this claim, this study aimed to establish quantitative data of the measurement error of the FO in relation to leg position and X-ray source position using a newly developed geometric model and clinical data.

Aims. To determine ten-year failure rates following 36 mm metal-on-metal (MoM) Pinnacle total hip arthroplasty (THA), and identify predictors of failure. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively assessed a single-centre cohort of 569 primary 36 mm MoM Pinnacle THAs (all Corail stems) followed up since 2012 according to Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulation Agency recommendations. All-cause failure rates (all-cause revision, and non-revised cross-sectional imaging failures) were calculated, with predictors for failure identified using multivariable Cox regression. Results. Failure occurred in 97 hips (17.0%). The ten-year cumulative failure rate was 27.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 21.6 to 33.7). Primary implantation from 2006 onwards (hazard ratio (HR) 4.30; 95% CI 1.82 to 10.1; p = 0.001) and bilateral MoM hip arthroplasty (HR 1.59; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.46; p = 0.037) predicted failure. The effect of implantation year on failure varied over time. From four years onwards following surgery, hips implanted since 2006 had significantly higher failure rates (eight years 28.3%; 95% CI 23.1 to 34.5) compared with hips implanted before 2006 (eight years 6.3%; 95% CI 2.4 to 15.8) (HR 15.2; 95% CI 2.11 to 110.4; p = 0.007). Conclusion. We observed that 36 mm MoM Pinnacle THAs have an unacceptably high ten-year failure rate, especially if implanted from 2006 onwards or in bilateral MoM hip patients. Our findings regarding implantation year and failure support recent concerns about the device manufacturing process. We recommend all patients undergoing implantation since 2006 and those with bilateral MoM hips undergo regular investigation, regardless of symptoms. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:592–600

Aims

Several different designs of hemiarthroplasty are used to treat intracapsular fractures of the proximal femur, with large variations in costs. No clinical benefit of modular over monoblock designs has been reported in the literature. Long-term data are lacking. The aim of this study was to report the ten-year implant survival of commonly used designs of hemiarthroplasty.

Aims

The risk of mechanical failure of modular revision hip stems is frequently mentioned in the literature, but little is currently known about the actual clinical failure rates of this type of prosthesis. The current retrospective long-term analysis examines the distal and modular failure patterns of the Prevision hip stem from 18 years of clinical use. A design improvement of the modular taper was introduced in 2008, and the data could also be used to compare the original and the current design of the modular connection.

Objectives. Alarm over the reported high failure rates for metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants as well as their potential for locally aggressive Adverse Reactions to Metal Debris (ARMDs) has prompted government agencies, internationally, to recommend the monitoring of patients with MoM hip implants. Some have advised that a blood ion level >7 µg/L indicates potential for ARMDs. We report a systematic review and meta-analysis of the performance of metal ion testing for ARMDs. Methods. We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify articles from which it was possible to reconstruct a 2 × 2 table. Two readers independently reviewed all articles and extracted data using explicit criteria. We computed a summary receiver operating curve using a Bayesian random-effects hierarchical model. Results. Our literature search returned 575 unique articles; only six met inclusion criteria defined a priori. The discriminative capacity of ion tests was homogeneous across studies but that there was substantial cut-point heterogeneity. Our best estimate of the “true” area under curve (AUC) for metal ion testing is 0.615, with a 95% credible interval of 0.480 to 0.735, thus we can state that the probability that metal ion testing is actually clinically useful with an AUC ≥ 0.75 is 1.7%. Conclusion. Metal ion levels are not useful as a screening test for identifying high risk patients because ion testing will either lead to a large burden of false positive patients, or otherwise marginally modify the pre-test probability. With the availability of more accurate non-invasive tests, we did not find any evidence for using blood ion levels to diagnose symptomatic patients. Cite this article: M. Pahuta, J. M. Smolders, J. L. van Susante, J. Peck, P. R. Kim, P. E. Beaule. Blood metal ion levels are not a useful test for adverse reactions to metal debris: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:379–386. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.59.BJR-2016-0027.R1