Aims

The burden of revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) continues to grow. The surgery is complex and associated with significant costs. Regional rTHA networks have been proposed to improve outcomes and to reduce re-revisions, and therefore costs. The aim of this study was to accurately quantify the cost and reimbursement for a rTHA service, and to assess the financial impact of case complexity at a tertiary referral centre within the NHS.

We describe the clinical and radiological results of 120 consecutive revision hip replacements in 107 patients, using the JRI Furlong hydroxyapatite-ceramic-coated femoral component. The mean age of the patients at operation was 71 years (36 to 92) and the mean length of follow-up 8.0 years (5.0 to 12.4). We included patients on whom previous revision hip surgery had taken place. The patients were independently reviewed and scored using the Harris hip score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and the Charnley modification of the Merle d’Aubigné and Postel score. Radiographs were assessed by three reviewers for the formation of new bone, osteolysis, osseointegration and radiolucent lines in each Gruen zone. The mean Harris hip score was 85.8 (42 to 100) at the latest post-operative review. The mean WOMAC and Merle d’Aubigné and Postel scores were 34.5 and 14.8, respectively. The mean visual analogue score for pain (possible range 0 to 10) was 1.2 overall, but 0.5 specifically for mid-thigh pain. There were no revisions of the femoral component for aseptic loosening. There were four re-revisions, three for infection and one for recurrent dislocation. Radiological review of all the femoral components, including the four re-revisions showed stable bony ingrowth and no new radiolucent lines in any zone. Using revision or impending revision for aseptic loosening as an end-point, the cumulative survival of the femoral component at ten years was 100% (95% confidence interval 94 to 100). We present excellent medium- to long-term clinical, radiological and survivorship results with the fully hydroxyapatite-ceramic-coated femoral component in revision hip surgery

Introduction: With an ever-increasing elderly population the rise in primary total hip replacement is inevitable. This translates into a comparative rise in revision hip surgery. We performed an observational study to determine current revision hip surgical practices in one UK region. Methods: We utilized a regional hip register (Trent Arthroplasty Audit Group (TAAG)) to review current revision hip surgical practice in our region. 136 surgeons in 21 different hospitals, covering a population of 6.2 million, contribute to the register. We analysed completed data forms to produce the following results. Results: 875 revision THRs performed between 2000 and 2002 were identified. 54% were female, with a mean age of 70 (range 26–97). 45 different femoral stems requiring revision were identified. Reasons for revision were aseptic loosening of both components (23%), cup alone (24%), stem alone (17%), infection (14%), recurrent dislocation (10%), periprosthetic fracture (5%) and acetabular erosion (3%). Over 25 different femoral stems and over 30 different acetabular components were utilised by surgeons. In 70% of cases the femoral and acetabular components were made by different manufacturers. Bone graft was used in approximately 50% of cases. 90% of centres contributing to TAAG perform revision hip surgery. 24% of all revision THRs were performed by surgeons performing 5 or less per year. Only 40% of revision THRs were performed by ‘revision surgeons’ performing > 20 per year. Conclusions: It is evident the majority of centres, both teaching and DGH, in our region regularly perform revision hip surgery, with up to a quarter performed by non-revision specialists. With increasing numbers of prostheses available, high numbers of component mismatch use, and the inevitable increase in future need for revision hip surgery, is the occasional revision surgeon compromising patient care? Will this have future medico-legal consequences?

Significant proximal femoral bone deficiency in revision hip surgery poses a considerable challenge, especially as revision hip surgery is increasing in prevalence. Many femoral prosthetic devices, which compensate for this bone loss, are available to surgeons but ideally one wants to restore viable proximal bone stock. The Oxford Universal Hip (OUH) has been designed and modified with these challenges in mind. This is atrimodular, non-locking device that allows for some rotation and subsidence in the cement. Load transfer occurs at the proximal wedge, thus avoiding proximal stress shielding. The OUH has been used extensively in both primary and revision hip surgery and is particularly useful when used in conjunction with proximal impaction bone grafting. The main aim of this study was to determine the clinical outcome of the patients. The viability and survivorship of the impacted bone graft was assessed in order to give some indication of adequate perfusion of the incorporated bone grafting. Between 1999 and 2002 the OUH, in combination with proximal impaction bone grafting, was implanted in 72 hip revisions in 69 patients. All patients were clinically evaluated using the Oxford Hip score. Histological samples of impacted bone grafting were analysed by a pathologist 2 years after implantation to assess viability and perfusion of the impacted bone graft. The Oxford Hip Score improved from a pre-operative to a post-operative score of 45 (26–58) to 24.3 (12–43) respectively (p< 0.001). The mean follow up time was 32.7 months and in that time there were no re-revisions for aseptic loosening. Histology demonstrated viable bone stock in the proximal femur where bone grafting had been impacted 2 years previously. The OUH is a versatile hip prosthesis for use in revision hip arthroplasty and is especially well suited to proximal impaction bone grafting where it is possible to restore viable bone stock

When removing femoral cement in revision hip surgery, creating an anterior femoral cortical window is an attractive alternative to extended trochanteric osteotomy. We describe our experience and evolution of this technique, the clinical and radiological results, and functional outcomes. Between 2006 and 2021 we used this technique in 22 consecutive cases at Whanganui Hospital, New Zealand. The average age at surgery was 74 years (Range 44 to 89 years). 16 cases were for aseptic loosening: six cases for infection. The technique has evolved to be more precise and since 2019 the combination of CT imaging and 3-D printing technology has allowed patient-specific (PSI) jigs to be created (6 cases). This technique now facilitates cement removal by potentiating exposure through an optimally sized anterior femoral window. Bone incorporation of the cortical window and functional outcomes were assessed in 22 cases, using computer tomography and Oxford scores respectively at six months post revision surgery. Of the septic cases, five went onto successful stage two procedures, the other to a Girdlestone procedure. On average, 80% bony incorporation of the cortical window occurred (range 40 −100%). The average Oxford hip score was 37 (range 22 – 48). Functional outcome (Oxford Hip) scores were available in 11 cases (9 pre-PSI jig and 2 using PSI jig). There were two cases with femoral component subsidence (1 using the PSI jig). This case series has shown the effectiveness of removing a distal femoral cement mantle using an anterior femoral cortical window, now optimized by using a patient specific jig with subsequent reliable bony integration, and functional outcomes comparable with the mean score for revision hip procedures reported in the New Zealand Joint Registry

Introduction: Revision hip surgery is likely to become more frequent with the continued use of cemented primary hip prostheses. Primitive stem cells from bone marrow become osteocytes in the presence of hydroxyapatite ceramic (HAC). Consequently there is osseointegration of an HAC surface in bleeding cancellous bone/marrow. However, damaged bone in the revision situation does not provide the necessary stem cells for osseointegration. Revision surgery using standard length (150mm) HA coated stems is not always satisfactory. Using a 200 mm stem will extend the operating field into fresh, undamaged cancellous bone and marrow. Method: Since 1988 more than 2600 HAC hips have been implanted for primary and revision hip cases. This includes 148 revisions. The continued use of primary HAC hips has reduced the necessity for revision hip surgery. There is a dwindling population of cemented, loosening hips requiring revision. Patients are assessed radiologically and using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) pre. and post-operatively on an annual basis. Results: Since 1991 the longer 200mm stems have been used in 73 cases. The results have been rewarding. The system works with improved HHS. Defects from debris disease fill in and stems are seen to bond to the host bone particularly at the tip. There have been no prosthetic fractures. Only one case has needed re-revision when a stem remained un-bonded in the presence of a transverse femoral fracture. Two other stems are probably not bonded. This represents 4% failure. Discussion: HA bonding is a successful system of fixation in primary hip arthroplasty. Using a 200mm stem in revision cases allows virgin bone marrow to provide the necessary stem cells for fixation. These longer HA coated stems should be used in revision surgery

Postoperative dislocations are known to be a big problem in revision surgery. In literature dislocation rates vary from 4.8% to 33% after previous surgery. In revision surgery, impingement of the implant components, the capsular and soft tissue release, muscular weakness and greater trochanter problems can give additional instability. The reason for revision is important, where instability, infection and tumour cases will lead to a higher percentage of dislocations. The use of big metal heads on polyethylene should be avoided because of the higher volumetric wear. With the new developments of metal-on-metal hip resurfacing and the production of big modular metal heads, the metal-on-metal bearing should guarantee a low-wear result without osteolysis. Between November 2000 and December 2003 45 patients requiring a revision were treated with a Birmingham Hip Resurfacing cup (MMT, UK) and a big metal-on-metal modular head. All surgery was done with a posterolateral approach. Cup sizes range from 44 to 66 mm, head sizes range from 38 to 58 mm. The head sizes most often used were 58 mm, 54 mm and 50 mm. All patients were prospective followed using the Orthowave software (CRDA France). In this series of 45 revisions (mean age 56.17) with large modular heads we encountered 2 dislocations, which give us a dislocation rate of 4.4%. One of these dislocations became recurrent and was revised to a full-constrained acetabular component. Our own dislocation rate in revision hip surgery is 13% (21/159) in the anterolateral approach. Dislocations using the posterolateral approach increased this percentage to 14.8% (21/141). Taking in account that 31% of the causes of revision were infection and recurrent dislocation, this trial demonstrates that large diameter ball heads give beside a better range of movement also a statistically proven reduction in the dislocation rate in revision hip surgery

Fracture of contemporary femoral stems is a rare occurrence. Earlier THR stems failed due to design issues or post manufacturing heat treatments that weakened the core metal. Our group identified and analyzed 4 contemporary fractured femoral stems after revision surgery in which electrochemical welds contributed to the failure.

All four stems were proximally porous coated titanium alloy components. All failures occurred in the neck region post revision surgery in an acetabular cup exchange. All were men and obese. The fractures occurred at an average of 3.6 years post THR redo (range, 1.0–6.5 years) and 8.3 years post index surgery (range, 5.5–12.0 years). To demonstrate the effect of electrocautery on retained femoral stems following revision surgery, we applied intermittent electrosurgical currents at three intensities (30, 60, 90 watts) to the polished neck surface of a titanium alloy stem under dry conditions.

At all power settings, visible discoloration and damage to the polished neck surface was observed. The localized patterns and altered metal surface features exhibited were like the electrosurgically-induced damage priorly reported.

The neck regions of all components studied displayed extensive mechanical and/or electrocautery damage in the area of fracture initiation. The use of mechanical instruments and electrocautery was documented to remove tissues in all 4 cases.

The combination of mechanical and electrocautery damage to the femoral neck and stem served as an initiation point and stress riser for subsequent fractures. The electrocautery and mechanical damage across the fracture site observed occurred iatrogenically during revision surgery. The notch effect, particularly in titanium alloys, due to mechanical and/or electrocautery damage, further reduced the fatigue strength at the fractured femoral necks. While electrocautery and mechanical dissection is often required during revision THA, these failures highlight the need for caution during this step of the procedure in cases where the femoral stem is retained.

Background: Perioperative red cell salvage may be of use in cases where significant blood loss is likely. The purpose of this investigation was to see if its use in revision hip surgery led to a reduction in homologous blood transfusion requirement. Methods: 48 patients were identified who had undergone revision hip surgery with the use of a Cell Saver device for perioperative autologous transfusion. Patients were individually matched to control patients who had undergone revision hip surgery without the Cell Saver. Patients were matched for age, sex and eight operative variables, which were chosen to indicate the type of revision surgery and possible level of blood loss, to ensure that the groups were comparable. Total homologous transfusion requirement in both groups was recorded as well as pre and post-operative haemoglobin levels. Results: The groups were well matched for age, sex and operative variables. The total homologous transfusion requirement was significantly lower in the Cell Saver group than the control group (mean 2.6 v 6.4 units of packed cells respectively, p 0.0006). There was no difference in pre-operative haemoglobin between the groups but it was lower in the Cell Saver group post-operatively (Cell Saver 10.1g/dl v Control 10.6g/dl, p 0.06). There was no difference in length of operation. Conclusions: Use of perioperative red cell salvage was associated with significantly lower homologous transfusion requirement. This is the first study looking at the use of perioperative red cell salvage in revision hip surgery with matching of patients on the basis of operative variables. A cost analysis shows that use of the Cell Saver has significant financial advantage in these patients

