Background

Migration analysis after total joint arthroplasty are performed using EBRA analysis (Krismer et al., 1997) or - more accurate but also much more cost-intensive and time-consuming – via radiostereometric analysis (RSA). For the latter, additional radiographs from two inclined perspectives are needed in regular intervals in order to define the position of the implant relative to tantalum bone markers which have been implanted during surgery of the artificial joint (Fig. 1). Modern analysis software promises a migration precision along the stem axis of a hip implant of less than 100 μm (Witvoet-Brahm et al., 2007). However, as the analysis is performed semi-automatically, the results are still dependent on the subjective evaluation of the X-rays by the observer. Thus, the present phantom study aims at evaluating the inter- and intra-observer reliability, the repeatability as well as the precision and gives insight into the potential and limits of the RSA method.

Accurate detection of migration of hip arthroplasty stems without the burden of bone markers and stereo-radiographic equipment is of interest. This would facilitate the study of stem migration in an experimental setting, but more importantly, it would allow assessing stem loosening in patients with a painful hip outside a study protocol. We developed and validated a marker-free automated CT-based spatial analysis method (CTSA) to quantify stem-bone migration in successive CT scan acquisitions. First, we segmented the bone and stem within both three-dimensional images, then we pairwise registered those elements (Fig. 1). By comparing the rigid transformations of stem and bone, we calculated the migration of the stem with reference to the bone and transferred the three translation and three rotation parameters to an anatomic coordinate system. Based on the rigid transformation, we also calculated the point of the stem that presented the maximal migration (PMM). Accuracy was assessed in a stem-bone model (Fig. 2) by imposing 39 predefined stem rotations and translations, and by comparing those with values calculated with the CTSA tool. In all cases, differences were below 0.20 mm for translations and 0.19° for rotations (95% tolerance interval (95% TI) below 0.22 mm and 0.20°, largest standard deviation of the signed error (SDSE) 0.081 mm and 0.057°). Precision was defined as stem migration calculated in eight clinical relevant zero-migration scenarios. In all cases, precision was below 0.05 mm and 0.08° (95% TI below 0.06 mm and 0.08°, largest SDSE 0.012 mm and 0.020°). The largest displacement of the PMM on the stem was 0.169mm. The precision estimated in five patients was very dependent on the CT scan resolution and was below 0.48 mm and 0.37° (95% TI below 0.59 mm and 0.61°, largest SDSE 0.202 mm and 0.279°, largest displacement of the PMM 0.972 mm). In optimized conditions, the precision in patients improved largely and was below 0.040 mm and 0.111° (largest SDSE 0.202 mm and 0.279°, largest displacement of the PMM 0.156 mm). Our marker-free automated CT-based spatial analysis can detect hip stem migration with an accuracy and precision comparable to that of radiostereometric analysis (RSA), but without the burden of bone markers and the cost of stereo-radiographic equipment. As such, we believe our tool could make accurate measurement of stem migration available to departments without access to RSA and boost this type of research. Moreover, as CTSA does not rely on bone makers, it is applicable to all-comers with a painful hip arthroplasty. Indeed, in those patients with a reference CT scan after hip replacement, a new CT scan could demonstrate stem migration. If no initial CT scan is available, a reference scan could be taken during a first visit and repeated later. Additionally, a “stress test” of the hip could be performed. During such test, comparing CT images acquired during forced maximal intern and external rotation could demonstrate stem loosening

Background. Dislocation is a common complication after proximal and total femur prosthesis reconstruction for primary bone sarcoma patients. Expandable prosthesis in children puts an additional challenge due to the lengthening process. Hip stability is impaired due to multiple factors: Resection of the hip stabilizers as part of the sarcoma resection: forces acts on the hip during the lengthening; and mismatch of native growing acetabulum to the metal femoral head. Surgical solutions described in literature are various with reported low rates of success. Objective. Assess a novel 3D surgical planning technology by use of 3D models (computerized and physical), 3D planning, and Patient Specific Instruments (PSI) in supporting correction of young children suffering from hip instability after expandable prosthesis reconstruction following proximal femur resection. This innovative technology creates a new dimension of visualization and customization, and could improve understanding of this complex problem and facilitate the surgical decision making and procedure. Method. Two children, both patients with Ewing Sarcoma of the left proximal femur stage-IIB, ages 3/5 years at diagnosis, were treated with conventional chemotherapy followed by proximal femur resection. Both were reconstructed with expandable prosthesis (one at resection and other 4 years after resection). Hip migration developed gradually during lengthening process in the 24m follow up period. 3D software (Mimics, Materialise, Belgium) were used to make computerized 3D models of patients' pelvises. These were used to 3D print 1:1 physical models. Custom 3D planning software (MSk Lab, Imperial College London) allowed surgeons visualizing the anatomical status and assess of problem severity. Thereafter, osteotomies planes and the desired position of acetabular roof after reduction of hip joint were planned by the surgeons. These plans were used to generate 3D printed PSIs to guide the osteotomies during shelf and triple osteotomy surgeries. Accuracy of planning and PSIs were verified with fluoroscopy and post-op X-rays, by comparing cutting planes and post-op position of the acetabulum. Results. Surgeons reported excellent experience with the 3D models (computerized and physical). It helped them in the decision process with an improved understanding of the relationship between prosthesis head and acetabulum, a clear view of the osteophytes and bone formation surrounding the pseudoacetabulum, and osteophytes inside the native acetabulum. These osteophytes were not immediately visible on 2D CT imaging slices. Surgeons reported a good fit and PSIs' simplicity of use. The hip stability was satisfactory during surgery and in the immediate post-op period. X-ray showed a good and centered position of the hip and good levels of the osteotomies. Conclusions. 3D surgical planning and 3D printing was found to be very effective in assisting surgeons facing complex problems. In these particular cases neither CT nor MRI were able to visualize all bony formation and entrapment of prosthesis in the pseudoacetabulum. 3D visualisation can be very helpful for surgical treatment decisions, and by planning and executing surgery with the guidance of PSIs, surgeons can improve their surgical results. We believe that 3D technology and its advantages, can improve success rates of hip stability in this unique cohort of patients

Introduction. Acetabular reconstruction of a total hip arthroplasty (THA) for a case with severe bone loss is most challenging for surgeon. Relatively high rate of failure after the reconstruction surgery have been reported. We have used Kerboull-type acetabular reinforcement devices with morsellised or bulk bone allografts for these cases. The purpose of this study was to examine the midterm results of revision THA using Kerboull-type acetabular reinforcement devices. Patients and methods. We retrospectively reviewed 20 hips of revision THA (20 patients) between February 2002 and August 2010. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 67.4 years (range 45–78). All of the cases were female. The mean duration of follow-up was 6.5 years (range 2.1–10.4). The reasons of revision surgeries were aseptic loosening in 10 hips, migration of bipolar hemiarthroplasty in 8 hips, and rheumatoid arthritis in 2 hips. We classified acetabular bone defects according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) classification; we found two cases of Type II and eighteen cases of Type III. In terms of bone graft, we performed both bulk and morsellised bone grafts in 6 hips and morsellised bone grafts only in 14 hips. We assessed cup alignment using postoperative computed tomography (CT) and The post-operative and final follow-up radiographs were compared to assess migration of the implant. We measured the following three parameters: the angle of inclination of the acetabular device (Fig. 1); the horizontal migration (Fig. 2a); and vertical migration (Fig. 2b). Substantial migration was defined as a change in the angle of inclination of more than 3 degrees or migration of more than 3 mm. The pre- and postoperative hip functions were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) hip score. Results. The mean cup inclination and anteversion were 38.4 degrees and 10.6 degrees, respectively. The mean change in the angle was 1.9 degrees in inclination of the device. The average horizontal migration was 1.0 mm, and the vertical migration was 2.0 mm. Only one hip showed substantial migration with breakage of the device. This failure case represented a large amount of posterior pelvic tilt in standing position postoperatively. The mean JOA hip score was increased from 46.7 to 74.8. Discussion. Poor outcome using Kerboull-type reinforcement plate with morsellised bone graft only has been demonstrated by many reports. In these literatures, bulk bone graft was recommended particularly in the case of large bone defect such as larger than half of the rounded plate of the device or more than 2 cm of thickness. In our case series, acetabular reconstruction using a Kerboull- type acetabular reinforcement device and bone graft gives satisfactory mid-term results even with morsellized bone graft only. One possible interpretation is that most of our cases had relatively small bone defect according to the staging of severity of the superior segmental bone loss made by Kawanabe et al. We suggest that the progressive posterior pelvic tilt should be considered to be a risk of poor outcome of the acetabular reconstruction using this device. To view tables/figures, please contact authors directly

Purpose. A Trabecular Metal Modular Acetabular System (Zimmer, Warsaw, Indiana, USA) is a peripheral rim expansion (elliptical) cup, i.e. a non-hemispherical cup. Radiologically a non-hemispherical cup may be deferent from other conventional hemispherical cups. We reviewed radiological findings of a Trabecular Metal Modular Acetabular System chronologically. Methods. Twenty six patients with osteoarthritis underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a Trabecular Metal Modular Acetabular System from 2011 to April 2013. Twenty five patients (follow-up rate: 96.2%) 31 hips could be followed-up over a year were registered. In common, the diameter of every femoral head was 32 mm. We planned the acetabular cup inclination angle to be 45-degree, the cup coverage with host-bone (cup-CE angle) to be over 10-degree, and high hip center was allowed up to 20mm. In case of the cup-CE angle under 10-degree, an acetabular cup was placed medially using Dorr's medial protrusio technique. We established the medial protrusion angle indicating the degree of medial protrusion of an acetabular cup over the pelvic internal wall. The medial protrusion angle was defined by the center point of THA (C) and the 2 cross-points (X. 1. , X. 2. ) which the outline of an acetabular cup crosses the Kohler's line (Figure 1). The cup anteversion angle was measured by the method of Lewinnek, and the cup fixation was evaluated according to the Tompkin's classification. Results. The average follow-up period was 1 year and 3 months (1y1m to 2y8m). The mean diameter of the cup was 54 (48 to 56) mm. Seven high-hip center joints were recognized (2 to 11 mm). The average of cup inclination angle was 42 (32 to 52) degree, of cup anteversion angle was 14 (5 to 36) degree, and of cup CE angle was 25 (−14 to 45) degree. Dorr's medial protrusio technique was necessary in 18 hips. In these 18 hips, the average of medial protrusion angle was 57 (24 to 70) degree. In 4 hips of cup-CE angle less than 10 degree, acetabular bulky bone graft was added. All 31 hips showed the stable fixation, even in 18 hips undergone medial protrusio technique. There was none of hips with migration and/or rotation of an acetabular cup. Radiolucent zone was found in the zone-C of 8 hips. The width of radiolucent zone of all 8 hips was less than 2mm. In these 8 hips, medial protrusio technique was done in 5 hips, and high hip center was found in 3 hips. The radiolucency appeared at postoperatively 2–3 months and disappeared by postoperatively 12 months. Conclusions. All hips showed rigid fixation of a Trabecular Metal Modular Acetabular System in short-term observation. Even in the hips performed Dorr's medial protrusio technique, a Trabecular Metal Modular Acetabular System reached the stable fixation. Radiolucent zone was found transiently in the zone-C of 8 hips (25.8%) and disappeared by postoperatively 12 months. However our series was small and the observation period was short, our results implied that the fixation of a Trabecular Metal Modular Acetabular System was not affected adversely from Dorr's medial protrusio technique