We assessed the orientation of the acetabular component in 1070 primary total hip arthroplasties with hard-on-soft, small diameter bearings, aiming to determine the size and site of the target zone that optimises outcome. Outcome measures included complications, dislocations, revisions and ΔOHS (the difference between the Oxford Hip Scores pre-operatively and five years post-operatively). A wide scatter of orientation was observed (2. sd.  15°). Placing the component within Lewinnek’s zone was not associated withimproved outcome. Of the different zone sizes tested (± 5°, ± 10° and ± 15°), only ± 15° was associated with a decreased rate of dislocation. The dislocation rate with acetabular components inside an inclination/anteversion zone of 40°/15° ± 15° was four times lower than those outside. The only zone size associated with statistically significant and clinically important improvement in OHS was ± 5°. The best outcomes (ΔOHS > 26) were achieved with a 45°/25° ± 5° zone. . This study demonstrated that with traditional technology surgeons can only reliably achieve a target zone of ±15°. As the optimal zone to diminish the risk of dislocation is also ±15°, surgeons should be able to achieve this. This is the first study to demonstrate that optimal orientation of the acetabular component improves the functional outcome. However, the target zone is small (± 5°) and cannot, with current technology, be consistently achieved. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:164–72

Aims. Although periacetabular osteotomies are widely used for the treatment of symptomatic dysplastic hips, long-term surgical outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are still unclear. Accordingly, we assessed hip survival and PROMs at 20 years after transpositional osteotomy of the acetabulum (TOA). Methods. A total of 172 hips in 159 patients who underwent TOA were followed up at a mean of 21.02 years (16.6 to 24.6) postoperatively. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess survivorship with an endpoint of total hip arthroplasty (THA). PROMs included the visual analogue scale (VAS) Satisfaction, VAS Pain, Oxford Hip Score (OHS), and Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12). Thresholds for favourable outcomes for OHS (≥ 42) and FJS-12 (≥ 51) were obtained using the receiver operating characteristic curve with VAS Satisfaction ≥ 50 and VAS Pain < 20 as anchors. Results. THA was performed on 37 hips (21.5%) by the latest follow-up. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the hip survival rate at 20 years was 79.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 73.7 to 86.3). Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative Tönnis grade significantly influenced hip survival. Tönnis grades 0, 1, and 2 were associated with 20-year survival rates of 93.3% (95% CI 84.8 to 100), 86.7% (95% CI 79.8 to 94.3), and 54.8% (95% CI 41.5 to 72.3), respectively. More than 60% of the patients exhibited favourable PROMs. An advanced Tönnis grade at the latest follow-up and a higher BMI were both significantly associated with unfavourable OHS, but not with other PROMs. Conclusion. This study demonstrated the durability of TOA for hips with Tönnis grades 0 to 1 at 20 years. While the presence of advanced osteoarthritis and higher BMI was associated with lower hip functions (OHS), it was not necessarily associated with worse patient satisfaction and joint awareness. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):767–774

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. Methods. The study extends the reporting on the first consecutive 144 resurfacing procedures in 130 patients for all indications. All operations were undertaken between August 1997 and May 1998. The mean age at operation was 52.1 years (SD 9.93; 17 to 76), and included 37 female patients (28.5%). Failure was defined as revision of either component for any reason. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. Routine follow-up with serum metal ion levels, radiographs, and Oxford Hip Scores (OHSs) was undertaken. Results. Overall implant survival was 83.50% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79 to 0.90) at 25 years, and the number at risk was 79. Survival in male patients at 25 years was 89.5% (95% CI 0.83 to 0.96) compared to 66.9% for female patients (95% CI 0.51 to 0.83). Ten additional failures occurred in the period of ten to 25 years. These involved an adverse reaction to metal debris in four patients, a periprosthetic femoral neck fracture affecting five patients, and aseptic loosening in one patient. The median chromium levels were 49.50 nmol/l (interquartile range (IQR) 34 to 70), and the median cobalt serum levels were 42 nmol/l (IQR 24.50 to 71.25). The median OHS at last follow-up was 35 (IQR 10 to 48). During the 25-year study period, 29 patients died. Patient survival at 25 years was 75.10% (95% CI 0.67 to 0.83). Conclusion. This study demonstrates that MoM hip resurfacing using the BHR provides a durable alternative to total hip arthroplasty (THA), particularly in younger male patients with osteoarthritis wishing to maintain a high level of function. These results compare favourably to the best results for THAs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(6):540–547

Aims. It is not known whether preservation of the capsule of the hip positively affects patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in total hip arthroplasty using the direct anterior approach (DAA-THA). A recent randomized controlled trial found no clinically significant difference at one year postoperatively. This study aimed to determine whether preservation of the anterolateral capsule and anatomical closure improve the outcome and revision rate, when compared with resection of the anterolateral capsule, at two years postoperatively. Methods. Two consecutive groups of patients whose operations were performed by the senior author were compared. The anterolateral capsule was resected in the first group of 430 patients between January 2012 and December 2014, and preserved and anatomically closed in the second group of 450 patients between July 2015 and December 2017. There were no other technical changes between the two groups. Patient characteristics, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and surgical data were collected from our database. PROM questionnaires, consisting of the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI-Hip), were collected two years postoperatively. Data were analyzed with generalized multiple regression analysis. Results. The characteristics, CCI, operating time, and length of stay were similar in both groups. There was significantly less blood loss in the capsular preservation group (p = 0.037). The revision rate (n = 3, (0.6%) in the resected group, and 1 (0.2%) in the preserved group) did not differ significantly (p = 0.295). Once adjusted for demographic and surgical factors, the preserved group had significantly worse PROMs: + 0.24 COMI-Hip (p < 0.001) and -1.6 OHS points (p = 0.017). However, the effect sizes were much smaller than the minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) of 0.95 and 5, respectively). The date of surgery (influencing, for instance, the surgeon’s age) was not a significant factor. Conclusion. Based on the MCID, the lower PROMs in the capsular preservation group do not seem to have clinical relevance. They do not, however, confirm the expected benefit of capsular preservation reported for the posterolateral approach. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):826–832

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the mid-term patient-reported outcome, bone remodelling, and migration of a short stem (Collum Femoris Preserving; CFP) with a conventional uncemented stem (Corail). Methods. Of 81 patients who were initially enrolled, 71 were available at five years’ follow-up. The outcomes at two years have previously been reported. The primary outcome measure was the clinical result assessed using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Secondary outcomes were the migration of the stem, measured using radiostereometric analysis (RSA), change of bone mineral density (BMD) around the stem, the development of radiolucent lines, and additional patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Results. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding PROMs (median OHS (CFP 45 (interquartile range (IQR) 35 to 48); Corail 45 (IQR 40 to 48); p = 0.568). RSA showed stable stems in both groups, with little or no further subsidence between two and five years. Resorption of the femoral neck was evident in nine patients in the CFP group and in none of the 15 Corail stems with a collar that could be studied. Dual X-ray absorbiometry showed a significantly higher loss of BMD in the proximal Gruen zones in the CFP group (mean changes in BMD: Gruen zone 1, CFP -9.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) -14.8 to -4.2), Corail 1.0 (95% CI 3.4 to 5.4); Gruen zone 7, CFP -23.0 (95% CI -29.4 to -16.6), Corail -7.2 (95% CI -15.9 to 1.4). Two CFP stems were revised before two years’ follow-up due to loosening, and one Corail stem was revised after two years due to chronic infection. Conclusion. The CFP stem has a similar clinical outcome and subsidence pattern when compared with the Corail stem. More pronounced proximal stress-shielding was seen with the CFP stem, suggesting diaphyseal fixation, and questioning its femoral neck-sparing properties in the long term. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(5):581–588

Aims. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate the early migration of the TriFit cementless proximally coated tapered femoral stem using radiostereometric analysis (RSA). Methods. A total of 21 patients (eight men and 13 women) undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis of the hip were recruited in this study and followed up for two years. Two patients were lost to follow-up. All patients received a TriFit stem and Trinity Cup with a vitamin E-infused highly cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene liner. Radiographs for RSA were taken postoperatively and then at three, 12, and 24 months. Oxford Hip Score (OHS), EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), and adverse events were reported. Results. At two years, the mean subsidence of the head and tip for the TriFit stem was 0.38 mm (SD 0.32) and 0.52 mm (SD 0.36), respectively. The total migration of the head and tip was 0.55 mm (SD 0.32) and 0.71 mm (SD 0.38), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the three to 12 months' migration (p = 0.105) and 12 to 24 months' migration (p = 0.694). The OHS and EQ-5D showed significant improvements at two years. Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that the TriFit femoral stem achieves initial stability and is likely to be stable in the mid and long term. A long-term outcome study is required to assess late mechanisms of failure and the effects of bone mineral density (BMD) related changes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):644–649

Aims. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical, radiological, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the first 100 consecutive patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) via a direct superior approach (DSA) with a matched group of patients undergoing THA by the same surgeon, using a posterolateral approach (PLA). Methods. This was a retrospective single surgeon study comparing the first 100 consecutive DSA THA patients with a matched group of patients using a standard PLA. Case notes were examined for patient demographics, length of hospital stay, operating time, intra- and postoperative complications, pain score, satisfaction score, and Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Leg length discrepancy and component positioning were measured from postoperative plain radiographs. Results. The DSA patients had a shorter length of hospital stay (mean 2.09 days (SD 1.20) DSA vs 2.74 days (SD 1.17) PLA; p < 0.001) and shorter time to discharge from the inpatient physiotherapy teams (mean 1.44 days (SD 1.17) DSA vs 1.93 days (SD 0.96) PLA; p < 0.001). There were no differences in operating time (p = 0.505), pain levels up to postoperative day 1 (p = 0.106 to p =0.242), OHS (p = 0.594 to p = 0.815), satisfaction levels (p = 0.066 to p = 0.299), stem alignment (p = 0.240), acetabular component inclination (p < 0.001) and anteversion (p < 0.001), or leg length discrepancy (p = 0.134). Conclusion. While the DSA appears safe and was not associated with a significant difference in PROMs, radiological findings, or intraoperative or postoperative complications, a randomized controlled trial with functional outcomes in the postoperative phase is needed to evaluate this surgical approach formally. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):500–506

Aims. We compared the clinical outcomes of curved intertrochanteric varus osteotomy (CVO) with bone impaction grafting (BIG) with CVO alone for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods. This retrospective comparative study included 81 patients with ONFH; 37 patients (40 hips) underwent CVO with BIG (BIG group) and 44 patients (47 hips) underwent CVO alone (CVO group). Patients in the BIG group were followed-up for a mean of 12.2 years (10.0 to 16.5). Patients in the CVO group were followed-up for a mean of 14.5 years (10.0 to 21.0). Assessment parameters included the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip-Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ), complication rates, and survival rates, with conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) and radiological failure as the endpoints. Results. There were no significant differences in preoperative and postoperative HHS or postoperative OHS and JHEQ between the BIG group and the CVO group. Complication rates were comparable between groups. Ten-year survival rates with conversion to THA and radiological failure as the endpoints were not significantly different between groups. Successful CVO (postoperative coverage ratio of more than one-third) exhibited better ten-year survival rates with radiological failure as the endpoint in the BIG group (91.4%) than in the CVO group (77.7%), but this difference was not significant (p = 0.079). Conclusion. Long-term outcomes of CVO with BIG were favourable when proper patient selection and accurate surgery are performed. However, this study did not show improvements in treatment results with the concomitant use of BIG. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):665–671

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare early functional and health related quality of life outcomes (HRQoL) in patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a bone conserving short stem femoral component and those in whom a conventional length uncemented component was used. Outcome was assessed using a validated performance based outcome instrument as well as patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Patients and Methods. We prospectively analysed 33 patients whose THA involved a contemporary proximally porous coated tapered short stem femoral component and 53 patients with a standard conventional femoral component, at a minimum follow-up of two years. The mean follow-up was 31.4 months (24 to 39). Patients with poor proximal femoral bone quality were excluded. The mean age of the patients was 66.6 years (59 to 77) and the mean body mass index was 30.2 kg/m. 2. (24.1 to 41.0). Outcome was assessed using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and the University College Hospital (UCH) hip score which is a validated performance based instrument. HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D). Results. There were no major peri-operative complications. There was no difference in the mean post-operative OHS, EQ-5D or function subscale of the UCH hip scores between the two groups. The mean pre-operative OHS and EQ-5D scores improved significantly (all p <  0.001). The mean functional component of the UCH hip score at final follow-up was 42.5 and 40.6 in the short stem and conventional stem groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.42). A total of seven patients (21.2%) in the short stem group and nine (16.98%) in the conventional group achieved a ceiling effect using the OHS; none did using the function subscale of the UCH hip score. Conclusion. The proximally porous coated tapered short stem femoral component achieves comparable short-term functional outcomes when compared with a conventional longer stem uncemented femoral component when THA is undertaken in patients with good bone quality. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B(4 Supple B):49–55

