We examined patient and surgical factors associated with deep surgical site infection (SSI) following total hip replacement (THR) in a large integrated healthcare system. A retrospective review of a cohort of primary THRs performed between 2001 and 2009 was conducted. Patient characteristics, surgical details, surgeon and hospital volumes, and SSIs were identified using the Kaiser Permanente Total Joint Replacement Registry (TJRR). Proportional-hazard regression models were used to assess risk factors for SSI. The study cohort consisted of 30 491 THRs, of which 17 474 (57%) were performed on women. The mean age of the patients in the whole series was 65.5 years (13 to 97; . sd. 11.8) and the mean body mass index was 29.3 kg/m. 2. (15 to 67; . sd. 5.9). The incidence of SSI was 0.51% (155 of 30 491). Patient factors associated with SSI included female gender, obesity, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥ 3. Age, diagnosis, diabetes and race were not associated with SSI. The only surgical factor associated with SSI was a bilateral procedure. Surgeon and hospital volumes, use of antibiotic-laden cement, fixation method, laminar flow, body exhaust suits, surgical approach and fellowship training were not associated with risk of SSI. A comprehensive infection surveillance system, combined with a TJRR, identified patient and surgical factors associated with SSI. Obesity and chronic medical conditions should be addressed prior to THR. The finding of increased SSI risk with bilateral THR requires further investigation

Peri-articular soft-tissue masses or ‘pseudotumours’ can occur after large-diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) resurfacing of the hip and conventional total hip replacement (THR). Our aim was to assess the incidence of pseudotumour formation and to identify risk factors for their formation in a prospective cohort study. A total of 119 patients who underwent 120 MoM THRs with large-diameter femoral heads between January 2005 and November 2007 were included in the study. Outcome scores, serum metal ion levels, radiographs and CT scans were obtained. Patients with symptoms or an identified pseudotumour were offered MRI and an ultrasound-guided biopsy. There were 108 patients (109 hips) eligible for evaluation by CT scan at a mean follow-up of 3.6 years (2.5 to 4.5); 42 patients (39%) were diagnosed with a pseudotumour. The hips of 13 patients (12%) were revised to a polyethylene acetabular component with small-diameter metal head. Patients with elevated serum metal ion levels had a four times increased risk of developing a pseudotumour. This study shows a substantially higher incidence of pseudotumour formation and subsequent revisions in patients with MoM THRs than previously reported. Because most revision cases were identified only after an intensive screening protocol, we recommend close monitoring of patients with MoM THR

We studied the migration of 58 cemented Hinek femoral components for total hip replacement,using roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis over four years. The implants migrated faster during the first year than subsequently, and the pattern of migration in the second period was very different. During the first year they subsided, tilted into varus and internally rotated. After this there was slow distal migration with no change in orientation. None of the prostheses has yet failed.

The early migration is probably caused by resorption of bone damaged by surgical trauma or the heat generated by the polymerisation of bone cement. Later migration may be due to creep in the bone cement or the surrounding fibrous membrane.

The prosthesis which we studied allows the preservation of some of the femoral neck, and comparison with published migration studies of the Charnley stem suggests that this decreases rotation and may help to prevent loosening.

In developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), a bone defect is often observed superior to the acetabulum after the reconstruction at the level of the true acetabulum during total hip replacement (THR). However, the essential amount of uncemented acetabular component coverage required for a satisfactory outcome remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the stability and function of acetabular components with a lack of coverage > 30% (31% to 50%). A total of 760 DDH patients underwent THR with acetabular reconstruction at the level of the true floor. Lack of coverage above the acetabular component of > 30% occurred in 56 patients. Intra-operatively, autogenous morcellised bone grafts were used to fill the uncovered portion. Other than two screws inserted through the acetabular shell, no additional structural supports were used in these hips. In all, four patients were lost to follow-up. Therefore, 52 patients (52 hips, 41 women and 11 men) with a mean age of 60.1 years (42 to 78) were available for this study at a mean of 4.8 years (3 to 7). There were no instances of prosthesis revision or marked loosening during the follow-up. The Harris hip score improved from a mean of 40.7 points (. sd. 12.2) pre-operatively to 91.1 (. sd. 5.0) at the last follow-up. Radiological analysis with medical imaging software allowed us to calculate the extent of the uncoverage in terms of the uncovered arc of the implant as viewed on the anteroposterior pelvic radiograph. From this we propose that up to 17 mm of lateral undercoverage in the presence of a stable initial implantation in the presence of bone autografting, with an inclination angle of the acetabular component between 40° and 55°, is acceptable. This represents undercoverage of ≤ 50%. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1178–83

