In March 2012, an algorithm for the treatment
of intertrochanteric fractures of the hip was introduced in our academic
department of Orthopaedic Surgery. It included the use of specified
implants for particular patterns of fracture. In this cohort study,
102 consecutive patients presenting with an intertrochanteric fracture
were followed prospectively (post-algorithm group). Another 117
consecutive patients who had been treated immediately prior to the
implementation of the algorithm were identified retrospectively
as a control group (pre-algorithm group). The total cost of the
implants prior to implementation of the algorithm was $357 457 (mean:
$3055 (1947 to 4133)); compared with $255 120 (mean: $2501 (1052
to 4133)) after its implementation. There was a trend toward fewer complications
in patients who were treated using the algorithm (33% pre- The implementation of an evidence-based algorithm for the treatment
of intertrochanteric fractures reduced costs while maintaining quality
of care with a lower rate of complications and re-admissions. Cite this article:
We report the outcome of 39 patients who underwent
a modified Pauwels’ intertrochanteric osteotomy for nonunion of
a femoral neck fracture following failed osteosynthesis. There were
31 men and eight women with a mean age of 47.2 years (34 to 59).
By Pauwels’ classification, there were 11 Type II fractures and
28 Type III fractures. The mean follow-up was 7.9 years (2 to 19).
In the 11 patients whose initial treatment had been osteotomy, union was
achieved in nine (81.8%). In 28 patients whose initial treatment
had been with a lag screw or a dynamic hip screw, union was achieved
in 27 (96.4%). Limb lengths were equalised in 14 of 16 patients
(87.5%) with pre-operative shortening. The mean neck-shaft angle
improved significantly from 100.5° (80° to 120°) to 131.6° (120°
to 155°) (p = 0.004). The mean modified Harris hip score was 85.6
points (70 to 97) and the mean modified Merle d’Aubigné score was
14.3 (11 to 18). Good to excellent functional outcomes were achieved
in 32 patients (88.8%). A modified Pauwels’ intertrochanteric osteotomy
is a reliable method of treating ununited fractures of the femoral neck
following failed osteosynthesis: coxa vara and shortening can also
simultaneously be addressed. Cite this article
In this retrospective study, we investigated
the results of revision total hip replacement (THR) using a cemented long-stemmed
Exeter femoral component, with a minimum length of 205 mm in patients
with extensive femoral bone defects. The study included 37 consecutive
patients with a mean age of 76 years (39 to 93) and a mean follow-up
of nine years (5 to 16). A total of 26 patients (70%) had a pre-operative
Endo-Klinik score of 3 or 4. Impaction bone grafting was used in
24 patients (65%). At the time of evaluation, 22 patients (59%)
were still alive and were evaluated clinically and radiologically.
A total of 14 patients died during follow-up and their data were
included until the time of their death. One reconstruction failed
after five years and five months owing to recurrent dislocation:
the hip was converted to an excision arthroplasty. Intra-operative
fractures or fissures were encountered in nine patients (24%), but
none occurred during impaction of the bone graft. Post-operative
peri-prosthetic fractures occurred in two patients (5%); both were
treated with plate fixation. At nine years, survival with the endpoint
of all-cause re-revision was 96.3% (95% CI 76.4 to 99.5); including
re-operations for any reason, it was 80.7% (95% CI 56.3 to 92.3%).
There were no re-revisions for aseptic loosening. The survival of long stem cemented femoral components following
revision THR is satisfactory in a fragile population with extensive
femoral defects. Cite this article:
The aim of this study was to investigate the
incidence of dysplasia in the ‘normal’ contralateral hip in patients
with unilateral developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH) and to
evaluate the long-term prognosis of such hips. A total of 48 patients
(40 girls and eight boys) were treated for late-detected unilateral
DDH between 1958 and 1962. After preliminary skin traction, closed
reduction was achieved at a mean age of 17.8 months (4 to 65) in
all except one patient who needed open reduction. In 25 patients
early derotation femoral osteotomy of the contralateral hip had been
undertaken within three years of reduction, and later surgery in
ten patients. Radiographs taken during childhood and adulthood were
reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 50.9 years (43 to 55)
at the time of the latest radiological review. In all, eight patients (17%) developed dysplasia of the contralateral
hip, defined as a centre-edge (CE) angle <
20° during childhood
or at skeletal maturity. Six of these patients underwent surgery
to improve cover of the femoral head; the dysplasia improved in
two after varus femoral osteotomy and in two after an acetabular
shelf operation. During long-term follow-up the dysplasia deteriorated
to subluxation in two patients (CE angles 4° and 5°, respectively)
who both developed osteoarthritis (OA), and one of these underwent
total hip replacement at the age of 49 years. In conclusion, the long-term prognosis for the contralateral
hip was relatively good, as OA occurred in only two hips (4%) at
a mean follow-up of 50 years. Regular review of the ‘normal’ side
is indicated, and corrective surgery should be undertaken in those
who develop subluxation. Cite this article:
There is a high rate of mortality in elderly
patients who sustain a fracture of the hip. We aimed to determine
the rate of preventable mortality and errors during the management
of these patients. A 12 month prospective study was performed on
patients aged >
65 years who had sustained a fracture of the hip.
This was conducted at a Level 1 Trauma Centre with no orthogeriatric
service. A multidisciplinary review of the medical records by four
specialists was performed to analyse errors of management and elements
of preventable mortality. During 2011, there were 437 patients aged
>
65 years admitted with a fracture of the hip (85 years (66 to
99)) and 20 died while in hospital (86.3 years (67 to 96)). A total
of 152 errors were identified in the 80 individual reviews of the
20 deaths. A total of 99 errors (65%) were thought to have at least
a moderate effect on death; 45 reviews considering death (57%) were thought
to have potentially been preventable. Agreement between the panel
of reviewers on the preventability of death was fair. A larger-scale
assessment of preventable mortality in elderly patients who sustain
a fracture of the hip is required. Multidisciplinary review panels
could be considered as part of the quality assurance process in
the management of these patients. Cite this article
Abnormal wear of cobalt-containing metal-on-metal
joints is associated with inflammatory pseudotumours. Cobalt ions
activate human toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), which normally responds
to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in sepsis. Activation of TLR4
by LPS increases the expression of chemokines IL-8 and CXCL10, which
recruit leukocytes and activated T-cells, respectively. This study
was designed to determine whether cobalt induces a similar inflammatory
response to LPS by promoting the expression of IL-8 and CXCL10.
A human monocytic cell line, derived from acute monocytic leukaemia,
was treated with cobalt ions and expression of IL-8 and CXCL10 measured at
mRNA and protein levels. Cobalt-treated macrophages showed a 60-fold
increase in IL-8 mRNA, and an eightfold increase in production of
the mature chemokine (both p <
0.001); expression of the CXCL10
gene and protein was also significantly increased by cobalt (both
p <
0.001). Experiments were also performed in the presence of
CLI-095, a TLR4-specific antagonist which abrogated the cobalt-mediated
increase in IL-8 and CXCL10 expression. These findings suggest that cobalt ions induce inflammation similar
to that observed during sepsis by the simultaneous activation of
two TLR4-mediated signalling pathways. These pathways result in
increased production of IL-8 and CXCL10, and may be implicated in
pseudotumour formation following metal-on-metal replacement. Cite this article:
Peri-acetabular osteotomy is an established surgical
treatment for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia in young adults.
An anteroposterior radiograph of the pelvis is commonly used to
assess the extent of dysplasia as well as to assess post-operative
correction. Radiological prognostic factors include the lateral
centre-edge angle, acetabular index, extrusion index and the acetabular
version. Standing causes a change in the pelvis tilt which can alter
certain radiological measurements relative to the supine position.
