Aims. A revision for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has a major effect on the patient’s quality of life, including walking capacity. The objective of this case control study was to investigate the histological and ultrastructural changes to the gluteus medius tendon (GMED) in patients revised due to a PJI, and to compare it with revision THAs without infection performed using the same lateral approach. Methods. A group of eight patients revised due to a PJI with a previous lateral approach was compared with a group of 21 revised THAs without infection, performed using the same approach. The primary variables of the study were the fibril diameter, as seen in transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the total degeneration score (TDS), as seen under the light microscope. An analysis of bacteriology, classification of infection, and antibiotic treatment was also performed. Results.
Aims. Of growing concern in arthroplasty is the emergence of atypical infections, particularly Cutibacterium (formerly Propionibacterium) sp. infections. Currently, the dermal colonization rate of Cutibacterium about the hip is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate colonization rates of Cutibacterium sp. at locations approximating anterior and posterolateral approaches to the hip joint. Methods. For this non-randomized non-blinded study, 101 adult patients scheduled for hip or knee surgery were recruited. For each, four 3 mm dermal punch
The duration of systemic antibiotic treatment following first-stage revision surgery for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is contentious. Our philosophy is to perform an aggressive debridement, and to use a high local concentration of targeted antibiotics in cement beads and systemic prophylactic antibiotics alone. The aim of this study was to assess the success of this philosophy in the management of PJI of the hip using our two-stage protocol. The study involved a retrospective review of our prospectively collected database from which we identified all patients who underwent an intended two-stage revision for PJI of the hip. All patients had a diagnosis of PJI according to the major criteria of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) 2013, a minimum five-year follow-up, and were assessed using the MSIS working group outcome-reporting tool. The outcomes were grouped into ‘successful’ or ‘unsuccessful’.Aims
Methods
Peri-articular soft-tissue masses or ‘pseudotumours’
can occur after large-diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) resurfacing
of the hip and conventional total hip replacement (THR). Our aim
was to assess the incidence of pseudotumour formation and to identify
risk factors for their formation in a prospective cohort study. A total of 119 patients who underwent 120 MoM THRs with large-diameter
femoral heads between January 2005 and November 2007 were included
in the study. Outcome scores, serum metal ion levels, radiographs
and CT scans were obtained. Patients with symptoms or an identified
pseudotumour were offered MRI and an ultrasound-guided
This study uses prospective registry data to compare early patient outcomes following arthroscopic repair or debridement of the acetabular labrum. Data on adult patients who underwent arthroscopic labral debridement or repair between 1 January 2012 and 31 July 2019 were extracted from the UK Non-Arthroplasty Hip Registry. Patients who underwent microfracture, osteophyte excision, or a concurrent extra-articular procedure were excluded. The EuroQol five-dimension (EQ-5D) and International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT-12) questionnaires were collected preoperatively and at six and 12 months post-operatively. Due to concerns over differential questionnaire non-response between the two groups, a combination of random sampling, propensity score matching, and pooled multivariable linear regression models were employed to compare iHOT-12 improvement.Aims
Methods
One-stage revision hip arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has several advantages; however, resection of the proximal femur might be necessary to achieve higher success rates. We investigated the risk factors for resection and re-revisions, and assessed complications and subsequent re-revisions. In this single-centre, case-control study, 57 patients who underwent one-stage revision arthroplasty for PJI of the hip and required resection of the proximal femur between 2009 and 2018 were identified. The control group consisted of 57 patients undergoing one-stage revision without bony resection. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify any correlation with resection and the risk factors for re-revisions. Rates of all-causes re-revision, reinfection, and instability were compared between groups.Aims
Methods
We describe the results of cemented total hip replacement in 23 patients (23 hips) with active tuberculous arthritis of the hip with a mean follow-up of 4.7 years (4 to 7). In two patients the diagnosis was proved by pre-operative
The purpose of this study was to evaluate unexpected positive cultures in total hip arthroplasty (THA) revisions for presumed aseptic loosening, to assess the prevalence of low-grade infection using two definition criteria, and to analyze its impact on implant survival after revision. A total of 274 THA revisions performed for presumed aseptic loosening from 2012 to 2016 were reviewed. In addition to obtaining intraoperative tissue cultures from all patients, synovial and sonication fluid samples of the removed implant were obtained in 215 cases (79%) and 101 cases (37%), respectively. Histopathological analysis was performed in 250 cases (91%). Patients were classified as having low-grade infections according to institutional criteria and Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) International Consensus Meeting (ICM) 2013 criteria. Low-grade infections according to institutional criteria were treated with targeted antibiotics for six weeks postoperatively. Implant failure was defined as the need for re-revision resulting from periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and aseptic reasons. The mean follow-up was 68 months (26 to 95).Aims
Methods
There is a paucity of long-term studies analyzing risk factors for failure after single-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total hip arthroplasty (THA). We report the mid- to long-term septic and non-septic failure rate of single-stage revision for PJI after THA. We retrospectively reviewed 88 cases which met the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria for PJI. Mean follow-up was seven years (1 to 14). Septic failure was diagnosed with a Delphi-based consensus definition. Any reoperation for mechanical causes in the absence of evidence of infection was considered as non-septic failure. A competing risk regression model was used to evaluate factors associated with septic and non-septic failures. A Kaplan-Meier estimate was used to analyze mortality.Aims
Methods
A 65-year-old man presented with a painful hip five years after a cemented replacement. Histological examination of a
