The cause of fracture of the femoral neck after hip resurfacing is poorly understood. In order to evaluate the role of avascular necrosis we compared 19 femoral heads retrieved at revision for fracture of the femoral neck and 13 retrieved for other reasons. We developed a new technique of assessing avascular necrosis in the femoral head by determining the percentage of empty osteocyte lacunae present. Femoral heads retrieved as controls at total hip replacement for osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis had 9% (. sd. 4; n = 13) and 85% (. sd. 5; n = 10, p < 0.001) empty lacunae, respectively. In the fracture group the percentage of empty lacunae was 71% (. sd. 22); in the other group it was 21% (. sd. 13). The differences between the groups were highly significant (p < 0.001). We conclude that fracture after resurfacing of the hip is associated with a significantly greater percentage of empty osteocyte lacunae within the trabecular bone. This indicates established avascular necrosis and suggests that damage to the blood supply at the time of surgery is a potent risk factor for fracture of the femoral neck after hip resurfacing

The use of bisphosphonates in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head is an encouraging but relatively new option with most published data being derived from small trials with limited follow-up. We present a clinicoradiological analysis of 395 hips with avascular necrosis which were treated with oral alendronate for three years with a mean follow-up of four years (1 to 8). Our results show an improvement in the clinical function, a reduction in the rate of collapse and a decrease in the requirement for total hip replacement, compared with the findings of other studies in which no treatment was given. This improvement is particularly marked if the treatment is begun in the pre-collapse stages of the disease. Even in Ficat stage-III hips some benefit was obtained from treatment with alendronate by at least a delay in the need for total hip replacement

We performed 96 Birmingham resurfacing arthroplasties of the hip in 71 consecutive patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head. A modified neck-capsule-preserving approach was used which is described in detail. The University of California, Los Angeles outcome score, the radiological parameters and survival rates were assessed. The mean follow-up was for 5.4 years (4.0 to 8.1). All the patients remained active with a mean University of California, Los Angeles activity score of 6.86 (6 to 9). Three hips failed, giving a cumulative survival rate of 95.4%. With failure of the femoral component as the endpoint, the cumulative survival rate was 98.0%. We also describe the combined abduction-valgus angle of the bearing couple, which is the sum of the inclination angle of the acetabular component and the stem-shaft angle, as an index of the optimum positioning of the components in the coronal plane. Using a modified surgical technique, it is possible to preserve the femoral head in avascular necrosis by performing hip resurfacing in patients with good results

This retrospective study describes the long-term results of core decompression and placement of a non-vascularised bone graft in the management of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. We treated 80 hips in 65 patients, 18 by a cortical tibial autograft and 62 by a fibular allograft. The mean age of the patients was 36 years (. sd. 13.2). A total of 78 hips were available for evaluation of which pre-operatively six were Ficat-Arlet stage 0, three stage I, 31 stage IIA, 16 stage IIB, 13 stage III and nine stage IV. A total of 34 hips (44%) were revised at a mean of four years (. sd. 3.8). Survivorship analysis using a clinical end-point showed a survival rate of 59% five years after surgery. We found a significant difference (p = 0.002) in survivorship, when using a clinical and radiological end-point, between the two grafts, in favour of the tibial autograft. We considered this difference to be the result of the better quality and increased volume of tibial bone compared with that from the trochanteric region used with the fibular allograft. This is a relatively simple, extra-articular and reproducible procedure. In our view core decompression, removal of the necrotic tissue and packing of the cancellous grafts into the core track are vital parts of the procedure

We describe the results of 76 total arthroplasties of the hip for stage-III or stage-IV avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Harris Galante Porous cups were used in 63 patients between 1986 and 1994 and followed prospectively. We reviewed 70 hips with a follow-up of more than five years (mean 7.6). At the latest review the mean Harris Hip Score had improved from a preoperative value of 29 ± 14.7 to 94 ± 6.8. Radiologically, there was no evidence of acetabular migration. The rate of revision for the femoral component was 8.6%, three being undertaken for loosening and three to allow downsizing of the femoral head. The rate of revision for the acetabular component was 7.1% (five cups). At the time of revision none of the cups was clinically loose, and only required the liner to be changed. The rate of complications was low with no case of deep infection or dislocation, but nine of the 76 hips (11.8%) showed grade-III heterotopic ossification. Previous studies of patients undergoing cemented total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of advanced avascular necrosis have indicated a high incidence of loosening of the acetabular component. Our findings show good medium-term results using the Harris Galante Porous cup for acetabular reconstruction, together with a variety of cemented femoral components, for the treatment of this difficult problem

Aims. The modified Dunn procedure has the potential to restore the anatomy in hips with severe slipped capital femoral epiphyses (SCFE). However, there is a risk of developing avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN). In this paper, we report on clinical outcome, radiological outcome, AVN rate and complications, and the cumulative survivorship at long-term follow-up in patients undergoing the modified Dunn procedure for severe SCFE. Patients and Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis involving 46 hips in 46 patients treated with a modified Dunn procedure for severe SCFE (slip angle > 60°) between 1999 and 2016. At nine-year-follow-up, 40 hips were available for clinical and radiological examination. Mean preoperative age was 13 years, and 14 hips (30%) presented with unstable slips. Mean preoperative slip angle was 64°. Kaplan–Meier survivorship was calculated. Results. At the latest follow-up, the mean Merle d’Aubigné and Postel score was 17 points (14 to 18), mean modified Harris Hip Score was 94 points (66 to 100), and mean Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score was 91 points (67 to 100). Postoperative slip angle was 7° (1° to 16°). One hip (2%) had progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Two hips (5%) developed AVN of the femoral head and required further surgery. Three other hips (7%) underwent implant revision due to screw breakage or change of wires. Cumulative survivorship was 86% at ten-year follow-up. Conclusion. The modified Dunn procedure for severe SCFE resulted in a low rate of AVN, low risk of progression to OA, and high functional scores at long-term follow-up. The slip deformities were mainly corrected but secondary impingement deformities can develop in some hips and may require further surgical treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:403–414

We have compared different types of intertrochanteric osteotomy for avascular of necrosis of the hip and evaluated their performance in the light of improving outcome after total hip arthroplasty (THA). During a period of 14 years we performed 63 flexion osteotomies (partly combined with varus or valgus displacement), 29 rotational osteotomies, 13 varus osteotomies, eight medialising osteotomies and two extension osteotomies. The mean period of follow-up for all 115 operations was 7.3 years (maximum 24.6). At follow-up, 27 of 29 patients with a rotational osteotomy had already undergone a THA, compared with 36 of 63 after flexion osteotomy. A high incidence of complications (55.2%) was seen early after rotational osteotomy, compared with 17.5% after flexion osteotomy. For all osteotomies there was a high correlation between the size of the necrotic area and the incidence of failure, which also correlated with the preoperative Ficat and Steinberg stages. Using Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis, Sugioka’s rotational osteotomy showed a survival probability after five years of 0.26 (95% confidence interval 0.49 to 0.14), and after ten years of 0.15 (CI 0.36 to 0.06). The survival probability for flexion osteotomy was 0.70 (CI 0.83 to 0.59) after five years and 0.50 (CI 0.65 to 0.38) after ten years. The subgroup of flexion osteotomy with a necrotic sector of less than 180° achieved the best survival probability of 0.90 (CI 1.00 to 0.80) after five years and 0.61 (CI 0.84 to 0.45) after ten years. The indications for intertrochanteric osteotomy for avascular necrosis of the hip have to be addressed critically. Even flexion osteotomy in cases with small areas of necrosis provides only temporary benefit. Rotational osteotomy was associated with a high incidence of complications

Symptomatic hip osteonecrosis is a disabling condition with a poorly understood aetiology and pathogenesis. Numerous treatment options for hip osteonecrosis are described, which include non-operative management and joint preserving procedures, as well as total hip replacement (THR). Non-operative or joint preserving treatment may improve outcomes when an early diagnosis is made before the lesion has become too large or there is radiographic evidence of femoral head collapse. The presence of a crescent sign, femoral head flattening, and acetabular involvement indicate a more advanced-stage disease in which joint preserving options are less effective than THR. Since many patients present after disease progression, primary THR is often the only reliable treatment option available. Prior to the 1990s, outcomes of THR for osteonecrosis were poor. However, according to recent reports and systemic reviews, it is encouraging that with the introduction of newer ceramic and/or highly cross-linked polyethylene bearings as well as highly-porous fixation interfaces, THR appears to be a reliable option in the management of end-stage arthritis following hip osteonecrosis in this historically difficult to treat patient population.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:46–50.

We present the long-term results of simple varus intertrochanteric osteotomy for osteonecrosis of the femoral head. We followed 26 hips in 20 patients, with a mean age at the time of surgery of 36 years, for a mean of 12.5 years. The mean varus angulation was 23°.

The outcome in 19 of the hips (73%) was good or excellent; seven (27%) had a fair or poor result, with four needing some form of prosthetic arthroplasty.

Simple varus intertrochanteric osteotomy is indicated, even if the extent of the capital infarct comprises more than 50% of the diameter of maximum radial distance from the circumference, provided that after operation the medial necrotic lesion measures less than two-thirds of the weight-bearing area, and the superolateral bone is normal.