We undertook a retrospective cohort study to determine clinical outcomes following the revision of metal-on-metal (MoM) hip replacements for adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD), and to identify predictors of time to revision and outcomes following revision. Between 1998 and 2012 a total of 64 MoM hips (mean age at revision of 57.8 years; 46 (72%) female; 46 (72%) hip resurfacings and 18 (28%) total hip replacements) were revised for ARMD at one specialist centre. At a mean follow-up of 4.5 years (1.0 to 14.6) from revision for ARMD there were 13 hips (20.3%) with post-operative complications and eight (12.5%) requiring re-revision. . The Kaplan–Meier five-year survival rate for ARMD revision was 87.9% (95% confidence interval 78.9 to 98.0; 19 hips at risk). Excluding re-revisions, the median absolute Oxford hip score (OHS) following ARMD revision using the percentage method (0% best outcome and 100% worst outcome) was 18.8% (interquartile range (IQR) 7.8% to 48.3%), which is equivalent to 39/48 (IQR 24.8/48 to 44.3/48) when using the modified OHS. Histopathological response did not affect time to revision for ARMD (p = 0.334) or the subsequent risk of re-revision (p = 0.879). Similarly, the presence or absence of a contralateral MoM hip bearing did not affect time to revision for ARMD (p = 0.066) or the subsequent risk of re-revision (p = 0.178). . Patients revised to MoM bearings had higher rates of re-revision (five of 16 MoM hips re-revised; p = 0.046), but those not requiring re-revision had good functional results (median absolute OHS 14.6% or 41.0/48). Short-term morbidity following revision for ARMD was comparable with previous reports. Caution should be exercised when choosing bearing surfaces for ARMD revisions. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1600–9

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess the functional gain achieved following hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA). Patients and Methods. A total of 28 patients (23 male, five female; mean age, 56 years (25 to 73)) awaiting Birmingham HRA volunteered for this prospective gait study, with an age-matched control group of 26 healthy adults (16 male, ten female; mean age, 56 years (33 to 84)). The Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and gait analysis using an instrumented treadmill were used preoperatively and more than two years postoperatively to measure the functional change attributable to the intervention. Results. The mean OHS improved significantly from 27 to 46 points (p < 0.001) at a mean of 29 months (12 to 60) after HRA. The mean metal ion levels at a mean 32 months (13 to 60) postoperatively were 1.71 (0.77 to 4.83) µg/l (ppb) and 1.77 (0.68 to 4.16) µg/l (ppb) for cobalt and chromium, respectively. When compared with healthy controls, preoperative patients overloaded the contralateral good hip, limping significantly. After HRA, patients walked at high speeds, with symmetrical gait, statistically indistinguishable from healthy controls over almost all characteristics. The control group could only be distinguished by an increased push-off force at higher speeds, which may reflect the operative approach. Conclusion. Patients undergoing HRA improved their preoperative gait pattern of a significant limp to a symmetrical gait at high speeds and on inclines, almost indistinguishable from normal controls. HRA with an approved device offers substantial functional gains, almost indistinguishable from healthy controls. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1423–1430

We assessed leg length discrepancy and hip function in 90 patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty before surgery and at three and 12 months after. Function was measured using the Oxford hip score (OHS). After surgery the mean OHS improved by 26 points after three months and by 30 points after 12. After operation 56 (62%) limbs were long by a mean of 9 mm and this was perceived by 24 (43%) patients after three months and by 18 (33%) after 12. The mean OHS in patients who perceived true lengthening was 27% worse than the rest of the population after three months and 18% worse after 12. In 55 (98%) patients, lengthening occurred in the femoral component. Appropriate placement of the femoral component could significantly reduce a patient’s perception of discrepancy of length

Aims. The classical longitudinal incision used for the direct anterior approach (DAA) to the hip does not follow the tension lines of the skin and can lead to impaired wound healing and poor cosmesis. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the satisfaction with the scar, and functional and radiographic outcomes comparing the classic longitudinal incision with a modified skin crease ‘bikini’ when the DAA is used for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Patients and Methods. A total of 964 patients (51% female; 59% longitudinal, 41% ‘bikini’) completed a follow-up questionnaire between two and four years postoperatively, including the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), the University of North Carolina ‘4P’ scar scale (UNC4P) and two items for assessing the aesthetic appearance of the scar and symptoms of numbness. The positioning of the components, rates of heterotopic ossification (HO) and rates of revision were assessed. Results. The mean OHS was similar in both groups (p = 0.41). The mean UNC4P total score was slightly better (p = 0.01) and the proportion of patients who were very satisfied with the cosmetic aspects of the scar was higher in the ‘bikini’ group (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients reporting numbness in the scar was higher in the longitudinal group (14.5% vs 7.5%, respectively, p < 0.001). The abduction angle of the acetabular component, the position of the stem and rates of HO did not differ between the groups. There were no differences in the revision rates of both groups, being 2.3% in the longitudinal and 1.5% in the ‘bikini’ group (p = 0.911). Conclusion. We found that a short oblique ‘bikini’ skin crease incision is safe when used for the DAA at THA, without compromising the positioning of the components or increasing the rate of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve dysaesthesia. Although it leads to a superior scar satisfaction, as it is less extensile, it should be used after having gained experience with the classic longitudinal incision. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:853–61

