Three to seven year follow-up of a tapered modular femoral prosthesis in revision total hip arthroplasty

Purpose

Modular femoral prostheses can provide independent distal fixation and intraoperative flexibility and are being used increasingly, especially in patients with proximal femoral bone defects. This retrospective clinical study evaluated whether modular prostheses were effective and reliable implants for femoral revision.

Method

This case series consisted of 58 patients who underwent hip revision with a tapered modular femoral prosthesis at our institution between 2004 and 2008. Mean patient age at surgery was 64 years (range 18–86 years). Femoral bone defects before revision surgery were evaluated using the Paprosky classification. All patients were followed for a minimum of 3 years (mean 4.3 years, range 3–7 years) with clinical and radiographic evaluation. Re-revisions and complications were also recorded.

Results

Two stems required re-revision, one each for recurrent deep infection and periprosthetic fracture. At last follow-up, the Harris Hip Score and Visual Analog Pain Scores had improved significantly, the median radiographic stem migration was 1.6 mm, leg length discrepancy was corrected in 64 % of the patients and osseointegration occurred in 90 %. Complications included intraoperative fracture in 10 (17 %) patients and hip dislocation in 2 (3 %).

Conclusion

Modular femoral components can improve hip function, provide distal fixation, equalize leg length, and result in fewer complications when used to revise failed femoral components.     

Management of severe periacetabular bone loss combined with pelvic discontinuity in revision hip arthroplasty

Purpose

Revision of failed total hip arthroplasty with massive acetabular bone loss resulting in pelvic discontinuity represents a rare but challenging problem. The objective of this study was to present short to mid-term results of revision total hip arthroplasty with a custom-made acetabular implant in a consecutive series of patients with pelvic discontinuity.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 18 consecutive patients with massive acetabular bone loss (Paprosky Type 3B) resulting in pelvic discontinuity reconstructed with revision total hip arthroplasty using a custom-made acetabular component. The prosthesis was created on the basis of a thin-cut 1-mm computed tomography (CT) scan of the pelvis. Initial stability of the implant was obtained by screw fixation. Harris hip score and sequential radiographs were used to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results.

Results

At an average follow up of 30 months (range 17–62 months) 16 of 18 (88.9 %) custom-made implants were considered radiographically stable without signs of acetabular migration of more than 2 mm in the horizontal or vertical direction, implant rotation or screw breakage. Complications included two periprosthetic joint infections treated with explantation of the implant. Three patients had recurrent dislocations postoperatively. The mean Harris hip score improved from 28?±?12 points preoperatively to 69?±?13 points at the time of last follow up.

Conclusion

Treatment of acetabular bone loss and pelvic discontinuity with a custom-made acetabular component can provide a durable solution with good clinical and radiographic results.     

A randomised prospective evaluation of ceramic-on-ceramic and ceramic-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene bearings in the same patients with primary cementless total hip arthroplasty

Purpose

Very few studies have compared alumina-on-alumina ceramic and alumina-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene bearings in the same patient. The purpose of this prospective randomised study was to compare the clinical and radiographic results and the prevalence of osteolysis in cementless total hip arthroplasty using an alumina-on-alumina and alumina-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene bearings in young active patients.

Methods

We prospectively compared the results of 100 patients (200 hips) who had undergone a cementless total hip arthroplasty with an alumina-on-alumina ceramic bearing in one hip and an alumina-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene in the other. There were 66 men and 34 women with a mean age of 45.3 years (range, 21–49 years) at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up was 12.4 years (range, 11–13 years). The patients were assessed clinically and radiographically at three months, one year, and annually thereafter.

Results

Harris hip, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and University of California, Los Angeles activity scores did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups of bearings preoperatively or at the time of final follow-up. Radiographic findings of the component were not significantly different between the two groups. The mean polyethylene linear penetration was 0.031?±?0.004 mm per year. No hips in either group displayed osteolysis. The Kaplan-Meier survivorship with revision as the end point at 12.4 years was 100 % (95 % confidence interval [CI], 94–100 %) for the femoral component in both groups and 99 % (95 %CI, 93–100 %) for the acetabular component.

