Periprosthetic fracture of the femur is an uncommon complication after total hip replacement, but appears to be increasing. We undertook a nationwide observational study to determine the risk factors for failure after treatment of these fractures, examining patient- and implant-related factors, the classification of the fractures and the outcome. Between 1979 and 2000, 1049 periprosthetic fractures of the femur were reported to the Swedish National Hip Arthroplasty Register. Of these, 245 had a further operation after failure of their initial management. Data were collected from the Register and hospital records. The material was analysed by the use of Poisson regression models. It was found that the risk of failure of treatment was reduced for Vancouver type B2 injuries (p = 0.0053) if revision of the implant was undertaken (p = 0.0033) or revision and open reduction and internal fixation (p = 0.0039) were performed. Fractures classified as Vancouver type B1 had a significantly higher risk of failure (p = 0.0001). The strongest negative factor was the use of a single plate for fixation (p = 0.001). The most common reasons for failure in this group were loosening of the femoral prosthesis, nonunion and re-fracture. It is probable that many fractures classified as Vancouver type B1 (n = 304), were in reality type B2 fractures with a loose stem which were not recognised. Plate fixation was inadequate in these cases. The difficulty in separating type B1 from type B2 fractures suggests that the prosthesis should be considered as loose until proven otherwise

The use of plate-and-cable constructs to treat periprosthetic fractures around a well-fixed femoral component in total hip replacements has been reported to have high rates of failure. Our aim was to evaluate the results of a surgical treatment algorithm to use these lateral constructs reliably in Vancouver type-B1 and type-C fractures. The joint was dislocated and the stability of the femoral component was meticulously evaluated in 45 type-B1 fractures. This led to the identification of nine (20%) unstable components. The fracture was considered to be suitable for single plate-and-cable fixation by a direct reduction technique if the integrity of the medial cortex could be restored.

Union was achieved in 29 of 30 fractures (97%) at a mean of 6.4 months (3 to 30) in 29 type-B1 and five type-C fractures. Three patients developed an infection and one construct failed.

Using this algorithm plate-and-cable constructs can be used safely, but indirect reduction with minimal soft-tissue damage could lead to shorter times to union and lower rates of complications.

Aims. Several different designs of hemiarthroplasty are used to treat intracapsular fractures of the proximal femur, with large variations in costs. No clinical benefit of modular over monoblock designs has been reported in the literature. Long-term data are lacking. The aim of this study was to report the ten-year implant survival of commonly used designs of hemiarthroplasty. Methods. Patients recorded by the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) between 1 September 1999 and 31 December 2020 who underwent hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of a hip fracture with the following implants were included: a cemented monoblock Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS), cemented Exeter V40 with a bipolar head, a monoblock Thompsons prosthesis (Cobalt/Chromium or Titanium), and an Exeter V40 with a Unitrax head. Overall and age-defined cumulative revision rates were compared over the ten years following surgery. Results. A total of 41,949 hemiarthroplasties were included. Exeter V40 with a Unitrax head was the most commonly used (n = 20,707, 49.4%). The overall rate of revision was small. A total of 28,201 patients (67.2%) were aged > 80 years. There were no significant differences in revision rates across all designs of hemiarthroplasty in patients of this age at any time. The revision rates for all designs were < 3.5%, three years postoperatively. At subsequent times the ETS and Exeter V40 with a bipolar head performed well in all age groups. The unadjusted ten-year mortality rate for the whole cohort was 82.2%. Conclusion. There was no difference in implant survival between all the designs of hemiarthroplasty in the first three years following surgery, supporting the selection of a cost-effective design of hemiarthroplasty for most patients with an intracapsular fracture of the hip, as determined by local availability and costs. Beyond this, the ETS and Exeter bipolar designs performed well in all age groups. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(8):864–871

Aims. We compared implant and patient survival following intraoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures (IOPFFs) during primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) with matched controls. Patients and Methods. This retrospective cohort study compared 4831 hips with IOPFF and 48 154 propensity score matched primary THAs without IOPFF implanted between 2004 and 2016, which had been recorded on a national joint registry. Implant and patient survival rates were compared between groups using Cox regression. Results. Ten-year stem survival was worse in the IOPFF group (p < 0.001). Risk of revision for aseptic loosening increased 7.2-fold following shaft fracture and almost 2.8-fold after trochanteric fracture (p < 0.001). Risk of periprosthetic fracture of the femur revision increased 4.3-fold following calcar-crack and 3.6-fold after trochanteric fracture (p < 0.01). Risk of instability revision was 3.6-fold after trochanteric fracture and 2.4-fold after calcar crack (p < 0.001). Risk of 90-day mortality following IOPFF without revision was 1.7-fold and 4.0-fold after IOPFF with early revision surgery versus uncomplicated THA (p < 0.001). Conclusion. IOPFF increases risk of stem revision and mortality up to ten years following surgery. The risk of revision depends on IOPFF subtype and mortality risk increases with subsequent revision surgery. Surgeons should carefully diagnose and treat IOPFF to minimize fracture progression and implant failure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1199–1208

Aims. The goals of this study were to define the risk factors, characteristics, and chronology of fractures in 5417 revision total hip arthroplasties (THAs). . Patients and Methods. From our hospital’s prospectively collected database we identified all patients who had undergone a revision THA between 1969 and 2011 which involved the femoral stem. The patients’ medical records and radiographs were examined and the relevant data extracted. Post-operative periprosthetic fractures were classified using the Vancouver system. A total of 5417 revision THAs were identified. Results. There were 668 intra-operative fractures, giving an incidence of 12%. Fractures were three times more common with uncemented stems (19%) than with cemented stems (6%) (p <  0.001). The incidence of intra-operative femoral fracture varied by uncemented stem type: fully-coated (20%); proximally-coated (19%); modular fluted tapered (16%) (p < 0.05). Most fractures occurred during the insertion of the femoral component (35%). One-third involved the diaphysis and 26% were of the calcar: 69% were undisplaced. There were 281 post-operative fractures of the femur (20-year probability = 11%). There was no difference in risk for cemented and uncemented stems. Post-operative fractures were more common in men < 70 years (p = 0.02). Periprosthetic fractures occurred earlier after uncemented revision of the femoral component, but later after a cemented revision. The most common fracture type was a Vancouver B. 1. (31%). Of all post-operative fractures, 24% underwent open reduction and internal fixation and 15% revision arthroplasty. Conclusion. In revision THA, intra-operative fractures occurred three times more often with an uncemented stem. Many were undisplaced diaphyseal fractures treated with cerclage fixation. . While the risk of post-operative fracture is similar between uncemented and cemented components, they occur at notably different times depending on the type of stem fixation. . Take home message: In revision THA, intra-operative periprosthetic femoral fractures occur three times more often with uncemented stems. Many are non-displaced diaphyseal fractures treated with cerclage fixation. While postoperative fracture risks are equivalent between uncemented and cemented components, they occur at notably different time periods based on stem fixation type. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:468–74

Aims. In patients where the proximal femur shows gross deformity due to degenerative changes or fracture, the contralateral femur is often used to perform preoperative templating for hip arthroplasty. However, femurs may not be symmetrical: the aim of this study was to determine the degree of variation between hips in healthy individuals and to determine whether it is affected by demographic parameters. Materials and Methods. CT-scan based modelling was used to examine the pelvis and bilateral femurs of 345 patients (211 males, 134 women; mean age 62 years (standard deviation (. sd). 17), mean body mass index 27 kg/m. 2. (. sd. 5)) representing a range of ethnicities. The femoral neck-shaft angle (NSA), femoral offset (FO), femoral neck version (FNV), femoral length (FL), femoral canal flare index (fCFI), and femoral head radius (FHr) were then determined for each patient. All measurements were constructed using algorithm-calculated landmarks, resulting in reproducible and consistent constructs for each specimen. We then analyzed femoral symmetry based on absolute differences (AD) and percentage asymmetry (%AS) following a previously validated method. Results. We found an asymmetry > 2% for NSA (mean AD 2.9°, mean %AS 2.3; p = 0.03), FO (AD 3.8 mm, %AS 9.1 ; p = 0.01), FNV (AD 5.1°, %AS 46.7 ; p = 0.001) and fCFI (AD 0.2 mm, %AS 5.4 ; p = 0.7). Significant relationships were found for AD regarding NSA and ethnicity (p = 0.037), FL and height (R. 2.  = 0.22), and fCFI and gender (R. 2.  = 0.34). Conclusion. Our data confirm the presence of asymmetry of proximal femurs, which is mostly independent of demographic parameters. In cases where contralateral templating is used, such asymmetry may lead to inaccurate anatomical restoration of the hip if the templated sizes are routinely implanted. However, the clinical impact cannot be determined from our investigation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:839–44

We are currently facing an epidemic of periprosthetic fractures around the hip. They may occur either during surgery or post-operatively. Although the acetabulum may be involved, the femur is most commonly affected. We are being presented with new, difficult fracture patterns around cemented and cementless implants, and we face the challenge of an elderly population who may have grossly deficient bone and may struggle to rehabilitate after such injuries. The correct surgical management of these fractures is challenging. This article will review the current choices of implants and techniques available to deal with periprosthetic fractures of the femur. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B(11 Suppl A):48–55

Aims. We conducted a prospective study of a delta ceramic total hip arthroplasty (THA) to determine the rate of ceramic fracture, to characterise post-operative noise, and to evaluate the mid-term results and survivorship. Patients and Methods. Between March 2009 and March 2011, 274 patients (310 hips) underwent cementless THA using a delta ceramic femoral head and liner. At each follow-up, clinical and radiological outcomes were recorded. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was undertaken to estimate survival. Results. Four patients (four hips) died and 18 patients (20 hips) were lost to follow-up within five years. The remaining 252 patients (286 hips) were followed for a mean of 66.5 months (60 to 84). There were 144 men (166 hips) and 108 women (120 hips) with a mean age of 49.7 years (16 to 83) at surgery. The mean pre-operative Harris Hip Score of 47.1 points improved to 93.8 points at final follow-up. Six patients reported squeaking in seven hips; however, none were audible. Radiolucent lines involving Gruen zones one and/or seven were seen in 52 hips (18.2%). No hip had detectable wear, focal osteolysis or signs of loosening. One hip was revised because of fracture of the ceramic liner, which occurred due to an undetected malseating of the ceramic liner at the time of surgery. One hip was revised for a periprosthetic fracture of the femur, and one hip was treated for periprosthetic joint infection. The six-year survivorship with re-operation for any reason as the endpoint was 99.0% (95% confidence interval 97.8% to 100%). Discussion. The rate of delta ceramic fracture was 0.3% (one of 286). While ceramic head fracture was dominant in previous ceramic-on-ceramic THA, fracture of the delta ceramic liner due to malseating is a concern. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:741–8

We describe 129 consecutive revision total hip replacements using a Charnley-Kerboull femoral component of standard length with impaction allografting. The mean follow-up was 8.2 years (2 to 16). Additionally, extramedullary reinforcement was performed using struts of cortical allograft in 49 hips and cerclage wires in 30. There was one intra-operative fracture of the femur but none later. Two femoral components subsided by 5 mm and 8 mm respectively, and were considered to be radiological failures. No further revision of a femoral component was required. The rate of survival of the femoral component at nine years, using radiological failure as the endpoint, was 98%. Our study showed that impaction grafting in association with a Charnley-Kerboull femoral component has a low rate of subsidence. Reconstruction of deficiencies of distal bone with struts of cortical allograft appeared to be an efficient way of preventing postoperative femoral fracture for up to 16 years

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The purpose of this study is to evaluate early outcomes with the use of a smartphone-based exercise and educational care management system after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and demonstrate decreased use of in-person physiotherapy (PT).

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The primary aim was to determine the influence of COVID-19 on 30-day mortality following hip fracture. Secondary aims were to determine predictors of COVID-19 status on presentation and later in the admission; the rate of hospital acquired COVID-19; and the predictive value of negative swabs on admission.

We reviewed 80 patients (87 hips) who were older than 80 years of age at the time of cementless total hip arthroplasty. An Alloclassic SL stem had been implanted in all patients. A variety of cementless acetabular components was used. After a mean follow-up of 69.3 months (39.2 to 94.1) 48 hips in 43 patients were analysed clinically and radiologically. One patient had sustained a traumatic periprosthetic fracture of the femur with subsequent exchange of the stem 73 months after operation. Thirty-two patients (34 hips) had died and five patients (five hips) were unavailable for follow-up because of health reasons (four patients) or lack of co-operation (one patient). If the endpoint is defined as removal of the prosthesis because of aseptic loosening, the survival rate was 100% for the cup and stem after 78 months. The mean Harris hip score was 81.9 points. Radiolucent lines and osteolysis were seldom found

We compared the mortality and outcome of 182 patients with proximal fractures of the femur after immediate and delayed surgical treatment. Seventy-nine patients were operated upon within six hours of the fracture (group 1) and 103 patients were operated upon after this period of time (group 2). At six months follow-up, group 1 had a significantly lower mortality rate. There was a good outcome in both groups with no differences in the outcome. Neither surgical nor anaesthetic factors appeared to have influenced mortality. The subdivision of groups revealed that patients operated on within 24 hours had a better outcome than those whose surgery was delayed. Although there may have been a bias, as patients were not randomly assigned to immediate or delayed surgical treatment, the data suggest that early stabilisation may be associated with a lower mortality rate. Even with pre-clinical delays of more than six hours early treatment should still be attempted, as better results seem to be achieved after 24 hours compared to a later time in our patients

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients continue to require urgent surgery for hip fractures. However, the impact of COVID-19 on perioperative outcomes in these high-risk patients remains unknown. The objectives of this study were to establish the effects of COVID-19 on perioperative morbidity and mortality, and determine any risk factors for increased mortality in patients with COVID-19 undergoing hip fracture surgery.

We have prospectively studied the wear of enhanced ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene (Hylamer) in combination with a zirconia femoral head of 22.225 mm diameter on a cemented, triple-tapered, collarless, polished stem, the C Stem. The 71 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty had a mean follow-up of six years (3 to 8). No patient died or was lost to follow-up. The clinical results were excellent with 96% of patients satisfied. There were no revisions. Two cups were considered to be loose radiologically. One was avulsed from the cement in a skiing accident, with a periprosthetic fracture of the femur, but has remained stable for more than seven years. One femur shows radiological appearances which are compatible with a healing infection. One femoral component is at risk of loosening. The mean rate of penetration of the cup was 0.22 mm/year (0.06 to 0.55). Our results appear to be within the guidelines set by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. We have discontinued the use of Hylamer despite excellent clinical results and no revisions to date because the high initial rates of penetration did not settle to the expected low levels within the anticipated time

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The aim of this study was to identify modifiable risk factors associated with mortality in patients requiring revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) for periprosthetic hip fracture.

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We previously reported the long-term results of the cementless Duraloc-Profile total hip arthroplasty (THA) system in a 12- to 15-year follow-up study. In this paper, we provide an update on the clinical and radiological results of a previously reported cohort of patients at 23 to 26 years´ follow-up.

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Cementless femoral stems must be correctly sized and well-seated to obtain satisfactory biological fixation. The change in sound that occurs during impaction of the femoral broach is said to indicate good fit, but this has not been widely studied. We set out to find whether the presence or absence of these sound changes could predict correct sizing.

We have designed a modular cemented femoral component for revision of failed total hip arthroplasty in which deficiency of the proximal femur is such as to require a variable extrafemoral portion of the stem. We present the results of the first 74 operations in 72 patients; 56 of the patients had grade-3 or grade-4 femoral deficiency as defined by Gustilo and Pasternak and 24 had fractures of the proximal femur, of which 22 were periprosthetic. There was or had been infection in 19 hips. At a mean follow-up of 5 years 9 months (1 to 12 years) nine stems were radiologically loose of which three had been revised. There were no failures in 45 cases in which there was fixation of the distal stem of 10 cm or more. Dislocation occurred in nine patients and there were four cases of infection in the 19 which were, or had been, infected previously. There were no neurovascular complications and no intraoperative femoral fractures. The femoral bone stock improved radiologically in 45 hips of which 29 showed considerable reformation of the proximal femur; 27 remained unchanged and two showed increasing osteoporosis

Aims

Modular or custom-made femoral components have been preferred for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with a history of Perthes’ disease because of the distortion in the anatomy of the proximal femur. However, it has not been established whether a monobloc cementless stem will fit the distorted proximal femur or whether the results of the procedure are satisfactory in this group of patients.