We performed a prospective study using MRI to evaluate early necrosis of the femoral head in 48 patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids for the treatment of various autoimmune-related disorders. The mean interval from the initiation of corticosteroid therapy to the first MRI examination was 2 months (0.5 to 6). MRI was repeated, and the mean period of follow-up was 31 months (24 to 69).

Abnormalities were found on MRI in 31 hips (32%). The initial changes showed well-demarcated, band-like zones which were seen at a mean of 3.6 months after initiation of treatment with steroids. In 14 of these hips (45%) there was a spontaneous reduction in the size of the lesions about one year after treatment had started, but there was no further change in size with a longer follow-up.

We present the histological findings of bone retrieved from beneath the femoral components of failed metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasties. Of a total of 377 patients who underwent resurfacing arthroplasty, 13 required revision; for fracture of the femoral neck in eight, loosening of a component in three and for other reasons in two. None of these cases had shown histological evidence of osteonecrosis in the femoral bone at the time of the initial implantation.

Bone from the remnant of the femoral head showed changes of osteonecrosis in all but one case at revision. In two cases of fracture which occurred within a week of implantation, the changes were compatible with early necrosis of the edge of the fracture. In the remaining six fractures, there were changes of established osteonecrosis. In all but one of the non-fracture cases, patchy osteonecrosis was seen.

We conclude that histological evidence of osteonecrosis is a common finding in failed resurfaced hips. Given that osteonecrosis is extensive in resurfaced femoral heads which fail by fracture, it is likely to play a role in the causation of these fractures.

A vascular necrosis (AVN) of the head of the femur is a potentially crippling disease which mainly affects young adults. Although treatment by exposure to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is reported as being beneficial, there has been no study of its use in treated compared with untreated patients. We selected 12 patients who suffered from Steinberg stage-I AVN of the head of the femur (four bilateral) whose lesions were 4 mm or more thick and/or 12.5 mm or more long on MRI. Daily HBO therapy was given for 100 days to each patient. All smaller stage-I lesions and more advanced stages of AVN were excluded. These size criteria were chosen in order to compare outcomes with an identical size of lesion in an untreated group described earlier. Overall, 81% of patients who received HBO therapy showed a return to normal on MRI as compared with 17% in the untreated group. We therefore conclude that hyperbaric oxygen is effective in the treatment of stage-I AVN of the head of the femur.

Segmental collapse occurs in the early stage of a vascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, and is associated with a poor prognosis. Since it develops at a relatively young age, the long-term outcome after total hip replacement is a major concern. We have compared the long-term results of pedicle bone grafting (PBG) with those of transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy (TRO). In the PBG group there were 23 men (27 hips) and three women (4 hips) with a mean age at the time of surgery of 38 years and a mean follow-up of 13 years. In the TRO group there were 44 men (55 hips) and 19 women (22 hips) with a mean age at the time of surgery of 39 years and a mean follow-up of seven years. Failure was defined as a need for total hip replacement or a Harris hip score below 70.

The long-term results were similar for the two groups. The survival rates at five and ten years were 85% and 67%, respectively, in the PBG group, and 71% and 61%, respectively, in the TRO group, according to Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis. In the TRO group patients in stage II had significantly better results that those in stage III.

Aims. Despite advances in the treatment of paediatric hip disease, adolescent and young adult patients can develop early onset end-stage osteoarthritis. The aims of this study were to address the indications and medium-term outcomes for total hip arthroplasty (THA) with ceramic bearings for teenage patients. Methods. Surgery was performed by a single surgeon working in the paediatric orthopaedic unit of a tertiary referral hospital. Databases were interrogated from 2003 to 2017 for all teenage patients undergoing THA with a minimum 2.3 year follow-up. Data capture included patient demographics, the underlying hip pathology, number of previous surgeries, and THA prostheses used. Institutional ethical approval was granted to contact patients for prospective clinical outcomes and obtain up-to-date radiographs. In total, 60 primary hips were implanted in 51 patients (35 female, 16 male) with nine bilateral cases. The mean age was 16.7 years (12 to 19) and mean follow-up was 9.3 years (2.3 to 16.8). Results. The most common indication for teenage hip arthroplasty was avascular necrosis secondary to slipped upper femoral epiphysis (31%; n = 16). Overall, 64% of patients (n = 33) had undergone multiple previous operations. The survival at follow-up was 97%; two patients required revision for aseptic loosening (one femoral stem, one acetabular component). Both patients had fused hips noted at the time of arthroplasty. A further two patients had radiolucent lines but were asymptomatic. At latest follow-up the mean Oxford Hip Score was 44 (31 to 48) and a Visual Analogue Scale measurement of 1.5, indicating satisfactory function. Conclusion. Operating on this cohort can be complicated by multiple previous surgeries and distorted anatomy, which in some cases require custom-made prostheses. We have demonstrated a good outcome with low revision rate in this complex group of patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1491–1496