We report an unusual complication of late dislocation of a total hip replacement. The femoral stem had completely migrated from the shaft. The insertion of a new long-stem prosthesis was successful.

We report the ten-year results for three designs of stem in 240 total hip replacements, for which subsidence had been measured on plain radiographs at regular intervals. Accurate migration patterns could be determined by the method of Einzel-Bild-Roentgen-Analyse-femoral component analysis (EBRA-FCA) for 158 hips (66%).

Of these, 108 stems (68%) remained stable throughout, and five (3%) started to migrate after a median of 54 months. Initial migration of at least 1 mm was seen in 45 stems (29%) during the first two years, but these then became stable. We revised 17 stems for aseptic loosening, and 12 for other reasons. Revision for aseptic loosening could be predicted by EBRA-FCA with a sensitivity of 69%, a specificity of 80%, and an accuracy of 79% by the use of a threshold of subsidence of 1.5 mm during the first two years. Similar observations over a five-year period allowed the long-term outcome to be predicted with an accuracy of 91%.

We discuss the importance of four different patterns of subsidence and confirm that the early measurement of migration by a reasonably accurate method can help to predict long-term outcome. Such methods should be used to evaluate new and modified designs of prosthesis.

We report the theoretical basis of a method to measure axial migration of femoral components of total hip replacements (THR). The use of the top of the greater trochanter and a lateral point on the collar of the stem, allowing for variations of up to 10 degrees rotation of the femur in any direction between successive radiographs, gave a maximum error of 0.37 mm. At a more realistic 5 degrees rotational variation, the error was only 0.13 mm. These data were confirmed in an experimental study using digitisation of points and special software. We also showed that the centre of the femoral head, the stem tip, and the lesser trochanter provided less accurate landmarks. In a second study we digitised a series of radiographs of 51 Charnley and 57 Stanmore THRs; the mean migration rates were found to be identical. We then studied 46 successful stems with a minimum follow-up of eight years and 46 stems which had failed by aseptic loosening at different times. At two years, the successful stems had migrated by a mean of 1.45 +/- 0.68 mm, but the failed cases had a mean migration of 4.32 +/- 2.58 mm (p < 0.0001). Of the successful cases 76% had migrated less than 2 mm, while in the failed group 84% had migrated more than 2 mm. For any particular case migration of more than 2.6 mm at two years had only a 5% chance of continuing success and would therefore merit special follow-up. Only 24% of the eventually successful stems showed migration at the stem-cement interface, but this had happened in every failed stem. We conclude that it would be possible to evaluate a new cemented design of femoral stem over a two-year period by the use of our method and to compare its performance against the reported known standard of the Charnley and Stanmore designs.

The outcome after total hip replacement has improved with the development of surgical techniques, better pain management and the introduction of enhanced recovery pathways. These pathways require a multidisciplinary team to manage pre-operative education, multimodal pain control and accelerated rehabilitation. The current economic climate and restricted budgets favour brief hospitalisation while minimising costs. This has put considerable pressure on hospitals to combine excellent results, early functional recovery and shorter admissions.

In this review we present an evidence-based summary of some common interventions and methods, including pre-operative patient education, pre-emptive analgesia, local infiltration analgesia, pre-operative nutrition, the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields, peri-operative rehabilitation, wound dressings, different surgical techniques, minimally invasive surgery and fast-track joint replacement units.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1587–94.

Despite the worldwide usage of the cemented Contemporary acetabular component (Stryker), no published data are available regarding its use in patients aged < 50 years. We undertook a mid- to long-term follow-up study, including all consecutive patients aged < 50 years who underwent a primary total hip replacement using the Contemporary acetabular component with the Exeter cemented stem between January 1999 and January 2006. There were 152 hips in 126 patients, 61 men and 65 women, mean age at surgery 37.6 years (16 to 49 yrs). One patient was lost to follow-up.

Mean clinical follow-up of all implants was 7.6 years (0.9 to 12.0). All clinical questionnaire scores, including Harris hip score, Oxford hip score and several visual analogue scales, were found to have improved. The eight year survivorship of all acetabular components for the endpoints revision for any reason or revision for aseptic loosening was 94.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 89.2 to 97.2) and 96.4% (95% CI 91.6 to 98.5), respectively. Radiological follow-up was complete for 146 implants. The eight year survival for the endpoint radiological loosening was 93.1% (95% CI 86.2 to 96.6). Three surviving implants were considered radiologically loose but were asymptomatic. The presence of acetabular osteolysis (n = 17, 11.8%) and radiolucent lines (n = 20, 13.9%) in the 144 surviving cups indicates a need for continued observation in the second decade of follow-up in order to observe their influence on long-term survival.

The clinical and radiological data resulting in a ten-year survival rate > 90% in young patients support the use of the Contemporary acetabular component in this specific patient group.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1617–25.

Deficiency of the abductor mechanism is a well-recognised cause of pain and limping after total hip replacement (THR). This can be found incidentally at the time of surgery, or it may arise as a result of damage to the superior gluteal nerve intra-operatively, or after surgery owing to mechanical failure of the abductor muscle repair or its detachment from the greater trochanter. The incidence of abductor failure has been reported as high as 20% in some studies. The management of this condition remains a dilemma for the treating surgeon. We review the current state of knowledge concerning post-THR abductor deficiency, including the aetiology, diagnosis and management, and the outcomes of surgery for this condition.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:343–7.

Objectives

To quantify and compare peri-acetabular bone mineral density (BMD) between a monoblock acetabular component using a metal-on-metal (MoM) bearing and a modular titanium shell with a polyethylene (PE) insert. The secondary outcome was to measure patient-reported clinical function.

We present our experience with a double-mobility acetabular component in 155 consecutive revision total hip replacements in 149 patients undertaken between 2005 and 2009, with particular emphasis on the incidence of further dislocation. The mean age of the patients was 77 years (42 to 89) with 59 males and 90 females. In all, five patients died and seven were lost to follow-up. Indications for revision were aseptic loosening in 113 hips, recurrent instability in 29, peri-prosthetic fracture in 11 and sepsis in two. The mean follow-up was 42 months (18 to 68). Three hips (2%) in three patients dislocated within six weeks of surgery; one of these dislocated again after one year. All three were managed successfully with closed reduction. Two of the three dislocations occurred in patients who had undergone revision for recurrent dislocation. All three were found at revision to have abductor deficiency. There were no dislocations in those revised for either aseptic loosening or sepsis.

These results demonstrate a good mid-term outcome for this component. In the 29 patients revised for instability, only two had a further dislocation, both of which were managed by closed reduction.

We report the results at a mean of 24.3 years (20 to 32) of 61 previously reported consecutive total hip replacements carried out on 44 patients with severe congenital hip disease, performed with reconstruction of the acetabulum with an impaction grafting technique known as cotyloplasty. The mean age of the patients at operation was 46.7 years (23 to 68) and all were women. The patients were followed post-operatively for a mean of 24.3 years (20 to 32), using the Merle d’Aubigné and Postel scoring system as modified by Charnley, and with serial radiographs. At the time of the latest follow-up, 28 acetabular components had been revised because of aseptic loosening at a mean of 15.9 years (6 to 26), and one at 40 days after surgery because of repeated dislocations. The overall survival rate for aseptic failure of the acetabular component at ten years was 93.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 86.5 to 96.7) when 53 hips were at risk, and at 23 years was 56.1% (95% CI 49.4 to 62.8), when 22 hips remained at risk. These long-term results are considered satisfactory for the reconstruction of an acetabulum presenting with inadequate bone stock and circumferential segmental defects.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:887–92.

We present the extended follow-up (≥ 20 years) of a series of fully hydroxyapatite-coated femoral components used in 72 primary total hip replacements (THRs). Earlier results of this cohort have been previously published. All procedures were performed between 1986 and 1991. The series involved 45 women and 15 men with 12 bilateral procedures. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 60 years (46 to 80) and the mean duration of follow-up was 22.5 years (20 to 25). At final follow-up, the mean Merle d’Aubigné and Postel hip scores were 5.5 (4.5 to 6), 3.8 (3.5 to 5) and 3.3 (3.0 to 5.0) for pain, mobility and function, respectively. Of the patients 92% were very satisfied at the time of final follow-up.

There were seven revisions: six of the acetabular component for aseptic loosening and one of both the stem and the acetabular component for loosening due to deep infection. The survival of this prosthesis at 22.5 years with revision for any reason as the endpoint was 91.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 84 to 99). Survival with aseptic loosening of the stem as the endpoint was 100% (95% CI 90 to 100).

This prosthesis provides pain relief in the long term. Survival of this component is comparable to the best results for primary THR with any means of fixation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:467–71.

The practice of removing a well-fixed cementless femoral component is associated with high morbidity. Ceramic bearing couples are low wearing and their use minimises the risk of subsequent further revision due to the production of wear debris. A total of 165 revision hip replacements were performed, in which a polyethylene-lined acetabular component was revised to a new acetabular component with a ceramic liner, while retaining the well-fixed femoral component. A titanium sleeve was placed over the used femoral trunnion, to which a ceramic head was added. There were 100 alumina and 65 Delta bearing couples inserted.

The mean Harris hip score improved significantly from 71.3 (9.0 to 100.0) pre-operatively to 91.0 (41.0 to 100.0) at a mean follow up of 4.8 years (2.1 to 12.5) (p < 0.001). No patients reported squeaking of the hip.

There were two fractures of the ceramic head, both in alumina bearings. No liners were seen to fracture. No fractures were observed in components made of Delta ceramic. At 8.3 years post-operatively the survival with any cause of failure as the endpoint was 96.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 85.7 to 99.3) for the acetabular component and 94.0% (95% CI 82.1 to 98.4) for the femoral component.

The technique of revising the acetabular component in the presence of a well-fixed femoral component with a ceramic head placed on a titanium sleeve over the used trunnion is a useful adjunct in revision hip practice. The use of Delta ceramic is recommended.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:333–8.

We performed a meta-analysis of modern total joint replacement (TJR) to determine the post-operative mortality and the cause of death using different thromboprophylactic regimens as follows: 1) no routine chemothromboprophylaxis (NRC); 2) Potent anticoagulation (PA) (unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin, ximelagatran, fondaparinux or rivaroxaban); 3) Potent anticoagulation combined (PAC) with regional anaesthesia and/or pneumatic compression devices (PCDs); 4) Warfarin (W); 5) Warfarin combined (WAC) with regional anaesthesia and/or PCD; and 6) Multimodal (MM) prophylaxis, including regional anaesthesia, PCDs and aspirin in low-risk patients. Cause of death was classified as autopsy proven, clinically certain or unknown. Deaths were grouped into cardiopulmonary excluding pulmonary embolism (PE), PE, bleeding-related, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and others (miscellaneous). Meta-analysis based on fixed effects or random effects models was used for pooling incidence data.

In all, 70 studies were included (99 441 patients; 373 deaths). The mortality was lowest in the MM (0.2%) and WC (0.2%) groups. The most frequent cause of death was cardiopulmonary (47.9%), followed by PE (25.4%) and bleeding (8.9%). The proportion of deaths due to PE was not significantly affected by the thromboprophylaxis regimen (PA, 35.5%; PAC, 28%; MM, 23.2%; and NRC, 16.3%). Fatal bleeding was higher in groups relying on the use of anticoagulation (W, 33.8%; PA, 9.4%; PAC, 10.8%) but the differences were not statistically significant.

Our study demonstrated that the routine use of PA does not reduce the overall mortality or the proportion of deaths due to PE.