Aims. This study reports the ten-year wear rates, incidence of osteolysis, clinical outcomes, and complications of a multicentre randomized controlled trial comparing oxidized zirconium (OxZr) versus cobalt-chrome (CoCr) femoral heads with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) liners in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods. Patients undergoing primary THA were recruited from four institutions and prospectively allocated to the following treatment groups: Group A, CoCr femoral head with XLPE liner; Group B, OxZr femoral head with XLPE liner; and Group C, OxZr femoral head with UHMWPE liner. All study patients and assessors recording outcomes were blinded to the treatment groups. The outcomes of 262 study patients were analyzed at ten years’ follow-up. Results. Patients in Group C were associated with increased mean liner wear rates compared to patients in Group A (0.133 mm/yr (SD 0.21) vs 0.031 mm/yr (SD 0.07), respectively; p < 0.001) and Group B (0.133 mm/yr (SD 0.21) vs 0.022 mm/yr (SD 0.05), respectively; p < 0.001) at ten years’ follow-up. Patients in Group C were also associated with increased risk of osteolysis and aseptic loosening requiring revision surgery, compared with patients in Group A (7/133 vs 0/133, respectively; p = 0.007) and Group B (7/133 vs 0/135, respectively; p = 0.007). There was a non-statistically significant trend towards increased mean liner wear rates in Group A compared with Group B (0.031 mm/yr (SD 0.07) vs 0.022 mm/yr (SD 0.05), respectively; p = 0.128). All three groups were statistically comparable preoperatively and at ten years’ follow-up when measuring normalized Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (p = 0.410), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (p = 0.465 mental, p = 0.713 physical), and pain scale scores (p = 0.451). Conclusion. The use of UHMWPE was associated with progressively increased annual liner wear rates after THA compared to XLPE. At ten years’ follow-up, the group receiving UHMWPE demonstrated an increased incidence of osteolysis and aseptic loosening requiring revision surgery compared to XLPE. Femoral heads composed of OxZr were associated with trend towards reduced wear rates compared to CoCr, but this did not reach statistical significance and did not translate to any differences in osteolysis, functional outcomes, or revision surgery between the two femoral head components. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):833–843

We have reviewed 70 patients with bilateral simultaneous total hip arthroplasties to determine the rate of failure and to compare polyethylene wear and osteolysis between an implant with a cobalt-chrome head and Hylamer liner with that of a zirconia head and Hylamer liner. The mean thickness of the polyethylene liner was 11.0 mm (8.8 to 12.2) in the hip with a zirconia head and 10.7 mm (8.8 to 12.2) in that with a cobalt-chrome head. At follow-up at 6.4 years no acetabular or femoral component had been revised for aseptic loosening and no acetabular or femoral component was loose according to radiological criteria in both the cemented and cementless groups. The mean rate of linear wear and annual wear rate were highest in the 22 mm zirconia femoral head (1.25 mm (SD 1.05) and 0.21 mm (SD 0.18), respectively) and lowest in the 22 mm cobalt-chrome femoral head (0.70 mm (SD 0.39) and 0.12 mm (SD 0.07), respectively). The mean volumetric wear was highest in the 28 mm zirconia femoral head (730.79 mm. 3. ) and lowest in the 22 mm cobalt-chrome femoral head (264.67 mm. 3. ), but if the results were compared by size of the femoral head and type of material there was no statistical difference (p > 0.05). Sequential measurements of annual wear showed that the zirconia femoral head had a relatively higher rate of penetration than the cobalt-chrome head over the first three years; thereafter the rate of wear was reduced and compared favourably with that of cobalt-chrome heads. There was a statistically significant relationship between the wear of the polyethylene liner and the age of the patient, male gender and the degree of abduction angle of the cup, but not diagnosis, weight, hip score, range of movement, or amount of anteversion. Osteolysis was identified on both sides of the acetabulum in six patients (9%). Of 12 hips with acetabular osteolysis, six had a 28 mm cobalt-chrome femoral head and the remaining six a 28 mm zirconia head. Osteolysis was observed in zones 1A and 7A of the femur in two hips (3%) with a 28 mm zirconia head (cemented hip) and in four (6%) with a 28 mm cobalt-chrome femoral head (cementless hip). Our findings suggest that although the performance of a zirconia femoral head with a Hylamer liner was not statistically different from that of a cobalt-chrome femoral head and Hylamer liner, there was a trend for the zirconia head to be worse than the cobalt-chrome femoral head

At yearly intervals we compared the radiological wear characteristics of 81 alumina ceramic femoral heads with a well-matched group of 43 cobalt-chrome femoral heads. Using a computer-assisted measurement system we assessed two-dimensional penetration of the head into the polyethylene liner. We used linear regression analysis of temporal data of the penetration of the head to calculate the true rates of polyethylene wear for both groups. At a mean of seven years the true rate of wear of the ceramic group was slightly greater (0.09 mm/year, SD 0.07) than that of the cobalt-chrome group (0.07 mm/year, SD 0.04). Despite the numerous theoretical advantages of ceramic over cobalt-chrome femoral heads, the wear performance in vivo of these components was similar

Fifty-four cobalt-chrome alloy femoral heads were retrieved at revision surgery or at post-mortem; 23 came from uncemented, eight from hybrid and 23 from cemented hip arthroplasties. The uncemented and hybrid implants had porous coating, metal backing and modular femoral heads; with one exception none of the cemented implants had any of these. Twenty-five of the 31 heads from uncemented and hybrid arthroplasties, and 11 of the 23 heads from cemented arthroplasties showed surface damage involving more than 25% of the surface. Scanning electron microscopy revealed multidirectional fine scratches 1 micron to 10 microns in depth and width which appeared to have been made by fine, hard particles. There was a higher rate of such damage in the uncemented and hybrid arthroplasties than in the cemented implants, suggesting that the abrasive particles were mainly released from the metal, rather than from the cement or polyethylene components of the implants

We studied the wear generated by motion between polished and shot-blasted titanium-alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) or cobalt-chrome alloy (Co-Cr) surfaces and cortical bone in vitro. Semicircular sections of human proximal femoral cortex were reamed to fit metal cylinders of each alloy. The cylinders were then fitted in the bone, loaded and rotated in physiological saline. Ti-alloy resulted in more wear both of the bone and of the metal than did Co-Cr alloy. Metal wear was reduced and bone wear was increased by shot-blasting, a procedure which introduces surface residual stresses and roughens the metal surface. We conclude that when there is gross motion between a metal implant and bone, Ti-alloy is likely to generate more wear debris than Co-Cr alloy. The least wear both of bone and of metal was produced by polished Co-Cr

We implanted 57 uncemented cobalt-chrome porous-coated collarless femoral components into 51 patients (mean age 49 years). At review, five to eight years postoperatively, good or excellent results were recorded in 70% by the Mayo Clinic hip evaluation and in 84% by the Harris hip score. Revision for aseptic loosening of the femoral stem was necessary in only one hip. Thigh pain diminished with time and was present in only two hips at the time of review. Endosteal bone formation was seen at the junction of the smooth and the porous segments of the stem in 94% of hips and in 60% it continued after three years. In 90% of hips, proximal femoral atrophy did not progress after three years. Discontinuous radiolucent lines were seen around 30% of stems, most commonly in zones I, IV and VII. They were not progressive in 94% and their presence did not correlate with the clinical outcome

Aims

Oxidized zirconium (OxZi) and highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) were developed to minimize wear and risk of osteolysis in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, retrieval studies have shown that scratched femoral heads may lead to runaway wear, and few reports of long-term results have been published. The purpose of this investigation is to report minimum ten-year wear rates and clinical outcomes of THA with OxZi femoral heads on HXLPE, and to compare them with a retrospective control group of cobalt chrome (CoCr) or ceramic heads on HXLPE.

