Particulate wear debris can induce the release of bone-resorbing cytokines from cultured macrophages and fibroblasts in vitro, and these mediators are believed to be the cause of the periprosthetic bone resorption which leads to aseptic loosening in vivo. Much less is known about the effects of particulate debris on the growth and metabolism of osteoblastic cells. We exposed two human osteoblast-like cell lines (SaOS-2 and MG-63) to particulate cobalt, chromium and cobalt-chromium alloy at concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 mg/ml. Cobalt was toxic to both cell lines and inhibited the production of type-I collagen, osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase. Chromium and cobalt-chromium were well tolerated by both cell lines, producing no cytotoxicity and no inhibition of type-I collagen synthesis. At the highest concentration tested (1.0 mg/ml), however, chromium inhibited alkaline phosphatase activity, and both chromium and cobalt-chromium alloy inhibited osteocalcin expression. Our results clearly show that particulate metal debris can modulate the growth and metabolism of osteoblastic cells in vitro. Reduced osteoblastic activity at the bone-implant interface may be an important mechanism by which particulate wear debris influences the pathogenesis of aseptic loosening in vivo

Aims

The aims of this study were to evaluate wear on the surface of cobalt-chromium (CoCr) femoral components used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and compare the wear of these components with that of ceramic femoral components.

Aims. Periprosthetic hip fractures (PPFs) after total hip arthroplasty are difficult to treat. Therefore, it is important to identify modifiable risk factors such as stem selection to reduce the occurrence of PPFs. This study aimed to clarify differences in fracture torque, surface strain, and fracture type analysis between three different types of cemented stems. Methods. We conducted biomechanical testing of bone analogues using six cemented stems of three different types: collarless polished tapered (CPT) stem, Versys Advocate (Versys) stem, and Charnley-Marcel-Kerboull (CMK) stem. Experienced surgeons implanted each of these types of stems into six bone analogues, and the analogues were compressed and internally rotated until failure. Torque to fracture and fracture type were recorded. We also measured surface strain distribution using triaxial rosettes. Results. There was a significant difference in fracture torque between the three stem types (p = 0.036). Particularly, the median fracture torque for the CPT stem was significantly lower than that for the CMK stem (CPT vs CMK: 164.5 Nm vs 200.5 Nm; p = 0.046). The strain values for the CPT stem were higher than those for the other two stems at the most proximal site. The fracture pattern of the CPT and Versys stems was Vancouver type B, whereas that of the CMK stem was type C. Conclusion. Our study suggested that the cobalt-chromium alloy material, polished surface finish, acute-square proximal form, and the absence of a collar may be associated with lower fracture torque, which may be related to PPF. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(5):270–277

Previous research has shown an increase in chromosomal aberrations in patients with worn implants. The type of aberration depended on the type of metal alloy in the prosthesis. We have investigated the metal-specific difference in the level of DNA damage (DNA stand breaks and alkali labile sites) induced by culturing human fibroblasts in synovial fluid retrieved at revision arthroplasty. All six samples from revision cobalt-chromium metal-on-metal and four of six samples from cobalt-chromium metal-on-polyethylene prostheses caused DNA damage. By contrast, none of six samples from revision stainless-steel metal-on-polyethylene prostheses caused significant damage. Samples of cobalt-chromium alloy left to corrode in phosphate-buffered saline also caused DNA damage and this depended on a synergistic effect between the cobalt and chromium ions. Our results further emphasise that epidemiological studies of orthopaedic implants should take account of the type of metal alloy used

Aims. We sought to determine whether cobalt-chromium alloy (CoCr) femoral stem tapers (trunnions) wear more than titanium (Ti) alloy stem tapers (trunnions) when used in a large diameter (LD) metal-on-metal (MoM) hip arthroplasty system. Patients and Methods. We performed explant analysis using validated methodology to determine the volumetric material loss at the taper surfaces of explanted LD CoCr MoM hip arthroplasties used with either a Ti alloy (n = 28) or CoCr femoral stem (n = 21). Only 12/14 taper constructs with a rough male taper surface and a nominal included angle close to 5.666° were included. Multiple regression modelling was undertaken using taper angle, taper roughness, bearing diameter (horizontal lever arm) as independent variables. Material loss was mapped using a coordinate measuring machine, profilometry and scanning electron microscopy. Results. After adjustment for other factors, CoCr stem tapers were found to have significantly greater volumetric material loss than the equivalent Ti stem tapers. Conclusion. When taper junction damage is identified during revision of a LD MoM hip, it should be suspected that a male taper composed of a standard CoCr alloy has sustained significant changes to the taper cone geometry which are likely to be more extensive than those affecting a Ti alloy stem. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1304–12

Some of the component metals of the alloys used for total joint prostheses are toxic and dissolve in the body fluids. It is important to establish how toxic these metals are and to assess the risk of localised tissue necrosis around the prostheses. This has been investigated by incubating primary monolayer cultures of human synovial fibroblasts with various preparations of metals for periods up to 18 days. Morphological changes were evident after exposure to cobalt chloride at a concentration of 50 nanomoles per millilitre and to nickel chloride at 200 nanomoles per millilitre. Chromic chloride, ammonium molybdate and ferric chloride produced no changes up to 500 nanomoles per millilitre. Cultures exposed to particulate pure metals were poisoned by cobalt and vanadium but were not affected under the same conditions by nickel, chromium, molybdenum, titanium or aluminium. Particulate cobalt and vanadium were probably toxic due to their relatively high solubility (four and one micromoles per millilitre respectively after seven days incubation). Particulate nickel also dissolved (three nanomoles per millilitre after seven days) but not in sufficient quantities to be toxic. It appears, therefore, that potentially the most harmful components are cobalt from cobalt-chromium alloy, nickel from stainless steel, and vanadium from titanium alloy. As far as can be estimated, the only combination of materials which is likely to give rise to toxic levels of metal under clinical conditions, is cobalt-chromium alloy articulating against itself to produce relatively high levels of cobalt

The differential diagnosis of the painful total hip arthroplasty (resurfacing or total hip) includes infection, failure of fixation (loosening), tendinitis, bursitis, synovitis, adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) to cobalt-chromium alloys, and non-hip issues, such as spinal disorders, hernia, gynecologic, and other pelvic pain. Assuming that the hip is the source of pain, the first level question is prosthetic or non-prosthetic pain generator? The second level prosthetic question is septic or aseptic? The third level question (aseptic hips) is well-fixed or loose? ALTR is best diagnosed by cross-sectional imaging. Successful treatment is dependent on correct identification and elimination of the pain generator. Treatment recommendations for ALTR and taper corrosion are evolving

We retrieved 159 femoral heads at revision surgery to determine changes in surface configuration. Macroscopic wear of the head was observed in three bipolar hip prostheses as a result of three-body wear. There was a considerable change in surface roughness in the internal articulation of bipolar hip prostheses. Roughness in alumina heads was almost the same as that in new cobalt-chromium heads. The annual linear wear rate of polyethylene cups with alumina heads was less than that of cups with cobalt-chromium alloy heads. Polyethylene wear was increased in the prostheses which had increased roughness of the head

The causes of mechanical failure of five noncemented porous-coated components were studied. There were two cobalt-chromium alloy and three titanium alloy implants which fractured after 12 to 48 months. The implants included one acetabular component, and one femoral condylar, one patellar and two tibial components. Examination of the fractured surfaces revealed fatigue to be the mechanism of failure in all cases. The porous coating and the processes required for its fabrication had resulted in weakening and reduction of substrate thickness. Additional factors were stress concentration due to limited, localised bone ingrowth, and some features of the design of the implants

This is part of a larger study designed to investigate the action of particulate metals of orthopaedic interest on tissues. Damaging effects were determined by cytological examination and the assay of two enzymes. Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) if released into the supernatant indicates a damaged cell membrane; decreased intracellular levels of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) indicates a lowered phagocytic capacity of the cells. Soluble and wear products around implanted prostheses could facilitate late infections by impairing local reactions to bacteria. Particulate cobalt, nickel and cobalt-chromium alloy were found to damage the cells and to cause LDH release. G6PD was found to have a lower activity in the cells exposed to these materials. In contrast, titanium, chromium and molybdenum were well tolerated by macrophages and had no effect on the distribution and activity of either enzyme. The solubility of these metals in the culture medium was also measured

Aims. The treatment of patients with allergies to metal in total joint arthroplasty is an ongoing debate. Possibilities include the use of hypoallergenic prostheses, as well as the use of standard cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloy. This non-designer study was performed to evaluate the clinical outcome and survival rates of unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) using a standard CoCr alloy in patients reporting signs of a hypersensitivity to metal. Patients and Methods. A consecutive series of patients suitable for UKA were screened for symptoms of metal hypersensitivity by use of a questionnaire. A total of 82 patients out of 1737 patients suitable for medial UKA reporting cutaneous metal hypersensitivity to cobalt, chromium, or nickel were included into this study and prospectively evaluated to determine the functional outcome, possible signs of hypersensitivity, and short-term survivorship at a minimum follow-up of 1.5 years. Results. At a mean follow-up of three years (1.5 to 5.7), no local or systemic symptoms of hypersensitivity to metal were observed. One patient underwent revision surgery to a bicondylar prosthesis due to a tibial periprosthetic fracture resulting in a survival rate of 98.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91.7 to 99.8; number at risk, 28) at three years with the endpoint of revision for any reason and a survival rate of 97.6% (95% CI 90.6 to 99.3; number at risk, 29) for the endpoint of all reoperations. Clinical outcome was good to excellent with a mean Oxford Knee Score of 42.5 (. sd. 2.5; 37 to 48). Conclusion. This study is the first demonstrating clinical results and survival analysis of UKA using a CoCr alloy in patients with a history of metal hypersensitivity. Functional outcome and survivorship are on a high-level equivalent to those reported for UKA in patients without a history of metal hypersensitivity. No serious local or systemic symptoms of metal hypersensitivity could be detected, and no revision surgery was performed due to an adverse reaction to metal ions

Aims

A functional anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) has been assumed to be required for patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). However, this assumption has not been thoroughly tested. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the biomechanical effects exerted by cruciate ligament-deficient knees with medial UKAs regarding different posterior tibial slopes.

The December 2024 Research Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Skeletal muscle composition, power, and mitochondrial energetics in older men and women with knee osteoarthritis; Machine-learning models to predict osteonecrosis in patients with femoral neck fractures undergoing internal fixation; Aetiology of patient dissatisfaction following primary total knee arthroplasty in the era of robotic-assisted technology; Efficacy and safety of commonly used thromboprophylaxis agents following hip and knee arthroplasty; The COVID-19 effect continues; Nickel allergy in knee arthroplasty: does self-reported sensitivity affect outcomes?; Tranexamic acid use and joint infection risk in total hip and knee arthroplasty.

Aims

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the incidence of early periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) associated with Charnley-Kerboull (CK) femoral components cemented according to the ‘French paradox’ principles through the Hueter anterior approach (HAA) in patients older than 70 years.

Aims

The Vantage Total Ankle System is a fourth-generation low-profile fixed-bearing implant that has been available since 2016. We aimed to describe our early experience with this implant.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of instrumentation failure (IF) after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES), and to analyze risk factors for IF.

Aims

This study aimed to identify the effect of anatomical tibial component (ATC) design on load distribution in the periprosthetic tibial bone of Koreans using finite element analysis (FEA).

Aims

In metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) total hip arthroplasty (THA), large metal femoral heads have been used to increase stability and reduce the risk of dislocation. The increased size of the femoral head can, however, lead to increased taper corrosion, with the release of metal ions and adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the size of the femoral head and the levels of metal ions in the blood in these patients.

Aims

Large-diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) has demonstrated unexpected high failure rates and pseudotumour formation. The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to report ten-year results in order to establish revision rate, prevalence of pseudotumour formation, and relation with whole blood cobalt levels.