Our aim was to assess the local extent of osteocyte death in the proximal femur of 16 patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. We performed histological examination of the femoral heads and cancellous bone
The increasing infection burden after total hip arthroplasty (THA) has seen a rise in the use of two-stage exchange arthroplasty and the use of increasingly powerful antibiotics at the time of this procedure. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of failed two-stage revisions during the past decade. The aim of this study was to clarify the outcome of repeat two-stage revision THA following a failed two-stage exchange due to recurrent prosthetic joint infection (PJI). We identified 42 patients who underwent a two-stage revision THA having already undergone at least one previous two stage procedure for infection, between 2000 and 2015. There were 23 women and 19 men. Their mean age was 69.3 years (48 to 81). The outcome was analyzed at a minimum follow-up of two years.Aims
Patients and Methods
Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was used to assess whether cardiac function or tissue composition was affected in patients with well-functioning metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasties (MoMHRA) when compared with a group of controls, and to assess if metal ion levels correlated with any of the functional or structural parameters studied. In all, 30 participants with no significant cardiac history were enrolled: 20 patients with well-functioning MoMHRA at mean follow-up of 8.3 years post-procedure (ten unilateral, ten bilateral; 17 men, three women) and a case-matched control group of ten non-MoM total hip arthroplasty patients (six men, four women). The mean age of the whole cohort (study group and controls) at the time of surgery was 50.6 years (41.0 to 64.0). Serum levels of cobalt and chromium were measured, and all patients underwent CMR imaging, including cine, T2* measurements, T1 and T2 mapping, late gadolinium enhancement, and strain measurements.Aims
Patients and Methods
To report our experience with trunnion corrosion following metal-on-polyethylene
total hip arthroplasty, in particular to report the spectrum of
presentation and determine the mean time to presentation. We report the presenting symptoms and signs, intraoperative findings,
and early results and complications of operative treatment in nine
patients with a mean age of 74 years (60 to 86). The onset of symptoms
was at a mean of seven years (3 to 18) after index surgery.Aims
Patients and Methods
The present study investigated the five-year interval changes in pseudotumours and measured serum metal ions at long-term follow-up of a previous report of 28 mm diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA). A total of 72 patients (mean age 46.6 years (37 to 55); 43 men, 29 women; 91 hips) who underwent cementless primary MoM THA with a 28 mm modular head were included. The mean follow-up duration was 20.3 years (18 to 24). All patients had CT scans at a mean 15.1 years (13 to 19) after the index operation and subsequent follow-up at a mean of 20.2 years (18 to 24). Pseudotumour volume, type of mass, and new-onset pseudotumours were evaluated using CT scanning. Clinical outcomes were assessed by Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the presence of groin pain. Serum metal ion (cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr)) levels were measured at the latest follow-up.Aims
Patients and Methods
Fretting and corrosion at the modular head/neck junction, known
as trunnionosis, in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a cause of adverse
reaction to metal debris (ARMD). We describe the outcome of revision
of metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) THA for ARMD due to trunnionosis
with emphasis on the risk of major complications. A total of 36 patients with a MoP THA who underwent revision
for ARMD due to trunnionosis were identified. Three were excluded
as their revision had been to another metal head. The remaining
33 were revised to a ceramic head with a titanium sleeve. We describe
the presentation, revision findings, and risk of complications in
these patients.Aims
Patients and Methods
Using a systematic review, we investigated whether there is an
increased risk of post-operative infection in patients who have
received an intra-articular corticosteroid injection to the hip
for osteoarthritis prior to total hip arthroplasty (THA). Studies dealing with an intra-articular corticosteroid injection
to the hip and infection following subsequent THA were identified
from databases for the period between 1990 to 2013. Retrieved articles
were independently assessed for their methodological quality.Aims
Methods
This review summarises the technique of impaction
grafting with mesh augmentation for the treatment of uncontained
acetabular defects in revision hip arthroplasty. The ideal acetabular revision should restore bone stock, use
a small socket in the near-anatomic position, and provide durable
fixation. Impaction bone grafting, which has been in use for over
40 years, offers the ability to achieve these goals in uncontained
defects. The precepts of modern, revision impaction grafting are
that the segmental or cavitary defects must be supported with a
mesh; the contained cavity is filled with vigorously impacted morselised
fresh-frozen allograft; and finally, acrylic cement is used to stabilise
the graft and provide rigid, long-lasting fixation of the revised
acetabular component. Favourable results have been published with this technique. While
having its limitations, it is a viable option to address large acetabular
defects in revision arthroplasty. Cite this article:
We aimed to assess the influence of ethnicity on the incidence
of heterotopic ossification (HO) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We studied the six-month post-operative anteroposterior radiographs
of 1449 consecutive primary THAs (1324 patients) and retrospectively
graded them for the presence of HO, using the Brooker Classification. Aims
Patients and Methods
We wished to investigate the influence of metal debris exposure
on the subsequent immune response and resulting soft-tissue injury
following metal-on-metal (MoM) hip arthroplasty. Some reports have
suggested that debris generated from the head-neck taper junction
is more destructive than equivalent doses from metal bearing surfaces. We investigated the influence of the source and volume of metal
debris on chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) concentrations in corresponding
blood and hip synovial fluid samples and the observed agglomerated
particle sizes in excised tissues using multiple regression analysis
of prospectively collected data. A total of 199 explanted MoM hips
(177 patients; 132 hips female) were analysed to determine rates
of volumetric wear at the bearing surfaces and taper junctions. Aims
Patients and Methods
Based on the first implementation of mixing antibiotics
into bone cement in the 1970s, the Endo-Klinik has used one stage
exchange for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) in over 85% of cases.
Looking carefully at current literature and guidelines for PJI treatment,
there is no clear evidence that a two stage procedure has a higher
success rate than a one-stage approach. A cemented one-stage exchange
potentially offers certain advantages, mainly based on the need
for only one operative procedure, reduced antibiotics and hospitalisation time.
In order to fulfill a one-stage approach, there are obligatory pre-,
peri- and post-operative details that need to be meticulously respected,
and are described in detail. Essential pre-operative diagnostic
testing is based on the joint aspiration with an exact identification
of any bacteria. The presence of a positive bacterial culture and
respective antibiogram are essential, to specify the antibiotics
to be loaded to the bone cement, which allows a high local antibiotic
elution directly at the surgical side. A specific antibiotic treatment
plan is generated by a microbiologist. The surgical success relies
on the complete removal of all pre-existing hardware, including
cement and restrictors and an aggressive and complete debridement
of any infected soft tissues and bone material. Post-operative systemic
antibiotic administration is usually completed after only ten to
14 days. Cite this article:
Arthroscopy of the native hip is an established diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. Its application in the symptomatic replaced hip is still being explored. We describe the use of arthroscopy of the hip in 24 symptomatic patients following total hip replacement, resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip and partial resurfacing (study group), and compared it with arthroscopy of the native hip in 24 patients (control group). A diagnosis was made or confirmed at arthroscopy in 23 of the study group and a therapeutic arthroscopic intervention resulted in relief of symptoms in ten of these. In a further seven patients it led to revision hip replacement. In contrast, arthroscopy in the control group was diagnostic in all 24 patients and the resulting arthroscopic therapeutic intervention provided symptomatic relief in 21. The mean operative time in the study group (59.7 minutes (35 to 93)) was less than in the control group (71 minutes (40 to 100), p = 0.04) but the arthroscopic approach was more difficult in the arthroplasty group. We suggest that arthroscopy has a role in the management of patients with a symptomatic arthroplasty when other investigations have failed to provide a diagnosis.
Adverse reaction to wear and corrosion debris
is a cause for concern in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Modular junctions
are a potential source of such wear products and are associated
with secondary pseudotumour formation. We present a consecutive series of 17 patients treated at our
unit for this complication following metal-on-highly cross-linked
polyethylene (MoP) THA. We emphasise the risk of misdiagnosis as
infection, and present the aggregate laboratory results and pathological
findings in this series. The clinical presentation was pain, swelling or instability.
Solid, cystic and mixed soft-tissue lesions were noted on imaging
and confirmed intra-operatively. Corrosion at the head–neck junction
was noted in all cases. No bacteria were isolated on multiple pre-
and intra-operative samples yet the mean erythrocyte sedimentation
rate was 49 (9 to 100) and C-reactive protein 32 (0.6 to 106) and
stromal polymorphonuclear cell counts were noted in nine cases. Adverse soft–tissue reactions can occur in MoP THA owing to corrosion
products released from the head–neck junction. The diagnosis should
be carefully considered when investigating pain after THA. This
may avoid the misdiagnosis of periprosthetic infection with an unidentified
organism and mitigate the unnecessary management of these cases
with complete single- or two-stage exchange. Cite this article:
The repair of chondral lesions associated with
femoroacetabular impingement requires specific treatment in addition
to that of the impingement. In this single-centre retrospective
analysis of a consecutive series of patients we compared treatment
with microfracture (MFx) with a technique of enhanced microfracture
autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC). Acetabular grade III and IV chondral lesions measuring between
2 cm2 and 8 cm2 in 147 patients were treated
by MFx in 77 and AMIC in 70. The outcome was assessed using the
modified Harris hip score at six months and one, two, three, four
and five years post-operatively. The outcome in both groups was
significantly improved at six months and one year post-operatively.
