Revision of the femoral component during revision hip arthroplasty may pose significant technical challenges, most notably femoral fracture and bone perforation. The in-cementing technique allows use of the original bone-cement interface which has been proven to be biomechanically stronger than recementing after complete removal of the original cement mantle.

This study reviews a series of 54 consecutive revision hip arthroplasty procedures carried out by the senior author using the in-cementing technique from November 1999 to March 2003. Patients were followed up clinically and radiologically with serial outpatient reviews and their functional outcome was assessed using the Harris hip scoring system, the Oxford hip scoring system and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) activity profile. Their physical and mental well-being was also assessed using the SF-36 self-questionnaire.

Fifty-four procedures were performed on 51 patients. There were 31 males and 20 females. The average age was 70.3+/-8.1 years (range: 45-83 years). The average time to revision from the original procedure was 132.8+/-59.0 months (range: 26-286 months). The average length of follow-up was 29.2+/-13.4 months (range: 6-51 months) post revision arthroplasty. Two patients suffered dislocations, one of which was recurrent and was revised with a Girdlestone's procedure. No patient displayed any evidence of radiographical loosening. The average Harris hip score of the study group was 85.2+/-11.6 (range: 51.9-98.5). The average Oxford hip score recorded was 19.6+/-7.7 (range: 12-41) and the average UCLA activity profile score was 5.9+/-1.6 (range: 3-8). The SF-36 questionnaire had an average value of 78.0+/-18.3 (range: 31.6-100).

In conclusion, the results of this study show excellent clinical and radiological results of the in-cementing technique with high patient satisfaction in terms of functional outcome. This technique merits consideration where possible in revision hip arthroplasty.

Introduction: Dislocation following total hip arthroplasty is a recognised complication and is attributable to several factors. The posterior approach to the hip is associated with higher dislocation rates than anterior or lateral approaches. We retrospectively reviewed the incidence of dislocation following total hip arthroplasty, in our institution, over a period of 5 years (from January 2000 to December 2004).

Results: We found 97 instances (in 49 patients) of dislocation following total hip arthroplasty. Of the 49 patients, 35 had the total hip arthroplasty done through the posterior approach. The Stacathro approach was performed on one patient, antero-lateral approach in 7 patients, and the transtrochanteric approach on 6 patients. Eleven patients had undergone revision arthroplasty prior to sustaining a dislocation and 16 had undergone primary arthroplasty. 16 patients had multiple dislocations. 8 of the 16 with multiple dislocations had a primary arthroplasty and rest had revision procedures done. A number of authors have reported decreased dislocation rates after using various techniques for enhancing the closure of the posterior soft tissues following total hip arthroplasties using the posterior approach. We reviewed 256 patient records that had undergone total hip arthroplasty in this period by the senior author through the posterior approach. The Savory technique was used to repair the posterior soft tissue layer. 160 patients had undergone primary arthroplasty and 96 had revision surgery. There were 3 cases of dislocation among the primary arthroplasty cases and 7 among the revision group.

Conclusion: This review showed that posterior approach to the hip continues to be associated with higher dislocation rates than other approaches. Using the Savory technique can reduce the dislocation rate following total hip arthroplasty.

Aim To document an outbreak of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci in an elective Orthopaedic Unit. To describe the clinical course of the affected patients and treatment options. To describe methods employed in eradicating endemicity following the outbreak and to evaluate the lessons learnt.

Background VRE first appeared in the Microbiological literature in 1988. Very little is known about its effect in the Orthopaedic Realm. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a serious outbreak in such a unit and only the second reporting of peri-prosthetic VRE infection.

Material and methods All patients in the unit over a 1/12 unit formed the cohort for the study. Following identification of the index case, samples were taken form all in-patients. Immediately a nurse specialist in infection control oversaw sampling of all patients. Microbiological data, Clinical Data and antimicrobial therapy data was collected on all positive patients. Rapid laboratory procedure were instituted, environmental screening was preformed and a dedicated cleaning team was formed. The assistance of a Clinical Microbiologist and an Environmental Microbiologist was sought.

Results Following identification of the index case, 11 patietns had microbiological proven VRE. 1 patient had a VRE confirmed peri-prosthetic infection. This necessitated removal and appropriate anti-microbial therapy. However, this patient died. 2 pateints were found to have superficial wound infection, which resolved with oral Linezolid, while 8 patients showed colonization with the organism. No treatment was required other than clinical follow up and staged screening in these patients.

The unit was closed for 9 weeks following the outbreak and deep cleaning resulted in eradication of endemicity.

Conclusion Tracing of the index case and typing allowed us to confirm the source of the outbreak and to take steps to prevent a recurrence. Appropriate microbiological advice is essential in an outbreak situation, management of peri-prosthetic infection and follow up of affected cases. All protocols have been re-evaluated and retraining of all staff in good clinical hygiene has been undertaken. The speed of the outbreak and its devastating effect on a Joint Replacement Facility is alarming and should serve to aid other units in establishing preventative protocols and in preplanning their treatment options and an outbreak team.

Revision of the femoral component during revision hip arthroplasty may pose significant technical challenges, most notably femoral fracture and bone perforation. The in-cementing technique allows use of the original bone-cement interface that has been proven to be biomechanically stronger than recementing after complete removal of the original cement mantle.

This historical prospective study reviews a series of 54 consecutive revision hip arthroplasty procedures carried out by the senior author using the in-cementing technique from November 1999 to March 2003. Patients were followed up clinically and radiologically with serial outpatient reviews and their functional outcome was assessed using the Harris hip scoring system, the Oxford hip scoring system and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) activity profile. Their physical and mental well being was also assessed using the SF-36 self-questionnaire.

Fifty-four procedures were performed on 51 patients. There were 31 males and 20 females. The average age was 70.3+/−8.1 years (range: 45 – 83 years). The average time to revision from the original procedure was 132.8+/−59.0 months (range: 26 – 286 months). The average length of follow up was 29.2+/−13.4 months (range: 6 – 51 months) post revision arthroplasty. Two patients suffered dislocations, one of which was recurrent and was revised with a Girdlestone’s procedure. No patient displayed any evidence of radiographical loosening. The average Harris hip score of the study group was 85.2+/−11.6 (range: 51.9 – 98.5). The average Oxford hip score recorded was 19.6+/−7.7 (range: 12 – 41) and the average UCLA activity profile score was 5.9+/−1.6 (range: 3 – 8). The SF-36 questionnaire had an average value of 78.0+/−18.3 (range: 31.6 – 100) with an average physical score of 73.3+/−22.2 (range: 20.5 – 100).

In conclusion, we feel the results of this study show excellent clinical and radiological results of the in-cementing technique with high patient satisfaction in terms of functional outcome. This technique merits consideration where possible in revision hip arthroplasty.

Background: CT scanning is an essential part of the preoperative planning process prior to surgical fixation of acetabular fractures. Considerable disparity exists between the clinical and radiological outcome following open reduction and internal fixation of these fractures. It is suggested that this disparity is due to poor assessment of the quality of reduction using plain radiographs alone.

Aim: To investigate the role of post-operative CT scanning following ORIF of acetabular fractures.

Methods. Prospective study commenced in January 2000 of all patients in our institution undergoing internal fixation of acetabular fractures. Post operative axial CT scans were compared with plain radiographs (AP pelvis and 45 degree oblique Judet views) with regard to the sensitivity to detect articular fracture reduction in terms of gap displacement and step deformity or offset. A simplified binary measurement of radiological outcome was used stratifying radiological result into anatomical and non anatomical. Three observers independently reviewed the plain radiographs and CT scans at two separate time points and categorised the radiographic outcome as described. The interobserver reproducibility and intraobserver reliability of these measurements was expressed as a kappa statistic. In addition in those patients greater than 18 months following surgery we attempted to correlate the radiographic with the clinical outcome using the Harris hip score and the SF-36 score.

Results: 20 patients were recruited. Plain films were equieffective in detecting post-operative articular fragment displacement (p=0.24). The interobserver and intraobserver agreement between the radiological outcome measurements were good with respective kappa values of 0.61 and 0.65. There was a weak association between clinical and radiographic outcome as ascribed by post operative CT scans.

Conclusion: While there may be an argument for the use of post operative CT scanning of acetabular fractures in selective cases, we did not find any significant benefit of CT scans over plain radiographs in the assessment of reduction or radiological outcome following these injuries. Hence we do not routinely advocate their use in the post operative setting.

We have evaluated the effect of vacuum aspiration of the iliac wing on the osseointegration of cement into the acetabulum. We entered a total of 40 patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty into two consecutive study groups. Group 1 underwent acetabular cement pressurisation for 60 seconds before insertion of the acetabular component. Group 2 had the same pressurisation with simultaneous vacuum suction of the ilium using an iliac-wing aspirator. Standard post-operative radiographs were reviewed blindly to assess the penetration of cement into the iliac wing. Penetration was significantly greater in the group with aspiration of the iliac wing.

Background: CT scanning is an essential part of the preoperative planning process prior to surgical fixation of acetabular fractures. Considerable disparity exists between the clinical and radiological outcome following open reduction and internal fixation of these fractures. It is suggested that this disparity is due to poor assessment of the quality of reduction using plain radiographs alone.

Aim: To investigate the role of post-operative CT scanning following ORIF of acetabular fractures.

Methods: Prospective study commenced in January 2000 of all patients in our institution undergoing internal fixation of acetabular fractures. Post operative axial CT scans were compared with plain radiographs (AP pelvis and 45 degree oblique Judet views) with regard to the sensitivity to detect articular fracture reduction in terms of gap displacement and step deformity or offset. A simplified binary measurement of radiological outcome was used stratifying radiological result into anatomical and non-anatomical. Three observers independently reviewed the plain radiographs and CT scans at two separate time points and categorized the radiographic outcome as described. The interobserver reproducibility and intraobserver reliability of these measurements was expressed as a kappa statistic. In addition in those patients greater than 18 months following surgery we attempted to correlate the radiographic with the clinical outcome using the Harris hip score and the SF-36 score.

Results: 20 patients were recruited. Plain films were equieffective in detecting post-operative articular fragment displacement (p=0.24). The interobserver and intraobserver agreement between the radiological outcome measurements were good with respective kappa values of 0.61 and 0.65. There was a weak association between clinical and radiographic outcome as ascribed by post operative CT scans.

Conclusion: While there may be an argument for the use of post operative CT scanning acetabular fractures in selective cases, we did not find any significant benefit of CT scans over plain radiographs in the assessment of reduction or radiological outcome following these injuries. Hence we do not routinely advocate their use in the post operative setting.

Background: Periprosthetic fractures are now recognised as the second most frequent reason for revision following total hip replacement, less so than aseptic loosening but more so than dislocation and infection. The post-operative incidence of peri-prosthetic fracture is approximately 1% after primary arthroplasty and 4% after revision surgery. 75% of postoperative femoral fractures are associated with prosthetic loosening. The Vancouver system, a reliable and valid classification scheme, sub-classifies fractures around the stem of the prosthesis into three types. B2 is where there is a loose implant but adequate bone stock and B3 is where the implant is loose and bone stock is deficient.

Aim: To assess the outcome of patients with Vancouver type B2 and B3 fractures treated with femoral revision using an uncemented extensively porous coated implant (Solution ® stem).

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed. Patients in addition attended for a clinical and radiographic assessment. Engh’s criteria for osseointegration of cementless components and the length of time to fracture union were the radiographic endpoints. The Harris hip score was used for clinical assessment with a score of above 80 indicating a satisfactory result.

Results: From July 1999 to present, we identified 22 such patients treated with this method. The mean duration of follow-up was 33.7 months with a minimum of 12 months. The mean age of patients was 78.7 years (range 67–88). The mean time from the index procedure to fracture was 10.8 years (range 7–20 years). The index procedure was a primary total hip replacement in all but 2 cases (revisions). 18 patients had a good result. Four patients had a poor result. The mean Harris Hip Score in the 18 patients was with good results was 82.7 and 69 in those with poor results. The mean duration to fracture union was 5.2 months (range 4–8 months). 17 patients needed concomitant acetabular cup revision. No patient showed any evidence of loosening or subsidence. 2 patients presented with deep seated infection (1 early, 1 late).

Conclusion: Periprosthetic fractures in the setting of a loose prosthesis present a difficult reconstructive challenge. Uncemented extensively porous coated femoral implants incorporate distal with intramedullary fixation of most fractures, permitting fracture healing as well as achieving osseointegration. We report good early survival rates, stable fixation and a low incidence of non union using this implant.

Aim: We evaluated the Vancouver system of classiþcation and treatment of Periprosthetic fractures. Methods: There were 24 consecutive patients, 17 males and 7 females with a mean age of 78.9 yrs (range 67–88). Two type A fractures were both of the AG type and unstable, were revised with a cemented Exeter stem reinforced with strut grafts. Of the nineteen patients type B fractures, one a B1 that was þxed with the cable grip system and strut graft. The B2 fractures were revised with a long stem cemented Exeter component reinforced with strut grafts. All the B3 fractures were revised with a long stem uncemented component with strut grafts. Of the three type C fractures two were þxed with the plate and cable grip system and the third with a supracondylar nail. Results: The follow up was regular, mean duration being 18.5 months (range 6–26). The review was both clinical using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and radio-graphic.22 patients had a good result with a mean HHS of 82.7 (range 80–86.4). Two patients had a poor result with a mean HHS of 70 (range69–71). These attributed to progressive Parkinsonñs disease and a loose contra-lateral Hip Replacement. Conclusions: The Vancouver classiþcation system is the only one of its type to be subjected to psychometric testing and show substantial agreement. Based on it appropriate treatment of each fracture can be instituted. It allows a more rational approach to treatment for fracture þxation but also addresses associated problems. Our experiences and results point to this way of treatment.

Aseptic loosening of the acetabular component is the major long-term complication of cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA). Failure of the acetabular cup occurs two to three times more frequently than failure of the femoral component. Third generation cementing techniques have improved the longevity of cemented components in THA. Although suction venting of the femoral shaft is a well-recognised practice, venting of the acetabulum during the cementing process has been little studied. This prospective study sets out to evaluate the effect of iliac wing vacuum aspiration on cement penetration of the acetabulum. Forty patients (Male 18, Female 22) aged 19–82 years (average 67+12 years) undergoing primary THA were entered consecutively into two study groups (20 hips per group). Reasons for THA included osteoarthritis (35) acetabular Dysplasia (2), rheumatoid arthritis (1), perthes (1) and conversion THA post dynamic screw (1)> A single consultant surgeon performed all procedures in a standard operating room with laminar flow. A posterior approach was used in all hips. Third generation cementing techniques were used for acetabular component insertion. Twenty-six millimetres internal diameter Charnley ogee LPW polyethylene cups (Depuy) with varying external diameters [43 mm (9), 47 mm (24), 50 mm (5) and 53 mm (3)] were used and implanted with “Simplex” polymethylmethacrylate cement (Howmedica). Group 1 underwent acetabular cement pressurisation for sixty seconds prior to insertion of cup. Group 2 underwent pressurisation with simultaneous vacuum suction of the ipsilateral ilium using an Exeter iliac wing aspirator. Pre-and post-operative haemoglobin values were recorded for all patients. Standard post-operative radiographs were reviewed blindly to assess penetration of cement. A custom-made template facilitated measurement of depth (mm) of cement penetration in three areas corresponding with Delee-Charnley acetabular zones. Cement penetration was enhanced in all zones following iliac wing vacuum aspiration. The effect of venting was statistically significant (zone I 21.1+6.4mm v 12.8+2.8mm. zone II 7.0+2.4mm v 5.5+2.0mm, zone III 5.3+2.4mm v 4.2+1.4mm). The bone cement mantle interface was also completely obliterated following iliac wing aspiration.