Aims. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are common orthopaedic procedures requiring postoperative radiographs to confirm implant positioning and identify complications. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based image analysis has the potential to automate this postoperative surveillance. The aim of this study was to prepare a scoping review to investigate how AI is being used in the analysis of radiographs following THA and TKA, and how accurate these tools are. Methods. The Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed libraries were systematically searched to identify relevant articles. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews and Arksey and O’Malley framework were followed. Study quality was assessed using a modified Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies tool. AI performance was reported using either the area under the curve (AUC) or accuracy. Results. Of the 455 studies identified, only 12 were suitable for inclusion. Nine reported implant identification and three described predicting risk of implant failure. Of the 12, three studies compared AI performance with orthopaedic surgeons. AI-based implant identification achieved AUC 0.992 to 1, and most algorithms reported an accuracy > 90%, using 550 to 320,000 training radiographs. AI prediction of dislocation risk post-THA, determined after five-year follow-up, was satisfactory (AUC 76.67; 8,500 training radiographs). Diagnosis of hip implant loosening was good (accuracy 88.3%; 420 training radiographs) and measurement of postoperative acetabular angles was comparable to humans (mean absolute difference 1.35° to 1.39°). However, 11 of the 12 studies had several methodological limitations introducing a high risk of bias. None of the studies were externally validated. Conclusion. These studies show that AI is promising. While it already has the ability to analyze images with significant precision, there is currently insufficient high-level evidence to support its widespread clinical use. Further research to design robust studies that follow standard reporting guidelines should be encouraged to develop AI models that could be easily translated into real-world conditions. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):929–937

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to compare the wear properties of vitamin E-diffused, highly crosslinked polyethylene (VEPE) and one formulation of moderately crosslinked and mechanically annealed ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (ModXLPE) in patients five years after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The secondary aim was to assess the clinical results of patients treated with VEPE by evaluating patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), radiological evidence of fixation, and the incidence of mechanical failure. Patients and Methods. A total of 208 patients (221 THAs) from four international centres were recruited into a prospective study involving radiostereometric analysis (RSA) and the assessment of clinical outcomes. A total of 193 hips (87%) were reviewed at the five-year follow-up. Of these, 136 (70%) received VEPE (vs ModXLPE) liners and 68 (35%) received ceramic (vs metal) femoral heads. PROMs and radiographs were collected preoperatively and at one, two, and five years postoperatively. In addition, RSA images were collected to measure PE wear postoperatively and at one, two, and five years after surgery. Results. We observed similar bedding in one year postoperatively and wear two years postoperatively between the two types of liner. However, there was significantly more penetration of the femoral head in the ModXLPE cohort compared with the VEPE cohort five years postoperatively (p < 0.001). The only variables independently predictive of increased wear were ModXLPE (vs VEPE) liner type (β = 0.22, p = 0.010) and metal (vs ceramic) femoral head (β = 0.21, p = 0.013). There was no association between increased wear and the development of radiolucency (p = 0.866) or PROMs. No patient had evidence of osteolysis. Conclusion. Five years postoperatively, patients with VEPE (vs ModXLPE) and ceramic (vs metal) femoral heads had decreased wear. The rates of wear for both liners were very low and have not led to any osteolysis or implant failure due to aseptic loosening

Aims

To determine the trajectories of patient reported pain and functional disability over five years following total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA).