This paper considers the increased risk of the development of lymphoma in patients with chronic inflammatory disease who undergo metal-on-metal arthroplasty.
The painful subluxed or dislocated hip in adults
with cerebral palsy presents a challenging problem. Prosthetic dislocation
and heterotopic ossification are particular concerns. We present
the first reported series of 19 such patients (20 hips) treated
with hip resurfacing and proximal femoral osteotomy. The pre-operative
Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was level V in
13 (68%) patients, level IV in three (16%), level III in one (5%) and
level II in two (11%). The mean age at operation was 37 years (13
to 57). The mean follow-up was 8.0 years (2.7 to 11.6), and 16 of the
18 (89%) contactable patients or their carers felt that the surgery
had been worthwhile. Pain was relieved in 16 of the 18 surviving
hips (89%) at the last follow-up, and the GMFCS level had improved
in seven (37%) patients. There were two (10%) early dislocations;
three hips (15%) required revision of femoral fixation, and two
hips (10%) required revision, for late traumatic fracture of the
femoral neck and extra-articular impingement, respectively. Hence
there were significant surgical complications in a total of seven
hips (35%). No hips required revision for instability, and there
were no cases of heterotopic ossification. We recommend hip resurfacing with proximal femoral osteotomy
for the treatment of the painful subluxed or dislocated hip in patients
with cerebral palsy.
As metal-on-metal arthroplasty becomes more widespread, concerns are being raised about the potential dangers of metal particulate debris. We present the case of a benign psoas mass secondary to the presence of such particles. The mass was excised and the hip resurfacing subsequently revised to a total hip replacement.
The ideal bearing surface for young patients
undergoing total hip replacement (THR) remains controversial. We report
the five-year results of a randomised controlled trial comparing
the clinical and radiological outcomes of 102 THRs in 91 patients
who were <
65 years of age. These patients were randomised to
receive a cobalt–chrome on ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene,
cobalt–chrome on highly cross-linked polyethylene, or a ceramic-on-ceramic
bearing. In all, 97 hip replacements in 87 patients were available
for review at five years. Two hips had been revised, one for infection
and one for peri-prosthetic fracture. At the final follow-up there were no significant differences
between the groups for the mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities
osteoarthritis index (pain, p = 0.543; function, p = 0.10; stiffness,
p = 0.99), Short Form-12 (physical component, p = 0.878; mental
component, p = 0.818) or Harris hip scores (p = 0.22). Radiological
outcomes revealed no significant wear in the ceramic group. Comparison of standard and highly cross-linked polyethylene,
however, revealed an almost threefold difference in the mean annual
linear wear rates (0.151 mm/year
We report the consensus of surgical opinions of an international faculty of expert metal-on-metal hip resurfacing surgeons, with a combined experience of over 18 000 cases, covering required experience, indications, surgical technique, rehabilitation and the management of problematic cases.
We report the kinematic and early clinical results
of a patient- and observer-blinded randomised controlled trial in which
CT scans were used to compare potential impingement-free range of
movement (ROM) and acetabular component cover between patients treated
with either the navigated ‘femur-first’ total hip arthroplasty (THA) method
(n = 66; male/female 29/37, mean age 62.5 years; 50 to 74) or conventional
THA (n = 69; male/female 35/34, mean age 62.9 years; 50 to 75).
The Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the Harris hip score, the
Euro-Qol-5D and the Mancuso THA patient expectations score were
assessed at six weeks, six months and one year after surgery. A
total of 48 of the patients (84%) in the navigated ‘femur-first’
group and 43 (65%) in the conventional group reached all the desirable
potential ROM boundaries without prosthetic impingement for activities
of daily living (ADL) in flexion, extension, abduction, adduction
and rotation (p = 0.016). Acetabular component cover and surface
contact with the host bone were >
87% in both groups. There was
a significant difference between the navigated and the conventional
groups’ Harris hip scores six weeks after surgery (p = 0.010). There
were no significant differences with respect to any clinical outcome
at six months and one year of follow-up. The navigated ‘femur-first’
technique improves the potential ROM for ADL without prosthetic
impingement, although there was no observed clinical difference
between the two treatment groups. Cite this article:
Implant-associated infection is a major source
of morbidity in orthopaedic surgery. There has been extensive research
into the development of materials that prevent biofilm formation,
and hence, reduce the risk of infection. Silver nanoparticle technology
is receiving much interest in the field of orthopaedics for its
antimicrobial properties, and the results of studies to date are
encouraging. Antimicrobial effects have been seen when silver nanoparticles are
used in trauma implants, tumour prostheses, bone cement, and also
when combined with hydroxyapatite coatings. Although there are promising
results with Cite this article:
The dysplasia cup, which was devised as an adjunct to the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing system, has a hydroxyapatite-coated porous surface and two supplementary neutralisation screws to provide stable primary fixation, permit early weight-bearing, and allow incorporation of morcellised autograft without the need for structural bone grafting. A total of 110 consecutive dysplasia resurfacing arthroplasties in 103 patients (55 men and 48 women) performed between 1997 and 2000 was reviewed with a minimum follow-up of six years. The mean age at operation was 47.2 years (21 to 62) and 104 hips (94%) were Crowe grade II or III. During the mean follow-up of 7.8 years (6 to 9.6), three hips (2.7%) were converted to a total hip replacement at a mean of 3.9 years (2 months to 8.1 years), giving a cumulative survival of 95.2% at nine years (95% confidence interval 89 to 100). The revisions were due to a fracture of the femoral neck, a collapse of the femoral head and a deep infection. There was no aseptic loosening or osteolysis of the acetabular component associated with either of the revisions performed for failure of the femoral component. No patient is awaiting a revision. The median Oxford hip score in 98 patients with surviving hips at the final review was 13 and the 10th and the 90th percentiles were 12 and 23, respectively.
We investigated the incidence of soft-tissue
lesions after small head metal-on-metal total hip replacement (MoM THR).
Between December 1993 and May 1999, 149 patients (195 hips) underwent
primary cementless MoM THR. During the follow-up period, three patients (five THRs) died
and eight patients (14 THRs) were lost to follow-up. We requested
that all patients undergo CT evaluation. After exclusion of five
patients (six THRs) who had undergone a revision procedure, and
22 (28 THRs) who were unwilling to take part in this study, 111
patients (142 THRs) were evaluated. There were 63 men (88 THRs)
and 48 women (54 THRs) with a mean age of 45.7 years (37 to 56)
at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up was 15.4 years (13 to
19). A soft-tissue lesion was defined as an abnormal peri-prosthetic
collection of fluid, solid lesion or asymmetrical soft-tissue mass. At final follow-up, soft-tissue lesions were found in relation
to 28 THRs (19.7%), including 25 solid and three cystic lesions.
They were found in 20 men and eight women; 26 lesions were asymptomatic
and two were symptomatic. The mean maximal diameter of the soft-tissue
lesion was 42.3 mm (17 to 135). The relatively high rate of soft-tissue lesions
observed with small head MoM THR remains a concern. Cite this article:
The August 2014 Hip &
Pelvis Roundup360 looks at: Serial MRIs best for pseudotumour surveillance; Is ultrasound good enough for MOM follow-up?; Does weight loss in obese patients help?; Measuring acetabular anteversion on plain films; Two-stage one-stage too many in fungal hip revisions? and 35 is the magic number in arthroplasty.
The long-term effects of metal-on-metal arthroplasty are currently under scrutiny because of the potential biological effects of metal wear debris. This review summarises data describing the release, dissemination, uptake, biological activity, and potential toxicity of metal wear debris released from alloys currently used in modern orthopaedics. The introduction of risk assessment for the evaluation of metal alloys and their use in arthroplasty patients is discussed and this should include potential harmful effects on immunity, reproduction, the kidney, developmental toxicity, the nervous system and carcinogenesis.
Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing was developed in the 1990s by surgeons in Birmingham, UK, as a surgical solution to the problem of osteoarthritis in younger, more active patients. Early results were promising and the procedure gained in popularity. However, adverse reports of soft-tissue reaction and failure started to appear from 2008 onwards. Surgeons may be asked to write medico-legal reports on the surgical aspects of an individual case for claimant lawyers or in defence for the NHSLA or indemnity insurers. The purpose of this article is to cover some of the aspects of the operation that may be considered in such medico-legal reports.
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.
Nanotechnology is the study, production and controlled
manipulation of materials with a grain size <
100 nm. At this
level, the laws of classical mechanics fall away and those of quantum
mechanics take over, resulting in unique behaviour of matter in
terms of melting point, conductivity and reactivity. Additionally,
and likely more significant, as grain size decreases, the ratio
of surface area to volume drastically increases, allowing for greater interaction
between implants and the surrounding cellular environment. This
favourable increase in surface area plays an important role in mesenchymal
cell differentiation and ultimately bone–implant interactions. Basic science and translational research have revealed important
potential applications for nanotechnology in orthopaedic surgery,
particularly with regard to improving the interaction between implants
and host bone. Nanophase materials more closely match the architecture
of native trabecular bone, thereby greatly improving the osseo-integration
of orthopaedic implants. Nanophase-coated prostheses can also reduce
bacterial adhesion more than conventionally surfaced prostheses.
Nanophase selenium has shown great promise when used for tumour
reconstructions, as has nanophase silver in the management of traumatic
wounds. Nanophase silver may significantly improve healing of peripheral
nerve injuries, and nanophase gold has powerful anti-inflammatory
effects on tendon inflammation. Considerable advances must be made in our understanding of the
potential health risks of production, implantation and wear patterns
of nanophase devices before they are approved for clinical use.
Their potential, however, is considerable, and is likely to benefit
us all in the future. Cite this article:
Pseudotumours are a rare complication of hip resurfacing. They are thought to be a response to metal debris which may be caused by edge loading due to poor orientation of the acetabular component. Our aim was to determine the optimal acetabular orientation to minimise the risk of pseudotumour formation. We matched 31 hip resurfacings revised for pseudotumour formation with 58 controls who had a satisfactory outcome from this procedure. The radiographic inclination and anteversion angles of the acetabular component were measured on anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis using Einzel-Bild-Roentgen-Analyse software. The mean inclination angle (47°, 10° to 81°) and anteversion angle (14°, 4° to 34°) of the pseudotumour cases were the same (p = 0.8, p = 0.2) as the controls, 46° (29° to 60°) and 16° (4° to 30°) respectively, but the variation was greater. Assuming an accuracy of implantation of ± 10° about a target position, the optimal radiographic position was found to be approximately 45° of inclination and 20° of anteversion. The incidence of pseudotumours inside the zone was four times lower (p = 0.007) than outside the zone. In order to minimise the risk of pseudotumour formation we recommend that surgeons implant the acetabular component at an inclination of 45° (± 10) and anteversion of 20° (± 10) on post-operative radiographs. Because of differences between the radiographic and the operative angles, this may be best achieved by aiming for an inclination of 40° and an anteversion of 25°.
We undertook a cemental unipolar proximal femoral endoprosthetic replacement in 131 patients with a mean age of 50 years (2 to 84). Primary malignant tumours were present in 54 patients and 67 had metastatic disease. In addition, eight patients had either lymphoma or myeloma and two had non-oncological disorders. The mean follow-up was 27 months (0 to 180). An acetabular revision was required later in 14 patients, 12 of whom had been under the age of 21 years at the time of insertion of their original prosthesis. The risk of acetabular revision in patients over 21 years of age was 8% at five years compared with 36% in those aged under 21 years. All the unipolar hips in this younger age group required revision within 11 years of the initial operation. We conclude that unipolar replacement should not be used in younger patients and should be avoided in patients with a life expectancy of more than five years.
Implantation of a large-diameter femoral head prosthesis with a metal-on-metal bearing surface reduces the risk of dislocation, increases the range of movement, minimises the risk of impingement and, in theory, results in little wear. Between February 2004 and March 2007 we implanted 100 consecutive total hip replacements with a metal-on-metal bearing and a large femoral head into 92 patients. There were 51 men and 41 women with a mean age of 50 years (18 to 70) at the time of surgery. Outcome was assessed using the Western Ontario McMaster University osteoarthritis index and the Harris hip score as well as the Devane activity score. These all improved significantly (p <
0.0001). At the last follow-up there were no cases of dislocation, no impingement, a good range of movement and no osteolysis, but seven revisions, two for infection and five for aseptic loosening. The probability of groin pain increased if the other acetabular component inclination exceeded 50° (p = 0.0007). At 4.8 years of follow-up, the projected survival of the Durom acetabular component, with revision for any reason, was 92.4% ( The design of the component made it difficult both to orientate and seat, which when combined with a poor porous coating, produced unpredictable fixation and a low survival at five years.
Total hip replacement (THR) is a very common
procedure undertaken in up to 285 000 Americans each year. Patient
satisfaction with THR is very high, with improvements in general
health, quality of life, and function while at the same time very
cost effective. Although the majority of patients have a high degree
of satisfaction with their THR, 27% experience some discomfort,
and up to 6% experience severe chronic pain. Although it can be
difficult to diagnose the cause of the pain in these patients, this
clinical issue should be approached systematically and thoroughly.
A detailed history and clinical examination can often provide the
correct diagnosis and guide the appropriate selection of investigations, which
will then serve to confirm the clinical diagnosis made. Cite this article:
We report the outcome at a minimum of five years of 110 consecutive metal-on-metal Birmingham Hip Resurfacing arthroplasties in 98 patients. The procedures were performed between October 1999 and June 2002 by one surgeon. All patients were followed up clinically and radiologically. The mean follow-up was 71 months (60 to 93). Revision of either component was defined as failure. The mean Harris Hip score at follow-up was 96.4 (53 to 100). The mean Oxford hip score was 41.9 (16 to 57) pre-operatively and 15.4 (12 to 49) post-operatively (p <
0.001). The mean University of California Los Angeles activity score was 3.91 (1 to 10) pre-operatively and 7.5 (4 to 10) post-operatively (p <
0.001). There were four failures giving a survival at five years of 96.3% (95% confidence interval 92.8 to 99.8). When applying a new method to estimate narrowing of the femoral neck we identified a 10% thinning of the femoral neck in 16 hips (14.5%), but the relevance of this finding to the long-term outcome remains unclear. These good medium-term results from an independent centre confirm the original data from Birmingham.
The December 2013 Hip &
Pelvis Roundup360 looks at: Enhanced recovery works; Acetabular placement; Exercise better than rest in osteoarthritis patients; if Birmingham hip resurfacing is immune from pseudotumour; HIV and arthroplasty; Labral tears revisited; Prophylactic surgery for FAI; and Ceramics and impaction grafting