Additive manufacturing (3D printing) is used to create porous surfaces that promote bone ingrowth in an effort to improve initial stability and optimize long-term biological fixation. The acetabular cup that was studied is manufactured with titanium alloy powder via electron beam melting. Electron beam melting integrates the porous and solid substrate rather than sintering a porous coating to a solid surface. The 3D-printed acetabular cup's high surface coefficient of friction (up to 1.2), combined with its geometry, creates a predictable press-fit in the acetabulum, improving initial mechanical stability and ultimately leading to reproducible biologic fixation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the early clinical outcomes and implant fixation of this 3D-printed acetabular cup in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Four hundred twenty-eight subjects from 8 US and international research sites underwent primary THA with the 3D-printed acetabular cup. All sites received IRB approval prior to conducting the study, and all participants signed the informed consent. Screw usage and number used during surgery were used as a surrogate measurement for initial implant fixation. Clinical performance outcomes included pre- and post-operative Harris Hip Scores (HHS) and Oxford Hip Scores (OHS), patient satisfaction, and revision assessment. 215 patients had a minimum 1-year post-operative follow-up visit. Student t-tests were used to identify significant mean differences (p<0.05).INTRODUCTION
METHODS
Wedge femoral stems used in total hip arthroplasty (THA) have evolved with modifications including shorter lengths, reduced distal geometries, and modular necks. Unlike fit and fill stems which contact most of the metaphysis, tapered wedge femoral stems are designed to achieve proximal medial/lateral fixation. These single taper, wedge stems have demonstrated positive clinical outcomes. The tapered wedge stem evaluated in this study has further reduced distal geometry to provide a wedge-fit within the metaphysis of the proximal femoral canal for all femur types (Dorr A, B, C). The objective of this study was to evaluate the early clinical outcomes, including femoral stem subsidence, of a tapered wedge femoral stem. Fifty subjects (28 males, 22 females; mean age: 64.7±9.7 years; mean BMI: 29.6±4.6) underwent primary THA with a tapered wedge femoral stem. IRB approval was received prior to conducting the study and all participants signed the informed consent. Clinical data outcomes for this study included the Harris Hip Score (HHS), the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), revisions, and subsidence at the 6-week, 3-month, 1-year, and 2-year post-operative time points. Femoral stem subsidence was measured by an independent third party. Student t-tests were used to identify significant mean differences between genders (p<0.05).INTRODUCTION
METHODS
Short femoral stem use in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has increased due to positive short-term clinical and biomechanical success. A neck preserving femoral stem not only preserves proximal bone volume, but preserves the high quality bone of the medial neck. The short stem design allows for less invasive surgical exposure and less invasive violation of the femoral canal (Figure 1). Additionally, it facilitates future revision THA, if needed, with a conventional primary stem. The objective of this study was to evaluate the early clinical outcomes of the Alteon® Neck Preserving Femoral Stem (Exactech, Inc.). Forty-nine subjects (25 males, 24 females; mean age: 58.3±7.6 years; mean BMI: 29.8±5.6) from 2 sites underwent primary THA with the Alteon Neck Preserving Femoral Stem. All participants signed the informed consent, and both sites received IRB approval prior to conducting the study. Clinical data outcomes for this study included the Harris Hip Score (HHS), the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), revisions, and subsidence at 3-month, 1-year, and 2-year post-operative time points. Subsidence was measured by an independent third party. Student t-tests were used to identify significant mean differences between genders (p<0.05).INTRODUCTION
METHODS
