This study evaluates the association between consultant and hospital volume and the risk of re-revision and 90-day mortality following first-time revision of primary hip replacement for aseptic loosening.

We conducted a cohort study of first-time, single-stage revision hip replacements (RHR) performed for aseptic loosening and recorded in the National Joint Registry (NJR) data for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man between 2003 and 2019. Patient identifiers were used to link records to national mortality data, and to NJR data to identify subsequent re-revision procedures. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models with restricted cubic splines were used to define associations between volume and outcome.

Among 12,676 RHR there were 513 re-revisions within two years, and 95 deaths within 90 days of surgery. The risk of re-revision was highest for a consultant's first RHR (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1·58 (95%CI 1·16 to 2·15)) and remained significantly elevated for their first 26 cases (HR 1·26 (95%CI 1·00 to 1·58)). Annual consultant volumes of five/year were associated with an almost 30% greater risk of re-revision (HR 1·28 (95%CI 1·00 to 1·64)) and 80% greater risk of 90-day mortality (HR 1·81 (95%CI 1·02 to 3·21)) compared to volumes of 20/year. RHR performed at hospitals which had cumulatively undertaken fewer than 168 RHR were at up to 70% greater risk of re-revision (HR 1·70 (95% CI 1·12 to 2·60)), and those having undertaken fewer than 309 RHR were at up to three times greater risk of 90-day mortality (HR 3·06 (95% CI 1·19 to 7·86)).

This study found a significantly higher risk of re-revision and early postoperative mortality following first-time single-stage RHR for aseptic loosening when performed by lower-volume consultants and at lower-volume institutions, supporting the move towards the centralisation of such cases towards higher-volume units and surgeons.

Elevated synovial leukocyte count is a minor criterion derived from the musculoskeletal infection society (MSIS) widely used in clinical practice for diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection. There is evidence to suggest analysis within 1 hour, preferentially within 30 minutes, of aspiration reduces the risk of ex vivo cell lysis occurring during prolonged transport. Multiple site working is more common practice and the availability of a lab on site to perform these tests is not always possible. We aimed to assess whether we could safely perform synovial leukocyte counts within our cold site in the diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection.

We reviewed all orthopaedic synovial fluid aspirates within the lower limb arthroplasty unit from April 2021 – April 2022 performed at South Tees NHS Foundation Trust. We assessed time from aspirate to the lab using electronic data resources. This information was compared with the labs ability to perform a synovial leukocyte count to determine the impact of delays on testing.

110 patients (34.5% hips and 63.6% knees) were identified between two sites. Time from aspirate to lab ranged from 0 mins to 26 hrs 34 mins. Mean time to processing was 3hrs 10 mins. 50% of all samples had a synovial leukocyte count performed. 67% of patients had a cell differential performed. There was no difference in the ability to perform a synovial leukocyte count between samples process in < 2hours vs > 6 hours.

We conclude that it is safe practice to perform joint aspirates for the work up of periprosthetic joint infections in sites where no laboratory is immediately available as the delay to processing synovial fluid does not alter the ability to perform a synovial leukocyte count. This study will provide evidence to enable the work up of periprosthetic joint infections in cold centres and therefore reduce the delay in diagnosis and proceeding management.

Prosthetic joint infections (PJI) are a devastating consequence in total hip arthroplasties (THA) with both significant morbidity and sometimes mortality, posing a significant health economic burden. Studies, both clinical and in-vitro have suggested possible reduction in PJI with the use of ceramic bearings.

We have investigated the relationship of ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC), ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP) or metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) bearing surface in affecting outcome of revision surgery after primary THA using data collected from National Joint Registry for England and Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man between 2002 and 2016. We used a competing risk regression model to investigate predictors of each revision outcome, such as infection, dislocation, aseptic revision and all cause revisions. The results were adjusted for age, gender, ASA grade, BMI, indication for surgery, intraoperative complications and implant data.

We identified 456,457 THA (228,786 MoP, 128,403 CoC and 99,268 CoP). In a multivariable model, the adjusted risk of revision for PJI was lower with CoC (OR-0.748, p<0.001) and CoP (OR-0.775, p<0.001) when compared to MoP bearing. Additionally there was also a significant reduction in the risk of all cause revision for CoC (OR-0.918, p=0.002) and CoP (0.806, p<0.001), bearings as compared with MoP. The protective effect of ceramic bearing was predominantly seen after two years of implantation with a significant (p<0.0001) reduction of revision for PJI in both CoC (by 42.8%) and CoP (by 41.3%) group. Similarly significant effect was seen for aseptic revision beyond two years and overall all cause revision rate beyond two years reduced by 21.6% for CoC and 27.1% for CoP (p<0.001).

Within the limits of registry analysis, this study has demonstrated an association between the use of ceramic bearing and lower rates of revision for all cause revisions especially infection and aseptic loosening. This finding supports the use of ceramic bearings in THA.

Background

There is significant variation and inconsistencies in the current advice and information delivered to patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR). The aim of this study was to assess a locally developed web-based electronic resource system for patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR) surgery to see if this improves and standardises the content, structure, and delivery of information delivered to patients prior to and after surgery.

Introduction

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) can be difficult to diagnose. A variety of techniques have been described. The efficacy of the alpha-defensin laboratory test was examined and compared with other established modalities in the diagnostic workup of ‘real world’ arthroplasty patients.

INTRODUCTION

Dislocation is a major complication post total hip replacement (THR) and a common cause for revision. Jameson et al (2012) studied 35,000 cemented Exeter (Stryker) THRs demonstrating the risk of revision was significantly influenced by the acetabular component design. This led 3 surgeons in a single hospital group to make a mass move from using the hooded Exeter Low Profile (LP) cup to the better performing Contemporary Flanged (CF) component. The purpose of this study was to show whether this change was associated with a fall in dislocation rates.

Introduction

Revision of well cemented femoral components in revision THA can be technically challenging and time consuming. The cement in cement (CiC) technique addresses these issues. Results of femoral components which have undergone multiple CiC revisions have not previously been reported.