During the subsequent four years the outcome in the MFx group slowly deteriorated,
whereas that in the AMIC group remained stable. Six patients in
the MFx group subsequently required total hip arthroplasty, compared
with none in the AMIC group We conclude that the short-term clinical outcome improves in
patients with acetabular chondral damage following both MFx and
AMIC. However, the AMIC group had better and more durable improvement,
particularly in patients with large (≥ 4 cm2) lesions. Cite this article:
We report the clinical and radiographic outcomes
of 208 consecutive femoral revision arthroplasties performed in 202
patients (119 women, 83 men) between March 1991 and December 2007
using the X-change Femoral Revision System, fresh-frozen morcellised
allograft and a cemented polished Exeter stem. All patients were
followed prospectively. The mean age of the patients at revision
was 65 years (30 to 86). At final review in December 2013 a total
of 130 patients with 135 reconstructions (64.9%) were alive and
had a non re-revised femoral component after a mean follow-up of
10.6 years (4.7 to 20.9). One patient was lost to follow-up at six
years, and their data were included up to this point.
Re-operation for any reason was performed in 33 hips (15.9%), in
13 of which the femoral component was re-revised (6.3%). The mean
pre-operative Harris hip score was 52 (19 to 95) (n = 73) and improved
to 80 (22 to 100) (n = 161) by the last follow-up. Kaplan–Meier
survival with femoral re-revision for any reason as the endpoint
was 94.9% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 90.2 to 97.4) at ten years;
with femoral re-revision for aseptic loosening as the endpoint it was
99.4% (95% CI 95.7 to 99.9); with femoral re-operation for any reason
as the endpoint it was 84.5% (95% CI 78.3 to 89.1); and with subsidence ≥ 5
mm it was 87.3% (95% CI 80.5 to 91.8). Femoral revision with the
use of impaction allograft bone grafting and a cemented polished
stem results in a satisfying survival rate at a mean of ten years’ follow-up. Cite this article:
We reviewed the results of 71 revisions of the acetabular component in total hip replacement, using impaction of bone allograft. The mean follow-up was 7.2 years (1.6 to 9.7). All patients were assessed according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) classification of bone loss, the amount of bone graft required, thickness of the graft layer, signs of graft incorporation and use of augmentation. A total of 20 acetabular components required re-revision for aseptic loosening, giving an overall survival of 72% (95% CI, 54.4 to 80.5). Of these failures, 14 (70%) had an AAOS type III or IV bone defect. In the failed group, poor radiological and histological graft incorporation was seen. These results suggest that impaction allografting in acetabular revision with severe bone defects may have poorer results than have previously been reported.
We report the five year outcomes of a two-stage
approach for infected total hip replacement. This is a single-surgeon
experience at a tertiary centre where the more straightforward cases
are treated using single-stage exchange. This study highlights the
vital role of the multidisciplinary team in managing these cases. A total of 125 patients (51 male, 74 female) with a mean age
of 68 years (42 to 78) were reviewed prospectively. Functional status
was assessed using the Harris hip score (HHS). The mean HHS improved
from 38 (6 to 78.5) pre-operatively to 81.2 (33 to 98) post-operatively.
Staphylococcus species were isolated in 85 patients (68%). The rate of control of infection was 96% at five years. In all,
19 patients died during the period of the study. This represented
a one year mortality of 0.8% and an overall mortality of 15.2% at
five years. No patients were lost to follow-up. We report excellent control of infection in a series of complex
patients and infections using a two-stage revision protocol supported
by a multidisciplinary approach. The reason for the high rate of
mortality in these patients is not known. Cite this article:
We retrospectively reviewed 44 consecutive patients
(50 hips) who underwent acetabular re-revision after a failed previous
revision that had been performed using structural or morcellised
allograft bone, with a cage or ring for uncontained defects. Of
the 50 previous revisions, 41 cages and nine rings were used with
allografts for 14 minor-column and 36 major-column defects. We routinely
assessed the size of the acetabular bone defect at the time of revision
and re-revision surgery. This allowed us to assess whether host
bone stock was restored. We also assessed the outcome of re-revision
surgery in these circumstances by means of radiological characteristics,
rates of failure and modes of failure. We subsequently investigated
the factors that may affect the potential for the restoration of bone
stock and the durability of the re-revision reconstruction using
multivariate analysis. At the time of re-revision, there were ten host acetabula with
no significant defects, 14 with contained defects, nine with minor-column,
seven with major-column defects and ten with pelvic discontinuity.
When bone defects at re-revision were compared with those at the
previous revision, there was restoration of bone stock in 31 hips, deterioration
of bone stock in nine and remained unchanged in ten. This was a
significant improvement (p <
0.001). Morselised allografting
at the index revision was not associated with the restoration of
bone stock. In 17 hips (34%), re-revision was possible using a simple acetabular
component without allograft, augments, rings or cages. There were
47 patients with a mean follow-up of 70 months (6 to 146) available
for survival analysis. Within this group, the successful cases had
a minimum follow-up of two years after re-revision. There were 22 clinical
or radiological failures (46.7%), 18 of which were due to aseptic
loosening. The five and ten year Kaplan–Meier survival rate was
75% (95% CI, 60 to 86) and 56% (95% CI, 40 to 70) respectively with
aseptic loosening as the endpoint. The rate of aseptic loosening
was higher for hips with pelvic discontinuity (p = 0.049) and less
when the allograft had been in place for longer periods (p = 0.040). The use of a cage or ring over structural allograft bone for
massive uncontained defects in acetabular revision can restore host
bone stock and facilitate subsequent re-revision surgery to a certain
extent. Cite this article:
We report 17 patients (20 hips) in whom metal-on-metal resurfacing had been performed and who presented with various symptoms and a soft-tissue mass which we termed a pseudotumour. Each patient underwent plain radiography and in some, CT, MRI and ultrasonography were also performed. In addition, histological examination of available samples was undertaken. All the patients were women and their presentation was variable. The most common symptom was discomfort in the region of the hip. Other symptoms included spontaneous dislocation, nerve palsy, a noticeable mass or a rash. The common histological features were extensive necrosis and lymphocytic infiltration. To date, 13 of the 20 hips have required revision to a conventional hip replacement. Two are awaiting revision. We estimate that approximately 1% of patients who have a metal-on-metal resurfacing develop a pseudotumour within five years. The cause is unknown and is probably multifactorial. There may be a toxic reaction to an excess of particulate metal wear debris or a hypersensitivity reaction to a normal amount of metal debris. We are concerned that with time the incidence of these pseudotumours may increase. Further investigation is required to define their cause.
Hip replacement is a very successful operation and the outcome is usually excellent. There are recognised complications that seem increasingly to give rise to litigation. This paper briefly examines some common scenarios where litigation may be pursued against hip surgeons. With appropriate record keeping, consenting and surgical care, the claim can be successfully defended if not avoided. We hope this short summary will help to highlight some common pitfalls. There is extensive literature available for detailed study.
We evaluated triple-phase bone scintigraphy in the differential diagnosis of peri-prosthetic infection in 46 patients with a total hip replacement or bipolar hemiarthroplasty who were due for revision surgery. There were 18 men and 28 women, with a mean age at operation of 64.6 years (28 to 81). We defined peri-prosthetic infection as an increased uptake of radioisotope in all the phases of triple-phase bone scintigraphy and validated these results against the histological and/or microbiology results in every case. The positive and negative predictive values for the presence of infection were 83% and 93%, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity was 88% and the specificity was 90%. This study indicates that triple-phase bone scintigraphy is a useful tool in the detection of peri-prosthetic infection and offers a cost-effective method of screening.
The timing of total hip replacement (THR) in
patients with active tuberculosis (TB) of the hip is controversial, because
of the potential risk of reactivation of infection. There is little
information about the outcome of THR in these patients. We conducted
a systematic review of published studies that evaluated the outcome
of THR in patients with active TB of the hip. A review of multiple
databases referenced articles published between 1950 and 2012. A
total of six articles were identified, comprising 65 patients. TB
was confirmed histologically in all patients. The mean follow-up
was 53.2 months (24 to 108). Antituberculosis treatment continued
post-operatively for between six and 15 months, after debridement
and THR. One non-compliant patient had reactivation of infection.
At the final follow-up the mean Harris hip score was 91.7 (56 to
98). We conclude that THR in patients with active TB of the hip
is a safe procedure, providing symptomatic relief and functional
improvement if undertaken in association with extensive debridement
and appropriate antituberculosis treatment. Cite this article:
Many tumors metastasise to bone, therefore, pathologic
fracture and impending pathologic fractures are common reasons for
orthopedic consultation. Having effective treatment strategies is
important to avoid complications, and relieve pain and preserve
function. Thorough pre-operative evaluation is recommended for medical
optimization and to ensure that the lesion is in fact a metastasis
and not a primary bone malignancy. For impending fractures, various scoring
systems have been proposed to determine the risk of fracture, and
therefore the need for prophylactic stabilisation. Lower score lesions
can often be treated with radiation, while more problematic lesions
may require internal fixation. Intramedullary fixation is generally
preferred due to favorable biomechanics. Arthroplasty may be required
for lesions with massive bony destruction where internal fixation
attempts are likely to fail. Radiation may also be useful postoperatively
to minimise construct failure due to tumor progression.
