Aims. Custom-made partial pelvis replacements (PPRs) are increasingly used in the reconstruction of large acetabular defects and have mainly been designed using a triflange approach, requiring extensive soft-tissue dissection. The monoflange design, where primary intramedullary fixation within the ilium combined with a monoflange for rotational stability, was anticipated to overcome this obstacle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the design with regard to functional outcome, complications, and acetabular reconstruction. Methods. Between 2014 and 2023, 79 patients with a mean follow-up of 33 months (SD 22; 9 to 103) were included. Functional outcome was measured using the Harris Hip Score and EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D). PPR revisions were defined as an endpoint, and subgroups were analyzed to determine risk factors. Results. Implantation was possible in all cases with a 2D centre of rotation deviation of 10 mm (SD 5.8; 1 to 29). PPR revision was necessary in eight (10%) patients. HHS increased significantly from 33 to 72 postoperatively, with a mean increase of 39 points (p < 0.001). Postoperative EQ-5D score was 0.7 (SD 0.3; -0.3 to 1). Risk factor analysis showed significant revision rates for septic indications (p ≤ 0.001) as well as femoral defect size (p = 0.001). Conclusion. Since large acetabular defects are being treated surgically more often, custom-made PPR should be integrated as an option in treatment algorithms. Monoflange PPR, with primary iliac fixation, offers a viable treatment option for Paprosky III defects with promising functional results, while requiring less soft-tissue exposure and allowing immediate full weightbearing. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(8):688–696

Aims. The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) arthroplasty has been used as a surgical treatment of coxarthrosis since 1997. We present 20-year results of 234 consecutive BHRs performed in our unit. Methods. Between 1999 and 2001, there were 217 patients: 142 males (65.4%), mean age 52 years (18 to 68) who had 234 implants (17 bilateral). They had patient-reported outcome measures collected, imaging (radiograph and ultrasound), and serum metal ion assessment. Survivorship analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Revision for any cause was considered as an endpoint for the analysis. Results. Mean follow-up was 20.9 years (19.3 to 22.4). Registry data revealed that 19 hips (8.1%) had been revised and 26 patients (12%) had died from causes unrelated to the BHR. Among the remaining 189 hips, 61% were available for clinical follow-up at 20 years (n = 115) and 70% of patients had biochemical follow-up (n = 132). The cumulative implant survival rate at 20 years for male patients was 96.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 93.5 to 99.6), and for female patients 87% (95% CI 79.7 to 94.9). The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.029). The mean Oxford Hip Score, Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Forgotten Joint Score were 45 (29 to 48), 89 (43 to 100), and 84 (19 to 100), respectively. The mean scores for each of the five domains of the EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire were 1.2, 1.0, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.1, and mean overall score 82.6 (50 to 100). Ultrasound showed no pseudotumour. Mean cobalt and chromium levels were 32.1 nmol/l (1 to 374) and 45.5 nmol/l (9 to 408), respectively. Conclusion. This study shows that BHRs provide excellent survivorship and functional outcomes in young male patients. At 20 years, soft-tissue imaging and serum metal ion studies suggest that a metal-on-metal resurfacing implant can be well tolerated in a group of young patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(9):946–952

We investigated the incidence of soft-tissue lesions after small head metal-on-metal total hip replacement (MoM THR). Between December 1993 and May 1999, 149 patients (195 hips) underwent primary cementless MoM THR. During the follow-up period, three patients (five THRs) died and eight patients (14 THRs) were lost to follow-up. We requested that all patients undergo CT evaluation. After exclusion of five patients (six THRs) who had undergone a revision procedure, and 22 (28 THRs) who were unwilling to take part in this study, 111 patients (142 THRs) were evaluated. There were 63 men (88 THRs) and 48 women (54 THRs) with a mean age of 45.7 years (37 to 56) at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up was 15.4 years (13 to 19). A soft-tissue lesion was defined as an abnormal peri-prosthetic collection of fluid, solid lesion or asymmetrical soft-tissue mass. At final follow-up, soft-tissue lesions were found in relation to 28 THRs (19.7%), including 25 solid and three cystic lesions. They were found in 20 men and eight women; 26 lesions were asymptomatic and two were symptomatic. The mean maximal diameter of the soft-tissue lesion was 42.3 mm (17 to 135). The relatively high rate of soft-tissue lesions observed with small head MoM THR remains a concern. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1594–9

The direct anterior approach in total hip replacement anatomically offers the chance to minimise soft-tissue trauma because an intermuscular and internervous plane is explored. This motivated us to abandon our previously used transgluteal approach and to adopt the direct anterior approach for total hip replacement. Using MRI, we performed a retrospective comparative study of the direct anterior approach with the transgluteal approach. There were 25 patients in each group. At one year post-operatively all the patients underwent MRI of their replaced hips. A radiologist graded the changes in the soft-tissue signals in the abductor muscles. The groups were similar in terms of age, gender, body mass index, complexity of the reconstruction and absence of symptoms. Detachment of the abductor insertion, partial tears and tendonitis of gluteus medius and minimus, the presence of peri-trochanteric bursal fluid and fatty atrophy of gluteus medius and minimus were significantly less pronounced and less frequent when the direct anterior approach was used. There was no significant difference in the findings regarding tensor fascia lata between the two approaches. We conclude that use of the direct anterior approach results in a better soft-tissue response as assessed by MRI after total hip replacement. However, the impact on outcome needs to be evaluated further

Aims

Current diagnostic tools are not always able to effectively identify periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). Recent studies suggest that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) undergo changes under pathological conditions such as infection. The aim of this study was to analyze miRNA expression in hip arthroplasty PJI patients.

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify the optimal lip position for total hip arthroplasties (THAs) using a lipped liner. There is a lack of consensus on the optimal position, with substantial variability in surgeon practice.

Background

Instability is one of the most common complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA), particularly when using the posterior approach. Repair of the posterior capsule has proven to significantly decrease the incidence of posterior hip dislocation. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate if braided polyblend suture provides a stronger repair of the posterior soft tissues when compared to a non-absorbable suture repair after a posterior approach to the hip.

The rate and mode of early failure in 463 Birmingham hip resurfacings in a two-centre, multisurgeon series were examined. Of the 463 patients two have died and three were lost to follow-up. The mean radiological and clinical follow-up was for 43 months (6 to 90).

We have revised 13 resurfacings (2.8%) including seven for pain, three for fracture, two for dislocation and another for sepsis. Of these, nine had macroscopic and histological evidence of metallosis. The survival at five years was 95.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 94.1 to 96.8) for revision for all causes and 96.9% (95% CI 95.5 to 98.3) for metallosis.

The rate of metallosis related revision was 3.1% at five years. Risk factors for metallosis were female gender, a small femoral component, a high abduction angle and obesity. We do not advocate the use of the Birmingham Hip resurfacing procedure in patients with these risk factors.

We investigated the changes seen on serial metal artefact reduction magnetic resonance imaging scans (MARS-MRI) of metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasties (MoM THAs). In total 155 THAs, in 35 male and 100 female patients (mean age 70.4 years, 42 to 91), underwent at least two MRI scans at a mean interval of 14.6 months (2.6 to 57.1), at a mean of 48.2 months (3.5 to 93.3) after primary hip surgery. Scans were graded using a modification of the Oxford classification. Progression of disease was defined as an increase in grade or a minimum 10% increase in fluid lesion volume at second scan. A total of 16 hips (30%) initially classified as ‘normal’ developed an abnormality on the second scan. Of those with ‘isolated trochanteric fluid’ 9 (47%) underwent disease progression, as did 7 (58%) of ‘effusions’. A total of 54 (77%) of hips initially classified as showing adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD) progressed, with higher rates of progression in higher grades. Disease progression was associated with high blood cobalt levels or an irregular pseudocapsule lining at the initial scan. There was no association with changes in functional scores. Adverse reactions to metal debris in MoM THAs may not be as benign as previous reports have suggested. Close radiological follow-up is recommended, particularly in high-risk groups.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1328–37.

Introduction

The prevalence of adverse reactions to metal debris around metal-on-metal (MOM) hip replacements has been reported to range from 7 to 69%. Little has been published on MRI scans with conventional total hip bearing surfaces. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of soft tissue lesions associated with metal-on-polyethylene (MOP) and ceramic-on-ceramic (COC) bearings, compared to MOM prostheses.

Introduction

The prevalence of adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD) associated with metal on metal (MoM) hip arthroplasty has been reported to be as high as 69%. Such findings promoted the development of metal-artefact reducing sequence (MARS)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) classifications, with the aim of stratifying soft lesions by severity of disease. The Modified Oxford Classification is a straightforward system that has been shown to correlate with disease progression.

Aims. Adult patients with history of childhood infection pose a surgical challenge for total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to distorted bony anatomy, soft-tissue contractures, risk of reinfection, and relatively younger age. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine clinical outcome, reinfection rate, and complications in patients with septic sequelae after THA. Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 91 cementless THAs (57 male and 34 female) performed between 2008 and 2017 in patients who had history of hip infection during childhood. Clinical outcome was measured using Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Modified Merle d’Aubigne and Postel (MAP) score, and quality of life (QOL) using 12-Item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-12) components: Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS); limb length discrepancy (LLD) and radiological assessment of the prosthesis was performed at the latest follow-up. Reinfection and revision surgery after THA for any reason was documented. Results. There was significant improvement in HHS, Modified Merle d’Aubigne Postel hip score, and QOL index SF 12-PCS and MCS (p < 0.001) and there was no case of reinfection reported during the follow-up. The minimum follow-up for the study was three years with a mean of 6.5 (SD 2.3; 3 to 12). LLD decreased from a mean of 3.3 cm (SD 1) to 0.9 cm (SD 0.8) during follow-up. One patient required revision surgery for femoral component loosening. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis estimated revision-free survivorship of 100% at the end of five years and 96.9% (95% confidence interval 79.8 to 99.6) at the end of ten years. Conclusion. We found that cementless THA results in good to excellent functional outcomes in patients with a prior history of childhood infection. There is an exceedingly low rate of risk of reinfection in these patients, even though complications are not uncommon. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(4):314–320

The direct anterior approach (DAA) is a popular minimally invasive approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA). It usually involves ligation of the lateral femoral circumflex artery's ascending branch (a-LFCA), which contributes to the perfusion of the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) muscle. Periarticular muscle status and clinical outcome were assessed after DAA-THA after a-LFCA preservation versus ligation. We evaluated surgical records of 161 patients undergoing DAA-THA with tentative preservation of the a-LFCA by the senior author between May and November 2021. Among 92 eligible patients, 33 (35 hips) featured successful preservation, of which 20 (22 hips, 13 female) participated in the study. From 59 patients with ligated a-LFCA, 26 (27 hips, 15 female) were enrolled, constituting the control group. MRI and clinical examinations were performed at 17–26 months to analyze volume and fatty infiltration of the TFL, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles relative to the contralateral non-THA hip (15 preserved, 18 ligated). Clinical and radiographic data was retrospectively extracted from patient files. Patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) were added from the THA registry. There was a relative difference in TFL muscle volume of -6.27 cm. 3. (−9.89%, p=0.018) after a-LFCA preservation versus -8.6 cm. 3. (=11.62%, p=0.002) after ligation, without group differences (p>0.340). a-LFCA preservation showed lower relative TFL fatty infiltration (p=0.10). Gluteal muscle status was similar between sides and groups. Coxa valga morphology was more frequent in a-LFCA preservation (83%) than ligation (17%). Clinical outcomes showed high patient satisfaction in both groups, without difference in PROMs, but less anterolateral soft-tissue swelling after a-LFCA preservation (p<0.001). Despite excellent clinical results in both groups, preservation of the a-LFCA was associated with less TFL fatty infiltration and soft tissue swelling. Provided there is no compromise of intraoperative access we recommend a-LFCA preservation for DAA-THA

Introduction. Prosthetic designs that use porous metals possess an extremely high surface area and through capillary effect may potentially ‘absorb’ and later elute analgesic solution, serving as a surgical site drug depot. This study aimed to determine if a highly porous acetabular component submerged in an aqueous-based analgesic solution prior to implantation reduced postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption in the early post-operative period. Methods. Using our IRB approved database, 200 consecutive opioid naïve primary THA patients operated on by a single surgeon at two institutions using the same acetabular component were identified. 100 patients had a standard volume/concentration of an analgesic cocktail soft-tissue injection at closure (control). 100 patients had their acetabular components submerged into the same cocktail prior to implantation (treatment) and the balance of the volume injected. Postoperative protocols were otherwise identical. Groups were compared for visual analog pain scores (VAS), opioid consumption, 1-year radiographic findings and surgical revision rates. Results. VAS were lower in the treatment group at 6hrs (2.35±1.8 v. 3.31±2.3, p<0.01), 12hrs (2.00±1.6 v. 3.61±2.3, p<0.01), 18hrs (2.36±1.7 v. 3.44±1.9, p<0.01), and 24 hrs (2.20±1.6 v. 3.82±1.9, p<0.01). Opioid consumption was lower in the treatment group at all time point in the first 24 hours and significantly lower in the first 6 hours (7.18±9.42 MME v. 10.76±11.37 MME, p<0.05) and between 12 and 24 hours postoperatively (10.43±15.94 MME v. 17.08±22.75 MME, p<0.05). The total MME administered to the treatment group was significantly lower than the control group (48.3±59.7 MME vs. 76.1±78.6 MME, respectively; p<0.01). At one-year, there was no radiographic evidence of periacetabular lucencies and no revisions for loosening. Conclusion. The use of a highly porous component commonly used in THA as a potential analgesic drug depot in combination with soft-tissue injections may reduce postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption compared to soft-tissue injections alone

Objectives. The paradoxical migration of the femoral neck element (FNE) superomedially against gravity, with respect to the intramedullary component of the cephalomedullary device, is a poorly understood phenomenon increasingly seen in the management of pertrochanteric hip fractures with the intramedullary nail. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of bidirectional loading on the medial migration phenomenon, based on unique wear patterns seen on scanning electron microscopy of retrieved implants suggestive of FNE toggling. Methods. A total of 18 synthetic femurs (Sawbones, Vashon Island, Washington) with comminuted pertrochanteric fractures were divided into three groups (n = 6 per group). Fracture fixation was performed using the Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA) implant (Synthes, Oberdorf, Switzerland; n = 6). Group 1 was subjected to unidirectional compression loading (600 N), with an elastomer (70A durometer) replacing loose fracture fragments to simulate surrounding soft-tissue tensioning. Group 2 was subjected to bidirectional loading (600 N compression loading, 120 N tensile loading), also with the elastomer replacing loose fracture fragments. Group 3 was subjected to bidirectional loading (600 N compression loading, 120 N tensile loading) without the elastomer. All constructs were tested at 2 Hz for 5000 cycles or until cut-out occurred. The medial migration distance (MMD) was recorded at the end of the testing cycles. Results. The MMDs for Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 1.02 mm, 6.27 mm, and 5.44 mm respectively, with reliable reproduction of medial migration seen in all groups. Bidirectional loading groups showed significantly higher MMDs compared with the unidirectional loading group (p < 0.01). Conclusion. Our results demonstrate significant contributions of bidirectional cyclic loading to the medial migration phenomenon in cephalomedullary nail fixation of pertrochanteric hip fractures. Cite this article: G. W. Law, Y. R. Wong, A. K-S. Yew, A. C. T. Choh, J. S. B. Koh, T. S. Howe. Medial migration in cephalomedullary nail fixation of pertrochanteric hip fractures: A biomechanical analysis using a novel bidirectional cyclic loading model. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:313–322. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.87.BJR-2018-0271.R1

Aims

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) patients report exacerbation of hip pain in deep flexion. However, the exact impingement location in deep flexion is unknown. The aim was to investigate impingement-free maximal flexion, impingement location, and if cam deformity causes hip impingement in flexion in FAI patients.

Dislocation is one of the most common causes of patient and surgeon dissatisfaction following hip replacement and to treat it, the causes must first be understood. Patient factors include age greater than 70 years, medical comorbidities, female gender, ligamentous laxity, revision surgery, issues with the abductors, and patient education. Surgeon factors include the annual quantity of procedures and experience, the surgical approach, adequate restoration of femoral offset and leg length, component position, and soft-tissue or bony impingement. Implant factors include the design of the head and neck region, and so-called skirts on longer neck lengths. There should be offset choices available in order to restore soft-tissue tension. Lipped liners aid in gaining stability, yet if improperly placed may result in impingement and dislocation. Late dislocation may result from polyethylene wear, soft-tissue destruction, trochanteric or abductor disruption and weakness, or infection. Understanding the causes of hip dislocation facilitates prevention in a majority of instances. Proper pre-operative planning includes the identification of patients with a high offset in whom inadequate restoration of offset will reduce soft-tissue tension and abductor efficiency. Component position must be accurate to achieve stability without impingement. Finally, patient education cannot be over-emphasised, as most dislocations occur early, and are preventable with proper instructions. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:67–9

Serum and blood cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) ion levels are used to monitor patients at risk for adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD) following metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, these levels often do not correlate with the degree of local soft-tissue reaction and damage observed at the time of revision. The purpose of this study was to analyze synovial fluid metal ion concentrations in patients with a failed THA in the setting of an ARMD and determine if these levels can be more predictive of soft-tissue destruction than serum or whole blood levels. Synovial, blood and serum samples were prospectively collected from patients undergoing revision THA with ARMD (n=29) and those undergoing aseptic revision without ARMD (n=29). There was no difference in mean age (P=0.50), BMI (P=0.18), sex distribution (P=0.18), serum creatinine (P=0.74), or time to revision THA (P=0.13) between the cohorts. In the AMRD cohort, the components included MoM THA (n=18), hip resurfacing (n=5), dual-modular taper THA (n=4) and MoM and dual-modular taper THA (n=2). At the time of revision THA, 26 (90%) patients in the metal reaction cohort had gross evidence of metallosis in the soft-tissues, the remaining 3 (10%) had evidence of corrosion of the dual taper neck or MoM bearing. In the non ARMD cohort the bearing surfaces included metal-on-polyethylene (n=19) and ceramic-on-polyethylene (n=10). The indications for revision included isolated acetabular loosening (n=11), isolated femoral component loosening (n=11), polyethylene wear (n=5), recurrent dislocation (n=1) and combined femoral and acetabular component loosening (n=1). None had a clinical diagnosis or gross evidence of taper corrosion. Pre-revision, 21 (72%) patients in the metal reaction group had periarticular fluid collections or a mass on MRI. Mean cyst size was 202.9±71.6 cm3 and masses were grouped into Type I (cyst wall <3 mm, n=10), Type II (cyst wall ≥3 mm, n=8) and Type III (mainly solid, n=3). At the time of revision THA, the mean Co levels were elevated in patients with ARMD compared to those without in synovial fluid (1,833 ppb vs. 12.3 ppb, P=0.008), whole blood (22.6 ppb vs 0.5 ppb, P=0.005)) and serum (19.6 vs. 0.6, P=0.001). Likewise, mean Cr levels were significantly elevated in patients with an ARMD compared to those undergoing revision without in synovial fluid (3,128 ppb vs. 10.3 ppb, P=0.01), whole blood (8.9 ppb vs. 0.5 ppb, P=0.009) and serum (14.1 ppb vs. 0.5 ppb, P=0.005). The synovial fluid Co levels were the most accurate test for detecting pseudotumor (AUC 0.951) and adverse local tissue reaction (AUC 0.826). At a synovial fluid Cr level of 110 ppb, the synovial fluid metal ion analysis was 94% sensitive and 86% specific for pseudotumor formation. In this prospective study, synovial fluid analysis of metal ion levels was more accurate in predicting the presence and extent of pseudo-tumor or ALTR compared to blood or serum analysis. The addition of synovial aspiration with metal ion analysis may provide another helpful data point when risk stratifying these patients for need for revision THA

Aims

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in total hip arthroplasty in the elderly may occur but has been subject to limited investigation. This study analyzed infection characteristics, surgical outcomes, and perioperative complications of octogenarians undergoing treatment for PJI in a single university-based institution.

Aims

Contemporary outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) with highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) liners in patients with inflammatory arthritis have not been well studied. This study examined the implant survivorship, complications, radiological results, and clinical outcomes of THA in patients with inflammatory arthritis.