This article discusses the radiological indices used to assess dysplasia
and reviews the effects of patient positioning on these indices
with a focus on assessment for a peri-acetabular osteotomy. Intra-operatively,
fluoroscopy is commonly used and the implications of using fluoroscopy
as a modality to assess the various radiological indices along with
the effects of using an anteroposterior or posteroanterior fluoroscopic
view are examined. Each of these techniques gives rise to a slightly different
image of the pelvis as the final image is sensitive to the position
of the pelvis and the projection of the x-ray beam. Cite this article:
Despite a lack of long-term follow-up, there
is an increasing trend towards using femoral heads of large diameter
in total hip replacement (THR), partly because of the perceived
advantage of lower rates of dislocation. However, increasing the
size of the femoral head is not the only way to reduce the rate
of dislocation; optimal alignment of the components and repair of
the posterior capsule could achieve a similar effect. In this prospective study of 512 cemented unilateral THRs (Male:Female
230:282) performed between 2004 and 2011, we aimed to determine
the rate of dislocation in patients who received a 22 mm head on
a 9/10 Morse taper through a posterior approach with capsular repair
and using the transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) as a guide for the
alignment of the acetabular component. The mean age of the patients
at operation was 67 years (35 to 89). The mean follow-up was 2.8
years (0.5 to 6.6). Pre- and post-operative assessment included
Oxford hip, Short Form-12 and modified University of California
Los Angeles and Merle D’Aubigne scores. The angles of inclination
and anteversion of the acetabular components were measured using
radiological software. There were four dislocations (0.78%), all
of which were anterior. In conclusion, THR with a 22 mm diameter head performed through
a posterior approach with capsular repair and using the TAL as a
guide for the alignment of the acetabular component was associated
with a low rate of dislocation. Cite this article:
There is little in the literature on the level
of participation in sports which patients undertake after total
hip replacement (THR). Our aims in this study were to determine
first, the level of sporting activity, second, the predictive factors
for returning to sporting activity, and third, the correlation between
participation in sports and satisfaction after THR. We retrospectively
identified 815 patients who had undergone THR between 1995 and 2005. All
were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire regarding
their sporting activity. A total of 571 patients (71%) met the inclusion
criteria and completed the evaluation. At a mean follow-up of 9.8
years ( In conclusion, we found that most patients participate in sporting
activity after THR, regardless of the advice of their surgeon, and
that there is a correlation between the level of participation and
pre-operative function, motivation, duration of symptoms and post-operative
satisfaction. Cite this article:
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% ( 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:
The purpose of this study was to identify factors
that predict implant cut-out after cephalomedullary nailing of intertrochanteric
and subtrochanteric hip fractures, and to test the significance
of calcar referenced tip-apex distance (CalTAD) as a predictor for
cut-out. We retrospectively reviewed 170 consecutive fractures that had
undergone cephalomedullary nailing. Of these, 77 met the inclusion
criteria of a non-pathological fracture with a minimum of 80 days
radiological follow-up (mean 408 days; 81 days to 4.9 years). The
overall cut-out rate was 13% (10/77). The significant parameters in the univariate analysis were tip-apex
distance (TAD) (p <
0.001), CalTAD (p = 0.001), cervical angle
difference (p = 0.004), and lag screw placement in the anteroposterior
(AP) view (Parker’s ratio index) (p = 0.003). Non-significant parameters
were age (p = 0.325), gender (p = 1.000), fracture side (p = 0.507),
fracture type (AO classification) (p = 0.381), Singh Osteoporosis
Index (p = 0.575), lag screw placement in the lateral view (p =
0.123), and reduction quality (modified Baumgaertner’s method) (p = 0.575).
In the multivariate analysis, CalTAD was the only significant measurement
(p = 0.001). CalTAD had almost perfect inter-observer reliability
(interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.901). Our data provide the first reported clinical evidence that CalTAD
is a predictor of cut-out. The finding of CalTAD as the only significant
parameter in the multivariate analysis, along with the univariate
significance of Parker’s ratio index in the AP view, suggest that
inferior placement of the lag screw is preferable to reduce the
rate of cut-out. Cite this article:
An atypical femoral fracture (AFF), with a transverse
fracture radiologically through the lateral cortex is a rare but serious
condition. In order to improve our ability to identify patients
with this condition, we retrospectively surveyed all subtrochanteric,
peri-implant and diaphyseal femoral fractures in patients aged ≥ 65
years who underwent surgical treatment at our hospital between 2004
and 2011. We describe the incidence of atypical fractures and their characteristics,
