We have tested the axial and torsional stability of femoral components after revision arthroplasty in a cadaver model, using impacted morsellised cancellous graft and cement. Each one of six matched pairs of fresh frozen human femora had either a primary or a revision prosthesis cemented in place. For the ‘revision’ experiments, all cancellous bone was removed from the proximal femur which was then over-reamed to create a smooth-walled cortical shell. An MTS servohydraulic test frame was used to apply axial and torsional loads to each specimen through the prosthetic femoral heads with the femur submerged in isotonic saline solution at 37°C. The mean subsidence was 0.27 ± 0.17 mm for the primary and 0.52 ± 0.30 mm for the revision groups. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.025), but the mean subsidence was < 1 mm in both groups. The mean maximum torque before failure was 42.9 ± 26.9 N-m for the primary and 34.8± 20.7 N-m for the revision groups. This difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.015). Based on our results we suggest that revision of the femoral component using morsellised cancellous graft followed by cementing with a collarless prosthesis with a polished tapered stem restores the integrity of the proximal femur and provides immediate stability of the implant

Aims. The widely used and well-proven Palacos R (a.k.a. Refobacin Palacos R) bone cement is no longer commercially available and was superseded by Refobacin bone cement R and Palacos R + G in 2005. However, the performance of these newly introduced bone cements have not been tested in a phased evidence-based manner, including roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA). Patients and Methods. In this blinded, randomised, clinical RSA study, the migration of the Stanmore femoral component was compared between Refobacin bone cement R and Palacos R + G in 62 consecutive total hip arthroplasties. The primary outcome measure was femoral component migration measured using RSA and secondary outcomes were Harris hip score (HHS), Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D) and Short Form 36 (SF-36). Results. Femoral component migration was comparable between Refobacin bone cement R and Palacos R + G during the two-year follow-up period with an estimated mean difference of 0.06 mm of subsidence (p = 0.56) and 0.08° of retroversion (p = 0.82). Five hips (three Refobacin bone cement R and two Palacos R + G) showed non-stabilising, continuous migration; the femoral cement mantle in these hips, was mean 0.7 mm thicker (p = 0.02) and there were more radiolucencies at the bone-cement interface (p = 0.004) in comparison to hips showing stabilising migration. Post-operative HHS was comparable throughout the follow-up period (p = 0.62). HOOS, EQ5D, and SF-36 scores were also comparable (p-values >  0.05) at the two-year follow-up point. Conclusion. Refobacin bone cement R and Palacos R + G show comparable component migration and clinical outcome during the first two post-operative years. Hips showing continuous migration are at risk for early failure. However, this seems to be unrelated to cement type, but rather to cementing technique. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1333–41

Concerns have been reported to the United Kingdom National Patient Safety Agency, warning that cementing the femoral component during hip replacement surgery for fracture of the proximal femur may increase peri-operative mortality. . The National Hip Fracture Database collects demographic and outcome data about patients with a fracture of the proximal femur from over 100 participating hospitals in the United Kingdom. We conducted a mixed effects logistic regression analysis of this dataset to determine whether peri-operative mortality was increased in patients who had undergone either hemiarthroplasty or total hip replacement using a cemented femoral component. A total of 16 496 patients from 129 hospitals were included in the analysis, which showed a small but significant adjusted survival benefit associated with cementing (odds ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.72 to 0.96). Other statistically significant variables in predicting death at discharge, listed in order of magnitude of effect, were gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, age, walking accompanied outdoors and arthroplasty. Interaction terms between cementing and these other variables were sequentially added to, but did not improve, the model. . This study has not shown an increase in peri-operative mortality as a result of cementing the femoral component in patients requiring hip replacement following fracture of the proximal femur

Torsional instability of femoral components has not received much attention, and is difficult to detect in conventional radiographs. To test this we designed a system to apply a load in an anteroposterior direction to the head of a femoral component, implanted into a cadaveric femur. Rotation within the bone was measured, using a purpose built transducer, with and without preservation of the neck, with and without cement, and with longitudinal ridges but no cement. The results show that torsional instability may be a problem in uncemented replacement. Preservation of the femoral neck and the use of a ridged prosthesis increases resistance to rotation. Rotational movements occurring in vivo during such activities as climbing stairs and rising from the seated position may contribute to mechanical loosening

The first 325 Exeter Universal stems (309 patients) implanted at the originating centre were inserted between March 1988 and February 1990 by a group of surgeons with differing experience. In this report we describe the clinical and radiological results at a mean of 15.7 years (14.7 to 17.3) after operation with no loss to follow-up. There were 97 patients (108 hips) with replacements still in situ and 31 (31 hips) who had undergone a further procedure. With an endpoint of revision for aseptic loosening, the survivorship at 17 years was 100% and 90.4% for the femoral and acetabular component, respectively. The mean Merle D’Aubigné and Postel scores at review were 5.4 (. sd. 0.97) for pain and 4.5 (. sd. 1.72) for function. The mean Oxford score was 38.4 (. sd. 9.8) (0 to 48 worst-to-best scale) and the mean combined Harris pain and function score was 73.2 (. sd. 16.9). Radiological review showed excellent preservation of bone stock in the proximal femur and no failures of the femoral component

We carried out a histological study of a proximally hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated femoral component, retrieved after 9.5 years of good function. The HA coating had completely degraded. Bone was in direct contact with the titanium surface in all the areas which had been coated, with no interposing fibrous tissue. There were no signs of particles, third-body wear, adverse tissue reactions or osteolysis. Bone remodelling was evident by the presence of resorption lacunae; tetracycline labelling showed bone laid down six years after implantation. The loss of the HA-coating had no negative effect on the osseo-integration of the stem. We conclude that the HA coating contributes to the fixation of the implant and that its degradation does not adversely affect the long-term fixation

Roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis was used to measure the migration of 24 cemented femoral components implanted during revision for mechanical loosening. All hips were examined one week, four months and one year after surgery; 14 hips were also examined after two years. Twenty-one components subsided 0.2 to 5.5 mm during the observation period; in 17 of these, subsidence occurred within four months of surgery. In 16 hips the prosthetic head was displaced 0.7 to 11.2 mm posteriorly. The fixation of the femoral components was less secure than after primary arthroplasty, especially in cases of femoral canal enlargement, when a standard-sized rather than a thick-stemmed prosthesis had been used, and in cases of inadequate cement filling

Aims. Uncemented implants are now commonly used at reimplantation of a two-stage revision total hip arthoplasty (THA) following periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, there is a paucity of data on the performance of the most commonly used uncemented femoral implants – modular fluted tapered (MFT) femoral components – in this setting. This study evaluated implant survival, radiological results, and clinical outcomes in a large cohort of reimplantation THAs using MFT components. Methods. We identified 236 reimplantation THAs from a single tertiary care academic institution from September 2000 to September 2020. Two designs of MFT femoral components were used as part of an established two-stage exchange protocol for the treatment of PJI. Mean age at reimplantation was 65 years (SD 11), mean BMI was 32 kg/m. 2. (SD 7), and 46% (n = 109) were female. Mean follow-up was seven years (SD 4). A competing risk model accounting for death was used. Results. The 15-year cumulative incidence of any revision was 24%. There were 48 revisions, with the most common reasons being dislocation (n = 25) and infection (n = 16). The 15-year cumulative incidence of any reoperation was 28%. Only 13 revisions involved the fluted tapered component (FTC), for a 15-year cumulative incidence of any FTC revision of 8%. Only two FTCs were revised for aseptic loosening, resulting in a 15-year cumulative incidence of FTC revision for aseptic loosening of 1%. Stem subsidence ≥ 5 mm occurred in 2% of unrevised cases. All stems were radiologically stable at most recent follow-up. Mean Harris Hip Score was 69 (SD 20) at most recent follow-up. Conclusion. This series demonstrated that MFT components were durable and reliable in the setting of two-stage reimplantation THA for infection. While the incidence of aseptic loosening was very low, the incidence of any revision was 24% at 15 years, primarily due to dislocation and recurrent PJI. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(5 Supple B):125–132

This study explored the relationship between the initial stability of the femoral component and penetration of cement into the graft bed following impaction allografting. Impaction allografting was carried out in human cadaveric femurs. In one group the cement was pressurised conventionally but in the other it was not pressurised. Migration and micromotion of the implant were measured under simulated walking loads. The specimens were then cross-sectioned and penetration of the cement measured. Around the distal half of the implant we found approximately 70% and 40% of contact of the cement with the endosteum in the pressure and no-pressure groups, respectively. The distal migration/micromotion, and valgus/varus migration were significantly higher in the no-pressure group than in that subjected to pressure. These motion components correlated negatively with the mean area of cement and its contact with the endosteum. The presence of cement at the endosteum appears to play an important role in the initial stability of the implant following impaction allografting

Aims. Conflicting clinical results are reported for the ATTUNE Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). This randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated five-year follow-up results comparing cemented ATTUNE and PFC-Sigma cruciate retaining TKAs, analyzing component migration as measured by radiostereometric analysis (RSA), clinical outcomes, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and radiological outcomes. Methods. A total of 74 primary TKAs were included in this single-blind RCT. RSA examinations were performed, and PROMs and clinical outcomes were collected immediate postoperatively, and at three, six, 12, 24, and 60 months’ follow-up. Radiolucent lines (RLLs) were measured in standard anteroposterior radiographs at six weeks, and 12 and 60 months postoperatively. Results. At five-year follow-up, RSA data from 61 patients were available and the mean maximum total point motion (MTPM) of the femoral components were: ATTUNE: 0.96 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79 to 1.14) and PFC-Sigma 1.37 mm (95% CI 1.18 to 1.59) (p < 0.001). The PFC-Sigma femoral component migrated more in the first postoperative year, but stabilized thereafter. MPTM of the tibial components were comparable at five-year follow-up: ATTUNE 1.12 mm (95% CI 0.95 to 1.31) and PFC-Sigma 1.25 mm (95% CI 1.07 to 1.44) (p = 0.438). RLL at the medial tibial implant-cement interface remained more prevalent for the ATTUNE at five-year follow-up compared to the PFC-Sigma (20% vs 3%). RLL did not progress over time, and varied between patients at different timepoints for both TKA systems. Clinical outcomes and PROMs improved compared with preoperative scores, and were not different between groups. Conclusion. MTPM migration at five-year follow-up of the femoral and tibial component of the ATTUNE were similar and as low as that of the PFC-Sigma. MTPM migration of both knee implants did not significantly change from one year post-surgery, indicating stable fixation. Long-term ATTUNE performance may be expected to be comparable to the clinically well-performing PFC-Sigma. We have not found evidence of increased tibial component migration as measured by RSA to support concerns about cement debonding and a higher risk of aseptic loosening with the ATTUNE TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1168–1176

Aims. A significant reduction in wear at five and ten years was previously reported when comparing Durasul highly cross-linked polyethylene with nitrogen-sterilized Sulene polyethylene in total hip arthroplasty (THA). We investigated whether the improvement observed at the earlier follow-up continued, resulting in decreased osteolysis and revision surgery rates over the second decade. Methods. Between January 1999 and December 2001, 90 patients underwent surgery using the same acetabular and femoral components with a 28 mm metallic femoral head and either a Durasul or Sulene liner. A total of 66 hips of this prospective randomized study were available for a minimum follow-up of 20 years. The linear femoral head penetration rate was measured at six weeks, one year, and annually thereafter, using the Dorr method on digitized radiographs with a software package. Results. In the Durasul group, no patients underwent revision due to loosening or showed radiological evidence of osteolysis. In the Sulene group, four patients (four hips) were revised due to femoral component loosening. The 20-year cumulative failure incidence in the presence of the competing event of death for revision surgery was 4.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8 to 13.6) in the Durasul group, and 8.9% (95% CI 2.8 to 19.5) in the Sulene group. The mean wear one year after surgery was 0.09 mm (SD 0.007) in the Durasul group and 0.24 (SD 0.015) in the Sulene group (p < 0.001). From one to 20 years after surgery, the mean total penetration was 0.32 mm (SD 0.045) in the Durasul group and 1.07 mm (SD 0.13) in the Sulene group (p < 0.001). Mean femoral head penetration at 20 years was approximately 70.0% less in the Durasul group than the Sulene group. Conclusion. The significant reduction in femoral head penetration obtained with the Durasul compared with Sulene in uncemented THA resulted in lower osteolysis and revision rates after 20 years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(9):1032–1038

Mechanical and biomechanical testing of a new bone cement suggests that improved load transfer to the proximal femur could be achieved with the combination of a cement having a lower modulus, a greater ductility and a lower creep resistance than polymethylmethacrylate and a suitably shaped femoral component

We studied 16 femora retrieved at post-mortem from symptomless patients who had a satisfactory cemented total hip arthroplasty from two weeks to 17 years earlier, with the aim of delineating the initial mechanisms involved in loosening. Only one specimen showed radiographic evidence of loosening; the other 15 were stable to mechanical testing at 17.0 Nm of torque. In all 16 specimens, the cement-bone interface was intact with little fibrous tissue formation. By contrast, separation at the cement-prosthesis interface and fractures in the cement mantle were frequent. The most common early feature was debonding of the cement from the metal, seen at the proximal and distal ends of the prosthesis. Specimens which had been in place for longer also showed circumferential fractures in the cement, near the cement-metal interface, and radial fractures extending from this interface into the cement and sometimes to the bony interface. The most extensive cement fractures appeared to have started at or near sharp corners in the metal, or where the cement mantle was thin or incomplete. Fractures were also related to voids in the cement. The time relationship in this series suggested that long-term failure of the fixation of cemented femoral components was primarily mechanical, starting with debonding at the interface between the cement and the prosthesis, and continuing as slowly developing fractures in the cement mantle

We describe a case of symptomatic focal femoral osteolysis around a screw hole distal to the hydroxyapatite-coated portion of a cannulated femoral component in a revision hip replacement. No locking screw had been inserted into this, the most proximal of the three distal holes for locking screws. The presence of polyethylene wear debris in the tissue excised from the lesion suggested that it had passed through the cannulated portion of the stem and out of the proximal unfilled distal locking hole, initiating an osteolytic reaction in an otherwise well-fixed stem. This case highlights an important design characteristic of such cannulated, uncemented femoral components. We recommend that the proximal aperture of these cannulated stems be occluded at implantation

Several methods of measuring the migration of the femoral component after total hip replacement have been described, but they use different reference lines, and have differing accuracies, some unproven. Statistical comparison of different studies is rarely possible. We report a study of the EBRA-FCA method (femoral component analysis using Einzel-Bild-Röntgen-Analyse) to determine its accuracy using three independent assessments, including a direct comparison with the results of roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA). The accuracy of EBRA-FCA was better than ±1.5 mm (95% percentile) with a Cronbach’s coefficient alpha for interobserver reliability of 0.84; a very good result. The method had a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 78% compared with RSA for the detection of migration of over 1 mm. This is accurate enough to assess the stability of a prosthesis within a relatively limited period. The best reference line for downward migration is between the greater trochanter and the shoulder of the stem, as confirmed by two experimental analyses and a computer-assisted design

Aims. Head-taper corrosion is a cause of failure in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Recent reports have described an increasing number of V40 taper failures with adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR). However, the real incidence of V40 taper damage and its cause remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term incidence of ALTR in a consecutive series of THAs using a V40 taper and identify potentially related factors. Methods. Between January 2006 and June 2007, a total of 121 patients underwent THA using either an uncemented (Accolade I, made of Ti. 12. Mo. 6. Zr. 2. Fe; Stryker, USA) or a cemented (ABG II, made of cobalt-chrome-molybdenum (CoCrMo); Stryker) femoral component, both with a V40 taper (Stryker). Uncemented acetabular components (Trident; Stryker) with crosslinked polyethylene liners and CoCr femoral heads of 36 mm diameter were used in all patients. At a mean folllow-up of 10.8 years (SD 1.1), 94 patients (79%) were eligible for follow-up (six patients had already undergone a revision, 15 had died, and six were lost to follow-up). A total of 85 THAs in 80 patients (mean age 61 years (24 to 75); 47 (56%) were female) underwent clinical and radiological evaluation, including the measurement of whole blood levels of cobalt and chrome. Metal artifact reduction sequence MRI scans of the hip were performed in 71 patients. Results. A total of 20 ALTRs were identified on MRI, with an incidence of 26%. Patients with ALTR had significantly higher median Co levels compared with those without ALTR (2.96 μg/l (interquartile range (IQR) 1.35 to 4.98) vs 1.44 μg/l (IQR 0.79 to 2.5); p = 0.019). Radiological evidence of osteolysis was also significantly associated with ALTR (p = 0.014). Median Cr levels were not significantly higher in those with ALTR compared with those without one (0.97 μg/l (IQR 0.72 to 1.9) v 0.67 μg/l (IQR 0.5 to 1.19; p = 0.080). BMI, sex, age, type of femoral component, head length, the inclination of the acetabular component, and heterotopic ossification formation showed no significant relationship with ALTR. Conclusion. Due to the high incidence of local ALTR in our cohort after more than ten years postoperatively, we recommend regular follow-up investigation even in asymptomatic patients with V40 taper and metal heads. As cobalt levels correlate with ALTR occurrence, routine metal ion screening and consecutive MRI investigation upon elevation could be discussed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):852–858

Bone mineral density (BMD) around the femoral component has been reported to decrease after total knee replacement (TKR) because of stress shielding. Our aim was to determine whether a cemented mobile-bearing component reduced the post-operative loss of BMD. In our study 28 knees receiving a cemented fixed-bearing TKR were matched with 28 receiving a cemented mobile-bearing TKR. They underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, pre-operatively and at three weeks and at three, six, 12, 18 and 24 months post-operatively. The patients were not taking medication to improve the BMD. The pre-operative differences in the BMD of the femoral neck, wrist, lumbar spine and knee in the two groups were not significant. The BMD of the femur decreased postoperatively in the fixed-bearing group, but not the mobile-bearing group. The difference in the post-operative change in the BMD in the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05) at 18 and 24 months. Our findings show that a cemented mobile-bearing TKR has a favourable effect on the BMD of the distal femur after TKR in the short term. Further study is required to determine the long-term effects

Aims. To investigate the longevity of uncemented fixation of a femoral component in total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with Dorr type C proximal femoral morphology. Patients and Methods. A total of 350 consecutive uncemented THA in 320 patients were performed between 1983 and 1987, by a single surgeon using the Taperloc femoral component. The 63 patients (68 hips) with Dorr type C proximal femoral morphology were the focus of this review. The mean age of the patients was 69 years (24 to 88) and mean follow-up was 16.6 years (ten to 29). Survival analysis included eight patients (eight hips) who died without undergoing revision surgery prior to obtaining ten years follow-up. All 55 surviving patients (60 hips) were available for clinical assessment and radiographic review. As a comparator group, the survival and implant fixation in the remaining 282 THAs (257 patients) with Dorr type A and B morphology were evaluated. The mean age of these patients was 52 years (20 to 82). Results. In the Dorr C patient group the mean Harris hip score improved from 51 points (21 to 69 points) pre-operatively to 89 (74 to 100) at final follow-up. No femoral component was loose by radiological criteria and osteolysis was only identified around two stems (3.3%). There was one revision (1.6%) of a well-fixed femoral component for sepsis at 11 years. The survival of the Taperloc femoral component at 20 years with revision for any reason as the endpoint was 98% (95% confidence interval; 87 to 99). A total of ten (3.5%) of the Dorr A and B patient group of 282 THAs required revision surgery. Only one (0.4%) for aseptic loosening. A total of two hips (1%) were loose by radiographic criteria and osteolysis occurred around 12 hips (4%). Conclusion. This study demonstrates that excellent fixation can be achieved using the Taperloc stem in patients with Dorr type A and B, and Dorr type C bone. Take home message: The Taperloc stem demonstrated equivalent results in Dorr type A and B and Dorr type C bone. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:595–600

Four cases are described of localised endosteal bone lysis in the femur occurring in association with cemented femoral components that were not obviously 'loose' radiologically. In each, the area of lysis was shown at operation to be related directly to a region in which there was a local defect in the cement mantle surrounding the stem. Via the space between the stem and cement, such defects provide a route through which the contents of the joint cavity may reach the endosteal surface of the femur, subsequently leading to localised bone lysis, and later to frank loosening

We describe our experience with the implantation of 325 Exeter Universal hips. The fate of every implant was known. The procedures were undertaken by surgeons of widely differing experience. At follow-up at 12 years, survivorship with revision of the femoral component for aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 100% (95% CI 98 to 100). Survivorship with revision of the acetabular component for aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 96.86% (95% CI 93.1 to 98.9) and that with any reoperation as the endpoint 91.74% (95% CI 87.7 to 95.8). No adverse features have emerged as a consequence of the modular connection between the head and neck of the implant