Conclusion

The clinical and radiographic results of using an alumina-on-alumina ceramic and alumina-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene bearings were similar.     

Midterm Outcomes of Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty With the Use of a Multihole Highly-Porous Titanium Shell

Background

We are reporting on the minimum 5-year outcomes of patients who underwent revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a specific highly-porous titanium shell. We assessed (1) aseptic and all-cause survivorship; (2) functional outcomes; (3) complications; and (4) radiographic outcomes.

Azetabuläre Revisionsoperationen mit der längsovalen Revisionspfanne

Background

Deficiencies of the acetabular bone stock are an increasing and challenging problem in revision hip surgery. The LOR oblong revision cup is a valuable option in revision hip surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes with the LOR revision cup in hips with acetabular bone deficiency, analyze the complications, and identify predictors of survival rate.

Patients and methods

From 1996 to 2002, 217 revision surgeries were performed with LOR cups. The mean patient age at operation was 67.5 years (range 29-87 years). The mean postoperative follow-up was 4 years (range 4–100 months). The patients were evaluated clinically and with the Harris hip score (HHS), UCLA score, and WOMAC index. A continuous radiographic assessment was done to detect heterotopic ossifications and radiolucencies or loosening on the basis of the Mayo hip score. Predictors of survival rate were estimated using Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis.

Results

Twenty-four patients (7.4%) died during the study period. Seven patients (3.1%) had revisions because of aseptic loosening and two patients (0.9%) because of infection. Clinical assessment at follow-up showed a significantly improved mean HHS from 45 points preoperatively to 78 points postoperatively. At the most recent follow-up, patients with a body mass index below 30 or those classified as Charnley A had a significantly better HHS. Because of migration on the latest radiographs, revision was indicated in 4.8% of the cases. The survival rate of all LOR implants based on implant removal was 96% after 40 months and 87% after 80 months. Based on radiographic evidence of loosened implants, the survival rate was 94% after 40 months and 79% after 80 months. Patients with more than two revisions had reduced implant survivorship compared with those having one or two revisions. The factors “age at operation”, “gender”, “obesity”, “ASA score”, “Charnley score”, and “activity according to the UCLA score” did not influence the survival rate.

Conclusion

We recommend this component in revision surgery on the basis of satisfactory clinical and radiological results at a mean of 48 months of follow-up. We identified the number of revisions as a predictor of survival rate.     

Impaction bone grafting and a cemented cup after acetabular fracture

Purpose

Patients suffering from post traumatic osteoarthritis of the acetabulum often require a total hip arthroplasty at a relatively young age. Long-term data outcome studies for this population are lacking. We report on the long-term outcome of 20 acetabular fractures in 20 patients treated with impaction bone grafting and a cemented cup after a mean follow-up of 18 years (range, 12–26 years).

Methods

The group consisted of 14 males (70 %) and six females (30 %) with an average age of 53.3 years (range, 35–75 years) at time of surgery. No patients were lost to follow-up. Four patients died and three patients underwent a revision; at review 13 patients were still living with their implant in situ. Survivorship analysis was performed at 20 years follow-up for three endpoints.

Results

Survival rate with endpoint revision for any reason at 20 years postoperative was 74.7 % (95 % confidence interval (CI), 40–91 %), 80.0 % (95 % CI, 41–95 %) for endpoint aseptic loosening, and 63.9 % (95 % CI 32–84 %) for endpoint radiographic failure. Three acetabular components were revised at 14.5, 15.3, and 16.7 years postoperative. Two cups failed for aseptic loosening and one cup failed due to septic loosening. The average postoperative Harris hip score was 82 (range, 56–100).

Conclusion

Acetabular reconstruction with impaction bone grafting and the use of a cemented cup after acetabular fracture is an attractive technique with acceptable long-term results and a low complication and re-operation rate.     

Reconstruction of the rotation center of the hip after oblong cups in revision total hip arthroplasty

Background

The preoperative bone defect and the reconstruction of the center of rotation of the hip are critical in acetabular revision surgery. Uncemented oblong cups are employed in order to manage these issues. We analyzed the clinical results and rates of revision of two different uncemented oblong cups, the reconstruction of the center of rotation of the hip, as well as the rate of radiological loosening and possible risk factors.

Materials and methods

Forty-five patients (46 hips) underwent acetabular revision surgery using two different uncemented oblong cups. We assessed the clinical results and the survival rate for revision and aseptic loosening. Intraoperative bone loss was classified according to Paprosky, and acetabular reconstruction was assessed according to Ranawat. The mean follow-up was 7.2 years (range 4–11 years).

Results

There were four re-revisions (three due to aseptic loosening); the survival rate for re-revision due to aseptic loosening was 60.1 % at seven years. The mean distance between the center of the femoral head prosthesis and the approximate center of the femoral head improved from 21.5 to 10.2 mm. Thirteen cups showed radiological loosening; the survival rate for radiological loosening at seven years was 40.54 %. A smaller postoperative horizontal distance was correlated with cup loosening.

Conclusions

Although optimal acetabular reconstruction can be achieved by using oblong uncemented cups in revision hip surgery, the clinical and radiological results are not encouraging. Excessive medialization of the cup may increase the rate of loosening.     

Hüftgelenkersatz mit der zementfreien Spiron-Schenkelhalsprothese

Objective

Cementless total hip arthroplasty with preservation of femoral neck and natural load transmission. Restoration of joint function and alleviation of pain.

Indications

Osteoarthritis of the hip or femoral head necrosis in younger patients.

Contraindications

Patients biologically >?65 years. Destructed or discontinued femoral neck. Pathologic hip formation: short femoral neck, severe enhanced or reduced CCD angle. Body mass index (BMI) >?30 (relative contraindication). Manifest osteoporosis. Necessity of immediate full weight bearing. Heavy smoking (relative contraindication). Ongoing chemotherapy.

Surgical technique

Anterolateral approach to the hip joint. Exposition of the femoral neck and resection of the femoral head at its lateral margin. Preparation of the acetabulum and insertion of a common acetabular component. Positioning of the center pin into the femoral neck. Face milling of the femoral neck butt. Preparation of the femoral neck with the Spiron drill bit. Insertion of the Spiron prosthesis. Trial reduction with a trial head. Substitution by the definitive head (cone 12/14 mm). Wound closure.

Postoperative management

Low centred X-ray of the pelvis and cross table view of the hip joint. Physiotherapy and partial weight bearing for 6 weeks. Prevention of deep vein thrombosis until achievement of full weight bearing.

Results

A total of 28 Spiron prosthesis were implanted in 26 patients (15 men, 11 women, mean age 51 years [range 34–64 years], mean BMI 28 kg/m² [range 21–39 kg/m²]) from August 2009 to January 2012. Diagnoses: 13 cases of primary osteoarthritis, 8 cases of secondary osteoarthritis, 5 cases of femoral head necrosis, and 2 cases of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. The mean surgery length was 93 min (range 70–121 min), the mean hospital stay was 9 days (range 6–16 days). Blood transfusion was not necessary in any of the cases. There were no immediate complications such as deep vein thrombosis, surgery requiring secondary bleeding, wound infection, nerve palsy, or dislocation of the hip. Postoperative radiologic examinations showed an average leg lengthening of 3 mm (range ?10–19 mm). No varus deviation of the prosthesis was observed. The Harris Hip Score improved from 55.4 points (range 33.5–76.9 points) preoperative to 90.5 points (range 75.7–99.9 points) 3 months postoperative. In 1 case with aseptic loosening, replacement surgery was performed without complications.     

Uncemented third-generation ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty using metal acetabular shell with direct taper locking liner

Background

The ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC)-bearing couple in total hip arthroplasty (THA) was developed to reduce the wear debris and osteolysis. Although the mechanical strength of third-generation ceramic has improved over previous generations, the risk of osteolysis and ceramic fracture is still an important concern.

Methods

We studied 124 uncemented THAs with third-generation CoC-bearing couple implanted between 2000 and 2004. The ceramic liner and head were secured with the direct taper locking mechanism. One hundred and eleven hips were followed-up for minimum of 8 years, with an average follow-up period of 10.1 years (range 8.0–12.8 years). Patients were evaluated with a particular emphasis on the prevalence of the osteolysis and the ceramic fracture.

