Ultrasonography of the hip was performed sequentially by two different examiners in 75 infants. The ultrasound strips were reviewed twice by three paediatric orthopaedic surgeons and classified by the Graf method. The intraobserver and interobserver agreement between the interpretations was analysed using simple and weighted kappa coefficients calculated for agreement on the Graf classification and for grouping as normal (types 1A to 2A), and abnormal requiring treatment (types 2B to 4).

When examining the same ultrasound strip, intraobserver agreement for the Graf classification was substantial (mean kappa 0.61), but interobserver agreement was only moderate (kappa 0.50).

For the grouping into normal and abnormal, the mean kappa value for intraobserver agreement was 0.67 and for interobserver agreement 0.57. Because of the significant differences in agreement between normal and abnormal hips, we analysed a subgroup of those with at least one abnormal interpretation. Intraobserver agreement within this subgroup showed moderate reliability (kappa 0.41), but interobserver agreement was only fair (kappa 0.28).

Interpretations of two different strips performed sequentially showed significantly lower agreement with an intraobserver kappa value of 0.29 and an interobserver value of 0.28. In the subgroup with at least one abnormal reading, the intraobserver kappa was 0.09 and the interobserver 0.1.

Our findings suggest that both the technique of performing ultrasonography and the interpretation of the image may influence the result.

Aims

To clarify the mid-term results of transposition osteotomy of the acetabulum (TOA), a type of spherical periacetabular osteotomy, combined with structural allograft bone grafting for severe hip dysplasia.

Aims. The objective of this study was to present the outcomes of rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) over a 30-year period for osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to dysplasia of the hip in pre- or early-stage OA. Methods. Between September 1987 and December 1994, we provided treatment to 47 patients (55 hips) with RAO for the management of pre- or early-stage OA due to developmental hip dysplasia. Of those, eight patients (11 hips) with pre-OA (follow-up rate 79%) and 27 patients (32 hips) with early-stage OA (follow-up rate 78%), totalling 35 patients (43 hips) (follow-up rate 78%), were available at a minimum of 28 years after surgery. Results. In the pre-OA group, the mean Merle d'Aubigné score improved significantly from 14.5 points (SD 0.7) preoperatively to 17.4 points at final follow-up (SD 1.2; p = 0.004) and in the early-stage group, the mean score did not improve significantly from 14.0 (SD 0.3) to 14.6 (SD 2.4; p = 0.280). Radiologically, the centre-edge angle, acetabular roof angle, and head lateralization index were significantly improved postoperatively in both groups. Radiological progression of OA was observed in two patients (two hips) in the pre-OA group and 17 patients (18 hips) in the early-stage group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, with radiological progression of OA as the primary outcome, projected a 30-year survival rate of 81.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59 to 1.00) for the pre-OA group and 42.2% (95% CI 0.244 to 0.600) for the early-stage group. In all cases, the overall survival rate stood at 51.5% (95% CI 0.365 to 0.674) over a 30-year period, and when the endpoint was conversion to total hip arthroplasty, the survival rate was 74.0% (95% CI 0.608 to 0.873). Conclusion. For younger patients with pre-OA, joint preservation of over 30 years can be expected after RAO. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(5 Supple B):25–31

We describe a near-fatal event, probably due to air embolism, following an air arthrogram for developmental hip dysplasia in a baby aged four months. The sequence of events and the subsequent treatment are described. There is little information about this complication in the literature. The presumed mechanism and alternative methods for confirmation of placement of the needle are discussed. We no longer use air arthrography in children

We have studied retrospectively 37 hips in 36 children at an average of 91 months after simultaneous open reduction and Salter innominate osteotomy for developmental hip dysplasia. At the latest review 97.3% were clinically and 83.8% radiologically good or excellent. In three hips (8%) there were signs of avascular necrosis, but only one had been symptomatic. There were no cases of recurrent posterior displacement

We compared a modular neck system with a non-modular system in a cementless anatomical total hip replacement (THR). Each group consisted of 74 hips with developmental hip dysplasia. Both groups had the same cementless acetabular component and the same articulation, which consisted of a conventional polyethylene liner and a 28 mm alumina head. The mean follow-up was 14.5 years (13 to 15), at which point there were significant differences in the mean total Harris hip score (modular/non-modular: 98.6 (64 to 100)/93.8 (68 to 100)), the mean range of abduction (32° (15° to 40°)/28 (0° to 40°)), use of a 10° elevated liner (31%/100%), the incidence of osteolysis (27%/79.7%) and the incidence of equal leg lengths (≥ 6 mm, 92%/61%). There was no disassociation or fracture of the modular neck. The modular system reduces the need for an elevated liner, thereby reducing the incidence of osteolysis. It gives a better range of movement and allows the surgeon to make an accurate adjustment of leg length

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether universal (all neonates) or selective (neonates belonging to the risk groups) ultrasound screening of the hips should be recommended at birth. We carried out a prospective, randomised trial between 1988 and 1992, including all newborn infants at our hospital. A total of 15 529 infants was randomised to either clinical screening and ultrasound examination of all hips or clinical screening of all hips and ultrasound examination only of those at risk. The effect of the screening was assessed by the rate of late detection of congenital or developmental hip dysplasia in the two groups. During follow-up of between six and 11 years, only one late-detected hip dysplasia was seen in the universal group, compared with five in the subjective group, representing a rate of 0.13 and 0.65 per 1000, respectively. The difference in late detection between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.22). When clinical screening is of high quality, as in our study, the effect of an additional ultrasound examination, measured as late-presenting hip dysplasia, is marginal. Under such circumstances, we consider that universal ultrasound screening is not necessary, but recommend selective ultrasound screening for neonates with abnormal or suspicious clinical findings and those with risk factors for hip dysplasia

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between hip shape and mid-term function in Perthes’ disease. It also explored whether the modified three-group Stulberg classification can offer similar prognostic information to the five-group system.

Aims

To evaluate the concurrent use of vancomycin and ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA) in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology and treatment of Perthes’ disease of the hip.

Aims

The reduction in mobility due to hip diseases in children is likely to affect their physical activity (PA) levels. Physical inactivity negatively influences quality of life and health. Our aim was to objectively measure PA in children with hip disease, and correlate it with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Mobility Score.

Aims

We report on the outcome of the Synergy cementless femoral stem with a minimum follow-up of 15 years (15 to 17).

Aims

Periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) are devastating complications that are associated with functional limitations and increased overall mortality. Although cementless implants have been associated with an increased risk of PFF, the precise contribution of implant geometry and design on the risk of both intra-operative and post-operative PFF remains poorly investigated. A systematic review was performed to aggregate all of the PFF literature with specific attention to the femoral implant used.

Increasing follow-up identifies the outcome in younger patients who have undergone total hip replacement (THR) and reveals the true potential for survival of the prosthesis. We identified 28 patients (39 THRs) who had undergone cemented Charnley low friction arthroplasty between 1969 and 2001. Their mean age at operation was 17.9 years (12 to 19) and the maximum follow-up was 34 years. Two patients (4 THRs) were lost to follow-up, 13 (16 THRs) were revised at a mean period of 19.1 years (8 to 34) and 13 (19 THRs) continue to attend regular follow-up at a mean of 12.6 years (2.3 to 29). In this surviving group one acetabular component was radiologically loose and all femoral components were secure. In all the patients the diameter of the femoral head was 22.225 mm with Charnley femoral components used in 29 hips and C-stem femoral components in ten. In young patients who require THR the acetabular bone stock is generally a limiting factor for the size of the component. Excellent long-term results can be obtained with a cemented polyethylene acetabular component and a femoral head of small diameter.

Revision total hip replacement (THR) for young patients is challenging because of technical complexity and the potential need for subsequent further revisions. We have assessed the survivorship, functional outcome and complications of this procedure in patients aged <  50 years through a large longitudinal series with consistent treatment algorithms. Of 132 consecutive patients (181 hips) who underwent revision THR, 102 patients (151 hips) with a mean age of 43 years (22 to 50) were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 11 years (2 to 26) post-operatively. We attempted to restore bone stock with allograft where indicated. Using further revision for any reason as an end point, the survival of the acetabular component was 71% (sd 4) and 54% (sd 7) at ten- and 20 years. The survival of the femoral component was 80% (sd 4) and 62% (sd 6) at ten- and 20 years. Complications included 11 dislocations (6.1%), ten periprosthetic fractures (5.5%), two deep infections (1.1%), four sciatic nerve palsies (2.2%; three resolved without intervention, one improved after exploration and freeing from adhesions) and one vascular injury (0.6%). The mean modified Harris Hip Score was 41 (10 to 82) pre-operatively, 77 (39 to 93) one year post-operatively and 77 (38 to 93) at the latest review.

This overall perspective on the mid- to long-term results is valuable when advising young patients on the prospects of revision surgery at the time of primary replacement.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1047–51.

It has recently been reported that the transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) is helpful in determining the position of the acetabular component in total hip replacement (THR). In this study we used a computer-assisted navigation system to determine whether the TAL is useful as a landmark in THR. The study was carried out in 121 consecutive patients undergoing primary THR (134 hips), including 67 dysplastic hips (50%). There were 26 men (29 hips) and 95 women (105 hips) with a mean age of 60.2 years (17 to 82) at the time of operation. After identification of the TAL, its anteversion was measured intra-operatively by aligning the inferomedial rim of the trial acetabular component with the TAL using computer-assisted navigation. The TAL was identified in 112 hips (83.6%). Intra-observer reproducibility in the measurement of anteversion of the TAL was high, but inter-observer reproducibility was moderate.

