Introduction: Loosening of the acetabular Implant after Total Hip Replacement (THR) is often associated with massive bone loss. Many different solutions to this problem have been reported. The implant we used in our series is a cementless cup that consists of two different modular components: the outer shell, with a caudal hook and 3 iliac wings, and the inner module that can be placed in 20° angulation, where the liner is inserted. Non-structural bone graft was used.

Materials and Methods: From April 2002 to October 2004 24 patients were treated with this implant (age 70,7 years, 48–88). They had had zero to six prior surgeries. Indications were: Aseptic loosening (20), septic loosening (2), repetitive luxations(1), intraoperative acetabular fracture (1). Acetabular bone loss was intraoperatively graded using the DGOT classification. Paprosky Classification was used for preoperative radiological grading.

Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used for clinical evaluation (preoperative scores were retrospectively ascertained from patients’ charts). For radiological follow up plain X-rays of the pelvis a.p. and targeted views of the cup were used. Radiolucency, osteolysis (around cup, caudal hook, screws), migration (medial, cranial) and dumping was noted and the results divided into 3 groups: stable (no migration) at risk (cranial or medial migr.), loosened (cranial and medial migr.).

Results:18 Patients with implants in situ could be examined at an average follow up time of 18,3 months (3–30). (1died, 1 could not be reached, 2 did not want to come to fu, 2 explantations after infection). Average stay in hospital: 26 days, non weight bearing for av.: 9,8 weeks. Complications: 1 transient common peroneal nerve palsy, 1 luxation after 4 months (treated conservatively).

HHS improved from 36,4 to 69,3 points (max. 100). Pain: 15,5 to 36,8 pts (max. 44). Activity of daily living:14,3 to 36,8pts (max. 47). Walking distance 3,6–5,8 pts (max.11).

Radiological results (n=19, patient who died included in rad. FU): Radiolucency and osteolysis: Cup 5, hook 12, screws 10. Migration: medial:7 (all of those had medial bone defects), cranial:4, angulation > 4°:4 Outcome: stable: 11, at risk: 3, loosened 5 (1 died, 1 explanted, 3 control every 3 months)

Conclusion: In our series the SPH Bicomponente does not provide sufficient postoperative stability to facilitate good ingrowth of bone graft. Loosening occurs especially in cases with medial bone defects where the cup has too little contact to pelvic bone. In these cases cemented cups or structural grafts might give better stability. ‘At risk’ patients show better clinical performance than one would expect from the radiological findings.

A second follow up is starting recently with an average FU time of about 36 months.

We present two patients with swelling of the groin following metal-on-metal total hip replacement without radiological signs of component loosening. MRI in both patients showed a round shaped intrapelvic lesion ventral to the femoral head. During surgery we found cystic structures filled with fluid and necrotic masses. After resection the metal head and insert were changed to a ceramic head and a polyethylene insert.

Although two different kinds of CoCrMo alloy were used in the metal-on-metal THR (Sikomet: low carbon content-Metasul: high carbon content) histopathological analysis in both cases showed typical morphological signs of hypersensetively determined inflammation. Despite the distinct soft tissue reaction bony component integration was unaffected.

In our opinion open resecion of the cystic lesion and changing of the metal-on-metal articulation is the treatment of choice.

As we do not have any reliable testing for clinical use to predict a hypersensitive reaction to metal wear after implantation of metal-on-metal THR this articulation surface should not be used in cases where allergy to metal is suspected.

We prospectively evaluated the one- and seven-year results of the Weil osteotomy for the treatment of metatarsalgia with subluxed or dislocated metatarsophalangeal joints in 25 feet of 24 patients. Good to excellent results were achieved in 21 feet (84%) after one year and in 22 (88%) after seven years. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score significantly improved from 48 (sd 15) points before surgery to 75 (sd 24) at one year, and 83 (sd 18) at seven years. The procedure significantly reduced pain, diminished isolated plantar callus formation and increased the patient’s capacity for walking. Redislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint was seen in two feet (8%) after one year and in three (12%) after seven years. Although floating toes and restricted movement of the metatarsophalangeal joint may occur, the Weil osteotomy is safe and effective.

Aims: The aim of this prospective study was to analyse the Ludloff osteotomy for its potential of correcting hallux valgus deformity. Methods: Between September 1998 and October 1999 84 consecutive patients who underwent a Ludloff osteotomy were included in this prospective study. All patients were examined preoper-atively and at a minimum follow up of 2 years according a standardized questionnaire based on the HMIS of the American Foot and Ankle Society. X-rays were taken preoperatively, at 6 weeks and at þnal follow up. Results: 75 patients were available for an average follow up of 33 months (24 to 41). The average preoperative HMIS was 52 points and at follow up 87 points. 78% of the patients rated the outcome as excellent and good. 82% of patients were painfree at follow up. Radiological evaluation revealed a preoperative average hallux valgus angle (HV) of 36û and a preoperative average intermetatarsal angle (IM) of 17û This was corrected by surgery to an average HV of 14û and an average IM of 8û. Preoperatively sesamoidposition Grade III was present I 71%, Garde II in 29%. At follow up Grade 0 was present in 60%m Grade 1 in 37% and Grade2 in 3%. There was no Grade 3 sesamoid position at follow up. Conclusions: The ludloff osteotomy is a good alternative for the correction of severe hallux valgus deformity. In elderly patients and osteoporotic bone early weight-bearing should not be allowed because of poor bone quality.