Background: Perioperative red cell salvage may be of use in cases where significant blood loss is likely. The purpose of this investigation was to see if its use in revision hip surgery led to a reduction in homologous blood transfusion requirement. Methods: 48 patients were identified who had undergone revision hip surgery with the use of a Cell Saver device for perioperative autologous transfusion. Patients were individually matched to control patients who had undergone revision hip surgery without the Cell Saver. Patients were matched for age, sex and eight operative variables ,which were chosen to indicate the type of revision surgery and possible level of blood loss, to ensure that the groups were comparable. Total homologous transfusion requirement in both groups was recorded as well as pre and post-operative haemoglobin levels. Results: The groups were well matched for age, sex and operative variables. The total homologous transfusion requirement was significantly lower in the Cell Saver group than the control group (mean 2.6 v 6.4 units of packed cells respectively, p 0.0006). There was no difference in pre-operative haemoglobin between the groups but it was lower in the Cell Saver group post-operatively (Cell Saver 10.1g/dl v Control 10.6g/dl, p 0.06). There was no difference in length of operation. Conclusions: Use of perioperative red cell salvage was associated with significantly lower homologous transfusion requirement. This is the first study looking at the use of perioperative red cell salvage in revision hip surgery with matching of patients on the basis of operative variables. A cost analysis shows that use of the Cell Saver has significant financial advantage in these patients

Allogenic blood is a finite resource, with associated risks. Previous studies have shown intra-operative cell salvage (ICS) can reduce allogenic transfusion rates in orthopaedic surgery. However, recent concerns regarding the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of ICS mean we must continually re-assess its usefulness in current practice. This study was carried out to review the use of ICS, to establish if its use has led to a reduction in patient exposure to post-op allogenic transfusion. All orthopaedic patients who underwent ICS and re-infusion between 2008–2010 in the Southern General Hospital (SGH) were audited. The Haemoglobin (Hb) drop, volume of blood re-infused and post-op allogenic transfusion rates were recorded. The revision hip group was compared to a similar SGH cohort, who underwent surgery by the same surgeons between 2006–2008, and a pre-2005 control group. The Cell Saver (Haemonetics) machine was used. The proportion of patients who received a post-op allogenic transfusion fell by 55% in the 2008–2010 ICS cohort compared with the control, and by 40% compared with the previous ICS study group. In both instances, this was accompanied by a statistically significant (p<0.001) reduction in mean number of units transfused per patient. ICS has been shown to be effective in reducing rates and volume of post-op allogenic transfusion in patients undergoing revision hip surgery at the SGH. ICS has been used with increasing efficiency over time

Introduction: In a climate of tightening budgets and rising cost the pressure on those performing complex and expensive surgery is ever increasing. Patients requiring revision hip surgery are a particular burden on such limited resources. Hospital trusts are dependent upon adequate remuneration for such complex procedures, a process reliant on accurate coding. Methods: We performed a retrospective audit of our coding for revision hip surgery. This highlighted significant shortfalls in the coding process. We implemented necessary changes prior to a further prospective audit. Results: The primary procedure was correctly coded in all our cases throughout, creating a standard tariff (mean £6,897). However certain procedures enable an additional tariff uplift of up to 70%. Yet these additional procedures (performed in 81% of our procedures) had not been coded; loosing these additional tariff uplifts of 70%. We involved and educated our coding staff, creating a ‘tick box’ sticker to be placed on every revision hip operation-record and completed by the operating surgeon. Our subsequent tariff uplifts for these procedures have been significant. Discussion: Joint replacement surgery is being performed in an ever younger and more active population. Patients are increasingly likely to outlive their prosthesis and peri-prosthetic fracture rates are set to continue rising. In the modern NHS, surgeons must have a good understanding of complex tariffs. Coding staff are a notoriously poorly paid and undervalued component of any Hospital Trust, and invariably lack the surgical experience to interpret complex procedures. Trusts must take measures to ensure such large tariff uplifts are not missed for complex procedures. We explain the tariff process and discuss how improvements can easily be achieved by individual trusts

Introduction: Recurrent dislocation is a significant problem after total hip replacement. Aetiology is multifactorial and treatment should address the reason for dislocation. The use of a constrained tripolar liner is an option in the surgical treatment of dislocation. Methods: A retrospective review was carried out of patients who have undergone revision hip surgery and had a constrained liner cemented into the acetabulum. Patients were identified from a computer database. All patients had a constrained liner cemented onto a satisfactory pre-existing cement mantle, cemented into a reconstruction ring, or cemented into a well fixed cementless shell. The Osteonics Tripolar Liner was used in all cases and the outer aspect of the tripolar liner was prepared with a burr to create grooves and thus improve cement interlock. Data collected included demographics, reason for revision, components used, re-revision rate, outcome and survival. Results: There were 58 cases identified where a cemented constrained liner was inserted at revision hip surgery. Average age at time of surgery was 77years (range 40–94). Reason for use of a constrained liner was recurrent dislocation in over 95% of cases. There were 9 patients who died with less than 2 years follow-up; they were excluded, leaving a study group of 49 cases. Average duration of follow-up was 46months (range 24–76). There have been 4 infections, one of which required removal of prostheses and 2 stage revision. There was one case of fall post-operatively and fracture of the contra-lateral femoral neck. There have been 3 implant failures requiring re-revision. All failures were due to disarticulation of the liner, 2 of which occurred in the same patient on separate occasions. There have been no revisions for loosening, and there have been no cases of failure at the bone-cement interface or at the cement-cement interface with the cement-in-cement technique. Overall survival of the cemented constrained liner was 91.8% at average 3.8years. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a cemented constrained tripolar liner is a viable option in revision hip surgery, particularly in the treatment of recurrent dislocation

Introduction: Recurrent dislocation can be a significant problem after total hip replacement. The use of a constrained tripolar liner is an option in the surgical treatment of dislocation or instability. Methods: A retrospective review was carried out of patients identified from a prospective database. All patients had a constrained liner cemented onto a satisfactory pre-existing cement mantle, cemented into a reconstruction ring, or cemented into a well fixed cementless shell. The Osteonics Tripolar Liner was used in all cases; the outer aspect of the liner was prepared with a burr to create grooves and thus improve cement interlock. Data collected included demographics, reason for revision, re-revision rate, outcome and survival. Results: There were 58 cases identified where a cemented constrained liner was inserted at revision hip surgery. Average age at time of surgery was 77years (range 40–94). There were 9 patients who died with less than 2 years follow-up; they were excluded, leaving a study group of 49 cases. No cases were lost to follow-up. Average duration of follow-up was 46months (range 24–76). There have been 4 infections, one of which required removal of prostheses and a 2-stage revision. There was one case of fall post-operatively and fracture of the contra-lateral femoral neck. There have been 4 implant failures requiring re-revision. All failures were due to disarticulation of the liner, 2 of which occurred in the same patient on separate occasions. There have been no revisions for loosening, and there have been no cases of failure at the bone-cement interface or at the cement-cement interface with the cement-in-cement technique. Overall survival of the cemented constrained liner was 90% at average 3.8years. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that cementing a constrained liner into the acetabulum is a viable option in revision hip surgery, particularly in the management of instability

Introduction. Revision hip arthroplasty with massive proximal femoral bone loss remains challenging. Whilst several surgical techniques have been described, few have reported long term supporting data. A proximal femoral allograft (PFA) may be used to reconstitute bone stock in the multiply revised femur with segmental bone loss of greater than 8 cm. This study reports the outcome of largest case series of PFA used in revision hip arthroplasty. Methods. Data was prospectively collected from a consecutive series of 69 revision hip cases incorporating PFA and retrospective analyzed. Allografts of greater than 8 cm in length (average 14cm) implanted to replace deficient bone stock during revision hip surgery between 1984 and 2000 were included. The average age at surgery was 56 years (range 32–84) with a minimum follow up of 10 years and a mean of 15.8 years (range). Results. From the original cohort four patients had died with the original PFA, 21 (30.4%) patients required further surgery with 14 (20.3%) of these needing revisions of the femoral component. The mean time to femoral revision was 9.5 years and Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis demonstrates a 79.9% PFA survivorship at 20 years. Discussion. Proximal femoral allograft affords long lasting reconstruction of the femoral component in revision hip surgery. We advocate PFA as an attractive option in the reconstruction of the hip in the presence of significant segmental bone loss in younger patients

Background. Revision total hip arthroplasty is a technically demanding procedure and especially removing a well fixed femoral stem is a challenge for revision surgeons. There are various types of trochanteric osteotomies used during revision surgery; extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) is being more popular. Aim. The aim of this study is to look at types of trochanteric osteotomy used during the revision surgery. We looked at the success and failure of these osteotomies. Failure of the osteotomy is defined by complete pull off by the hip abductors resulting in osteotomy fragment is no contact with the femur. We sought to assess the time to healing of osteotomy and number of cables used. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the hospital theatre database and identified 97 patients who underwent revision hip surgery from June 2008 to December 2015. Among these 35 patients (36% of patients) had trochanteric osteotomy for either extraction of femoral stem or removal of cemented mantle. Results. Most common cause of revision was aseptic loosening in 22 cases (62%) followed by peri prosthetic fracture 6 cases (17%), 1. st. stage of revision surgery in infective cause in 4 cases (11%). Depending on the length of the osteotomy performed we divided the patients into two groups. The first group had osteotomy just around the greater trochanter, which is called short trochanteric osteotomy group and the second group had extended trochanteric osteotomy where the osteotomy length is at least of 15cms and preserving the vastus lateralis attachment to the osteotomy. 7 patients had short trochanteric osteotomy and remaining 28 patients had extended trochanteric osteotomy. In the short trochanteric osteotomy group had 4 out of 6 patients had failure of the osteotomy repair. In extended trochanteric osteotomy group, there was one immediate failure and another one had delayed trochanteric pull off out of 28 patients (93% success rate). The time taken for the osteotomy to heal in short trochanteric osteotomy group was 8 months where as in the extended osteotomy group it was 5 months. The mean number of cables used was 3 in both groups. There was no subsidence seen during the post op follow up in either group. Conclusion. Our study concluded that ETO is a safe procedure with a low complication rate rather than short trochanteric osteotomy. Implications. Awareness about the biomechanics of ETO and its indications can make ETO an important tool in the revision surgeon's armamentarium

We describe the clinical and radiological results of 120 consecutive revision hip replacements in 107 patients, using a titanium alloy femoral component fully coated with Hydroxyapatite ceramic (HAC). The mean age at operation was 71 years (range 36 to 92). The average length of follow up was 8.0 years (range 5.0 to 12.4). All patients receiving a JRI Furlong HAC coated femoral component (JRI Instrumentation Ltd, London, UK) with a minimum follow up of 5 years were included. These included patients on whom previous revision hip joint surgery had taken place. Patients were independently reviewed and scored using the Harris Hip Score (HHS), the Charnley modification of the Merle d’Aubigne and Postel Score (MDP), and The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC). Radiographs were assessed by three reviewers (blinded to clinical details) for new bone formation, osteolysis, osteointegration and radiolucent lines in each Gruen Zone. The mean Harris hip score was 85.8 (range 42 to 100) at the latest post-operative review. The mean WOMAC and MDP scores were 34.5 and 14.8 respectively. The mean pain visual analogue score (range 0 to 10) was 1.2 overall and 0.5 specifically for mid-thigh pain. There were no revisions of any femoral component for aseptic loosening. There were four stem re-revisions (3 cases of infection, 1 recurrent dislocation). Radiological review of all femoral components, including the four mentioned, revealed stable bone ingrowth with no new radiolucent lines in any zone. Using revision or impending revision for aseptic loosening as the end point, at 10 years the cumulative survival for the stem was 100% (95% CI 94 to 100). We present excellent medium to long term clinical, radiological and survivorship results with the use of a fully HAC coated titanium stem in revision hip surgery

Tantalum is a pure metallic element and is attractive for use in orthopaedic implants because it is one of the most biocompatible metals available for implant fabrication. The potential advantages for the use of porous tantalum in total hip arthroplasty include:. excellent bone and tissue ingrowth observed histologically;. direct polyethylene intrusion into the metal substrate. This allows the elimination of any potential backside wear in the monoblock cup;. The two-piece design consist of a tantalum shell with screw holes for fixation into the dome of the ilium and posterior column. A polyethylene liner is cemented into the tantalum shell to eliminates backside motion. In addition, acetabular augments of porous tantalum have been developed for use in restoration of major bone deficiencies. Prospective study on a case serie of 113 THA’s performed by two surgeons in a single institution. From 2000 to December 2003, 113 hips have undergone arthroplasty using porous tantalum implants consisting of 54 primary hip arthroplasties and 59 revision THA’s. The patients where evaluated clinical and radiographically every 3 month during the first year, and after yearly. Mean patient age was 64,2 years, (range 44–87); with 59% males and 41% females. No patients died or lost to follow-up. No further surgeries of the involved hip. No radiographic signs of loosening of the acetabular component according to the criteria of Hodgkinson et al. No problems specifically from the use of acetabular augments or extra screws has been noted. Of the revision series, a total of 16 cases have received acetabular augments. Complications included 1 superficial infection, 2 dislocations. No vasculonervous complication; and in 2 cases technical difficulties to achieve good fixation due to ethiology of the THA (desarthrodesis). The average Harris hip score improved from 48 to 89 following primary surgery. Tantalum acetabular components for primary and revision hip surgery have performed well for up to 3 years, and have excellent stability. The two-piece acetabular shell and augments permits the reconstruction of every acetabular bone defect

Tantalum is a pure metallic element and is attractive for use in orthopaedic implants because it is one of the most biocompatible metals available for implant fabrication. The potential advantages for the use of porous tantalum in total hip arthroplasty include:. excellent bone and tissue in growth observed histologically;. direct polyethylene intrusion into the metal substrate. This allows the elimination of any potential backside wear in the monoblock cup;. The two-piece design consist of a tantalum shell with screw holes for fixation into the dome of the ilium and posterior column. A polyethylene liner is cemented into the tantalum shell to eliminates backside motion. In addition, acetabular augments of porous tantalum have been developed for use in restoration of major bone deficiencies. Prospective study on a case serie of 113 THA’s performed by two surgeons in a single institution. From 2000 to December 2003, 113 hips have undergone arthroplasty using porous tantalum implants consisting of 54 primary hip arthroplasties and 59 revision THA’s. The patients where evaluated clinical and radiographically every 3 month during the first year, and after yearly. Mean patient age was 64,2 years, (range 44–87); with 59% males and 41% females. No patients died or lost to follow-up. No further surgeries of the involved hip. No radiographic signs of loosening of the acetabular component according to the criteria of Hodgkinson et al. No problems specifically from the use of acetabular augments or extra screws has been noted. Of the revision series, a total of 16 cases have received acetabular augments. Complications included 1 superficial infection, 2 dislocations. No vasculo-nervous complication; and in 2 cases technical difficulties to achieve good fixation due to ethiology of the THA (desarthrodesis). The average Harris hip score improved from 48 to 89 following primary surgery. Tantalum acetabular components for primary and revision hip surgery have performed well for up to 3 years, and have excellent stability. The two-piece acetabular shell and augments permits the reconstruction of every acetabular bone defect

Introduction: Severe stress shielding and radiographic cortical changes in the proximal femur are frequent after extensively porous-coated stem in revision surgery. We have analyzed the evolution of the femoral cortex at different levels and related factors. Material and Methods: We assessed 95 extensively porous-coated stems in revision surgery with a minimum 5-year follow-up (Mean 10.2 years). 77 hips were revised due to aseptic loosening and 18 due to periprosthetic fractures. Extended osteotomy was used in 29 hips. No cortical struts were used. Preoperative and postoperative osteoporosis was graded according to Moreland and bone defect according to Paprosky. Femoral cortex width was measured at different levels in the immediate postoperative radiograph, at 3, 6 and 12 months and at the last follow-up. Results: There were 2 re-revisions for aseptic loosening. Radiographic ingrowth fixation was more frequent in minor intraoperative bone defects (p=0.011). Preoperative osteoporosis was related to the width of the medial and lateral cortex. Medial cortical thickness increased at different levels with a mean increase of 13.4% (p< 0.001) and the lateral cortical thickness showed a mean decrease of 2.7% at the proximal level. The femoral medial cortex tended to show a higher slope trend in periprosthetic fractures (p=0.015). The outside femoral diameter increased more rapidaly with an extended trochanteric osteotomy (p=0.007). The slope trend of the lateral and medial cortex was significantly higher at proximal levels in hips with a 10-inch stem (p=0.015). Conclusions: Although without clinical relevance at the end of follow-up, femoral medial cortical thickness increased while frequently lateral cortical thickness decreased over time after an extensively porous -coated stem in revision hip surgery