We undertook a randomised controlled trial to
compare bipolar hemiarthroplasty (HA) with a novel total hip replacement
(THR) comprising a polycarbonate–urethane (PCU) acetabular component
coupled with a large-diameter metal femoral head for the treatment
of displaced fractures of the femoral neck in elderly patients. Functional
outcome, assessed with the Harris hip score (HHS) at three months
and then annually after surgery, was the primary endpoint. Rates
of revision and complication were secondary endpoints. Based on a power analysis, 96 consecutive patients aged >
70
years were randomised to receive either HA (49) or a PCU-THR (47).
The mean follow-up was 30.1 months (23 to 50) and 28.6 months (22
to 52) for the HA and the PCU group, respectively. The HHS showed no statistically significant difference between
the groups at every follow-up. Higher pain was recorded in the PCU
group at one and two years’ follow-up
(p = 0.006 and p = 0.019, respectively). In the HA group no revision
was performed. In the PCU-THR group six patients underwent revision
and one patient is currently awaiting
re-operation. The three-year survival rate of the PCU-THR group
was 0.841 (95% confidence interval 0.680 to 0.926). Based on our findings we do not recommend the use of the PCU
acetabular component as part of the treatment of patients with fractures
of the femoral neck. Cite this article:
We present an update of the clinical and radiological results of 62 consecutive acetabular revisions using impacted morsellised cancellous bone grafts and a cemented acetabular component in 58 patients, at a mean follow-up of 22.2 years (20 to 25). The Kaplan-Meier survivorship for the acetabular component with revision for any reason as the endpoint was 75% at 20 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 62 to 88) when 16 hips were at risk. Excluding two revisions for septic loosening at three and six years, the survivorship at 20 years was 79% (95% CI 67 to 93). With further exclusions of one revision of a well-fixed acetabular component after 12 years during a femoral revision and two after 17 years for wear of the acetabular component, the survivorship for aseptic loosening was 87% at 20 years (95% CI 76 to 97). At the final review 14 of the 16 surviving hips had radiographs available. There was one additional case of radiological loosening and four acetabular reconstructions showed progressive radiolucent lines in one or two zones. Acetabular revision using impacted large morsellised bone chips (0.5 cm to 1 cm in diameter) and a cemented acetabular component remains a reliable technique for reconstruction, even when assessed at more than 20 years after surgery.
Fracture of a ceramic component in total hip
replacement is a rare but potentially catastrophic complication.
The incidence is likely to increase as the use of ceramics becomes
more widespread. We describe such a case, which illustrates how
inadequate initial management will lead to further morbidity and
require additional surgery. We present the case as a warning that
fracture of a ceramic component should be revised to another ceramic-on-ceramic
articulation in order to minimise the risk of further catastrophic
wear.
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.
The purpose of this prospective study was to
evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of revision of
the femoral component of a total hip replacement using impaction
bone grafting. Femoral revision with an impacted allograft was performed
on 29 patients (31 hips). In all, 21 hips (68%) had grade III or
IV femoral defects according to the Endo-Klinik classification.
A total of 11 patients (12 hips) died before the ten-year follow-up
period. Of the remaining patients, 18 patients (19 hips) were followed
for 10 to 15 years; three further patients died during this time.
None of the 31 stems underwent further revision of their stem. However,
four stems showed extensive subsidence (>
15 mm). One of these patients
had a femoral fracture that required fixation. Three other patients
had a femoral fracture, two of which required fixation and the other
was treated conservatively. Patients with a femoral fracture and/or
severe subsidence had significantly more grade IV defects (six of
seven hips; p = 0.004). One patient needed a closed reduction for
dislocation. Impaction allografting in revision hip surgery gives good long-term
results for femora with grades I, II and III Endo-Klinik-classified
defects. Extensive subsidence and femoral fractures were seen mainly
in patients with grade IV damaged femora.
Total hip replacement in patients with advanced osteonecrosis of the femoral head is often complicated by early loosening of the femoral component. Recent evidence has suggested that abnormal bone extending into the proximal femur may be responsible for the early failure of the femoral component. We aimed to identify which patients were at high risk of early failure by evaluating gadolinium-enhanced MR images of histologically-confirmed osteonecrotic lesions beyond the femoral head. Although the MR signal intensity has been shown to correlate well with osteonecrosis in the femoral head, it was found to be relatively insensitive at identifying lesions below the head, with a sensitivity of only 51% and a predictive value of a negative result of only 48%. However, the specificity was 90%, with the predictive value of a positive MRI finding being 86%. Only those patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head secondary to sickle-cell disease, who are known to be at high risk of early loosening, had changes in the MR signal in the greater trochanter and the femoral shaft. This observation suggests that changes in the MR signal beyond the femoral head may represent osteonecrotic lesions in areas essential for the fixation of the femoral component. Pre-operative identification of such lesions in the neck of the femur may be important when considering hip resurfacing for osteonecrosis of the femoral head, following which early loosening of the femoral component and fracture of the neck are possible complications.
We determined the midterm survival, incidence
of peri-prosthetic fracture and the enhancement of the width of
the femur when combining struts and impacted bone allografts in
24 patients (25 hips) with severe femoral bone loss who underwent
revision hip surgery. The pre-operative diagnosis was aseptic loosening
in 16 hips, second-stage reconstruction in seven, peri-prosthetic
fracture in one and stem fracture in one hip. A total of 14 hips
presented with an Endoklinik grade 4 defect and 11 hips a grade
3 defect. The mean pre-operative Merle D’Aubigné and Postel score
was 5.5 points (1 to 8). The survivorship was 96% (95% confidence interval 72 to 98) at
a mean of 54.5 months (36 to 109). The mean functional score was
17.3 points (16 to 18). One patient in which the strut did not completely
bypass the femoral defect was further revised using a long cemented
stem due to peri-prosthetic fracture at six months post-operatively.
The mean subsidence of the stem was 1.6 mm (1 to 3). There was no
evidence of osteolysis, resorption or radiolucencies during follow-up
in any hip. Femoral width was enhanced by a mean of 41% (19% to
82%). A total of 24 hips had partial or complete bridging of the
strut allografts. This combined biological method was associated with a favourable
survivorship, a low incidence of peri-prosthetic fracture and enhancement
of the width of the femur in revision total hip replacement in patients
with severe proximal femoral bone loss.
Hip arthroscopy is particularly attractive in
children as it confers advantages over arthrotomy or open surgery,
such as shorter recovery time and earlier return to activity. Developments
in surgical technique and arthroscopic instrumentation have enabled
extension of arthroscopy of the hip to this age group. Potential
challenges in paediatric and adolescent hip arthroscopy include
variability in size, normal developmental change from childhood to
adolescence, and conditions specific to children and adolescents
and their various consequences. Treatable disorders include the
sequelae of traumatic and sports-related hip joint injuries, Legg–Calve–Perthes’
disease and slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and the arthritic
and septic hip. Intra-articular abnormalities are rarely isolated and
are often associated with underlying morphological changes. This review presents the current concepts of hip arthroscopy
in the paediatric and adolescent patient, covering clinical assessment
and investigation, indications and results of the experience to
date, as well as technical challenges and future directions.
We evaluated the potential of a vastus lateralis muscle flap in controlling infection after resection arthroplasty of the hip. We retrospectively reviewed 119 patients with 120 chronic infections after resection arthroplasty treated with this procedure. The flap was fixed with Mitek anchors in the acetabular cavity. The mean duration of infection after resection before the muscle flap procedure was 6.5 months (2 to 13). The patients had previously undergone a mean of 4.9 operations (2 to 25). In all patients the infected cavity was the origin of the persistent infection. The mean follow-up was for 2.6 years (1.0 to 4.7). No patient had recurrent infection post-operatively and all had an improvement in the pain and better quality of life.
This retrospective study describes the long-term results of core decompression and placement of a non-vascularised bone graft in the management of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. We treated 80 hips in 65 patients, 18 by a cortical tibial autograft and 62 by a fibular allograft. The mean age of the patients was 36 years ( A total of 34 hips (44%) were revised at a mean of four years ( This is a relatively simple, extra-articular and reproducible procedure. In our view core decompression, removal of the necrotic tissue and packing of the cancellous grafts into the core track are vital parts of the procedure.
Periprosthetic infection following total hip replacement can be a catastrophic complication for the patient. The treatments available include single-stage exchange, and two-stage exchange. We present a series of 50 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of infected total hip replacement who were assessed according to a standardised protocol. Of these, 11 underwent single-stage revision arthroplasty with no recurrence of infection at a mean of 6.8 years follow-up (5.5 to 8.8). The remaining 39 underwent two-stage revision, with two recurrences of infection successfully treated by a second two-stage procedure. At five years, significant differences were found in the mean Harris Hip Scores (single-stage 87.8; two-stage 75.5; p = 0.0003) and in a visual analogue score for satisfaction (8.6; 6.9; p = 0.001) between the single- and two-stage groups. Single-stage exchange is successful in eradicating periprosthetic infection and results in excellent functional and satisfaction scores. Identification of patients suitable for the single-stage procedure allows individualisation of care and provides as many as possible with the correct strategy in successfully tackling their periprosthetic infection
This study evaluates the outcome of arthroscopic femoral osteochondroplasty for cam lesions of the hip in the absence of additional pathology other than acetabular chondral lesions. We retrospectively reviewed 166 patients (170 hips) who were categorised according to three different grades of chondral damage. The outcome was assessed in each grade using the modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) and the Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS). Overall, at the last follow-up (mean 22 months, 12 to 72), the mean MHHS had improved by 15.3 points (95% confidence interval (CI), 8.9 to 21.7) and the mean NAHS by 15 points (95% CI, 9.4 to 20.5). Significantly better results were observed in hips with less severe chondral damage. Microfracture in limited chondral lesions showed superior results. Arthroscopic femoral osteochondroplasty for cam impingement with microfracture in selected cases is beneficial. The outcome correlates with the severity of acetabular chondral damage.