with observational data including a review of the hospital and general
practitioner records. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the
Harris hip score (HHS) and the timed up-and-go (TUG) test. Atypical fractures only occurred in women with an incidence of
9.8 per 100 000 person-years. The incidence in those who were treated
with bisphosphonates was 79.0 per 100 000 person-years; eight of
17 fractures occurred around metal implants. There was a high incidence
of delayed union and revision surgery. A total of nine patients (ten
AFFs) were available for review at a mean follow-up of 36.5 months
(10 to 104). The clinical outcome was poor with a mean HHS of 58.9
(95% CI 47.4 to 70.4) and a mean TUG test of 25.7 s (95% CI 12.7
to 38.8). The delay in diagnosis and treatment of AFF may result from a
lack of knowledge of this condition. Cite this article:
There is a high risk of the development of avascular
necrosis of the femoral head and nonunion after the treatment of
displaced subcapital fractures of the femoral neck in patients aged
<
50 years. We retrospectively analysed the results following
fixation with two cannulated compression screws and a vascularised
iliac bone graft. We treated 18 women and 16 men with a mean age
of 38.5 years (20 to 50) whose treatment included the use of an
iliac bone graft based on the ascending branch of lateral femoral
circumflex artery. There were 20 Garden grade III and 14 grade IV
fractures. Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated. The
mean follow-up was 5.4 years (2 to 10). In 30 hips (88%) union was
achieved at a mean of 4.4 months (4 to 6). Nonunion occurred in
four hips (12%) and these patients had a mean age of 46.5 years
(42 to 50) and underwent revision to a hip replacement six months
after operation. The time to union was dependent on age with younger
patients achieving earlier union (p <
0.001). According to the
Harris hip score which was available for 27 of the 30 hips with
satisfactory union, excellent results were obtained in 15 (score ≥ 90
points), fair in ten (score 80 to 90 points), and poor in two hips
(≤ 80 points). One patient aged 48 years developed avascular necrosis
of femoral head six years after operation and underwent total hip
replacement. The management of displaced subcapital fractures of the femoral
neck, in patients aged <
50 years, with two cannulated compression
screws and an iliac bone graft based on the ascending branch of
lateral femoral circumflex artery, gives satisfactory results with
a low rate of complication including avascular necrosis and nonunion. Cite this article:
The lack of a consensus for core health outcomes
that should be reported in clinical research has hampered study design
and evidence synthesis. We report a United Kingdom consensus for
a core outcome set (COS) for clinical trials of patients with a
hip fracture. We adopted a modified nominal group technique to derive consensus
on 1) which outcome domains should be measured, and 2) methods of
assessment. Participants reflected a diversity of perspectives and
experience. They received an evidence synthesis and postal questionnaire
in advance of the consensus meeting, and ranked the importance of
candidate domains and the relevance and suitability of short-listed
measures. During the meeting, pre-meeting source data and questionnaire
responses were summarised, followed by facilitated discussion and
a final plenary session. A COS was determined using a closed voting
system: a 70% consensus was required. Consensus supported a five-domain COS: mortality, pain, activities
of daily living, mobility, and health-related quality of life (HRQL).
Single-item measures of mortality and mobility (indoor/outdoor walking
status) and a generic multi-item measure of HRQL - the EuroQoL EQ-5D
- were recommended. These measures should be included as a minimum
in all hip fracture trials. Other outcome measures should be added
depending on the particular interventions being studied. Cite this article:
The orientation of the acetabular component is
influenced not only by the orientation at which the surgeon implants
the component, but also the orientation of the pelvis at the time
of implantation. Hence, the orientation of the pelvis at set-up
and its movement during the operation, are important. During 67
hip replacements, using a validated photogrammetric technique, we
measured how three surgeons orientated the patient’s pelvis, how
much the pelvis moved during surgery, and what effect these had
on the final orientation of the acetabular component. Pelvic orientation
at set-up, varied widely (mean (± 2, standard deviation ( Cite this article:
We report our experience of revision total hip
replacement (THR) using the Revitan curved modular titanium fluted revision
stem in patients with a full spectrum of proximal femoral defects.
A total of 112 patients (116 revisions) with a mean age of 73.4
years (39 to 90) were included in the study. The mean follow-up
was 7.5 years (5.3 to 9.1). A total of 12 patients (12 hips) died
but their data were included in the survival analysis, and four
patients (4 hips) were lost to follow-up. The clinical outcome,
proximal bone regeneration and subsidence were assessed for 101
hips. The mean Harris Hip Score was 88.2 (45.8 to 100) after five years
and there was an increase of the mean Barnett and Nordin-Score,
a measure of the proximal bone regeneration, of 20.8 (-3.1 to 52.7).