Aims. Biofilm infections are among the most challenging complications in orthopaedics, as bacteria within the biofilms are protected from the host immune system and many antibiotics. Halicin exhibits broad-spectrum activity against many planktonic bacteria, and previous studies have demonstrated that halicin is also effective against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms grown on polystyrene or polypropylene substrates. However, the effectiveness of many antibiotics can be substantially altered depending on which orthopaedically relevant substrates the biofilms grow. This study, therefore, evaluated the activity of halicin against less mature and more mature S. aureus biofilms grown on titanium alloy, cobalt-chrome, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), devitalized muscle, or devitalized bone. Methods. S. aureus-Xen36 biofilms were grown on the various substrates for 24 hours or seven days. Biofilms were incubated with various concentrations of halicin or vancomycin and then allowed to recover without antibiotics. Minimal biofilm eradication concentrations (MBECs) were defined by CFU counting and resazurin reduction assays, and were compared with the planktonic minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Results. Halicin continued to exert significantly (p < 0.01) more antibacterial activity against biofilms grown on all tested orthopaedically relevant substrates than vancomycin, an antibiotic known to be affected by biofilm maturity. For example, halicin MBECs against both less mature and more mature biofilms were ten-fold to 40-fold higher than its MIC. In contrast, vancomycin MBECs against the less mature biofilms were 50-fold to 200-fold higher than its MIC, and 100-fold to 400-fold higher against the more mature biofilms. Conclusion. Halicin is a promising antibiotic that should be tested in animal models of orthopaedic infection. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(3):101–109

Aims. A recent report from France suggested an association between the use of cobalt-chrome (CoCr) femoral heads in total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. CoCr is a commonly used material in orthopaedic implants. If the reported association is causal, the consequences would be significant given the millions of joint arthroplasties and other orthopaedic procedures in which CoCr is used annually. We examined whether CoCr-containing THAs were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, heart outcomes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders in a large national database. Methods. Data from the National Joint Registry was linked to NHS English hospital inpatient episodes for 374,359 primary THAs with up to 14.5 years' follow-up. We excluded any patients with bilateral THAs, knee arthroplasties, indications other than osteoarthritis, aged under 55 years, and diagnosis of one or more outcome of interest before THA. Implants were grouped as either containing CoCr or not containing CoCr. The association between implant construct and the risk of all-cause mortality and incident heart failure, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders was examined. Results. There were 158,677 individuals (42.4%) with an implant containing CoCr. There were 47,963 deaths, 27,332 heart outcomes, 35,720 cancers, and 22,025 neurodegenerative disorders. There was no evidence of an association between patients with CoCr implants and higher rates of any of the outcomes. Conclusion. CoCr-containing THAs did not have an increased risk of all-cause mortality, or clinically meaningful heart outcomes, cancer, or neurodegenerative disorders into the second decade post-implantation. Our findings will help reassure clinicians and the increasing number of patients receiving primary THA worldwide that the use of CoCr-containing implants is not associated with significant adverse systemic effects. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(3):359–367

Aims. We propose a state-of-the-art temporary spacer, consisting of a cobalt-chrome (CoCr) femoral component and a gentamicin-eluting ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tibial insert, which can provide therapeutic delivery of gentamicin, while retaining excellent mechanical properties. The proposed implant is designed to replace conventional spacers made from bone cement. Methods. Gentamicin-loaded UHMWPE was prepared using phase-separated compression moulding, and its drug elution kinetics, antibacterial, mechanical, and wear properties were compared with those of conventional gentamicin-loaded bone cement. Results. Gentamicin-loaded UHMWPE tibial components not only eradicated planktonic Staphylococcus aureus, but also prevented colonization of both femoral and tibial components. The proposed spacer possesses far superior mechanical and wear properties when compared with conventional bone cement spacers. Conclusion. The proposed gentamicin-eluting UHMWPE spacer can provide antibacterial efficacy comparable with currently used bone cement spacers, while overcoming their drawbacks. The novel spacer proposed here has the potential to drastically reduce complications associated with currently used bone cement spacers and substantially improve patients’ quality of life during the treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):151–157

Aims. This combined clinical and in vitro study aimed to determine the incidence of liner malseating in modular dual mobility (MDM) constructs in primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) from a large volume arthroplasty centre, and determine whether malseating increases the potential for fretting and corrosion at the modular metal interface in malseated MDM constructs using a simulated corrosion chamber. Methods. For the clinical arm of the study, observers independently reviewed postoperative radiographs of 551 primary THAs using MDM constructs from a single manufacturer over a three-year period, to identify the incidence of MDM liner-shell malseating. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), cup design, cup size, and the MDM case volume of the surgeon. For the in vitro arm, six pristine MDM implants with cobalt-chrome liners were tested in a simulated corrosion chamber. Three were well-seated and three were malseated with 6° of canting. The liner-shell couples underwent cyclic loading of increasing magnitudes. Fretting current was measured throughout testing and the onset of fretting load was determined by analyzing the increase in average current. Results. The radiological review identified that 32 of 551 MDM liners (5.8%) were malseated. Malseating was noted in all of the three different cup designs. The incidence of malseating was significantly higher in low-volume MDM surgeons than high-volume MDM surgeons (p < 0.001). Pristine well-seated liners showed significantly lower fretting current values at all peak loads greater than 800 N (p < 0.044). Malseated liner-shell couples had lower fretting onset loads at 2,400 N. Conclusion. MDM malseating remains an issue that can occur in at least one in 20 patients at a high-volume arthroplasty centre. The onset of fretting and increased fretting current throughout loading cycles suggests susceptibility to corrosion when this occurs. These results support the hypothesis that malseated liners may be at risk for fretting corrosion. Clinicians should be aware of this phenomenon. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7 Supple B):20–26

Objectives. Bone void fillers are increasingly being used for dead space management in arthroplasty revision surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of calcium sulphate bone void filler (CS-BVF) on the damage and wear of total knee arthroplasty using experimental wear simulation. Methods. A total of 18 fixed-bearing U2 total knee arthroplasty system implants (United Orthopedic Corp., Hsinchu, Taiwan) were used. Implants challenged with CS-BVF were compared with new implants (negative controls) and those intentionally scratched with a diamond stylus (positive controls) representative of severe surface damage (n = 6 for each experimental group). Three million cycles (MC) of experimental simulation were carried out to simulate a walking gait cycle. Wear of the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tibial inserts was measured gravimetrically, and damage to articulating surfaces was assessed using profilometry. Results. There was no significant difference (p  >  0.05) between the wear rate of implants challenged with CS-BVF (3.3 mm. 3. /MC (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8 to 4.8)) and the wear rate of those not challenged (2.8 mm. 3. /MC (95% CI 1.3 to 4.3)). However, scratching the cobalt-chrome (CoCr) significantly (p < 0.001) increased the wear rate (20.6 mm. 3. /MC (95% CI 15.5 to 25.7)). The mean surface roughness of implants challenged with CS-BVF was equivalent to negative controls both after damage simulation (p = 0.98) and at the conclusion of the study (p = 0.28). Conclusion. When used close to articulating surfaces, a low-hardness, high-purity CS-BVF had no influence on wear. When trapped between the articulating surfaces of a total knee arthroplasty, CS-BVF did not scratch the surface of CoCr femoral components, nor did it increase the wear of UHMWPE tibial inserts compared with undamaged negative controls. Cite this article: R. M. Cowie, S. S. Aiken, J. J. Cooper, L. M. Jennings. The influence of a calcium sulphate bone void filler on the third-body damage and polyethylene wear of total knee arthroplasty. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:65–72. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.82.BJR-2018-0146.R1