We sought to establish the incidence of joint failure secondary to adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD) following metal-on-metal hip resurfacing in a large, three surgeon, multicentre study involving 4226 hips with a follow-up of 10 to 142 months. Three implants were studied: the Articular Surface Replacement; the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing; and the Conserve Plus. Retrieved implants underwent analysis using a co-ordinate measuring machine to determine volumetric wear. There were 58 failures associated with ARMD. The median chromium and cobalt concentrations in the failed group were significantly higher than in the control group (p <
0.001). Survival analysis showed a failure rate in the patients with Articular Surface Replacement of 9.8% at five years, compared with <
1% at five years for the Conserve Plus and 1.5% at ten years for the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing. Two ARMD patients had relatively low wear of the retrieved components. Increased wear from the metal-on-metal bearing surface was associated with an increased rate of failure secondary to ARMD. However, the extent of tissue destruction at revision surgery did not appear to be dose-related to the volumetric wear.
The cause of fracture of the femoral neck after hip resurfacing is poorly understood. In order to evaluate the role of avascular necrosis we compared 19 femoral heads retrieved at revision for fracture of the femoral neck and 13 retrieved for other reasons. We developed a new technique of assessing avascular necrosis in the femoral head by determining the percentage of empty osteocyte lacunae present. Femoral heads retrieved as controls at total hip replacement for osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis had 9% ( In the fracture group the percentage of empty lacunae was 71% ( We conclude that fracture after resurfacing of the hip is associated with a significantly greater percentage of empty osteocyte lacunae within the trabecular bone. This indicates established avascular necrosis and suggests that damage to the blood supply at the time of surgery is a potent risk factor for fracture of the femoral neck after hip resurfacing.
We carried out metal artefact-reduction MRI, three-dimensional CT measurement of the position of the component and inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis of cobalt and chromium levels in whole blood on 26 patients with unexplained pain following metal-on-metal resurfacing arthroplasty. MRI showed periprosthetic lesions around 16 hips, with 14 collections of fluid and two soft-tissue masses. The lesions were seen in both men and women and in symptomatic and asymptomatic hips. Using three-dimensional CT, the median inclination of the acetabular component was found to be 55° and its positioning was outside the Lewinnek safe zone in 13 of 16 cases. Using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry, the levels of blood metal ions tended to be higher in painful compared with well-functioning metal-on-metal hips. These three clinically useful investigations can help to determine the cause of failure of the implant, predict the need for future revision and aid the choice of revision prostheses.
Migration of the acetabular component may give rise to oval-shaped bone defects in the acetabulum. The oblong implant is designed to fill these defects and achieve a stable cementless anchorage with no significant bone loss. We prospectively reviewed 133 oblong long oblique revision components at a mean follow-up of 9.74 years (0.6 to 14). All had been used in revisions for defects of type IIB to IIIB according to Paprosky. Aseptic loosening was the reason for revision in 11 cases (8.3%) and deep infection in seven (5.3%). The probability of implant survival over a 12-year follow-up estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method gave a survival rate of 0.85% respectively 0.90% when deep infection was excluded as the endpoint. Our study supports the use of these components in defects from IIB to IIIA. The main precondition for success is direct contact of more than half of the surface of the implant with the host acetabular bone.
Early failure associated with adverse reactions to metal debris is an emerging problem after hip resurfacing but the exact mechanism is unclear. We analysed our entire series of 660 metal-on-metal resurfacings (Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) and Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR)) and large-bearing ASR total hip replacements, to establish associations with metal debris-related failures. Clinical and radiological outcomes, metal ion levels, explant studies and lymphocyte transformation tests were performed. A total of 17 patients (3.4%) were identified (all ASR bearings) with adverse reactions to metal debris, for which revision was required. This group had significantly smaller components, significantly higher acetabular component anteversion, and significantly higher whole concentrations of blood and joint chromium and cobalt ions than asymptomatic patients did (all p <
0.001). Post-revision lymphocyte transformation tests on this group showed no reactivity to chromium or cobalt ions. Explants from these revisions had greater surface wear than retrievals for uncomplicated fractures. The absence of adverse reactions to metal debris in patients with well-positioned implants usually implies high component wear. Surgeons must consider implant design, expected component size and acetabular component positioning in order to reduce early failures when performing large-bearing metal-on-metal hip resurfacing and replacement.