Inferior stability of a biodegradable cement plug

Introduction: Modern cementing technique demands high intramedullar cement pressure to create an optimum fixed cement support of the femoral stem. Pressure resistant, stable closure of the canal therefore is absolutely necessary. Biodegradable cement restrictors, if corresponding to above mentioned attributes, could be of immense advantage in case of potential revision surgery. Material and methods: A prospective, randomized trial was performed on a consecutive series of 130 patients who underwent primary cemented total hip arthroplasty due to hip arthrosis to compare a degradable cement restrictor and a non-degradable cement restrictor in their ability to resist distal migration during stem insertion. Results: The median cement plug length measured 27 mm (range −12 to 126 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI) 20–33 mm) in the biodegradable restrictor group and 15 mm (range 0–61 mm, 95% CI 12–18 mm) in the non-degradable restrictor group (P=0.003). A significant effect of the relationship between the difference of restrictor size and the diameter of the femoral canal on length of cement distal of the tip of the stem in between the two groups was evident (P=0.031). Conclusion: The results indicate insufficient intramedullary plug fixation of the degradable restrictor probably due to the elastic material properties which also may lead to inferior precision in restrictor size choice.     

Long-term results with the BiCONTACT system--aspects to investigate and to learn from

The BiCONTACT femoral stem for cementless fixation is being used without any technical modification after 15 years. The long-term results should be evaluated in this study. A consecutive series was continuously monitored in a prospective follow-up study. A survival analysis was performed, clinical results were rated according to the Harris score. There were 236 patients with 250 total hip replacements (THR); mean age at time of implantation was 58.2 years. Indications for THR included osteoarthritis (62.4%), dysplasia (16.8%), trauma (8.4%) and femoral-head necrosis (16.8%). Average time of follow-up evaluation was 8.9 years (range 7.4-10.7 years). At follow-up, 27 patients had died and two could not be located. Seven patients were revised--two for infection, one for recurrent dislocation, two for component undersizing with rapid subsidence, and one for aseptic loosening of a varus-malaligned stem; one radiologically well-fixed stem had been revised during acetabular revision. Survival estimate showed an overall survival rate of 97.1% after 11 years (confidence limits: 98.7% upper and 93.6% lower). Radiologically, tiny reactive lines (< 2 mm) were present in the distal zones of the femoral shaft, but no radiolucencies could be found in the proximal anchoring zone. Migration analysis with Ein-Bild-R?ntgen-analyse/femoral component analysis (EBRA/FCA) demonstrated a very small amount of migration: in 31.0%, the overall migration was between 0.5 and 1 mm after 120 months; 8.5% had an absolute amount of subsidence exceeding 2 mm after 120 months (one case more than 3 mm). Mean subsidence was 0.2 mm after 3 months and 6 months, 0.3 mm after 12 months, and reached 0.5 mm after 10 years. An initial small amount of subsidence could be detected in 45.1%, and 15.5% had a late onset of subsidence. Continuous sinking could be found in 12.7%, while 26.8% had irregular patterns of migration. Clinical results were somewhat compromised by a higher-than-average rate of cup loosening (uncoated threaded cup). The average Harris hip score at follow-up was 84.3 points. Interestingly, no femoral osteolysis could be detected, even in cases with severe acetabular osteolyses, indicating sealing of the stem interface by tight osseointegration of the proximally-coated stem.     

Charnley total hip arthroplasty with use of improved cementing techniques: a minimum twenty-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: In total hip arthroplasty, techniques for cementing the femoral component have changed over time. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a cementing technique that includes use of a distal cement plug and retrograde filling of the femoral canal affects the fixation of the femoral component at a minimum of twenty years after the operation. METHODS: Between 1976 and 1978, the senior one of us (R.C.J.) performed 357 total hip arthroplasties with use of a Charnley flatback polished femoral stem and a contemporary cementing technique (insertion of a distal cement plug and retrograde filling of the femoral canal with cement) in 320 patients. The results after a minimum follow-up of twenty years were compared with those after 330 total hip arthroplasties performed, between 1970 and 1972, with the same femoral stem by the same surgeon with use of a hand-packing technique of cementing in 262 patients. The clinical and radiographic evaluation as well as the duration of follow-up were identical in the two groups. RESULTS: In the group managed with the contemporary cementing technique, six (1.8%) of the 336 hips that had not been lost to follow-up or revised because of infection or dislocation were revised because of aseptic loosening of the femoral component. Of the ninety-one hips in the eighty-two patients who were alive at a minimum of twenty years, five (5%) had a revision because of aseptic loosening of the femoral component. Only one hip was revised during the fifteen-to-twenty-year follow-up interval. (The revision was performed because of a fracture of the femoral component.) The rate of failure when radiographic signs of loosening were included was 4.8% (sixteen of 336 femoral components that had not been revised because of infection or dislocation) for the group managed with the contemporary cementing technique compared with 6.3% (twenty of 319 hips) in the group managed with the hand-packing technique; the difference was not significant (p = 0.40). Adequate filling of the femoral canal with cement was found to be associated with improved survival of the femoral component (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: While no significant difference between the two cementing techniques could be identified, the ability to deliver adequate cement around the femoral component was more predictable with the contemporary cementing technique. In addition, the prevalence of loosening of the femoral component was low with use of either technique, a tribute to the Charnley flatback polished femoral component design.     

Total hip arthroplasty cemented femoral component distal stem centralizer: Effect on stem centralization and cement mantle

The effectiveness, benefits, and potential risks of employing a total hip arthroplasty cemented femoral component distal centralizer were evaluated. First postoperative (6-week) radiographs of 100 primary hybrid total hip arthroplastics in consecutive groups of 50 patients without and 50 patients with a femoeral stem distal centralizer were retrospectively reviewed. Femoral stems with a distal centralizer were more centralized within the femoral canal (center of stem tip to center of intramedullary canal: mean, 1.1 mm with a centralizer, 3.2 mm without; P < .0001) and more neutrally aligned (mean, 0.7° valgus with a centralizer, 1.3° valgus without; P < .01). Femoral stems with a distal centralizer were less likely to have a cement mantle with suboptimal thickness, that is, less than 2 mm at the medial distal femoral stem (3 of 50 stems with a centralizer, 22 of 50 stems without; chi-square, P < .0001). There were no complications, adverse effects on the cement mantle, radiographic evidence of loosening, or implant failures associated with the use of a distal centralizer, with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years.     

Use of a polyglycolide lactide cement plug restrictor in total hip arthroplasty.

The use of a polyglycolide lactide cement plug restrictor in cemented femoral fixation during total hip arthroplasty was evaluated. Femoral cement pressurization was evaluated in vitro in a cadaveric model and the host response to polymer degradation was evaluated in vivo in a canine total hip arthroplasty model. Sixteen embalmed anatomic specimen femurs were prepared for cement femoral fixation. The intramedullary canal was plugged with either an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene cement plug restrictor or a polyglycolide lactide cement plug restrictor. Peak pressures in the proximal, mid, and distal portions of the cement mantle were recorded during cement insertion, cement pressurization, and implant insertion. There was no difference between the two plug groups in peak pressures throughout the cement mantle during cement insertion, pressurization, or implant insertion. Total hip arthroplasty using a cementless acetabular component and a cemented femoral stem was performed in 24 dogs. The femoral intramedullary canal was plugged with a polyethylene or a biodegradable cement plug restrictor. The dogs were sacrificed at 7 weeks, 10 months, or 15 months. Radiographically, no osteolytic lesions were seen around either plug type. Histomorphometrically, the polyglycolide lactide plugs appeared intact at 7 weeks and partially degraded by 10 and 15 months. In both plug groups, a mild fibrohistiocytic reaction with infiltration of fibrocytes, histocytes, and endothelial cells was seen. No osteolysis was observed. The results of the current study show that femoral cement pressurization can be attained in vitro using a biodegradable cement plug restrictor and that for as long as 15 months in the in vivo canine model there were no adverse reactions associated with use of these plugs compared with conventional ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene plugs.     

The Use of Standard Cemented Femoral Stems in Total Hip Replacement After Failed Internal Fixation of Intertrochanteric Femoral Fractures

BackgroundTotal hip replacement (THR) after failed internal fixation of intertrochanteric femoral fractures is challenging. The aim of this study is to show the reliability of using standard cemented femoral stems in this operation.MethodsThis work included 107 THRs performed in 107 patients after failed treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fractures. The etiology of failure included 67 cases of failure of fixation, 16 cases of nonunion, 15 cases of avascular necrosis, and 9 cases of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. There were 48 males and 59 females. The mean age was 66 years (range 58-81). Failed dynamic hip screws were removed at the time of THR, and the screw holes were blocked with cement. All cases had cemented standard stem femoral prostheses.ResultsAt an average 7.4 years with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up, 102 cases had good clinical and radiological outcomes and 5 cases had fair outcomes. One patient was infected and required 2 stages of revision arthroplasty. Two cases had intraoperative proximal femoral crack, and were treated by cerclage wires. Two patients had early postoperative dislocations. No patients had late periprosthetic femoral fractures or implant loosening.ConclusionStandard cemented femoral stems are reliable and cost-effective prostheses in such cases. It is not necessary to bypass the distal screw hole by doubling the femoral canal diameter as long as the bone holes are covered by cement.     

Alpine and cross-country skiing after total hip replacement: 2 cohorts of 50 patients each, one active, the other inactive in skiing, followed for 5-10 years

2 groups of 50 patients each, matched for age, weight, height, gender and type of implant, were clinically and radiographically examined after THR. Group A regularly carried out alpine skiing and/or cross-country skiing, while group B did no winter sports. At 5 years, no signs of loosening were found in group A, whereas 5/60 implants in group B had signs of loosening, mostly of the femoral component (p < 0.05). At 10 years, 30 patients remained in group A and 27 in group B. No new cases of loosening were found in group B, but 2/30 cases in group A. There was a higher (p < 0.05) average wear rate in group A (2.1 mm) than in group B (1.5 mm). The wear rate was particularly high (3-4 mm) in physically very active patients in group A with localized osteolysis at the interface. It seems likely that in an even longer follow-up, the number of cases of aseptic loosening would be greater in group A than group B. Our findings, combined with the results of previously-published biomechanical studies, do not provide any evidence that controlled alpine and/ or cross-country skiing has a negative effect on the acetabular or femoral component of hip replacements. The results of the biomechanical studies indicate, however, that it is advantageous to avoid short-radius turns on steep slopes or moguls.     

Collarless polished tapered impaction grafting of the femur during revision total hip arthroplasty: pitfalls of the surgical technique and follow-up in 31 cases

Impacting morcellized allograft bone into the femur during revision total hip arthroplasty is a simple concept with the goal of rebuilding femoral bone stock and providing secure fixation to the femoral stem. Using the collarless polished tapered (CPT, Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) stem impaction grafting system, we became concerned about the discrepancy between the straightforward concept and precise execution of the technique. In this study, we examined 31 consecutive procedures to determine intraoperative difficulties and report on the clinical outcome of 30 cases at an average follow-up of 31 months. Modified Harris Hip Scores averaged 41 points preoperatively and improved to 86 points at follow-up. Nineteen cases were performed on intact femora, whereas 12 cases had disrupted femoral integrity, either extended trochanteric osteotomy or periprosthetic fracture. Successful outcome was seen in all cases with an intact femur, and restoration of femoral integrity was key to successful outcome in cases with compromised femoral integrity. Among cases with disrupted femoral integrity, 3 distal fractures occurred as a result of the rigid CPT cement plug, and 2 complete femoral fractures occurred as a result of bone impaction, for a technique-related fracture rate of 16%. Difficulty packing bone distally occurred in 94% of cases and was associated with varus and valgus stem alignment and medial and lateral stem displacement. Complete cement mantles were seen in 77% of cases. No stem subsidence was seen in 15 of 30 cases (50%). Stem subsidence of <5 mm was seen in 10 of 30, stem subsidence of 6 to 8 mm was seen in 4 of 30, and stem subsidence of >10 mm was seen in 1 patient (4%). Of the patients, 87% thought the procedure improved their function, and 97% would recommend it to a friend with a failed femoral component. Although we hope that the instruments for this procedure can improve, we endorse the concept of impaction grafting with the CPT stem as a successful way of dealing with revision femoral surgery.     

Intramedullary nailing confers an increased risk of medial migration compared to dynamic hip screw fixation in unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures

IntroductionMedial migration of the femoral neck element (FNE) superomedially against gravity with respect to the intramedullary component of the cephalomedullary nail is a complication increasingly recognized to cause femoral head cut-out in intramedullary nailing of pertrochanteric hip fractures. Although cut-outs are common to both intra- and extramedullary fixation, especially in unstable pertrochanteric hip fractures, FNE medial migration in sliding hip screws continues to remain sparse despite increased awareness of the phenomenon. This study aims to investigate whether intramedullary nailing is biomechanically predisposed to FNE medial migration compared to extramedullary fixation with sliding hip screws to account for the discrepancy in reported FNE medial migration rates.Materials and methodsTwelve fourth-generation synthetic femurs (Sawbones) with unstable intertrochanteric fractures were divided into 2 groups (n=6 per group). Fracture fixation was performed using the Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA, Synthes) (n=6) in the first group, and the Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS, Synthes) (n=6) in the second group. Both groups were subjected to bidirectional cyclic loading (600N compression loading, 120N tensile loading) at 2 Hz for 5000 cycles. The medial migration distance (MMD) was recorded at the end of the testing cycles.ResultsThe mean MMD in the PFNA group was 4.56mm (SD 0.69mm) with consistent reproduction of medial migration across all constructs tested. This was significantly more compared to the MMD of 1.17mm (SD 0.69mm) in the DHS group (p<0.001).ConclusionIntramedullary nailing of unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures is inherently predisposed to FNE medial migration making it more susceptible to consequent cut-out compared to fixation with the DHS.     

In vivo properties of an intramedullary hydroxyapatite plug to improve femoral stem fixation

An intramedullary hydroxyapatite (HA) plug was inserted in each tibia of five rabbits. Histological observation showed the presence of newly formed bone tissue bridging between the inner cortex and the HA plug at 3 months postoperatively. This new bone was in direct contact with the HA plug, and there was no fibrous tissue intervention. Based on these results, the HA plug was used in a hip hemiarthroplasty with bone cement. The radiograph taken 4 years postoperatively showed that the plug-bone interface was indistinct, and some of the plug's edges became rounded by replacement with newly developed bone. The femoral component was stable without subsidence. The HA plug stabilized by bone ingrowth in the femoral canal would certainly be useful to prevent the femoral component from subsiding, in addition to increasing the cement-bone interface pressure at the time of surgery.     

Alpine and cross-country skiing after total hip replacement: 2 cohorts of 50 patients each,one active,the other inactive in skiing,followed for 5-10 years

2 groups of 50 patients each, matched for age, weight, height, gender and type of implant, were clinically and radiographically examined after THR. Group A regularly carried out alpine skiing and/or cross-country skiing, while group B did no winter sports. At 5 years, no signs of loosening were found in group A, whereas 5/60 implants in group B had signs of loosening, mostly of the femoral component (p < 0.05). At 10 years, 30 patients remained in group A and 27 in group B. No new cases of loosening were found in group B, but 2/30 cases in group A. There was a higher (p < 0.05) average wear rate in group A (2.1 mm) than in group B (1.5 mm). The wear rate was particularly high (3-4 mm) in physically very active patients in group A with localized osteolysis at the interface. It seems likely that in an even longer follow-up, the number of cases of aseptic loosening would be greater in group A than group B. Our findings, combined with the results of previously-published biomechanical studies, do not provide any evidence that controlled alpine and/ or cross-country skiing has a negative effect on the acetabular or femoral component of hip replacements. The results of the biomechanical studies indicate, however, that it is advantageous to avoid short-radius turns on steep slopes or moguls.     

Effects of stem length on mechanics of the femoral hip component after cemented revision

Bone loss in the proximal femur at the time of revision hip arthroplasty for a failed primary cemented femoral component can substantially reduce the stability of the revision stem, Use of an extended-length femoral component has been suggested to aid in achieving long-term fixation; however, the optimal stem length is unknown, A three-dimensional finite element model of a charnley-type revision femoral component in a sclerotic shell of cortical bone devoid of cancellous bone was developed, and five different stem lengths ranting from 140 to 273 mm were used. The interface between the sclerotic bone and cement mantle consisted of fibrous tissue. Distal to the sclerotic bone, bonding was allowed between the cement and bone. Relative motion between the cement and bone was reduced substantially when the stem extended beyond the original defect. Maximum principal stresses in the proximal cement mantle decreased from 7.7 to 5.5 MPa, but cement stresses near the distal tip increased from 7.9 to 10.7 MPa when the stem just bridged the defect. Further increases in stem length reduced the distal cement stresses. Increases beyond two femoral diameters had a minor effect on changes in relative motion, cement mantle stresses, and stresses across the cement-bone interface. The results suggest that a femoral component that extends beyond the area of cancellous bone defect by two femoral diameters will be most effective in minimizing stresses and motion that could be associated with clinical loosening of the cemented revision. A shorter stem that just bridges the cancellous bone defect left from the primary procedure may not provide adequate distal fixation due to high cement-bone shear stresses.     

Total hip arthroplasty with a cemented, polished, collared femoral stem and a cementless acetabular component. A follow-up study at a minimum of ten years

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that cemented femoral components with a polished surface may provide superior long-term fixation when compared with femoral components with a roughened surface. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of total hip arthroplasty with a cemented femoral component with a polished surface finish and compare them with the results of total hip arthroplasty performed with a similar design of cemented femoral component with a rougher surface finish. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive group of 132 patients (149 hips) in whom primary total hip arthroplasty had been performed by one surgeon using a cemented collared femoral component with a polished (0.1-microm Ra) surface finish and a cementless acetabular component. Ninety-eight patients (115 hips) were followed for a minimum of ten years. We compared the survivorship of this prosthesis with that of a femoral component of similar design but with rougher surfaces (matte or grit-blasted). RESULTS: No polished stems were revised because of aseptic loosening or demonstrated radiographic evidence of loosening; however, eight hips (5.4%) with a polished stem demonstrated osteolysis distal to the greater or lesser tro-chanter. In contrast, six stems (2.0%) with a matte surface finish of 0.8-microm Ra were revised because of aseptic loosening, and an additional five stems were seen to be loose radiographically. Eleven stems (9.2%) with a grit-blasted surface finish of 2.1-microm Ra were revised because of aseptic loosening, and an additional four stems were seen to be loose radiographically. The difference in the prevalence of revision due to aseptic loosening between the group with the 0.1-microm Ra surface and the group with the 2.1-microm Ra surface was significant (p = 0.001), as was the difference between the prevalence of revision due to aseptic loosening between the group with the 0.8-microm Ra surface and the group with the 2.1-microm Ra surface (p = 0.001). No cups were revised because of aseptic loosening, and one hip had radiographic signs of acetabular loosening. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated excellent durability of a prosthesis consisting of a cemented, collared, polished femoral component and a cementless acetabular component. While no hips were revised because of aseptic loosening, distal femoral osteolysis was observed in eight hips (5.4%), a higher prevalence than has been reported by others after similar durations of follow-up of tapered, collarless, polished femoral components.     

Midterm Results of Hybrid Cement Technique in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

While the number of revision total knee arthoplasties (TKA) performed in the United States continues to rise annually, controversy exists whether intramedullary stems should be cemented or press-fit. Retrospective analysis of midterm survivorship rate of revision TKA using hybrid stem fixation in 119 patients was performed. Revision was performed predominantly for aseptic loosening (78) and infections (28). Average follow-up was 62 months (range, 46–80). Knee Society Pain and Function scores improved from 39 and 58 to 68 and 79 (P < .05). Fifty-eight tibial offsets and 28 femoral offsets were utilized. Three knees (2.5%) required revision without any cases of aseptic loosening. Radiographic complete or progressively advanced (> 2 mm) radiolucent lines were not observed in any patient. At mid-term follow-up, revision hybrid TKA provides excellent fixation with extremely low rates of aseptic loosening and avoids the inherent complications of extensive intramedullary cement.     

Early outcome of a modular femoral component in revision total hip arthroplasty

Forty-six hips in 42 patients underwent revision surgery with a modular femoral component (ZMR; Zimmer, Warsaw, Ind). Thirty-nine hips with 2 to 5 years' follow-up were evaluated radiographically and clinically by the Harris hip score and WOMAC pain/stiffness/function scores. The Harris hip score improved from 47.4 to 72.3 (P<.001), with significant improvements in the WOMAC pain/stiffness/function scores. The mean subsidence was 4.4 mm, with 5 hips demonstrating significant subsidence of more than 5 mm. Four hips required reoperation, 1 due to failure of the femoral component. No early complications were encountered regarding the modular junction. Modular, cementless, extensively porous, coated femoral components have demonstrated early clinical and radiographic success. Distal intramedullary fit helps ensure initial stability; proximal modularity further maximizes fit while optimizing hip offset and length.     

股骨皮质骨开窗技术在髋关节翻修术中的应用

目的 探讨股骨前外侧皮质骨开窗技术在髋关节翻修术中取出股骨远端稳定固定骨水泥的价值.方法 2005年5月至2009年6月,共14例(14髋)因各种原因致髋关节置换术后失败患者接受全髋关节翻修手术.其中男性10例,女性4例,年龄54～75岁,平均66岁.翻修原因为股骨头置换术后髋臼磨损5例、全髋关节置换术后假体周围骨溶解并松动6例、骨水泥柄股骨近端骨溶解柄断裂1例、髋臼骨溶解假体松动翻修同时行股骨柄翻修1例,感染后二期翻修时远端骨水泥取出困难1例.14例(14髋)股骨柄均为骨水泥同定.术中按术前计划开窗部位、开窗范围于股骨皮质骨开一长方形骨窗.通过骨窗直视下彻底清除髓腔内稳定固定的骨水泥,修整股骨髓腔.植入翻修柄后将皮质骨开窗骨瓣原位回植,双股钢丝捆绑固定.术后定期随访拍摄x线片.观察皮质骨开窗骨瓣与周围骨愈合情况、骨瓣有无移位、股骨柄有无下沉以及有无捆绑钢丝断裂等.结果 10例患者术后获得随访,平均随访时间24.6个月.股骨皮质骨开窗长度2.5～6.0 cm,平均3.4 cm,宽度0.8～1.4 cm,平均1.2 cm.股骨开窗远端以远部分发生纵形劈裂骨折1例.无术中皮质骨穿孔及股骨干骨折.向远段扩大开窗1例,扩大长度1.5 cm.开窗部位皮质骨骨瓣原位回植选择2～3道双股钢丝固定,平均2.3道.随访期间2例发牛假体柄下沉(平均2.5 mm),无皮质骨瓣移位以及捆绑钢丝断裂,术后3～5个月皮质骨瓣已于周围骨纤维愈合.随访期间无一例因各种原因致再次翻修.结论 股骨皮质骨开窗技术在髋关节翻修术中有助于直视下彻底取出股骨髓腔远端稳定固定的骨水泥,同时不会造成股骨骨丢失、不影响翻修柄植入后的稳定固定.     

Characteristic loosening of the distally straight cylindrical femoral stem

Background

The cemented femoral stem with a distally straight cylindrical shape was designed to fill the distal femoral canal to facilitate higher cement pressurization and stability. We examined the mid-term outcomes of a stem made of titanium alloy and the efficacy of this shape.

Methods

Four hundred and twenty-nine consecutive patients (505 hips), who underwent a total hip arthroplasty with the distally straight cylindrical stem made of titanium alloy as their primary hip arthroplasty at two institutes, were followed for a minimum 2 years. Loosening was defined as subsidence of over 3 mm, tilting of the femoral component, or fracture of the cement or the stem. A continuous radiolucent line along the entire interface was considered to indicate loosening, too. We examined the interface stresses on the distally straight cylindrical stem compared with a newly manufactured femoral prosthesis with a double-taper design using a finite element model study.

Results

The mean follow-up was 101.3 months after surgery. Thirty patients (30 hips) had aseptic loosening of the stems. Of these 30 hips, 18 had osteolysis, 17 showed subsidence, and 11 had cement fractures at the tip of the stem. These 11 hips had osteolysis and ectasia in the same place: the stem tip. The stem survival rate with stem loosening as the end-point was 94.4 % at 10 years and 66.9 % at 15 years. A finite element model study revealed higher stress around the tip of the cylindrical stem compared with that in the double-taper stem.

Conclusions

The straight cylindrical stem is potentially subject to early failure because of high stress around the tip of the stem, and showed a characteristic loosening with osteolysis and ectasia at the tip of the stem.     

Precoated femoral component in total hip arthroplasty. Results of 5- to 9-year followup.

One hundred nineteen consecutive primary hybrid total hip arthroplasties with a precoated femoral component were performed by one surgeon in 100 patients and followed up prospectively. Ninety-eight hips in 82 patients (mean age, 67 years) were evaluated clinically and radiographically at a mean of 6.5 years (range, 5-9 years). The hips were evaluated clinically using the Harris hip score, and radiographs were evaluated for femoral cement grade, loosening, and osteolysis. Ninety-five hips remained in place at the most recent followup. Two femoral components were revised for definite loosening, and one well fixed femoral component was removed because of late hematogenous infection. Excluding the three hips that were revised, the clinical result was excellent or good in 79 hips (83%), fair in 12 hips (13%), and poor in four hips (4%). All other femoral components were well fixed. There were defects of the cement mantles (C1 and C2) in 90 hips. No femoral component had a stem and cement radiolucent line. Focal femoral osteolysis was seen in only two hips. One acetabular component was removed at 5 years because of late hematogenous infection. One acetabular component had asymptomatic migration. The remaining 96 acetabular components were well fixed. Focal acetabular osteolysis was present in four hips. The mean linear polyethylene wear rate was 0.06 (+/- 0.05) mm per year. In contrast to other reports of early failure and osteolysis, the use of a precoated femoral component in this study did not adversely affect the fixation of hybrid total hip arthroplasty, with definite failure of only 2% (two of 98) of the femoral components.     

Improved cementation in total hip replacement

Insufficient cementation has been suggested to be the most common cause of loosening of the femoral component after total hip arthroplasty. A clinical and radiographic study of 129 consecutive, primary total hip replacements was performed 5 years after surgery, in order to evaluate the significance of femoral plugging, special attention being focused on cementation and radiographic loosening. A polyethylene medullary plug was used in 78 hips which were compared with 51 non-plugged hips with respect to the clinical course and radiographic appearance. The cement mantle around the femoral component was thicker, and the packing of cement significantly improved when the plug was used. The frequency of radiographic loosening was smaller in the plugged group but with no statistical significance. There was no difference in clinical results between the compared groups. Our results indicate that medullary plugging improves the cementation and in particular prevents insufficient cementation of the femoral component.