Objectives. Modern metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA), while achieving good results with well-orientated, well-designed components in ideal patients, is contraindicated in women, men with head size under 50 mm, or metal hypersensitivity. These patients currently have no access to the benefits of HRA. Highly crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) has demonstrated clinical success in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and, when used in HRA, potentially reduces metal ion-related sequelae. We report the early performance of HRA using a direct-to-bone cementless mono-bloc XLPE component coupled with a cobalt-chrome femoral head, in the patient group for whom HRA is currently contraindicated. Methods. This is a cross-sectional, observational assessment of 88 consecutive metal-on-XLPE HRAs performed in 84 patients between 2015 and 2018 in three centres (three surgeons, including the designer surgeon). Mean follow-up is 1.6 years (0.7 to 3.9). Mean age at operation was 56 years (. sd. 11; 21 to 82), and 73% of implantations were in female patients. All patients were individually counselled, and a detailed informed consent was obtained prior to operation. Primary resurfacing was carried out in 85 hips, and three cases involved revision of previous MoM HRA. Clinical, radiological, and Oxford Hip Score (OHS) assessments were studied, along with implant survival. Results. There was no loss to follow-up and no actual or impending revision or reoperation. Median OHS increased from 24 (interquartile range (IQR) 20 to 28) preoperatively to 48 (IQR 46 to 48) at the latest follow-up (48 being the best possible score). Radiographs showed one patient had a head-neck junction lucency. No other radiolucency, osteolysis, component migration, or femoral neck thinning was noted. Conclusion. The results in this small consecutive cohort suggest that metal-on-monobloc-XLPE HRA is successful in the short term and merits further investigation as a conservative alternative to the current accepted standard of stemmed THA. However, we would stress that survival data with longer-term follow-up are needed prior to widespread adoption. Cite this article: R. B. C. Treacy, J. P. Holland, J. Daniel, H. Ziaee, D. J. W. McMinn. Preliminary report of clinical experience with metal-on-highly-crosslinked-polyethylene hip resurfacing. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:443–450. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.810.BJR-2019-0060.R1

Complications involving the patellofemoral joint, caused by malrotation of the femoral component during total knee replacement, are an important cause of persistent pain and failure leading to revision surgery. The aim of this study was to determine and quantify the influence of femoral component malrotation on patellofemoral wear, and to determine whether or not there is a difference in the rate of wear of the patellar component when articulated against oxidised zirconium (OxZr) and cobalt-chrome (CoCr) components. An in vitro method was used to simulate patellar maltracking for both materials. Both rates of wear and changes in height on the patellar articular surface were measured. The mean rates of wear measured were very small compared to standard tibiofemoral wear rates. When data for each femoral component material were pooled, the mean rate of wear was 0.19 mm. 3. /Mcycle (. sd. 0.21) for OxZr and 0.34 mm. 3. /Mcycle (. sd. 0.335) for CoCr. The largest change in height on each patella varied from -0.05 mm to -0.33 mm over the different configurations. The results suggest that patellar maltracking due to an internally rotated femoral component leads to an increased mean patellar wear. Although not statistically significant, the mean wear production may be lower for OxZr than for CoCr components

Pathological assessment of periprosthetic tissues is important, not only for diagnosis, but also for understanding the pathobiology of implant failure. The host response to wear particle deposition in periprosthetic tissues is characterised by cell and tissue injury, and a reparative and inflammatory response in which there is an innate and adaptive immune response to the material components of implant wear. Physical and chemical characteristics of implant wear influence the nature of the response in periprosthetic tissues and account for the development of particular complications that lead to implant failure, such as osteolysis which leads to aseptic loosening, and soft-tissue necrosis/inflammation, which can result in pseudotumour formation. The innate response involves phagocytosis of implant-derived wear particles by macrophages; this is determined by pattern recognition receptors and results in expression of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors promoting inflammation and osteoclastogenesis; phagocytosed particles can also be cytotoxic and cause cell and tissue necrosis. The adaptive immune response to wear debris is characterised by the presence of lymphoid cells and most likely occurs as a result of a cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to cell and tissue components altered by interaction with the material components of particulate wear, particularly metal ions released from cobalt-chrome wear particles. Cite this article: Professor N. A. Athanasou. The pathobiology and pathology of aseptic implant failure. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:162–168. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.55.BJR-2016-0086

We present a series of 35 patients (19 men and 16 women) with a mean age of 64 years (36.7 to 75.9), who underwent total hip replacement using the ESKA dual-modular short stem with metal on-polyethylene bearing surfaces. This implant has a modular neck section in addition to the modular head. Of these patients, three presented with increasing post-operative pain due to pseudotumour formation that resulted from corrosion at the modular neck-stem junction. These patients underwent further surgery and aseptic lymphocytic vaculitis associated lesions were demonstrated on histological analysis. Retrieval analysis of two modular necks showed corrosion at the neck-stem taper. Blood cobalt and chromium levels were measured at a mean of nine months (3 to 28) following surgery. These were compared with the levels in seven control patients (three men and four women) with a mean age of 53.4 years (32.1 to 64.1), who had an identical prosthesis and articulation but with a prosthesis that had no modularity at neck-stem junction. The mean blood levels of cobalt in the study group were raised at 50.75 nmol/l (5 to 145) compared with 5.6 nmol/l (2 to 13) in control patients. Corrosion at neck-stem tapers has been identified as an important source of metal ion release and pseudotumour formation requiring revision surgery. Finite element modelling of the dual modular stem demonstrated high stresses at the modular stem-neck junction. Dual modular cobalt-chrome hip prostheses should be used with caution due to these concerns

1. Two of the three metals at present in use in orthopaedic surgery have been studied to assess their tendency to cause wound reactions. 2. Cobalt-chrome alloy proved to be the better, the incidence of obligatory plate removal being at most 3 per cent. Visible corrosion in this metal never occurred. 3. 18/8 Mo stainless steel proved to be the poorer, the incidence of obligatory plate removal being 20 per cent. Visible corrosion of the metal is estimated to have occurred in about 5 per cent of screws inserted. 4. Regardless of such accelerating factors as metallic transfer, 18/8 Mo steel may have to be accepted as inherently more susceptible to corrosion than is cobalt-chrome alloy. 5. The qualities of two other stainless steels also became evident. Previous work describing the very bad situation arising from the use of EMS was confirmed. By contrast, a steel that was in use before 1951 gave little trouble. This steel was probably FSL

Aims. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term results of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in young patients using either a conventional (CPE) or a highly cross-linked (HXLPE) polyethylene liner in terms of functional outcome, incidence of osteolysis, radiological wear and rate of revision. Methods. We included all patients between the ages of 45 and 65 years who, between January 2000 and December 2001, had undergone a primary THA for osteoarthritis at our hospital using a CPE or HXLPE acetabular liner and a 28 mm cobalt-chrome femoral head. . From a total of 160 patients, 158 (177 hips) were available for review (CPE 89; XLPE 88). The mean age, body mass index (BMI) and follow-up in each group were: CPE: 56.8 years (46 to 65); 30.7 kg/m. 2. (19 to 58); 13.2 years (2.1 to 14.7) and HXLPE: 55.6 years (45 to 65); BMI: 30 kg/m. 2. (18 to 51); 13.1 years (5.7 to 14.4). Results. The mean Harris hip score (HHS) at final follow-up was 89.3 for the CPE group and 90.9 for the HXLPE group (p = 0.078). Osteolysis was present around 15 acetabular (17%) and 16 femoral (18%) components in the CPE hips compared with none (0%) in the HXLPE hips. The mean radiological linear wear of the CPE liners was 0.11 mm/year compared with 0.035 mm/year for the HXLPE liners (p = 0.006). The cumulative implant survival, with revision for polyethylene wear as the endpoint, was 86% (95% confidence interval 78 to 94) in the CPE group and 100% in the HXLPE group at 13 years (numbers at risk at 13 years - CPE: 65, XLPE: 61). Discussion. This study shows that HXLPE liners are associated with significantly less osteolysis and a lower rate of revision THA than CPE liners at long-term follow-up. Take home message: The findings of this study highlight the clinical benefits of using HXLPE liners in THA and support the routine use of the material in order to improve implant longevity and to decrease the number of patients needing revision for aseptic osteolysis. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:28–32

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.

Reports of differing failure rates of total hip prostheses made of various metals prompted us to measure the size of metallic and polyethylene particulate debris around failed cemented arthroplasties. We used an isolation method, in which metallic debris was extracted from the tissues, and a non-isolation method of routine preparation for light and electron microscopy. Specimens were taken from 30 cases in which the femoral component was of titanium alloy (10), cobalt-chrome alloy (10), or stainless steel (10). The mean size of metallic particles with the isolation method was 0.8 to 1.0 microns by 1.5 to 1.8 microns. The non-isolation method gave a significantly smaller mean size of 0.3 to 0.4 microns by 0.6 to 0.7 microns. For each technique the particle sizes of the three metals were similar. The mean size of polyethylene particles was 2 to 4 microns by 8 to 13 microns. They were larger in tissue retrieved from failed titanium-alloy implants than from cobalt-chrome and stainless-steel implants. Our results suggest that factors other than the size of the metal particles, such as the constituents of the alloy, and the amount and speed of generation of debris, may be more important in the failure of hip replacements

Aims

Contemporary outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) with highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) liners in patients with inflammatory arthritis have not been well studied. This study examined the implant survivorship, complications, radiological results, and clinical outcomes of THA in patients with inflammatory arthritis.

Aims

Dual-mobility (DM) components are increasingly used to prevent and treat dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Intraprosthetic dissociation (IPD) is a rare complication of DM that is believed to have decreased with contemporary implants. This study aimed to report incidence, treatment, and outcomes of contemporary DM IPD.

Bone defects are frequently observed in anterior shoulder instability. Over the last decade, knowledge of the association of bone loss with increased failure rates of soft-tissue repair has shifted the surgical management of chronic shoulder instability. On the glenoid side, there is no controversy about the critical glenoid bone loss being 20%. However, poor outcomes have been described even with a subcritical glenoid bone defect as low as 13.5%. On the humeral side, the Hill-Sachs lesion should be evaluated concomitantly with the glenoid defect as the two sides of the same bipolar lesion which interact in the instability process, as described by the glenoid track concept. We advocate adding remplissage to every Bankart repair in patients with a Hill-Sachs lesion, regardless of the glenoid bone loss. When critical or subcritical glenoid bone loss occurs in active patients (> 15%) or bipolar off-track lesions, we should consider anterior glenoid bone reconstructions. The techniques have evolved significantly over the last two decades, moving from open procedures to arthroscopic, and from screw fixation to metal-free fixation. The new arthroscopic techniques of glenoid bone reconstruction procedures allow precise positioning of the graft, identification, and treatment of concomitant injuries with low morbidity and faster recovery. Given the problems associated with bone resorption and metal hardware protrusion, the new metal-free techniques for Latarjet or free bone block procedures seem a good solution to avoid these complications, although no long-term data are yet available.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(10):1100–1110.

The Unispacer knee system is a cobalt-chrome self-centring tibial hemiarthroplasty device for use in the treatment of isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. The indications for use are similar to those for high tibial osteotomy, but insertion does not require bone cuts or component fixation, and does not compromise future knee replacement surgery. A prospective study of a consecutive series of 18 patients treated with the Unispacer between June 2003 and August 2004 was carried out to determine the early clinical results of this device. The mean age of the patients was 49 years (40 to 57). A total of eight patients (44%) required revision within two years. In two patients revision to a larger spacer was required, and in six conversion to either a unicompartmental or total knee replacement was needed. At the most recent review 12 patients (66.7%) had a Unispacer remaining in situ. The mean modified visual analogue score for these patients at a mean follow-up of 19 months (12 to 26) was 3.0 (0 to 11.5). The mean pain level was 30% that of the mean pre-operative level of 10. The early clinical results using this device have been disappointing. This study demonstrates that use of the Unispacer in isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis is associated with a high rate of revision surgery and provides unpredictable relief of pain

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

The primary outcome was investigating differences in wear, as measured by femoral head penetration, between cross-linked vitamin E-diffused polyethylene (vE-PE) and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) acetabular component liners and between 32 and 36 mm head sizes at the ten-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes included acetabular component migration and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Harris Hip Score, and University of California, Los Angeles Activity Scale (UCLA).

Aims

The survival of humeral hemiarthroplasties in patients with relatively intact glenoid cartilage could theoretically be extended by minimizing the associated postoperative glenoid erosion. Ceramic has gained attention as an alternative to metal as a material for hemiarthroplasties because of its superior tribological properties. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro wear performance of ceramic and metal humeral hemiarthroplasties on natural glenoids.

Aims

The benefit of a dual-mobility acetabular component (DMC) for primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) is controversial. This study aimed to compare the dislocation and complication rates when using a DMC compared to single-mobility (SM) acetabular component in primary elective THA using data collected at a single centre, and compare the revision rates and survival outcomes in these two groups.

Aims

Adverse spinal motion or balance (spine mobility) and adverse pelvic mobility, in combination, are often referred to as adverse spinopelvic mobility (SPM). A stiff lumbar spine, large posterior standing pelvic tilt, and severe sagittal spinal deformity have been identified as risk factors for increased hip instability. Adverse SPM can create functional malposition of the acetabular components and hence is an instability risk. Adverse pelvic mobility is often, but not always, associated with abnormal spinal motion parameters. Dislocation rates for dual-mobility articulations (DMAs) have been reported to be between 0% and 1.1%. The aim of this study was to determine the early survivorship from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) of patients with adverse SPM who received a DMA.

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.

Despite many claims of good wear properties following total knee replacement (TKR) with an oxidised zirconium (OxZr) femoral component, there are conflicting clinical results. We hypothesised that there would be no difference in either the mid-term clinical and radiological outcomes or the characteristics of the polyethylene wear particles (weight, size and shape) in patients using an OxZr or cobalt-chrome (CoCr) femoral component. In all 331 patients underwent bilateral TKR, receiving an OxZr femoral component in one knee and a CoCr femoral component in the other. The mean follow-up was 7.5 years (6 to 8). Following aspiration, polyethylene wear particles were analysed using thermogravimetric methods and scanning electron microscopy. At the most recent follow-up, the mean Knee Society score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, range of movement and satisfaction score were not significantly different in the two groups. The mean weight, size, aspect ratio and roundness of the aspirated wear particles were similar for each femoral component. Survivorship of the femoral, tibial and patellar components was 100% in both groups. In the absence of evidence of an advantage in the medium term we cannot justify the additional expense of an OxZr femoral component.

The long-term biological effects of wear debris are unknown. We have investigated whether there is any evidence of cumulative mutagenic damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients undergoing revision arthroplasty of predominantly metal-on-plastic total hip replacements compared with those at primary arthroplasty. There was a threefold increase in aneuploidy and a twofold increase in chromosomal translocations which could not be explained by the confounding variables of smoking, gender, age and diagnostic radiographs. In the patients with TiVaAl prostheses there was a fivefold increase in aneuploidy but no increase in chromosomal translocations. By contrast, in patients with cobalt-chrome prostheses there was a 2.5-fold increase in aneuploidy and a 3.5-fold increase in chromosomal translocations. In six patients with stainless-steel prostheses there was no increase in either aneuploidy or chromosomal translocations. Our results suggest that future epidemiological studies of the putative long-term risks of joint replacement should take into account the type of alloy used in the prosthesis

Metal-on-metal total hip replacement has been targeted at younger patients with anticipated long-term survival, but the effect of the production of metal ions is a concern because of their possible toxicity to cells. We have reviewed the results of the use of the Ultima hybrid metal-on-metal total hip replacement, with a cemented polished tapered femoral component with a 28 mm diameter and a cobalt-chrome (CoCr) modular head, articulating with a 28 mm CoCr acetabular bearing surface secured in a titanium alloy uncemented shell. Between 1997 and 2004, 545 patients with 652 affected hips underwent replacement using this system. Up to 31 January 2008, 90 (13.8%) hips in 82 patients had been revised. Pain was the sole reason for revision in 44 hips (48.9%) of which 35 had normal plain radiographs. Peri-prosthetic fractures occurred in 17 hips (18.9%) with early dislocation in three (3.3%) and late dislocation in 16 (17.8%). Infection was found in nine hips (10.0%). At operation, a range of changes was noted including cavities containing cloudy fluid under pressure, necrotic soft tissues with avulsed tendons and denuded osteonecrotic upper femora. Corrosion was frequently observed on the retrieved cemented part of the femoral component. Typically, the peri-operative findings confirmed those found on pre-operative metal artefact reduction sequence MRI and histological examination showed severe necrosis. Metal artefact reduction sequence MRI proved to be useful when investigating these patients with pain in the absence of adverse plain radiological features

We studied the tapered interface between the head and the neck of 139 modular femoral components of hip prostheses which had been removed for a variety of reasons. In 91 the same alloy had been used for the head and the stem; none of them showed evidence of corrosion. In contrast, there was definite corrosion in 25 of the 48 prostheses in which the stem was of titanium alloy and the head of cobalt-chrome. This corrosion was time-dependent: no specimens were corroded after less than nine months in the body, but all which had been in place for more than 40 months were damaged. We discuss the factors which may influence the rate of these changes and present evidence that they were due to galvanically-accelerated crevice corrosion, which was undetected in previous laboratory testing of this type of prosthesis

In a post-mortem study, we compared subjects with metal implants with and without visible wear with an age-matched control group to determine the extent and effects of dissemination of wear debris. In subjects with stainless-steel and cobalt-chrome prostheses metal was found in local and distant lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver and spleen. The levels were highest in subjects with loose, worn joint prostheses and the main source of the debris was the matt coating. Metal levels were also raised in subjects with implants without visible wear and, to a less extent, in those with dynamic hip screws. Necrosis of lymph nodes was seen in those cases with the most wear, and potential damage to more distant organs such as the bone marrow, liver and spleen in the long term cannot be discounted. The consequences for the immune system and the role of metal dissemination in the possible induction of neoplasia are discussed

We implanted cylinders of cobalt-chrome or titanium, with smooth or porous surfaces, into rabbit bones which had been inoculated with suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus in various doses. The bacterial concentration required to produce infection of porous-coated titanium implants was 2.5 times smaller than that necessary to infect implants with polished surfaces. Porous-coated cobalt-chromium implants required bacterial concentrations that were 40 times smaller than those needed to infect implants with polished surfaces, and 15 times smaller than those required to infect porous-coated titanium implants. The other advantages and disadvantages of the various implants, such as improved osseointegration, larger ion-release surfaces, surface wear and relative stiffness, must be weighed against the higher infection rates in the porous-coated implants, and particularly in the cobalt-chromium implants

We investigated the fixation of fully-threaded cementless acetabular prostheses in 20 patients with osteoarthritis, measuring the migration of the cup using roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA). All the cups migrated proximally, 13 moved laterally or medially, and nine moved anteriorly or posteriorly in the first two postoperative years, the average migration being 1.1 to 1.4 mm in either direction. Rotatory movements of up to 5.7 degrees were found in nine of the 13 hips where this analysis could be performed. Movements of cobalt-chrome (12) and titanium alloy (8) cups did not differ significantly. Seventeen of the 20 patients had some pain two years after the operation. The migration of the prostheses indicates that 'osseointegration' had not occurred. The combination of this with persistent pain suggests that the long-term results will be unfavourable

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the long-term outcome of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) cemented acetabular components and assess whether any radiolucent lines (RLLs) which arose were progressive.

We have studied 27 tibial prostheses retrieved from knee replacements after 1 to 9 years. In 22 the femoral components were of cobalt-chrome, in five polyacetal. The design of the components gave a nominal contact area of 320 mm2 on each condyle. The tibial component was of high-density polyethylene (HDP) at least 6 mm thick, and not heat-treated. In the metal/HDP prostheses the average wear rate was 0.025 mm/year. The relative wear on the medial and lateral sides was related to the leg axis. None of the retrieved prostheses showed any severe disruption of their surface. The polyacetal/HDP prostheses showed similar wear with a statistically insignificant trend towards slower penetration. We conclude that the rate of wear of HDP in a conforming tibiofemoral bearing with a fixed tibial component at least 6 mm thick and not heat-treated is slow enough to be safe in clinical practice

Ten uncemented total hip replacements were performed in 1975 using an implant in which the cobalt-chrome femoral stem was coated to give a porous surface. In all but one case a high-density polyethylene head was used. The radiological changes in the upper femoral shafts were assessed between three and nine years later. Seven showed extensive stress-relieving changes, loss of calcar, stress fractures at the root of the lesser trochanter with subsequent detachment, and osteoporosis followed by avulsion of the greater trochanter. In these seven patients the lower part of the stem appeared to be soundly embedded, although in only one was there evidence of bony incorporation. It is suggested that if the fixation of a fully coated implant of this sort remains sound, gross atrophy of the upper femoral shaft develops after five years. This atrophy, associated with an implant which can be removed only at the expense of further bone destruction, presents substantial problems if revision is needed

The Norwegian Arthroplasty Register has shown that several designs of uncemented femoral stems give good or excellent survivorship. The overall findings for uncemented total hip replacement however, have been disappointing because of poor results with the use of metal-backed acetabular components. In this study, we exclusively investigated the medium-to long-term performance of primary uncemented metal-backed acetabular components. A total of 9113 primary uncemented acetabular components were implanted in 7937 patients between 1987 and 2007. These were included in a prospective, population-based observational study. All the implants were modular and metal-backed with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene liners. The femoral heads were made of stainless steel, cobalt-chrome (CoCr) alloy or alumina ceramic. In all, seven different designs of acetabular component were evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier survivorship method and Cox regression analysis. Most acetabular components performed well up to seven years. When the endpoint was revision of the acetabular component because of aseptic loosening, the survival ranged between 87% and 100% at ten years. However, when the endpoint was revision for any reason, the survival estimates were 81% to 92% for the same implants at ten years. Aseptic loosening, wear, osteolysis and dislocation were the main reasons for the relatively poor overall performance of the acetabular components. Prostheses with alumina heads performed slightly better than those with stainless steel or CoCr alloy in subgroups. Whereas most acetabular components performed well at seven years, the survivorship declined with longer follow-up. Fixation was generally good. None of the metal-backed uncemented acetabular components with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene liners in our study had satisfactory long-term results because of high rates of wear, osteolysis, aseptic loosening and dislocation

We examined stainless-steel, cobalt-chrome, titanium and alumina and zirconia ceramic femoral heads retrieved at revision surgery. All the heads had articulated against ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE) acetabular cups. We studied the simulation of third-body damage and the wear of UHMWPE against the various materials used for the heads. The surfaces of the retrieved heads were analysed using a two-dimensional contacting profilometer. Third-body damage was characterised by the mean height of the scratches above the mean line (R. pm. ). The alumina ceramic and zirconia ceramic retrieved heads were found to have significantly less damage. In laboratory studies the ceramics were also more resistant to simulated third-body damage than the metal alloys. We studied the wear of UHMWPE against the damaged counterfaces in simple configuration tests. The damaged ceramics produced less polyethylene wear than the damaged metal counterfaces. The wear factor of UHMWPE against the damaged materials was dependent on the amount of damage to the counterface (R. p. ). Our study has shown the benefit of using the harder and more damage-resistant ceramic materials for femoral heads

Total hip replacement using porous-coated cobalt-chrome femoral implants designed for biological fixation has been evaluated in 307 patients after two years and in 89 patients after five years. Histological study of 11 retrieved specimens showed bone ingrowth in nine and fibrous tissue fixation in two. Fixation by bone ingrowth occurred in 93% of the cases in which a press fit of the stem at the isthmus was achieved, but in only 69% of those without a press fit. The clinical results at two years were excellent. The incidence of pain and limp was much lower when there was either a press fit of the stem or radiographic evidence of bone ingrowth. Factors such as age, sex, and the disease process did not influence the clinical results. Most cases showed only slight resorptive remodelling of the upper femur, but in a few cases with a larger, more rigid stem, more extensive bone loss occurred. The results after five years showed no deterioration with time. Fixation by the ingrowth of bone or of fibrous tissue both appeared to be stable, but bone ingrowth gave better clinical results

Aims

Orthopaedic and reconstructive surgeons are faced with large defects after the resection of malignant tumours of the sacrum. Spinopelvic reconstruction is advocated for resections above the level of the S1 neural foramina or involving the sacroiliac joint. Fixation may be augmented with either free vascularized fibular flaps (FVFs) or allograft fibular struts (AFSs) in a cathedral style. However, there are no studies comparing these reconstructive techniques.

We reviewed 264 consecutive primary total hip replacements in 244 patients in which the Harris-Galante I porous-coated acetabular component had been used. The mean follow-up was 95 months (69 to 132). In 221 arthroplasties a 32 mm ceramic head had been used, and in the other 43 one of cobalt-chrome alloy. There were 124 women and 120 men with a mean age at operation of 56.8 years (21 to 83). Survival analysis of the acetabular components was performed using the following definitions of failure: 1) infection; 2) removal because of aseptic loosening; 3) removal for any cause; and 4) a worst-case analysis including removal of the cup or infection or loss to follow-up. Two well-fixed cups had been removed because of deep infection and three, similarly sound cups had been exchanged at the time of femoral revision. None of the acetabular components had required revision for aseptic loosening. After 11 years survival was 97.7% using the worst-case criterion. Radiological analysis of 187 acetabular components at a mean of 82 months (41 to 132) revealed no case of aseptic loosening. Pelvic osteolysis was seen in only one patient, but was not progressive and showed signs of regression. The results using these acetabular components are encouraging but the need for regular follow-up remains since complications such as significant wear of the liner, massive osteolysis of the pelvis, aseptic loosening and late infection may increase in the second decade

Aims

To establish our early clinical results of a new total knee arthroplasty (TKA) tibial component introduced in 2013 and compare it to other designs in use at our hospital during the same period.

1. The probable greatest bending moment applied to a plated or nailed fracture of the tibia during restricted weight-bearing is estimated to be, in men, up to about 79 Newton metres (58 poundsforce feet). The maximum twisting moment is estimated to be about 29 Newton metres (22 poundsforce feet). 2. Twenty-two human tibiae were loaded in three-point bending and broke at bending moments of from 57·9 to 294 Newton metres (42·7 to 216 poundsforce feet) if they had not previously been drilled; tibiae which had holes made through both cortices with a c. 3-millimetre (⅛-inch) drill broke at from 32·4 to 144 Newton metres (23·8 to 106 poundsforce feet). Tibiae loaded in torsion broke at twisting moments of from 27·5 to 892 Newton metres (20·2 to 65·8 poundsforce feet) when not drilled, 23·6 to 77·5 Newton metres (l7·3 to 57·1 poundsforce feet) when drilled. 3. When bent so as to open the fracture site, the 14-centimetre Stamm was the strongest of all the single plates tested (reaching its elastic limit at a bending moment of 17·6 Newton metres (13 poundsforce feet) and 5 degrees total angulation at 22·6 Newton metres (16·6 poundsforce feet)), while the Venable was the weakest (elastic limit 4·9 Newton metres (3·6 poundsforce feet) and 5 degrees at 7·9 Newton metres (5·8 poundsforce feet)). A 13-millimetre Küntscher nail reached its elastic limit at 42·2 Newton metres (31·1 poundsforce feet) and 5 degrees total angulation at 49 Newton metres (36 poundsforce feet). 4. In torsion the 15-centimetre Hicks was the strongest ofthe plates (elastic limit 27·5 Newton metres (20·2 poundsforce feet) and 5 degrees rotation at 16·7 Newton metres (l2·3 poundsforce feet)). 5. Küntscher nails in bones provided no dependable strength in torsion. 6. In both bending and torsion, a preparation of one Venable plate on each of the two anterior surfaces was stronger than any single plate, and was as strong as the weaker drilled tibiae. 7. The three currently available metallic materials (stainless steel, cobalt-chrome and titanium) have static mechanical properties so similar that the choice between them can be made on other grounds. 8. The highest load applied to a screw during bending tests was about half that needed to pull a screw out of even a thin-walled tibia. 9. Screws beyond four for one plate are mechanically redundant at the moment of implantation but may be necessary as an insurance against subsequent deterioration in strength. 10. Countersinks in plates are a source of significant weakness, and should preferably be as shallow as possible. 11. An unoccupied screw hole in the centre of a plate is a source of serious weakness. 12. Only the strongest implants tested were strong enough to withstand the bending or twisting moments to be expected in restricted weight-bearing. In two-plate preparations a danger is introduced by the fact that these moments are similar to those required to Ireak a drilled tibia

Aims

To report the mid-term results of a modified self-growing rod (SGR) technique for the treatment of idiopathic and neuromuscular early-onset scoliosis (EOS).

Aims

To evaluate the histopathological examination of peri-implant tissue samples as a technique in the diagnosis of postoperative spinal implant infection (PSII).

Aims

We have previously demonstrated raised cobalt and chromium levels in patients with larger diameter femoral heads, following metal-on-polyethylene uncemented total hip arthroplasty. Further data have been collected, to see whether these associations have altered with time and to determine the long-term implications for these patients and our practice.

Aims

Biofilm formation is intrinsic to prosthetic joint infection (PJI). In the current study, we evaluated the effects of silver-containing hydroxyapatite (Ag-HA) coating and vancomycin (VCM) on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm formation.

Aims

To present a surgically relevant update of trunnionosis.

Aims

The aim of this study was to conduct the largest low contact stress (LCS) retrieval study to elucidate the failure mechanisms of the Porocoat and Duofix femoral component. The latter design was voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer.

Aims

The aim of this study was to give estimates of the incidence of component incompatibility in hip and knee arthroplasty and to test the effect of an online, real-time compatibility check.

Aims

We previously reported the long-term results of the cementless Duraloc-Profile total hip arthroplasty (THA) system in a 12- to 15-year follow-up study. In this paper, we provide an update on the clinical and radiological results of a previously reported cohort of patients at 23 to 26 years´ follow-up.

Aims

Femoral stems with exchangeable (modular) necks were introduced to offer surgeons an increased choice when determining the version, offset and length of the femoral neck during total hip arthroplasty (THA). It was hoped that this would improve outcomes and reduce complications, particularly dislocation. In 2010, the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) first reported an increased rate of revision after primary THA using femoral stems with an exchangeable neck. The aim of this study was to provide a more comprehensive up-to-date analysis of primary THA using femoral stems with exchangeable and fixed necks.

Aims

We report on the outcome of the Synergy cementless femoral stem with a minimum follow-up of 15 years (15 to 17).

Aims

We present the ten-year data of a cohort of patients, aged between 18 and 65 years (mean age 52.7 years; 19 to 64), who underwent total hip arthroplasty. Patients were randomised to be treated with a cobalt-chrome (CoCr) femoral head with an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) or ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearing surface.

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine whether the rates of revision for metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasties (THAs) with Pinnacle components varied according to the year of the initial operation, and compare these with the rates of revision for other designs of MoM THA.

Aims

This study compares the PFC total knee arthroplasty (TKA) system in a prospective randomized control trial (RCT) of the mobile-bearing rotating-platform (RP) TKA against the fixed-bearing (FB) TKA. This is the largest RCT with the longest follow-up where cruciate-retaining PFC total knee arthroplasties are compared in a non-bilateral TKA study.

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the initial results of the Exeter V40 stem, which became available in 2000.

Objectives

Taper junctions between modular hip arthroplasty femoral heads and stems fail by wear or corrosion which can be caused by relative motion at their interface. Increasing the assembly force can reduce relative motion and corrosion but may also damage surrounding tissues. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of increasing the impaction energy and the stiffness of the impactor tool on the stability of the taper junction and on the forces transmitted through the patient’s surrounding tissues.

Aims

The aim of this study was to report a retrospective, consecutive series of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who were treated with posterior minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with a mean follow-up of two years (sd 1.4; 0.9 to 0 3.7). Our objectives were to measure the correction of the deformity and record the peri-operative morbidity. Special attention was paid to the operating time (ORT), estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay (LOS) and further complications.

Advances in polyethylene (PE) in total hip arthroplasty have led to interest and increased use of highly crosslinked PE (HXLPE) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Biomechanical data suggest improved wear characteristics for HXLPE inserts over conventional PE in TKA. Short-term results from registry data and few clinical trials are promising. Our aim is to present a review of the history of HXLPEs, the use of HXLPE inserts in TKA, concerns regarding potential mechanical complications, and a thorough review of the available biomechanical and clinical data.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:996–1002.

Aims

Loss or absence of proximal femoral bone in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a significant challenge. While the main indication for the use of proximal femoral replacements (PFRs) is in the treatment of malignant disease, they have a valuable role in revision THA for loosening, fracture and infection in patients with bone loss. Our aim was to determine the clinical outcomes, implant survivorship, and complications of PFRs used in revision THA for indications other than malignancy.

Objectives

Up to 40% of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) revisions are performed for unexplained pain which may be caused by elevated proximal tibial bone strain. This study investigates the effect of tibial component metal backing and polyethylene thickness on bone strain in a cemented fixed-bearing medial UKA using a finite element model (FEM) validated experimentally by digital image correlation (DIC) and acoustic emission (AE).

We describe the results of a randomised, prospective study of 200 ankle replacements carried out between March 2000 and July 2003 at a single centre to compare the Buechel-Pappas (BP) and the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) implant with a minimum follow-up of 36 months. The two prostheses were similar in design consisting of three components with a meniscal polyethylene bearing which was highly congruent on its planar tibial surface and on its curved talar surface. However, the designs were markedly different with respect to the geometry of the articular surface of the talus and its overall shape.

A total of 16 ankles (18%) was revised, of which 12 were from the BP group and four of the STAR group. The six-year survivorship of the BP design was 79% (95% confidence interval (CI) 63.4 to 88.5 and of the STAR 95% (95% CI 87.2 to 98.1). The difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.09). However, varus or valgus deformity before surgery did have a significant effect) (p = 0.02) on survivorship in both groups, with the likelihood of revision being directly proportional to the size of the angular deformity. Our findings support previous studies which suggested that total ankle replacement should be undertaken with extreme caution in the presence of marked varus or valgus deformity.

Aims

Reconstruction of the acetabulum after failed total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be a surgical challenge in the presence of severe bone loss. We report the long-term survival of a porous tantalum revision acetabular component, its radiological appearance and quality of life outcomes.

Tapered fluted titanium stems are increasingly used for femoral revision arthroplasty. They are available in modular and non-modular forms. Modularity has advantages when the bone loss is severe, the proximal femur is mis shapen or the surgeon is unfamiliar with the implant, but it introduces the risk of fracture of the stem at the junction between it and the proximal body segment. For that reason, and while awaiting intermediate-term results of more recently introduced designs of this junction, non-modularity has attracted attention, at least for straightforward revision cases.

We review the risks and causes of fracture of tapered titanium modular revision stems and present an argument in favour of the more selective use of modular designs.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B(1 Suppl A):50–3.

Stems improve the mechanical stability of tibial components in total knee replacement (TKR), but come at a cost of stress shielding along their length. Their advantages include resistance to shear, reduced tibial lift-off and increased stability by reducing micromotion. Longer stems may have disadvantages including stress shielding along the length of the stem with associated reduction in bone density and a theoretical risk of subsidence and loosening, peri-prosthetic fracture and end-of-stem pain. These features make long stems unattractive in the primary TKR setting, but often desirable in revision surgery with bone loss and instability. In the revision scenario, stems are beneficial in order to convey structural stability to the construct and protect the reconstruction of bony defects. Cemented and uncemented long stemmed implants have different roles depending on the nature of the bone loss involved.

This review discusses the biomechanics of the design of tibial components and stems to inform the selection of the component and the technique of implantation.

Objectives

Hips with metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (MoM THA) have a high rate of adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR), often associated with hypersensitivity reactions. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) measures tissue perfusion with the parameter Ktrans (volume transfer constant of contrast agent). Our purpose was 1) to evaluate the feasibility of DCE-MRI in patients with THA and 2) to compare DCE-MRI in patients with MoM bearings with metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) bearings, hypothesising that the perfusion index Ktrans in hips with MoM THA is higher than in hips with MoP THA.

Aims

We present a case series of ten metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasties (MoP THAs) with delayed dislocation associated with unrecognised adverse local tissue reaction due to corrosion at the trunnion and pseudotumour formation.

We have undertaken a prospective, randomised study to compare conservation of acetabular bone after total hip replacement and resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip. We randomly assigned 210 hips to one of the two treatment groups. Uncemented, press-fit acetabular components were used for both.

No significant difference was found in the mean diameter of acetabular implant inserted in the groups (54.74 mm for total hip replacement and 54.90 mm for resurfacing arthroplasty). In seven resurfacing procedures (6.8%), the surgeon used a larger size of component in order to match the corresponding diameter of the femoral component.

With resurfacing arthroplasty, conservation of bone is clearly advantageous on the femoral side. Our study has shown that, with a specific design of acetabular implant and by following a careful surgical technique, removal of bone on the acetabular side is comparable with that of total hip replacement.

In this study we present our experience with four generations of uncemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) from Smith & Nephew: Tricon M, Tricon LS, Tricon II and Profix, focusing on the failure rates correlating with each design change. Beginning in 1984, 380 Tricon M, 435 Tricon LS, 305 Tricon 2 and 588 Profix were implanted by the senior author. The rate of revision for loosening was 1.1% for the Tricon M, 1.1% for the Tricon LS, 0.5% for the Tricon 2 with a HA coated tibial component, and 1.3% for the Profix TKA. No loosening of the femoral component was seen with the Tricon M, Tricon LS or Tricon 2, with no loosening seen of the tibial component with the Profix TKA. Regarding revision for wear, the incidence was 13.1% for the Tricon M, 6.6% for the Tricon LS, 2.3% for the Tricon 2, and 0% for the Profix. These results demonstrate that improvements in the design of uncemented components, including increased polyethylene thickness, improved polyethylene quality, and the introduction of hydroxyapatite coating, has improved the outcomes of uncemented TKA over time.

Oxidised zirconium (OxZi) has been developed as an alternative bearing surface for femoral heads in total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study has investigated polyethylene wear, functional outcomes and complications, comparing OxZi and cobalt–chrome (CoCr) as part of a three-arm, multicentre randomised controlled trial. Patients undergoing THA from four institutions were prospectively randomised into three groups. Group A received a CoCr femoral head and highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) liner; Group B received an OxZi femoral head and XLPE liner; Group C received an OxZi femoral head and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) liner. At five years, 368 patients had no statistically significant differences in short-form-36 (p = 0.176 mental, p = 0.756 physical), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (p = 0.847), pain scores (p = 0.458) or complications. The mean rate of linear wear was 0.028 mm/year (standard deviation (sd) 0.010) for Group A, 0.023 mm/year (sd 0.010) for Group B, and 0.09 mm/year (sd 0.045) for Group C. Penetration was significantly higher in the UHMWPE liner group compared with both XLPE liner groups (p < 0.001) but no significant difference was noted between CoCr and OxZi when articulating with XLPE (p = 0.153). In this, the largest randomised study of this bearing surface, it appears that using a XLPE acetabular liner is more important in reducing THA component wear than the choice of femoral head bearing, at mid-term follow-up. There is a non-significant trend towards lower wear, coupling OxZi rather than CoCr with XLPE but long-term analysis is required to see if this observation changes with time and becomes significant.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:883–9.

The recent resurgence in the use of metal-on-metal bearings has led to fresh concerns over metal wear and elevated systemic levels of metal ions.

In order to establish if bearing diameter influences the release of metal ions, we compared the whole blood levels of cobalt and chromium (at one year) and the urinary cobalt and chromium output (at one to three and four to six years) following either a 50 mm or 54 mm Birmingham hip resurfacing or a 28 mm Metasul total hip replacement. The whole blood concentrations and daily output of cobalt and chromium in these time periods for both bearings were in the same range and without significant difference.

We identified five (2.3%) fractures of the stem in a series of 219 revision procedures using a cementless, cylindrical, extensively porous-coated, distally-fixed femoral stem. Factors relating to the patients, the implant and the operations were compared with those with intact stems. Finite-element analysis was performed on two of the fractured implants.

Factors associated with fracture of the stem were poor proximal bone support (type III–type IV; p = 0.001), a body mass index > 30; (p = 0.014), a smaller diameter of stem (< 13.5 mm; p = 0.007) and the use of an extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO 4/5: p = 0.028). Finite-element analysis showed that the highest stresses on the stem occurred adjacent to the site of the fracture. The use of a strut graft wired over an extended trochanteric osteotomy in patients lacking proximal femoral cortical support decreased the stresses on the stem by 48%.

We recommend the use of a strut allograft in conjunction with an extended trochanteric osteotomy in patients with poor proximal femoral bone stock.

We describe a technique to salvage a painful hemiarthroplasty due to erosion of the acetabular cartilage in the absence of loosening of the femoral component. A press-fit metallic acetabular component which matched the femoral component was used as a metal-on-metal articulation. The procedure offered a shorter operation time with less blood loss and no risk of femoral fracture as might have occurred during conventional revision to a total hip replacement. The patient made an unremarkable recovery with a good outcome at follow-up of 15 months.

Our aim was to determine the success rate of repeated debridement and two-stage cementless revision arthroplasty according to the type of infected total hip replacement (THR). We enrolled 294 patients (294 hips) with an infected THR in the study. There were 222 men and 72 women with a mean age of 55.1 years (24.0 to 78.0). The rate of control of infection after the initial treatment and after repeated debridement and two-stage revisions was determined. The clinical (Harris hip score) and radiological results were evaluated. The mean follow-up was 10.4 years (5.0 to 14.0).

The eventual rate of control of infection was 100.0% for early superficial post-operative infection, 98.4% for early deep post-operative infection, 98.5% for late chronic infection and 91.0% for acute haematogenous infection. Overall, 288 patients (98%) maintained a functioning THR at the latest follow-up. All the allografts appeared to be united and there were no failures.

These techniques effectively controlled infection and maintained a functional THR with firm fixation in most patients. Repeated debridement and two-stage or repeated two-stage revisions further improved the rate of control of infection after the initial treatment and increased the likelihood of maintaining a functional THR.

Lately, concerns have arisen following the use of large metal-on-metal bearings in hip replacements owing to reports of catastrophic soft-tissue reactions resulting in implant failure and associated complications. This review examines the literature and contemporary presentations on current clinical dilemmas in metal-on-metal hip replacement.

Inherent disadvantages of reverse shoulder arthroplasty designs based on the Grammont concept have raised a renewed interest in less-medialised designs and techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) with the fully-constrained, less-medialised, Bayley–Walker prosthesis performed for the treatment of rotator-cuff-deficient shoulders with glenohumeral arthritis. A total of 97 arthroplasties in 92 patients (53 women and 44 men, mean age 67 years (standard deviation (sd) 10, (49 to 85)) were retrospectively reviewed at a mean follow-up of 50 months ((sd 25) (24 to 96)). The mean Oxford shoulder score and subjective shoulder value improved from 47 (sd 9) and 24 points (sd 18) respectively before surgery to 28 (sd 11) and 61 (sd 24) points after surgery (p <  0.001). The mean pain at rest decreased from 5.3 (sd 2.8) to 1.5 (sd 2.3) (p < 0.001). The mean active forward elevation and external rotation increased from 42^°(sd 30) and 9^° (sd 15) respectively pre-operatively to 78^° (sd 39) and 24^° (sd 17) post-operatively (p < 0.001). A total of 20 patients required further surgery for complications; 13 required revision of components. No patient developed scapular notching.

The Bayley–Walker prosthesis provides reliable pain relief and reasonable functional improvement for patients with symptomatic cuff-deficient shoulders. Compared with other designs of RSA, it offers a modest improvement in forward elevation, but restores external rotation to some extent and prevents scapular notching. A longer follow-up is required to assess the survival of the prosthesis and the clinical performance over time.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:936–42.

A modular femoral head–neck junction has practical advantages in total hip replacement. Taper fretting and corrosion have so far been an infrequent cause of revision. The role of design and manufacturing variables continues to be debated. Over the past decade several changes in technology and clinical practice might result in an increase in clinically significant taper fretting and corrosion. Those factors include an increased usage of large diameter (36 mm) heads, reduced femoral neck and taper dimensions, greater variability in taper assembly with smaller incision surgery, and higher taper stresses due to increased patient weight and/or physical activity. Additional studies are needed to determine the role of taper assembly compared with design, manufacturing and other implant variables.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:3–6.

The October 2013 Hip & Pelvis Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Young and impinging; Clothes, weather and femoral heads?; Go long, go cemented; Surgical repair of the abductors?; Aspirin for DVT prophylaxis?; Ceramic-on-polyethylene: a low-wear solution?; ALVAL and ASR™: the story continues….; Salvaging Legg-Calve-Perthes’ disease

The August 2013 Hip & Pelvis Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: are we getting it right first time?; tantalum augments in revision hip surgery; lower wear in dual mobility?; changing faces changes outcomes; synovial fluid aspiration in MOM hips; taper disease: the new epidemic of hip surgery; the super-obese and THR; and whether well fixed stems can remain in infected hips

We undertook a retrospective review of 33 patients who underwent total femoral endoprosthetic replacement as limb salvage following excision of a malignant bone tumour. In 22 patients this was performed as a primary procedure following total femoral resection for malignant disease. Revision to a total femoral replacement was required in 11 patients following failed segmental endoprosthetic or allograft reconstruction. There were 33 patients with primary malignant tumours, and three had metastatic lesions. The mean age of the patients was 31 years (5 to 68). The mean follow-up was 4.2 years (9 months to 16.4 years). At five years the survival of the implants was 100%, with removal as the endpoint and 56% where the endpoint was another surgical intervention. At five years the patient survival was 32%. Complications included dislocation of the hip in six patients (18%), local recurrence in three (9%), peri-prosthetic fracture in two and infection in one. One patient subsequently developed pulmonary metastases. There were no cases of aseptic loosening or amputation. Four patients required a change of bushings. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society functional outcome score was 67%, the mean Harris Hip Score was 70, and the mean Oxford Knee Score was 34.

Total femoral endoprosthetic replacement can provide good functional outcome without compromising patient survival, and in selected cases provides an effective alternative to amputation.

Excision is not a suitable treatment for all comminuted fractures of the radial head. In elbows where instability can be predicted, a replacement arthroplasty of the radial head is more effective. The aim of this paper was to present the medium-term results of the Judet floating radial head prosthesis.

This operation was performed on 14 patients between 1992 and 2003, of whom 12 were reviewed at a mean follow-up of five years and three months (1 to 12 years). The outcome was assessed using the Mayo elbow performance score and a modified Disability of Arm Shoulder Hand (DASH) questionnaire. There were six excellent results, four good, one fair and one poor, as graded by the Mayo score. The mean DASH score was 23.9/100 (0 to 65.8/100). The only significant complication occurred in one patient who developed a severe complex regional pain syndrome. There were no patients with secondary instability of the elbow, implant loosening, cubitus valgus, osteoporosis of the capitellum, or pain in the forearm and wrist. Our experience, combined with that of other authors using this device, has encouraged us to continue using the Judet prosthesis in comminuted fractures of the elbow where instability is a potential problem.

Between 1999 and 2001, 90 patients underwent total hip replacement using the same uncemented acetabular and femoral components with a 28 mm metallic femoral head but with prospective randomisation of the acetabular liner to either Durasul highly cross-linked polyethylene or nitrogen-sterilised Sulene polyethylene. We assessed 83 patients at a minimum follow-up of ten years. Linear penetration of the femoral head was estimated at six weeks, six and 12 months and annually thereafter, using the Dorr method, given the non-spherical shape of the acetabular component.

There was no loosening of any component; only one hip in the Sulene group showed proximal femoral osteolysis. The mean penetration of the femoral head at six weeks was 0.08 mm (0.02 to 0.15) for the Durasul group and 0.16 mm (0.05 to 0.28) for the Sulene group (p = 0.001). The mean yearly linear penetration was 64.8% lower for the Durasul group at 0.05 mm/year (sd 0.035) for the Sulene group and 0.02 mm/year (sd 0.016) for the Durasul (p < 0.001). Mean linear femoral head penetration at ten years was 61% less in the Durasul than Sulene group. Highly cross-linked polyethylene gives excellent results at ten years.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:326–32.