The incidence and long-term outcome of undisplaced fatigue fractures of the femoral neck treated conservatively were examined in Finnish military conscripts between 1970 and 1990. From 106 cases identified, 66 patients with 70 fractures were followed for a mean of 18.3 years (11 to 32). The original medical records and radiographs were studied and physical and radiological follow-up data analysed for evidence of risk factors for this injury. The development of avascular necrosis and osteoarthritis was determined from the follow-up radiographs and MR scans. The impact of new military instructions on the management of hip-related pain was assessed following their introduction in 1986. The preventive regimen (1986) improved awareness and increased the detected incidence from 13.2 per 100 000 service-years (1970 to 1986) to 53.2 per 100 000 (1987 to 1990). No patient developed displacement of the fracture or avascular necrosis of the femoral head, or suffered from adverse complications. No differences were found in MRI-measured hip joint spaces at final follow-up. The mean Harris Hip Score was 97 (70 to 100) and the Visual Analogue Scale 5.85 mm (0 to 44). Non-operative treatment, including avoidance of or reduced weight-bearing, gave favourable short- and long-term outcomes. Undisplaced fatigue fractures of the femoral neck neither predispose to avascular necrosis nor the subsequent development of osteoarthritis of the hip

Aims. Psychological factors play a critical role in patient presentation, satisfaction, and outcomes. Pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression are important to consider, as they are associated with poorer outcomes and are potentially modifiable. The aim of this study was to assess the level of pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression in patients with a range of hip pathology and to evaluate their relationship with patient-reported psychosocial and functional outcome measures. Patients and Methods. Patients presenting to a tertiary-centre specialist hip clinic were prospectively evaluated for outcomes of pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression. Validated assessments were undertaken such as: the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), and the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Patient characteristics and demographics were also recorded. Multiple linear regression modelling, with adaptive least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) variable selection, was used for analysis. Results. A total of 328 patients were identified for inclusion, with diagnoses of hip dysplasia (DDH; n = 50), femoroacetabular impingement (FAI; n = 55), lateral trochanteric pain syndrome (LTP; n = 23), hip osteoarthrosis (OA; n = 184), and avascular necrosis of the hip (AVN; n = 16) with a mean age of 31.0 years (14 to 65), 38.5 years (18 to 64), 63.7 years (20 to 78), 63.5 years (18 to 91), and 39.4 years (18 to 71), respectively. The percentage of patients with abnormal levels of pain catastrophizing, anxiety, or depression was: 22.0%, 16.0%, and 12.0% for DDH, respectively; 9.1%, 10.9%, and 7.3% for FAI, respectively; 13.0%, 4.3%, and 4.3% for LTP, respectively; 21.7%, 11.4%, and 14.1% for OA, respectively; and 25.0%, 43.8%, and 6.3% for AVN, respectively. HADS Anxiety (HADSA) and Hip Disability Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living subscale (HOOS ADL) predicted the PCS total (adjusted R. 2. = 0.4599). Age, HADS Depression (HADSD), and PCS total predicted HADSA (adjusted R. 2. = 0.4985). Age, HADSA, patient’s percentage of perceived function, PCS total, and HOOS Quality of Life subscale (HOOS QOL) predicted HADSD (adjusted R. 2. = 0.5802). Conclusion. Patients with hip pathology may exhibit significant pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression. Identifying these factors and understanding the impact of psychosocial function could help improve patient treatment outcomes. Perioperative multidisciplinary assessment may be a beneficial part of comprehensive orthopaedic hip care. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:800–807

Aims

The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) was introduced in 1997 to address the needs of young active patients using a historically proven large-diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) bearing. A single designer surgeon’s consecutive series of 130 patients (144 hips) was previously reported at five and ten years, reporting three and ten failures, respectively. The aim of this study was to extend the follow-up of this original cohort at 25 years.

Aims

Eccentric reductions may become concentric through femoral head ‘docking’ (FHD) following closed reduction (CR) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). However, changes regarding position and morphology through FHD are not well understood. We aimed to assess these changes using serial MRI.

Aims

The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) arthroplasty has been used as a surgical treatment of coxarthrosis since 1997. We present 20-year results of 234 consecutive BHRs performed in our unit.

Aims

Contemporary outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) with highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) liners in patients with inflammatory arthritis have not been well studied. This study examined the implant survivorship, complications, radiological results, and clinical outcomes of THA in patients with inflammatory arthritis.