The Oxford hip score (OHS) is a patient-based instrument for assessment of outcome which is often used after total hip replacement, and the EuroQol 5D (EQ5D) is a patient-based generic questionnaire for health assessment. In an analysis of the outcome at one year of 609 revision hip replacements (RHRs), we compared the OHS and EQ5D scores, postoperative patient satisfaction and change in pain. About 25% of the operations were repeat RHRs. At one year, 57% of patients were very pleased with their operation. The correlation between preoperative and postoperative scores and change scores for the OHS and EQ5D was high. For both instruments the effect sizes were large, but the greater effect size of the OHS suggests that it is particularly sensitive to improvements after RHR. The effect scores of the OHS declined with the number of previous RHRs, while those for the EQ5D seemed less sensitive. Our results confirm the value of the OHS in assessing outcome after RHR

Aims. We evaluated the short-term functional outcome and prevalence of bearing-specific generation of audible noise in 301 patients (336 hips) operated on with fourth generation (Delta) medium diameter head, ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) total hip arthroplasties (THAs). Patients and Methods. There were 191 female (63%) and 110 male patients (37%) with a mean age of 61 years (29 to 78) and mean follow-up of 2.1 years (1.3 to 3.4). Patients completed three questionnaires: Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Research and Development 36-item health survey (RAND-36) and a noise-specific symptom questionnaire. Plain radiographs were also analysed. A total of three hips (0.9%) were revised. . Results. There were 52 patients (54 hips, 17%) who reported noise, and in 25 (48%) of them the noise was frequently heard. In the multiple regression analysis, the only independent risk factor for noise was a specific THA brand, with a threefold increased risk (95% confidence intervals 1.39 to 6.45, p = 0.005) of noise compared with the reference THA brand. Patients with noisy hips had lower median OHS (43 versus 46.5, p = 0.002) and their physical functioning (p = 0.021) subscale in RAND-36 was reduced. Conclusion. Noise was surprisingly common in this population. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:44–50

Aims. Advocates of debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) in hip periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) argue that a procedure not disturbing a sound prosthesis-bone interface is likely to lead to better survival and functional outcome compared with revision. This case-control study aims were to compare outcome of DAIRs for infected primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) with outcomes following primary THA and two-stage revision of infected primary THAs. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all DAIRs, performed for confirmed infected primary hip arthropasty (n = 82) at out institution, between 1997 and 2013. Data recorded included full patient information and type of surgery. Outcome measures included complications, mortality, implant survivorship and functional outcome. Outcome was compared with two control groups matched for gender and age; a cohort of primary THAs (n = 120) and a cohort of two-stage revisions for infection (n = 66). Results. Mean age at DAIR was 69 years (33 to 87) and mean follow-up was eight years (2 to 17; standard deviation (. sd). 5). A total of 52 (63%) of DAIRs were for early PJI (less than six weeks). Greater success in the eradication of infection with DAIR was identified with early PJI, comprising an interval less than a week between onset of symptoms and exchange of modular components with the DAIR procedure. Eradication of infection, complications and re-operation rates were similar in the DAIR and two-stage revision groups. For hips with successful eradication of infection with DAIR, the five-year survival (98%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 94 to 100) was similar to the primary THA group (98%; 95% CI 95 to 100) (n = 43; p = 0.3). The DAIR group had inferior mean Oxford Hip Scores (OHS) (38; 12 to 48) compared with the primary THA group (42; 15 to 48) (p = 0.02) but a significantly better mean OHS compared with the two-stage revision group (31; 0 to 48) (p = 0.008). Patients who required only one DAIR for eradication of infection had a similar mean OHS (41; 20 to 48) to the primary THA group (p = 0.2). Conclusion. The DAIR procedure is associated with a similar complication rate and ability to eradicate infection as two-stage revision. This study emphasises the need for exchange of modular components for improved chances of eradication of infection. This is the first study showing that DAIR is better than a two-stage revision regarding functional outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:614–22

Periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) is a potentially devastating complication after total hip arthroplasty, with historically high rates of complication and failure because of the technical challenges of surgery, as well as the prevalence of advanced age and comorbidity in the patients at risk. This study describes the short-term outcome after revision arthroplasty using a modular, titanium, tapered, conical stem for PFF in a series of 38 fractures in 37 patients. The mean age of the cohort was 77 years (47 to 96). A total of 27 patients had an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade of at least 3. At a mean follow-up of 35 months (4 to 66) the mean Oxford Hip Score (OHS) was 35 (15 to 48) and comorbidity was significantly associated with a poorer OHS. All fractures united and no stem needed to be revised. Three hips in three patients required further surgery for infection, recurrent PFF and recurrent dislocation and three other patients required closed manipulation for a single dislocation. One stem subsided more than 5 mm but then stabilised and required no further intervention. . In this series, a modular, tapered, conical stem provided a versatile reconstruction solution with a low rate of complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1031–7

Aims

The primary aim of this trial was to compare the subsidence of two similar hydroxyapatite-coated titanium femoral components from different manufacturers. Secondary aims were to compare rotational migration (anteversion/retroversion and varus/valgus tilt) and patient-reported outcome measures between both femoral components.

Aims. We assessed the difference in hospital based and early clinical outcomes between the direct anterior approach and the posterior approach in patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA). Patients and Methods. The outcome was assessed in 448 (203 males, 245 females) consecutive patients undergoing unilateral primary THA after the implementation of an ‘Enhanced Recovery’ pathway. In all, 265 patients (mean age: 71 years (49 to 89); 117 males and 148 females) had surgery using the direct anterior approach (DAA) and 183 patients (mean age: 70 years (26 to 100); 86 males and 97 females) using a posterior approach. The groups were compared for age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, body mass index, the side of the operation, pre-operative Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and attendance at ‘Joint school’. Mean follow-up was 18.1 months (one to 50). Results. There was no significant difference in mean length of stay (p = 0.07), pain scores on the day of surgery, the first, second and third post-operative days (p = 0.36, 0.23, 0.25 and 0.59, respectively), the day of mobilisation (p = 0.12), the mean OHS at six and 24 months (p = 0.08, and 0.29, respectively), the incidence of infection (p = 1.0), dislocation (p = 1.0), re-operation (p = 0.21) or 28 days’ re-admission (p = 0.06). Significantly more patients in the DAA group achieved a planned discharge target of three days post-operatively (68% vs 56%, p = 0.007). The rate of periprosthetic femoral fractures was significantly higher in the DAA group (p = 0.04). Conclusion. We conclude that there is no difference in clinical outcomes between the DAA and the posterior approach in patients undergoing THA when an ‘Enhanced Recovery’ pathway is used. However, a significantly higher rate of periprosthetic femoral fractures remains a concern with the DAA, even in experienced hands. Take home message: Our results show that the DAA for THA is not superior to posterior approach when ‘Enhanced Recovery’ pathway is used. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:754–60

Our aim was to define the minimum set of patient-reported outcome measures which are required to assess health status after total hip replacement (THR). In 114 patients, we compared the pre-operative characteristics and sensitivity to change of the Oxford hip score (OHS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), the SF-36, the SF-12 (derived from the SF-36), and the Euroqol questionnaire (EQ-5D). At one year after operation, very large effect sizes were found for the disease-specific measures, the physical domains of the SF-12, SF-36 and the EQ-5D. index. (1.3 to 3.0). Patients in Charnley class A showed more change in the OHS, WOMAC pain and function, the physical domains of the SF-36 and the EQ-5D. vas. (p < 0.05) compared with those in the Charnley B and C group. In this group, the effect size for the OHS more than doubled the effect sizes of WOMAC pain and physical function. We found high correlations and correlations of change between the OHS, the WOMAC, the physical domains of the SF-12 and the SF-36 and EQ-5D. index. The SF-36 and EQ-5D scores at one year after operation approached those of the general population. Furthermore, we found a binomial distribution of the pre-operative EQ-5D. index. score and a pre-operative discrepancy and post-operative agreement between the EQ-5D. vas. and EQ-5D. index. . We recommend the use of the OHS and SF-12 in the assessment of THR. The SF-36 may be used in circumstances when smaller changes in health status are investigated, for example in the follow-up of THR. The EQ-5D is useful in situations in which utility values are needed in order to calculate cost-effectiveness or quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), such as in the assessment of new techniques in THR