Introduction. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is rapidly being adopted as the standard procedure for a growing number of shoulder arthropathies. Though short-term outcomes are promising, mid- and long-term follow-ups present a number of complications – among them, humeral stem and glenosphere component loosening. Though not the primary complication, previously reported aseptic loosening required revision in 100% of cases. As the number of patients undergoing RTSA increases, especially in the younger population, it is important for surgeons to identify and utilize prostheses with stable long-term fixation. It has previously been shown in the hip and knee literature that implant migration in the first two years following surgery is predictive of later failure due to loosening in the 5=10-year postoperative window. The purpose of this study is to, for the first time, evaluate the pattern and total magnitude of implant migration in reverse shoulder arthroplasty using the gold standard imaging technique radiostereometric analysis (RSA). Methods. Forty patients were prospectively randomized to receive either a cemented or press-fit humeral stem, and a glenosphere secured to the glenoid with either autologous bone graft or 3D printed porous titanium for primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Following surgery, participants are imaged using RSA, a calibrated, stereo x-ray technique. Radiographs are acquired at 6 weeks (baseline), 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Migration of the humeral stem and glenosphere at each time point is compared to baseline. Migration of the prostheses is independently compared between humeral stem fixation groups and glenosphere fixation groups using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey's test for multiple comparisons. Results. Follow-ups are ongoing and preliminary results are presented. Significant differences were observed at the 6-month and 1-year time points for superior-inferior translation (p = 0.0067, p = 0.0048), and total three-dimensional translation (p = 0.0011, p = 0.0272) between humeral stems, with press-fit humeral stems subsiding significantly more than cemented stems. Migration between the 6-month and 1-year time points was minimal for both stem fixation groups (less than 0.2 mm). No significant differences were observed along any axis at any time point for the glenosphere fixation groups. Conclusion. There is a trend towards increased subsidence with the use of press-fit stems compared to cemented stems in the first six months postoperatively, as is expected. Both implant fixation techniques demonstrate stability from six months through one year, and this trend is expected through two-year follow-up. Similarly, both glenosphere fixation techniques demonstrate immediate and stable fixation through one year

Abstract. Objectives. Stem malalignment in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been associated with poor long-term outcomes and increased complications (e.g. periprosthetic femoral fractures). Our understanding of the biomechanical impact of stem alignment in cemented and uncemented THA is still limited. This study aimed to investigate the effect of stem fixation method, stem positioning, and compromised bone stock in THA. Methods. Validated FE models of cemented (C-stem – stainless steel) and uncemented (Corail – titanium) THA were developed to match corresponding experimental model datasets; concordance correlation agreement of 0.78 & 0.88 for cemented & uncemented respectively. Comparison of the aforementioned stems was carried out reflecting decisions made in the current clinical practice. FE models of the implant positioned in varus, valgus, and neutral alignment were then developed and altered to represent five different bone defects according to the Paprosky classification (Type I – Type IIIb). Strain was measured on the femur at 0mm (B1), 40mm (B2), and 80mm (B3) from the lesser trochanter. Results. Cemented constructs had lower strain on the implant neck, and higher overall stiffness and strain on bone compared to uncemented THA. Strain on the bone increased further down the shaft of the femoral diaphysis, and with progressing bone defect severity in all stem alignment cases. Highest strain on the femur was found at B2 in all stem alignment and bone defect models. Varus alignment showed higher overall femoral strain in both fixation methods. Interestingly, in uncemented models, highest strain was shown on femoral bone proximally (B1-B2) in varus alignment, but distally (B3) in neutral alignment. Conclusion. Varus stem alignment showed overall higher strain on femur compared to neutral and valgus. This highlights the crucial role of stem alignment in long term outcomes of THA. Differences between the two stem types should be taken in consideration when interpreting results from this study

Introduction. Porous metaphyseal cones are increasingly used for fixation in revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA). Both cemented shorter length stems and longer diaphyseal engaging stems are currently utilized with metaphyseal cones with no clear evidence of superiority. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience with 3D printed titanium metaphyseal cones with both short cemented and longer cementless stems from a clinical and radiographic perspective. Methods. In total 136 3D printed titanium metaphyseal cones were implanted. The mean patient age was 63 and 48% were female. The mean BMI was 33 and the mean ASA class was 2.5. There were 42 femoral cones in which 28 cemented and 14 cementless stems were utilized. There were 94 tibial cones in which 67 cemented and 27 cementless stems were utilized. The choice for stem fixation was surgeon dependent and in general cones were utilized for AORI type 2 and 3 bone defects on the femur and tibia. The most common fixation scenario was short cemented stems on both the femur and tibia followed by cemented stem fixation on the tibia and cementless fixation on the femur. Clinical data such as revision, complication, and PRO was collected at last follow-up (minimum follow-up 1 year). Radiographic analysis included cone bony ingrowth and coronal and sagittal alignment on long-standing radiographs. Descriptive statistics were used to compare demographics between patients who had malalignment (HKA beyond +/− 3 degrees and flexion/extension beyond +/− 3 degrees). Adjusted logistic regression models were run to assess malalignment risk by stem type. Results. Patient reported outcomes demonstrated modest improvements with Pre-op KOOS improving from 44 pre-op to 59 post -op and PF-CAT improving from 33 to 37 post-op. PROMIS pain scores decreased significantly from 54 to 44 post-op. 36% of patients had malalignment in either the coronal or sagittal plane. Patients with malalignment were more likely to be female (66.7% vs 40.4%, p-value=0.02). After adjusting for age, sex and BMI, there was a significantly increased risk for coronal plane malalignment when both the femur and tibia had cementless compared to cemented stems (odds ratio=5.54, 95%CI=1.15, 26.80). There was no significantly increased risk when comparing patients with mixed stems to patients with cemented stems. Sagittal plane malalignment was more common with short cemented stems although both coronal plane and sagittal plane malalignment with either stem type was not associated with inferior clinical outcome. Overall cone survivorship was excellent with only two cones removed for infection. Conclusion. Metaphyseal titanium cones provide reliable fixation in revision TKA. However, PROs in this complex patient population show only modest improvement consistent with other variables such as co-morbidities and poor baseline physical function. Small cone inner diameter may adversely influence cementless stem position leading to coronal plane malalignment. Short cemented stems are subject to greater sagittal plane malalignment with no apparent influence on clinical outcome

Introduction. Femoral component loosening is one of the most common failure modes in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). Patient age, weight, gender, osteopenia, stem design and Dorr-C bone have all been proposed as risk factors for poor fixation and subsequent stem subsidence and poor outcome. With the increased popularity of CT-based assistive technologies in THA, (Stryker MAKO and Corin OPSTM), we sought to develop a technique to predicted femoral stem fixation using pre-operative CT. Methods. Fourteen patients requiring THA were randomly selected from a previous study investigating component alignment. Mean age was 64 (53 to 76), and 57% were female. All patients received pre-operative CT for 3D dynamic templating (OPSTM), and a TriFit stem and Trinity cup (Corin, UK) implanted through a posterior approach. Post-operatively, patients received an immediate CT and AP x-ray prior to leaving the hospital, and a 1-year follow-up x-ray. On both the immediate post-op x-ray and 1-year follow-up x-ray, the known cup diameter was used to scale the image. On both images, the distance between the most superior point of the greater trochanter and the shoulder of the stem was measured. The difference was recorded as stem subsidence. Subsidence greater than 4mm was deemed clinically relevant. The post-operative CT was used to determine the precise three-dimensional placement of the stem immediately after surgery by registering the known 3D implant geometry to the CT. For each patient, the achieved stem position from post-op CT was then virtually implanted back into the pre-operative OPSTM planning software. The software provides a colour map of the bone density at the stem/bone interface using the Hounsfield Units (HU) of each pixel of the CT [Fig. 1]. Blue represents low density bone transitioning through to green and then red (most dense). Results. Mean stem subsidence was 2.1mm (0.2mm to 11.1mm). Two patients had clinically relevant subsidence. The first stem in a 68M subsided 11.1mm. The second in a 58M subsided 5.0mm. Both density colour plots had significant areas of blue (low density bone) around the proximal portion of the stem, with minimal medium/high density fixation when compared to the stems with minimal subsidence. Discussion. Using the Hounsfield units of the CT scan as an indicator for bone density, we were able to predict poor implant fixation and subsequent subsidence in a taper wedge stem. This new technology might have pre-operative value in providing a more quantitative measure of fixation and resultant stem choice. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

We report a prospective study of the use of intramedullary bone blocks to improve the fixation of a matt-finish femoral stem in Charnley low-friction arthroplasties. There were 379 patients (441 hips), but at a minimum follow-up of ten years there were 258 arthroplasties in 221 patients including some which had been revised. The mean age at surgery was 41 years (17 to 51) and the mean follow-up was 13.4 years (1 to 20 including the early revisions). Nine stems (3.5%) had been revised for aseptic loosening, but there were no stem fractures. Survivorship of stems was 99.2% at ten years and 94.35% at 15 and 20 years. We found that the patient’s gender, the position of the stem and the experience of the surgeon all influenced the outcome. Our findings suggest that using our method of stem fixation, follow-up of over 11 years was needed to reveal the effects of endosteal cavitation of the femur, and of over 13 years to assess any divergence between the clinical and the radiological outcomes of stem fixation

This study reports the results of hybrid stem fixation in difficult revision hip arthroplasties where proximal femoral bone stock loss was severe. Twenty-six revision arthroplasties (21 women and 5 men, aged from 58 to 86 years), were performed between 1998 and 2008. The indication for surgery was aseptic loosening. In all cases, stabilization of the stem presented problems because of severe proximal femoral bone stock loss (due to extensive periprosthetic osteolytic defects), or because of iatrogenic defects or surgical procedures (attempts to remove the stem and cement with fenestration or extended osteotomy). The average follow-up was 48 months (range 16 to 120). Primary stability is necessary for the successful definite fixation of a cementless implant by bone. When this was not possible (because of proximal cortical insufficiency), we used a modular distally cemented long stem, bypassing the area of bone defect for at least 6–7 cm. Proximally bone defects were grafted and osteotomy was closed with cerclage wires. Four stems (15%) had an asymptomatic subsidence (3 stems subsided less than 3–4 mm and 1 stem about 15mm). No stem was revised to date. Major complications did not occur. The mean Harris hip score improved from 32 points preoperatively to 82.3 points (at the most recent evaluation). Hybrid fixation offers the advantage of initial and secure stability of the cemented stem on the short term, until stabilization of the entire implant by bone occurs. Thus early subsidence and loosening is avoided and on the long term benefits of the cementless fixation are attained. Our results support the method of hybrid fixation in patients with severe femoral bone loss (and consequently problematic stabilization), when primary stability is needed

Introduction/purpose: Cementless femoral fixation in TKA varies regarding philosophy of design, materials, and surgical technique. This study evaluates autograft enhancement with AML (porocoated) stems. Impaction autograft (head reamings) enhances cortico-cancellous fit in canals of different geometry, preserves bone, decreases potential for stress shielding and seals the stem from wear particles. Materials/methods: Clinical/radiologic evaluation of 110 AML prostheses (proximal/extensive porous-coated) with 4- to 11-year (mean 6.9) follow-up was performed. Demographics included 68 females, 42 males, age 34–90 (mean 66). Diagnoses included OA (86), RA (16), other (8). Key surgical points included: 1) stem matching/sizing to proximal cortical contact; 2) head/neck reaming with acetabular graters; 3) autograft delivery (distal-lateral) prior to partial stem insertion and proximal-medial prior to prosthetic seating. Results: Femoral stem fixation was successful in 98%. Autograft fill was visualized radiographically within the first 6 weeks. Stem fit-fill ratios were .63 proximally and .73 distally, suggesting that most stems were stabilized via cortico-cancellous bone. The 2 fixation failures (1 stem fracture, 1 aseptic loosening) occurred in large males with undersized stems. Radiologic stability was noted in 95%. There were 6 cases of proximal osteolysis secondary to wear without distal extension, and no lucency > 2mm. Mean subsidence was.6mm. There were 10 acetabular failures secondary to wear/loosening and 1 traumatic neck fracture. There were no infections. Conclusion: The technique of impaction autograft using femoral head reamings is a biological (osteoinductive-osteoconductive), practical, and simple treatment method to accommodate and fill femoral canal voids frequently encountered in THA. Large, stiff stems (with distal fixation) can be avoided with less risk of technical problems and long-term bone loss secondary to stress shielding. The technique can be utilized, with variation, in any current cementless femoral stem

In order to improve the fixation of the stem in primary Charnley low-friction arthroplasty, the medullary canal was routinely closed off with a cancellous bone block. A prospective study of 611 consecutive arthroplasties were carried out between 1 and 5 1/2 years (average 2 years and 9 months) after operation. There were two cases of radiological loosening of the stem, both of which could have been avoided. Five other patients showed demarcation of the bone-cement junction at the calcar; two of these are considered to be "at risk" of loosening. There was no evidence of radiological loosening of the stem in 604 cases and the method is recommended for routine use in primary total hip arthroplasty

Aims

Porous metaphyseal cones can be used for fixation in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) and complex TKAs. This metaphyseal fixation has led to some surgeons using shorter cemented stems instead of diaphyseal engaging cementless stems with a potential benefit of ease of obtaining proper alignment without being beholden to the diaphysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate short term clinical and radiographic outcomes of a series of TKA cases performed using 3D-printed metaphyseal cones.

Aims

To achieve the functional benefits of the direct anterior (DA) approach and the fixation benefits of cemented replacement, this study combined the two techniques posing the following questions: does the limited access of the DA approach adversely affect the cement technique?; and does such a cementing technique reduce the incidence of cementless complications?

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to evaluate the quality of cemented humeral stem fixation. We analysed the incidence and influence of humeral lucent lines and loosening after implantation of a shoulder prosthesis as a function of aetiology (fracture versus scapular osteoarthritis) and glenoid status (total versus partial humeral prosthesis). Material and methods: This retrospective series included 1842 first-intention shoulder prostheses reviewed at mean five years (2–10). We selected patients whose initial diagnosis was fracture of the superior portion of the humerus (n=300) and centred osteoarthritis (n=767). All stems implanted for fracture were cemented. For osteoarthritis, there were 610 total prostheses and 157 simple humeral prostheses: 752 stems were cemented and 15 were implanted without cement. The Constant score and radiographic results (AP and lateral view at least) were noted. Results: For cemented stems, the incidence of radiographic lucent lines and loosening was significantly higher in fractures (40% and 10% respectively) than in centred osteoarthritis (14% and 1%). Lucency and loosening did not influence functional outcome in patients with centred osteoarthritis but had a significantly negative effect on final outcome in fractures. For fractures, the incidence of lucent lines was correlated with migration of the tubercles. For osteoarthritis, there was no difference between total and partial prostheses in terms of loosening, but the functional outcome was significantly better with total prostheses. Conclusion: Fixation of the humeral implant with cement remains the gold standard for shoulder prostheses implanted for centred osteoarthritis. However, cement fixation yields disappointing results for fractures: defective fixation of the humeral stem is correlated with migration of the tubercles. For osteoarthritis, there are not more lucent lines with a total prosthesis which provides the better functional results

The early revision rate in elective Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) three years after surgery in elderly patients over 80 years is significantly lower for cemented stems in the German Arthroplasty Register (EPRD): cemented 3,1% (3.0 – 3.2) vs. uncemented 4.2% (4.1 – 4.3; p < 0.001). However, the mortality rate in elderly patients is elevated for cemented fixation. This study presents a detailed analysis of the influence of stem type and fixation on revision and mortality rate in this patient cohort.

Elective primary THA cases for primary Coxarthrosis using uncemented cups from the EPRD data base were analysed (n₀= 37,183). Four stem type groups were compared: cementless, cementless with collar, cementless short, and cemented. Stems with at least 300 cases at risk three years after surgery were analysed individually. The reference stem was determined as the stem with the lowest revision rate and at least 1000 cases under surveillance 3 years after surgery (n₃ = 28,637).

The revision rate for cemented stems (2.5% [2.2–1.81] was lower than for uncemented (4.5% [4.2–4.9]; p<0.001) and uncemented short stems (4.2% [3.1–5.7]; p=0.002). The revision rate of uncemented collared stems (2.3% [1.5–3.6]) was similar to cemented stems (p=0.89) and lower than for uncemented stems (p=0.02). One year mortality showed no sig. differences between the groups (p>0.17): cemented 3.2% [2.9–3.6], uncemented 3.4% [3.1–3.7], uncemented short 3.5% [2.5–4.9], uncemented collar 2.0% [1.2–3.2].

“Cementless” and “cementless short” stems should not be used in patients over 80 years due to the higher revision risk. If cementing should be avoided, “cementless collared” stems seem to be a good alternative combined with a tendency for a lower one year mortality rate.

The excellent long-term results for the first-generation Charnley stem may not apply to later versions with flanges. It seems possible that the early design functioned as a taper-slip system, as accepted in the Exeter prosthesis.

Comparison with the requirements for the alternative composite-beam system for the femoral component shows considerable differences that have important implications. These include design, surface finish, cementing technique and the interpretation of radiological signs of loosening.

A distinction should be made between the requirements for the successful use of the two different engineering systems.s

Introduction

The decreased bone mass or local osteoporosis at the proximal femur is often recognized in patients of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In total hip arthroplasty (THA), the cancellous bone will be lost when rasping technique is applied for the preparation of stem insertion. In addition, cutting or elongation for contracted muscles around the hip joint can be required to insert the stem. To avoid these problems, the non-broaching, non-rasping impaction technique for the stems was applied in THA for the patients with RA. We report clinical and radiographic results of this method.

Background

The acknowledged benefit of the direct anterior (DA) approach is early functional return. Most surgeons in the U.S. use cementless femoral replacement given the negative track record of some cemented designs. However, delayed osseointegration of a femoral stem typically seen in older patients with poor bone quality will delay recovery, diminishing the benefits of the DA approach. Registry studies have shown a higher revision rate and complications in this patient population leading to a renewed interest in cemented fixation.

The calcar femorale is a vertical plate of bone lying deep to the lesser trochanter and is formed as a result of traction of the iliopsoas which separates the femoral cortex into two distinct layers, the calcar femorale and the medial femoral cortex. They fuse together proximally to form the medial femoral neck. A stem placed centrally will abut against the calcar femorale with little or no space for cement. Clearing of the calcar will offer space for a cement layer, which will support the stem proximally on the posterior aspect. We compared two consecutive groups of Charnley low-friction arthroplasties, with and without clearing of the calcar.

In 330 patients who had an arthroplasty without clearing the calcar, there were ten revisions for aseptic loosening of the stem and six other stems were considered ‘definitely loose’, giving a rate of failure of 4.8%. In 111 patients in whom the calcar was cleared there was only one revision for aseptic loosening and no stems were classed as ‘definitely loose’, giving a rate of failure of 0.9%.

Survivorship analysis has again shown the need for long-term follow-up; the differences became clear after ten years but because of the relatively small numbers, statistical analysis is not yet applicable.

We now clear the calcar femorale routinely and advocate optimal access to the medullary canal and insertion of the stem in the area of the piriform fossa.

A leading problem with cementless hip replacement is thigh pain, probably due to some degree of loosening. This is most pronounced during activities such as stair climbing or getting up from a chair. Our study compares the immediate fixation of three stems in widespread clinical use, using a cadaver test simulation in which the femur was horizontal, and cyclic forces acted vertically downward on the prosthetic head with gradual increments of load. We implanted and tested 18 pairs of femurs, making analyses between stem types by right to left comparisons. We found no statistically significant differences in loosening between cementless AML and PCA prostheses, but cemented stems withstood greater loads than uncemented stems by a factor of five or more.

Femoral stress shielding in cementless THA is a potential complication commonly observed in cementless distally loading press-fit stems. Long-term metaphyseal fixation and proximal load transfer is desired. Is routine autologous metaphyseal bone impaction and proximal primary stability an answer to this goal?

This prospective study describes long-term femoral bone remodeling and load transfer in cementless THA at a mean of 17 years (range: 15 to 20 years) in 208 consecutive fully HA-coated stems (Corail). All primary THA were performed by one group of surgeons between 1986 and 1991. The concept of surgical technique included impaction of autologous metaphyseal bone using bland femoral broaches until primary stability was achieved without distal press-fit.

Radiographic evaluation revealed a total of five (2.4%) stems with periprosthetic osteolysis, which were associated with eccentric polyethylene wear. They were either revised or awaiting revision. The remaining 97.6% stems revealed desired proximal load transfer in the metaphysis (52%) or in both metaphysis and diaphysis (48%). Distal stress shielding was not observed and was considered to be related to: impaction of metaphyseal bone, bland broaches, HA coating, and prosthetic design.

Biological autologous bone impaction of the metaphysis provides both primary stem stability and successful longterm osteointegration with the Corail stem after 20 years. The surgical technique of proximal autologous bone impaction rather than extraction of cancellous bone material and the use of a fully HA coated stem without distal press-fit show encouraging longterm results in THA.