Each surgeon was able to align the trial component according to the target value of the angle of anteversion of the TAL, but it was clear that methods may differ among surgeons. Of the measurements of the angle of anteversion of the TAL, 5.4% (6 of 112 hips) were outliers from the safe zone.

In summary, we found that the TAL is useful as a landmark when implanting the acetabular component within the safe zone in almost all hips, and to prevent it being implanted in retroversion in all hips, including dysplastic hips. However, as anteversion of the TAL may be excessive in a few hips, it is advisable to pay attention to individual variations, particularly in those with severe posterior pelvic tilt.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:306–11.

We report a 12- to 15-year implant survival assessment of a prospective single-surgeon series of Birmingham Hip Resurfacings (BHRs). The earliest 1000 consecutive BHRs including 288 women (335 hips) and 598 men (665 hips) of all ages and diagnoses with no exclusions were prospectively followed-up with postal questionnaires, of whom the first 402 BHRs (350 patients) also had clinical and radiological review.

Mean follow-up was 13.7 years (12.3 to 15.3). In total, 59 patients (68 hips) died 0.7 to 12.6 years following surgery from unrelated causes. There were 38 revisions, 0.1 to 13.9 years (median 8.7) following operation, including 17 femoral failures (1.7%) and seven each of infections, soft-tissue reactions and other causes. With revision for any reason as the end-point Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed 97.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 96.9 to 97.9) and 95.8% (95% CI 95.1 to 96.5) survival at ten and 15 years, respectively. Radiological assessment showed 11 (3.5%) femoral and 13 (4.1%) acetabular radiolucencies which were not deemed failures and one radiological femoral failure (0.3%).

Our study shows that the performance of the BHR continues to be good at 12- to 15-year follow-up. Men have better implant survival (98.0%; 95% CI 97.4 to 98.6) at 15 years than women (91.5%; 95% CI 89.8 to 93.2), and women < 60 years (90.5%; 95% CI 88.3 to 92.7) fare worse than others. Hip dysplasia and osteonecrosis are risk factors for failure. Patients under 50 years with osteoarthritis fare best (99.4%; 95% CI 98.8 to 100 survival at 15 years), with no failures in men in this group.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1298–1306.

Down’s syndrome is associated with a number of musculoskeletal abnormalities, some of which predispose patients to early symptomatic arthritis of the hip. The purpose of the present study was to review the general and hip-specific factors potentially compromising total hip replacement (THR) in patients with Down’s syndrome, as well as to summarise both the surgical techniques that may anticipate the potential adverse impact of these factors and the clinical results reported to date. A search of the literature was performed, and the findings further informed by the authors’ clinical experience, as well as that of the hip replacement in Down Syndrome study group. The general factors identified include a high incidence of ligamentous laxity, as well as associated muscle hypotonia and gait abnormalities. Hip-specific factors include: a high incidence of hip dysplasia, as well as a number of other acetabular, femoral and combined femoroacetabular anatomical variations. Four studies encompassing 42 hips, which reported the clinical outcomes of THR in patients with Down’s syndrome, were identified. All patients were successfully treated with standard acetabular and femoral components. The use of supplementary acetabular screw fixation to enhance component stability was frequently reported. The use of constrained liners to treat intra-operative instability occurred in eight hips. Survival rates of between 81% and 100% at a mean follow-up of 105 months (6 to 292) are encouraging. Overall, while THR in patients with Down’s syndrome does present some unique challenges, the overall clinical results are good, providing these patients with reliable pain relief and good function.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:41–5.

Perthes’ disease is an osteonecrosis of the juvenile hip, the aetiology of which is unknown. A number of comorbid associations have been suggested that may offer insights into aetiology, yet the strength and validity of these are unclear. This study explored such associations through a case control study using the United Kingdom General Practice Research database. Associations investigated were those previously suggested within the literature. A total of 619 cases of Perthes’ disease were included, as were 2544 controls. The risk of Perthes’ disease was significantly increased with the presence of congenital anomalies of the genitourinary and inguinal region, such as hypospadias (odds ratio (OR) 4.04 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41 to 11.58)), undescended testis (OR 1.83 (95% CI 1.12 to 3.00)) and inguinal herniae (OR 1.79 (95% CI 1.02 to 3.16)). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was not associated with Perthes’ disease (OR 1.01 (95% CI 0.48 to 2.12)), although a generalised behavioural disorder was (OR 1.55 (95% CI 1.10 to 2.17)). Asthma significantly increased the risk of Perthes’ disease (OR 1.44 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.76)), which remained after adjusting for oral/parenteral steroid use.

Perthes’ disease has a significant association with congenital genitourinary and inguinal anomalies, suggesting that intra-uterine factors may be critical to causation. Other comorbid associations may offer insight to support or refute theories of pathogenesis.