Five stems had to be revised (4.3%), three (2.9%) showed subsidence,
five (4.3%) a dislocation and two of 85 aseptic revisions (2.3%)
a periprosthetic infection. At the latest follow-up, the survival with revision of the stem
as the endpoint was 95.7% (95% confidence interval 91.9% to 99.4%)
and with aseptic loosening as the endpoint, was 100%. Peri-prosthetic
fractures were not observed. We report excellent results with respect to subsidence, the risk
of fracture, and loosening after femoral revision using a modular
curved revision stem with distal cone-in-cone fixation. A successful
outcome depends on careful pre-operative planning and the use of
a transfemoral approach when the anatomy is distorted or a fracture
is imminent, or residual cement or a partially-secured existing
stem cannot be removed. The shortest appropriate stem should, in
our opinion, be used and secured with >
3 cm fixation at the femoral
isthmus, and distal interlocking screws should be used for additional
stability when this goal cannot be realised. Cite this article:
Large-head metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip replacements
(THR) have given rise to concern. Comparative studies of small-head
MoM THRs over a longer follow-up period are lacking. Our objective
was to compare the incidence of complications such as infection,
dislocation, revision, adverse local tissue reactions, mortality
and radiological and clinical outcomes in small-head (28 mm) MoM
and ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP) THRs up to 12 years post-operatively. A prospective cohort study included 3341 THRs in 2714 patients.
The mean age was 69.1 years (range 24 to 98) and 1848 (55.3%) were
performed in women, with a mean follow-up of 115 months (18 to 201).
There were 883 MoM and 2458 CoP bearings. Crude incidence rates
(cases/1000 person-years) were: infection 1.3 In conclusion, we found similar results for small-head MoM and
CoP bearings up to ten years post-operatively, but after ten years
MoM THRs had a higher risk of all-cause revision. Furthermore, the
presence of an adverse response to metal debris seen in the small-head
MOM group at revision is a cause for concern. Cite this article:
We compared the rate of revision for instability
after total hip replacement (THR) when lipped and non-lipped acetabular
liners were used. We hypothesised that the use of a lipped liner
in a modular uncemented acetabular component reduces the risk of
revision for instability after primary THR. Using data from the
New Zealand Joint Registry, we found that the use of a lipped liner
was associated with a significantly decreased rate of revision for instability
and for all other indications. Adjusting for the size of the femoral
head, the surgical approach and the age and gender of the patient,
this difference remained strongly significant (p <
0.001). We conclude that evidence from the New Zealand registry suggests
that the use of lipped liners with modular uncemented acetabular
components is associated with a decreased rate of revision for instability
after primary THR. Cite this article:
Total hip replacement causes a short-term increase
in the risk of mortality. It is important to quantify this and to identify
modifiable risk factors so that the risk of post-operative mortality
can be minimised. We performed a systematic review and critical
evaluation of the current literature on the topic. We identified
32 studies published over the last 10 years which provide either
30-day or 90-day mortality data. We estimate the pooled incidence
of mortality during the first 30 and 90 days following hip replacement
to be 0.30% (95% CI 0.22 to 0.38) and 0.65% (95% CI 0.50 to 0.81),
respectively. We found strong evidence of a temporal trend towards
reducing mortality rates despite increasingly co-morbid patients.
The risk factors for early mortality most commonly identified are
increasing age, male gender and co-morbid conditions, particularly
cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular complications appear to have
overtaken fatal pulmonary emboli as the leading cause of death after
hip replacement. Cite this article:
Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) is one
of the known causes of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).
The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of FAI cases
considered to be secondary to SUFE-like deformities. We performed a case–control study on 96 hips (75 patients: mean
age 38 years (15.4 to 63.5)) that had been surgically treated for
FAI between July 2005 and May 2011. Three independent observers
measured the lateral view head–neck index (LVHNI) to detect any
SUFE-like deformity on lateral hip radiographs taken in 45° flexion,
45° abduction and 30° external rotation. A control group of 108
healthy hips in 54 patients was included for comparison (mean age
36.5 years (24.3 to 53.9). The impingement group had a mean LVHNI of 7.6% (16.7% to -2%) Our results suggest that SUFE is one of the primary aetiological
factors for cam-type FAI. Cite this article:
