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

INTRODUCTION. The Woodpecker pneumatic broaching system facilitates femoral preparation to achieve optimal primary fixation of the stem in direct anterior hip replacement using a standard operating table. The high-frequency axial impulses of the device reduce excess bone tension, intraoperative femoral fractures and overall operating time. The Woodpecker device provides uniformity and enhanced control while broaching, optimizing cortical contact between the femur and implant and thereby maximizing prosthetic axial stability and longevity. This study aims to describe a single surgeon's experience using the Woodpecker pneumatic broaching system in 649 cases of direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasties to determine the device's safety and efficacy. METHODOLOGY. All consecutive patients undergoing elective anterior bikini total hip arthroplasties (THA) performed by a single surgeon between July 2013 and June 2018 were included. Patients undergoing a THA with the use of the Woodpecker device through a different surgical approach, revision THA or arthroplasties for a fractured neck of femur were excluded (n=219). The pneumatic device was used for broaching the femoral canal in all cases. Pre-operative and post-operative Harris Hip Scores (HHS) and post-operative radiographs were analyzed to identify femoral fractures and femoral component positioning at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months post-operative. Any intra-operative or post-operative surgical complications and component survivorship until most recent follow up were recorded in the clinical notes. RESULTS. A total of 649 patients (L THA=317, R THA=328 and bilateral=2) with a mean age of 69 (range 46–91yrs) and mean BMI of 28.3 (range = 18.4–44.0) underwent a DAA THA using a Woodpecker device were included in the study. Of these patients, 521 (80%) underwent uncemented and 128 (20%) underwent cemented femoral components. The time taken to broach the femur using Woodpecker broaching this system averaged 2.8 minutes (1.4 to 7.5 minutes) in both cemented and uncemented cases. In 91% of cases the templated broach size was achieved with the remaining 9% within +/− 1 size of the planned template. Radiographic analysis revealed 67.3% of the stems placed in 0–1.82 degrees of varus and 32.7% placed in 0–1.4 degrees of valgus. Average HHS were 24.4 pre-operatively, with drastic improvements shown at 6 weeks (80.95), 6 months (91.91) and 12 months (94.18) after surgery. Intraoperative femoral fractures occurred in three patients (0.4%) during trial reduction, a further three patients had periprosthetic post-operative fractures (0.4%) from falls, two patients had stem subsidence (0.3%) and a further two patients had wound infections (0.3%). At the most recent follow up, the survivorship of the acetabular component was 99.7% and the femoral component was 99.1%, with mean follow up of 2.9 years (0.5 to 5 years). No intraoperative or post-operative complications could be directly attributed to the Woodpecker broaching system. CONCLUSION. The pneumatic Woodpecker device is a safe and effective alternative tool in minimally invasive direct anterior hip replacement surgery for femoral broaching performed on a standard operating table. The skill and experience of the surgeon must be taken into consideration when utilizing new surgical devices

INTRODUCTION. The direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty has become a popular technique. Proponents of the anterior approach cite advantages such as less muscle damage, lower dislocation risk, faster recovery, and more accurate implant placement for the approach. However, there is a steep, complex learning curve associated with the technique. The present study seeks to define the learning curve based on individual surgical and outcome variables for a high-volume surgeon. METHODS. 300 consecutive patients were retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative outcomes measured include surgery time and estimated blood loss (EBL). Complications include intraoperative fracture, post-operative fracture, infection, dislocation, leg length discrepancy, loosening, and medical complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Segmented regression models were used to elucidate the presence of a learning curve and mastery of the procedure with regard to each individual variable. RESULTS. The mean operative time was 77.1 minutes (range 40–213). Operative time improved at a rate of 6.6 minutes per case for the first 15 cases then by an average of 5 seconds per subsequent case. The mean EBL for the series was 288.6 mL. Segmented regression shows EBL decreased at a rapid rate until case 52, followed by a more gradual decline. Complications were higher in the first 7 surgeries, with a 48% decrease in the likelihood of complication with each subsequent surgery. The improvement continued through the rest of the series with a 0.5% decrease in likelihood with each surgery. DISCUSSION. Our data contributes to the current body of literature by defining the learning curve with what we consider the most pertinent outcomes. First, we show that operative efficiency can be gained quite quickly (15 cases) while the slower improvement in EBL demonstrates continued learning about the anatomy. Our data is consistent with previous published reports regarding complication improvement. The present study will provide surgeons considering DAA useful information regarding what to expect during their learning curve. Furthermore, the data can be useful for surgeons charged with teaching the technique to critically evaluate what learning curve variables can be improved to hasten the learning curve

Although cemented fixation provides excellent results in primary total hip replacement (THR), particularly in patients older than 75 years, uncemented implants are most commonly used nowadays. We compare the rate of complications, clinical and radiological results of three different designs over 75-years-old patients. Materials and Methods. 433 hips implanted in patients over 75 years old were identified from our Local Joint Registry. Group A consisted of 139 tapered cemented hips, group B of 140 tapered grit-blasted uncemented hips and group C of 154 tapered porous-coated uncemented hips. A 28 mm femoral head size on polyethylene was used in all cases. The mean age was greater in group A and the physical activity level according to Devane was lower in this group (p<0.001 for both variables). Primary osteoarthritis was the most frequent diagnoses in all groups. The radiological acetabular shape was similar according to Dorr, however, an osteopenic-cylindrical femur was most frequently observed in group A (p<0.001). The pre- and post-operative clinical results were evaluated according to the Merle-D'Aubigne and Postel scale. Radiological cup position was assessed, including hip rotation centre distance according to Ranawat and cup anteversion according to Widmer. We also evaluated the lever arm and height of the greater trochanter distances and the stem position. Kaplan-Meier analysis was done for revision for any cause and loosening. Results. The hip rotation centre distance was greater and the height of the greater trochanter was lower in group B (p=0.003, p<0.001, respectively). The lever arm distance was lower in group C (p<0.001). A varus stem position was more frequently observed in group B (p<0.001). There were no intra- or post-operative fractures in group A, although there were five intra-operative fractures in the other groups plus two post-operative fractures in group B and four in group C. The rate of dislocation was similar among groups and was the most frequent cause for revision surgery (8 hips for the whole series). The mean post-operative clinical score improved in all groups. The overall survival rate for revision for any cause at 120 months was 88.4% (95% CI 78.8–98), being 97.8% (95% CI 95.2–100) for group A, 81.8% (95% CI 64.8–98.8) for group B and 95.3% (95% CI 91.1–99.6) for group C (log Rank: 0.416). Five hips were revised for loosening. The overall survival rate for loosening at 120 months was 91.9% (95% CI 81.7–100), being 99.2%(95% CI 97.6–100) for group A, 85.5 (95% CI 69.9 −100) for group B and 100% for group C (Log Rank 0.093). Conclusions. Despite a more osteopenic bone in the cemented group, the rate of peri-prosthetic fractures was higher after uncemented THR in patients older than 75 years. Although the overall outcome is good with both types of fixation, the post-operative reconstruction of the hip, which might be more reliable after cemented fixation, may affect the rate of complications in this population

Economic data, clinical outcome studies, and anatomical studies continue to support the Superior Hip Approach as a preferred approach for improved safety, maximal tissue preservation, rapid recovery, and minimised cost. Clinical studies show exceedingly low rates of all major complications including femur fracture, dislocation, and nerve injury. Economic data from Q1 2013 to Q2 2016 demonstrate that CMS-insured patients treated by the Superior Hip Approach have the lowest cost of all patients treated in Massachusetts by an average of more than $7,000 over 90 days. The data show that the patients treated by the Superior Hip Approach have lower cost than any other surgical technique. Matched-pair bioskills dissections demonstrate far better preservation of the hip joint capsule and short external rotators than the anterior approach. Design principles include: Preservation of the abductors; Preservation of the posterior capsule and short external rotators; Preparation of the femur in situ prior to femoral neck osteotomy; Excision of the femoral head, thereby avoiding surgical dislocation of the hip; In-line access to the femoral shaft axis; Ability to perform a trial reduction; Independence from intra-operative imaging; Independence from a traction table; Applicable to at least 99% of THA procedures. Conclusion. In contrast to the results of the Superior Approach, the anterior approach continues to show difficulties with wound problems, infection, intra- and post-operative fracture, and failure of femoral component osseointegration and even dislocation. Evidence continues to demonstrate that the Superior Hip Approach has advantages over all other surgical approaches to the hip

Background. The Fracture Fixation Assessment Tool score (FFATs) was developed as an objective evaluation of post-operative fracture fixation radiographs as a means of appraisal and education. The tool has proven validity, simple to use and based upon AO principles of fracture fixation. This study has been designed to assess how FFATs changes throughout the training program in the UK. Methods. The local trauma database of a district general hospital, with trauma unit status was used to identify cases. Although FFATs is designed to apply to any fracture fixation, Weber B ankle fractures were selected as common injuries, which constitute indicative cases in T&O training. Grade of the primary surgeon and supervision level were both stratified. The initial and intraoperative radiographs were anonymised and presented to the assessor who had been blinded to the identity and grade of the surgeon, for scoring using FFATs. Results. 293 fractures around the ankle were identified from the Database between 2013 and 2016. After applying the inclusion criteria of Weber B fractures operatively fixed, Specialist training registrars and consultants, there were 99 cases for evaluation. These were grouped by training experience into 4 groups. (ST3-4, ST5-6, ST7-8, Consultants) and demonstrated a trend of increasing scores with experience level with a dip in consultant scores, albeit not statistically significant due to low numbers of cases at higher training grades. Conclusions. We present our first experience of using FFATs in a uniform series of fractures in surgeons of different training grades. There is a trend to increasing scores throughout training with a dip in consultant scores likely reflecting increased complexity of cases. Implications. FFATs could prove to be an invaluable appraisal tool for teaching and mentoring surgeons in training both locally in the United Kingdom and remotely overseas

The technique involves impaction of cancellous bone into a cavitary femur. If segmental defects are present, the defects can be closed with stainless steel mesh. The technique requires retrograde fill of the femoral cavity with cancellous chips of appropriate size to create a new endomedullary canal. By using a set of trial impactors that are slightly larger than the real implants the cancellous bone is impacted into the tube. Subsequent proximal impaction of bone is performed with square tip or half moon impactors. A key part of the technique is to impact the bone tightly into the tube especially around the calcar to provide optimal stability. Finally a polished tapered stem is cemented using almost liquid cement in order to achieve interdigitation of the implant to the cancellous bone. The technique as described is rarely performed today in many centers around the world. In the US, the technique lost its interest because of the lengthy operative times, unacceptable rate of peri-operative and post-operative fractures and most importantly, owing to the success of tapered fluted modular stems. In centers such as Exeter where the technique was popularised, it is rarely performed today as well, as the primary cemented stems used there, rarely require revision. There is ample experience from around the globe, however, with the technique. Much has been learned about the best size and choice of cancellous graft, force of impaction, surface finish of the cemented stem, importance of stem length, and the limitations and complications of the technique. There are also good histology data that demonstrate successful vascularization and incorporation of the impacted cancellous bone chips and host bone. Our experience at the clinic was excellent with the technique as reported in CORR in 2003 by M Cabanela. The results at mid-term demonstrated minimal subsidence and good graft incorporation. Six of 54 hips, however, had a post-operative distal femoral fracture requiring ORIF. The use of longer cemented stems may decrease the risk of distal fracture and was subsequently reported by the author after reviewing a case series from Exeter. Today, I perform this technique once or twice per year. It is an option in the younger patient, where bone restoration is desired. Usually in a Paprosky Type IV femur, where a closed tube can be recreated and the proximal bone is reasonable. If the proximal bone is of poor quality, then I prefer to perform a transfemoral osteotomy, and perform an allograft prosthetic composite instead of impaction grafting, and wrap the proximal bone around the structural allograft. I prefer this technique as I can maintain the soft tissues over the bone and avoid the stripping that would be required to reinforce the bone with struts or mesh. Another indication for its use in the primary setting is in the patient with fibrous dysplasia

INTRODUCTION. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of complications and re-operations after operative treatment of peri-prosthetic femur fractures sustained within 90 days following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS. 4,433 patients (5,196 consecutive primary THAs) over 10 years at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-five (0.67%) peri-prosthetic fractures that were treated operatively in 32 patients were identified and classified using the Vancouver Classification. There were 9 patients with a type Ag fracture, 2 patients with a type B1 fracture, 17 patients with a type B2 fracture, 1 patient with a type B3 fracture, and 3 patients with a concomitant type Ag and B2 fracture. Eleven (34%) patients were treated with isolated ORIF: greater trochanter (9) or femoral shaft (2). Twenty-one (66%) were treated with femoral revision combined with (14) or without (7) attempted fracture fragment reduction; a diaphseal engaging stem was utilized in all revisions. One patient was lost to follow-up leaving 31 patients for evaluation. RESULTS. Nineteen (61%) patients sustained twenty-two major complications including non-union of the greater trochanter in 10 of the 12 Ag fractures, three Brooker grade 3 heterotopic ossification (10%), non-unions of both B-1 fractures (6%), two deep infections (6%), one stem subsidence that required repeat revision (3%), one greater trochanteric fracture with instability (3%), one non-union of an extended trochanteric osteotomy, one hematoma (3%) and one peroneal nerve palsy (3%). Seven patients (23%) required a second operative procedure for management of a complication and one patient required a third operation. CONCLUSIONS. Operative treatment of acute post-operative periprosthetic fractures is associated with a high rate of major complications (61%) and re-operation (23%). Operative treatment of acute post-operative fractures of the greater trochanter was associated with non-union in 10 of 12 cases (83%)

Generally cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become an extremely successful operation with excellent long-term results. Although it always remained a popular choice for the elderly patients in many countries, recent trends show an increased use of noncemented stems in all age populations in many national registries. So far, there has been no clear age associated recommendation, when a cemented stem should be used. Described major complications including periprosthetic fractures are usually associated with age >75 years, in many registries. Uncemented stems perform better than cemented stems in recent registries; however, unrecognised intra-operative femoral fractures may be an important reason for early failure of uncemented stems. Experimental studies have indicated that intra-operative fractures do affect implant survival, it has been shown that intra-operative and direct post-operative fractures increase the relative risk of revision during the first 6 post-operative months significantly. In addition it has been clearly shown, that uncemented stems were more frequently revised due to periprosthetic fracture during the first 2 post-operative years than cemented stems. Based on the overall femoral bone quality, especially in female patients >70 years, cemented fixation has a lower fracture risk. Based on the implant fixation type: metaphyseal vs. diaphyseal of various uncemented stems, major attention should be drawn to the intra-operative bone quality during the broaching process, especially for metaphyseal fixation stem types. Although cementless distal fixation can be achieved in thick cortices still in many patients, the incidence of associated thigh pain needs to be considered for some implant types. Furthermore small femoral canals might generate certain implant-bone size mismatch in relation to the proximal femur. In any cemented THA, a proper cementing technique is of major importance to assure longevity of implant fixation. This also includes proper implant sizing/templating, ensuring an adequate cement mantle thickness, which might be restricted in a small diameter femur. The desired outcome is a cement interdigitation into cancellous bone for 2–3 mm and an additional mantle of 2 mm pure cement. Consequently proper planning in small diameter patients, prevents sizing problems, while in few cases special/individualised stem sizes might be considered

Background. Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) using the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) is a muscle sparing approach which promotes early mobilisation of patients. It is a technically challenging approach shown to have a high rate of complications, especially during the learning curve. Here we present the results of 157 cases of THA via a DAA on a standard theatre table, with a minimum of 6 months follow-up. Materials & Methods. The authors conducted a prospective study on a group of 149 consecutive patients undergoing 157 cementless primary THAs for coxarthrosis, 8 bilateral. The same surgical technique was used in all patients, performed by the senior author WLW at a single centre. The average age of the patients at time of surgery was 69 years, 78% were female and 57% were right sided. All implants were uncemented, with bearings being ceramic on ceramic or Ceramic on highly cross-linked polyethylene. Patients were assessed clinically and radiographically pre- and post-operatively at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 and 2 years. Intra-operatively, navigation was used to guide cup position and assess offset and leg length. Results & Discussion. At the time of the latest follow-up, 1 patient had died of unrelated cause and 8 (5%) were lost to follow-up Clinically, the mean Harris Hip Score was 91 points with 88% reporting a good or excellent result, with 5% reporting moderate to severe pain. Radiographically all patients assessed had evidence of stable bony ingrowth. There was subsidence of 2–5mm in 9 stems (6%). Osteolysis was reported adjacent to one cup and one stem. There were no dislocations. The complication rate was 4.5%. This included 2 intra-operative femoral fractures, one a minor greater trochanteric fracture not requiring fixation, the other a calcar fracture treated at time of surgery. There were 3 femoral fractures occurring on average 4 weeks after surgery all requiring revision and one stem subsidence of 10mm following a heavy fall, subsequently requiring revision for leg length discrepancy. Other complications included one non-fatal PE, a haematoma that required evacuation. We report 20 (12%) episodes of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy of any severity, most of which had or were resolving at the 6 month follow-up. Kaplan Mieir survival analysis was 97.2% at minimum 6 months. Patients mobilised day of surgery or day 1 post-op, and were discharged on average day 4 post-op. Neither the intra- or post-operative fractures could be attributed to the learning curve. Similarly episodes of stem subsidence and LFCN palsy occurred spread out over the 3 years of the study. This study supports the existing orthopaedic literature reporting the benefits of the DAA for THA with reduced soft tissue damage, reduced blood loss and early mobilisation with a low incidence of dislocation. Other authors however have reported a high incidence of complications attributing them to the early learning curve. This early study of DAA using a standard theatre table has identified that complications of fracture, stem subsidence and LFCN injury can occur at any time and bear no relationship to a learning curve

Periprosthetic fractures present several unique challenges including gaining fixation around implants, poor bone quality and deciding on an appropriate treatment strategy. Early. With the popularity of cementless stems in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) we have seen a concomitant rise in the prevalence of intra-operative and early post-operative fractures of the femur. While initial press-fit fixation is a requirement for osseointegration to occur, there is a fine balance between optimising initial stability and overloading the strength of the proximal femur. Hence, the risk of intra-operative fractures is intimately related to the design of the femoral component utilized (metaphyseal engaging, wedge shaped designs having the highest risk) and the strength of the bone that it is inserted into (elderly females being at highest risk). These fractures typically are associated with a loose femoral component and require revision to a stem that gains primary fixation distally. We have found a high risk of complications and problems when treating these fractures in the early post-operative period with a high risk of infection, heterotopic ossification and the requirement for subsequent surgery. Late. The Vancouver Classification is based on the location of the fracture, the fixation of the implant and the quality of the surrounding host bone. The most common pitfall in treatment is mistaking a B2 fracture (stem loose) for a B1 (stem stable); treatment of a loose implant with ORIF alone will necessarily fail

Introduction. Patellar resurfacing during Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is controversial. Problems unique to patellar resurfacing may be influenced by available patellar component design. These issues include; over-stuffing (the creation of a composite patellar-prosthesis thickness greater than the native patella) that may contribute to reduced range of motion; and over-resection of the native patellar bone that may contribute to post-operative fracture. Prosthesis design may play a role in contributing to these problems. Component diameter and thickness are quite variable from one manufacturer to another and little information has been previously published about optimal component dimensions. This anatomic study was performed to define the native patellar anatomy of patients undergoing TKA, in order to guide future component design. Methods. This retrospective, IRB approved study reviewed 797 Caucasian knees that underwent primary TKA by a single surgeon. Data recorded for each patient included: gender; patellar thickness before and after resurfacing, and the size of the component that provided the greatest patellar coverage without any overhang. The residual patellar bone thickness after resection was also calculated. Results. Mean (SD) native patellar thickness was 25.24 mm (2.11) in males, versus 22.13 mm (1.89) in females (P = <0.001). 84 of 483 females (17 %) had a native patellar thickness less than or equal to 20 mm. Only 3 male patients had a native patellar thickness less than or equal to 20 mm (1%). 374 females (78%) could only accommodate a round patellar button less than or equal to 32 mm. Conclusions. These findings suggest that patellar component design can be improved for Caucasian female patients. Round components between 26 and 32 mm that measure no more than 7 mm thick would be required to avoid systematic over-stuffing or over-resection of the native patellar in female patients. Most contemporary knee systems do not meet these needs

Introduction. Opponents of patellar resurfacing during Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) note unique complications associated with resurfacing. Problems include over-stuffing (the creation of a composite patellar-prosthesis thickness greater than the native patella) that may contribute to reduced range of motion; and creation of a patellar remnant that is too thin (in order to avoid over-stuffing) that may contribute to post-operative fracture. Factors including surgical technique, prosthesis design and patient anatomy may contribute to these problems. This study was performed to define the native patellar anatomy, and to compare the effect of differences in component thickness between manufacturers. Methods. This retrospective, IRB approved study reviewed 803 knees that underwent primary TKA between 2005 and 2011 with a single surgeon. Patellar resurfacing was performed with a round, polyethylene component from one of two different implant designs using the same surgical technique. Data recorded for each patient included: gender; patellar thickness before and after resurfacing; the dimensions and manufacturer of the prosthesis. The residual patellar bone thickness after resection was calculated. Results. Mean (SD) native patellar thickness was 25.24mm (2.11) in males, versus 22.13mm (1.89) in females (P = <0.001). 47/313 (15%) of males had increases in the composite patellar thickness after resurfacing, versus 120/480 (25%) of females (P < 0.001). 123/480 (26%) of females had a residual patella thickness <= 13mm, versus 12/313 (4%) of males (P <0.001). Finally, 79/265 (30%) of patients with a patellar prosthesis from manufacturer B had increases in the composite thickness, versus 88/522 (17%) of patients with manufacturer A (P < 0.001). Conclusions. Both patient gender (due to smaller native patellae in females) and prosthesis design (thicker components from manufacturer B) are risk factors for over-stuffing of the patella or over-resection of the patella. These findings suggest that patellar component design can be improved for female patients

Scapular spine fracture is a serious complication of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) often caused by a fall on an outstretched arm or a forced movement to the shoulder. The incidence of scapular fractures occurring after RTSA is reported between 5.8% and 10.2%. These fractures have been classified into 3 discrete fracture patterns. Avulsion of the anterior acromion (Type I), Acromion fractures (Type II) and Scapular spine fractures (Type III). This discussion will review the incidence of these post-operative peri-prosthetic fractures of the scapula after reverse TSA and describe potential treatment options and prevention methods to avoid this complication

Periprosthetic fractures in total hip arthroplasty lead to considerable morbidity in terms of loss of component fixation, bone loss and subsequent function. The prevention, early recognition and appropriate management of such fractures are therefore critical. The pathogenesis of periprosthetic factors is multi-factorial. There are a number of intrinsic patient influences such as bone stock, biomechanics and compliance. There are also a host of extrinsic factors over which the surgeon has more control. The prevention of periprosthetic fractures requires careful pre-operative planning and templating, the availability of the necessary expertise and equipment, and knowledge of the potential pitfalls so that these can be avoided both intra-operatively and in follow-up. The key issues here are around identifying the risk, choosing the correct implant, understanding the anatomy, understanding the possible risks and avoiding them and using appropriate technique. There are a number of recognized risk factors for periprosthetic hip fractures. The prevalence of intra-operative fractures during total hip arthroplasty is higher in the patient with osteopenia/osteoporosis. Other conditions causing increased bone fragility, such as osteomalacia, Paget's disease, osteopetrosis, and osteogenesis imperfecta are also at a higher risk of intra-operative fracture. The use of more and more press fit cementless components has also increased the number of periprosthetic femoral fractures because of the force required to obtain such a fit. Complex deformities of the proximal femur, particularly when associated with a narrow medullary canal, as seen in secondary degenerative joint disease following developmental dysplasia of the hip may also increase the risk of intra-operative fractures. Revision surgery is associated with a higher risk of intra-operative fracture than primary hip replacement surgery. These fractures typically occur during hip dislocation, cement extraction, or reaming through old cement. Other risk factors for post-operative femoral fractures include loosening of the prosthesis with cortical bone loss, local osteolysis, stress risers within the cortex, such as old screw holes, the ends of plates, or impingement of a loose stem against the lateral femoral cortex. Periprosthetic acetabular fractures are increasingly recognized. This is in part due to the popularity of press fit components, which increase fracture risk both at the time of insertion and later due to medial wall stress shielding and pelvic osteolysis, and partly due to the increasing frequency of severe defects encountered at the time of revision surgery. Both over- and under-reaming are significant risk factors for acetabular fractures during total hip replacement. It is imperative to deal with the osteopenic patient gently and appropriately, being aware of the rim on the acetabular side and having the capacity for screw fixation where needed, having an understanding of where you wish to place your components and creating the appropriate runways for them, thinking about the stability of an implant as it is inserted and understanding that an implant that is less stable than expected probably is associated with either a size mismatch, a fracture or an implant that will not sit properly probably requires more or a different direction of reaming rather than harder blows with a hammer. A typical example where extra care is required is the scenario of a fractured neck of femur that requires total hip arthroplasty. The virgin native acetabulum in a patient likely to have some bony deficiency may be more difficult to deal with as it has a higher fracture risk. Pre-operative templating helps to identify the correct entry point for preparation of the lateral runway for linear insertion of a femoral stem. If resistance is met during insertion, the situation should be re-appraised to ensure that the direction and level of the rasp and prosthesis are the same. This reduces the risk of varus/valgus positioning which increases the risk of intra- and post-operative fractures. It is also important to avoid a change of version during insertion of the prosthesis as this can lead to high stresses

Use of a short femoral stem for total hip replacement is not a new idea. Morrey first reported on the results of the Mayo Conservative Stem (Zimmer) in 1989. A short femoral stem can also be soft tissue conserving by allowing for a curved insertion track avoiding the abductor attachments. These concepts have made use of a short femoral stem attractive for use in less invasive total hip surgical approaches. The goal of a short femoral stem is to be bone conserving and provide preferential stress transfer to the proximal femur. This may make the short stem desirable for most total hips regardless of surgical approach. The proximal femur has considerable variability in shape, canal size, and offset. This makes a single geometry short stem potentially unstable in some anatomic variants without having a longer stem to resist varus bending moments or obtain diaphyseal stability. The Fitmore Stem (Zimmer) has addressed these anatomic variants by having three different shaped stems with different offsets. The presenter has implanted over 1,000 short stems, using them for both standard and less invasive surgical approaches, and in all bone types. There is a learning curve when using these short stems. Initially some stems were undersized and inserted in some varus. Thirty-four percent of the first 100 short stems inserted had measurable subsidence. However, all stabilised with no further subsidence. Rarely, subsidence now occurs with attention to pre-operative planning for size and improved surgical technique. The surgical technique for insertion of this short stem is different from a conventional length total hip stem. The canal is broached along a curved track with a posterior and lateral moment applied to the broach. Use of the largest size broach that doesn't sink with moderate impaction forces is necessary to maximally contact the medial and lateral proximal cortices to lessen stem subsidence. Four of over 1,000 stems have been revised for post-operative peri-prosthetic fracture after falls. Two stems were revised for late infection but were not clinically loose. No stems have been revised for aseptic loosening

Background and aim. Despite good survivorship analysis for most uncemented tapered straight stems, new proposals modifying stem design in total hip replacement (THR) are being introduced in order to facilitate femoral revision surgery. We have evaluated the clinical and radiological results of four different designs of uncemented tapered straight stems implanted in our institution in order to assess: operative complications, clinical results, survivorship analysis for aseptic loosening and radiographic findings. Methods. 1008 hips implanted from 1998 to 2006 were prospectively followed for a mean of 12 years (range, 10 to 17). Four uncemented femoral designs employing a tapered straight stem were included: 209 Alloclassic stems, 420 Cerafit, 220 SL-Plus and 159 Summit. All hips had a 28 or 32 mm femoral head, and polyethylene (PE)-on metal or ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surface. Radiological femoral type, stem position, femoral canal filling at three levels and the possible appearance of loosening and other bone remodelling changes were recorded in all hips. Results. The rate of intra- and post-operative peri-prosthetic fractures ranged from 0 to 2.5%. No thigh pain was reported in unrevised patients. Among all groups, a total of 15 stems were revised for any cause. The revision rates for any cause at 12 years ranged from 97.1 to 99.3%. (p=0.1). 10 femoral components were revised for aseptic loosening: 6 Alloclassic stems with PE liner sterilized by Nitrogen and 3 SL-Plus stems with standard PE. No revision for aseptic loosening was found in the other designs. The survival rate for stem aseptic loosening was 97.1% (95% CI 95.6–100) for the Alloclassic group at 17 years and 98.2% (95% CI 96.2–100) for the SL-Plus at 14 years. The percentage with a neutral stem position was lower in the Alloclassic and SL-Plus groups (p=0.04). We found that femoral canal filling depended on stem group and stem position at three levels A, B and C (p<0.001). Femoral canal filling was greater in the SL-Plus group at three levels than the others (p<0.001). Bone remodelling changes were more frequent in the SL-Plus group, radiolucent lines (p<0.001) and cortical hypertrophy (p<0.001). Conclusion. Uncemented tapered straight stems consistently provide excellent clinical outcome and bone fixation. Newer proposals must consider these results, avoiding changing successful characteristics and concentrate on improving the less successful aspects

The reverse ball and socket shoulder replacement, employing a humeral socket and glenosphere, has revolutionized the treatment of patients with arthritis and rotator cuff insufficiency. The RSP (DjO Surgical, Inc., Austin, Texas) is one such device, characterized by a lateral center of rotation and approved for use in the United States since 2004. Multiple studies by the implant design team have documented excellent outcomes and low revision rates for the RSP, but other published outcomes data are relatively sparse. The objective of this study is to report on the complications and early outcomes in the first consecutive 60 RSPs implanted in 57 patients by a single shoulder replacement surgeon between 2004 and 2010. Forty-four patients were female and mean age at the time of reverse shoulder arthroplasty was 75 years (range 54 to 92 years). The RSP was used as a primary arthroplasty in 42 shoulders and to revise a failed prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty in 18 shoulders. During the study period, 365 shoulder replacements were implanted so that the RSP was used selectively, accounting for only 17% of all shoulder arthroplasties (8.4% for 2004-2007, 24.2% for 2008-2010). Most patients had pseudoparalysis and profound shoulder dysfunction so that mean pre-operative active forward elevation was to 45°, active abduction to 43°, active internal rotation to the buttock, and the mean pre-operative Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score was 1 out of 12. At final follow-up, mean active forward elevation had improved to 101° (p<0.0001), active abduction to 91° (p<0.0001), active internal rotation to the lumbosacral junction (p<0.001), and the mean final SST score was 7 out of 12. There were 16 complications in 14 patients, including 7 reoperations in 6 patients (11%): 3 closed reductions for dislocation, 2 open revisions for instability and for a dissociated liner in the same patient, one evacuation of a hematoma, and one open reduction and internal fixation of a post-operative scapular spine fracture. Two additional scapular spine or acromion fractures and one acromioclavicular joint separation developed postoperatively that impacted outcome adversely but did not require re-operation. None of the glenoid baseplates or humeral stems has been revised and no deep infections have occurred. Experience with reverse shoulder arthroplasty appears to influence the reoperation rate, as 3 of the reoperations occurred following the first 15 reverse shoulder arthroplasties. Overall improvements in active motion and self-assessed shoulder function were comparable to those reported previously. Final active motion results were somewhat lower than those reported previously, which may relate to the selection of predominately pseudoparalytic patients for reverse shoulder arthroplasty in this series. Use of the RSP device for reverse shoulder arthroplasty leads to improved motion and function in carefully selected older patients with pseudoparalysis or a failed shoulder replacement. Re-operations and complications occur but the learning curve may not be as steep as previously reported. This may relate to specific features of the implant system used in this series, as well as to surgeon experience