Results

The survivorship with the end point as implant revision for any reason was 94.9 % (95 % confidence intervals 90.0–99.3 %) at 12.8 years. Revisions were performed because of one ceramic liner fracture, three dislocations, and two deep infections. No radiographic evidence of wear or osteolysis was observed. The preoperative Merle d’Aubigne and Postel hip score increased from 11.6 to 17.1.

Conclusions

Patients, who received third-generation CoC THA had no detectable wear and osteolysis. One ceramic fracture occurred, and the main reason for revision was dislocation.     

The modified Harrington procedure for metastatic peri-acetabular bone destruction

Purpose

We describe the outcome in a series of patients treated for metastatic peri-actetabular and iliac bone destruction using a modified technique of Harrington’s procedure.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2012, nine patients with a mean age of 62.2 years (42–75 years) were treated using a modified Harrington technique. Thereby, total hip replacement implants augmented by two to three threaded pins and cement were used to restore bony continuity of the pelvis and to achieve a stable construction allowing immediate full-weight bearing mobilisation.

Results

Acetabular destruction was graded according to Harrington’s classification of peri-acetabular metastatic destruction, as class IV in one case, class III in six, and class II in two cases. The pre-operative ASA score ranged from II–IV. There were no intra-operative deaths or major complications such as excessive haemorrhage, deep infections, lesions of the femoral nerve, loss of fixation, or dislocations at final follow-up. Eight patients achieved an improvement of their functional status postoperatively. One reconstruction required revision and four patients died due to their underlying disease ten to 36 months after surgery.

Conclusion

We found this technique an effective, reproducible, and long-lasting method to relieve pain and improve or restore function in patients with destructive metastatic lesions of the peri-acetabular bone and the iliac wing. Although we performed surgery even in severely ill patients with extended, generalised metastatic disease we had no intra- or postoperative death and observed no major complications.     

Charnley-Kerboull total hip arthroplasty combining zirconia on polyethylene. A minimum eight-year follow-up prospective study

Purpose

Zirconia was introduced in the 1980s for total hip arthroplasty (THA) with the expectation of lower polyethylene wear. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the results of a continuous series of total hip arthroplasties combining a zirconia head with polyethylene socket at a minimum eight-year follow-up.

Methods

We performed an open prospective clinical trial in 1997. Our study involved 51 consecutive patients (55 hips) with a mean age of 52.5 ± 12 years (range, 25–76 years). All patients had a Charnley-Kerboull all-cemented hip replacement. A 22-mm stabilised yttrium tetragonal polycrystalline zirconia head (Y-TZP) was used in association with moderately cross-linked and annealed polyethylene. Clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed yearly. A survival analysis was performed using revision for any reason as the end-point.

Results

At a minimum eight-year follow-up, 12 patients (13 hips) were lost to follow-up (mean 26.8 months), two patients (two hips) had died, and six patients (six hips) were revised. The remaining 31 patients (34 hips) were alive and had not been revised on either the femoral or acetabular side at a mean follow-up of 117.1 months (range, 96–150 months). Mean functional score at last follow-up was 17.7. Mean linear head penetration was 0.23 mm/year. More than 90 % of the remaining hips had signs of periprosthetic osteolysis. Five stems were loosened. The survival at eight years was 87.3 % (95 % IC: 76.7–97.8).

Conclusion

This study confirms earlier short-terms results, and demonstrates that zirconia should no longer be used in THA.     

Revision total hip replacement with a cemented long femoral component: minimum 9-year follow-up results

Background

Surgical revision after failed total hip replacement is a technically challenging procedure. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term results of revision total hip replacement using a cemented long femoral component and identify factors that influence the results.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 34 hips in 33 patients who had undergone revision total hip replacement using a cemented long femoral component between 1994 and 2001. Hip function was evaluated according to the scoring system of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Radiographic examination was performed for evaluation of stem loosening, and its possible risk factors were investigated.

Results

The mean follow-up duration was 11.3 years (9–15). Perioperative complications included intraoperative femoral cortex perforation (six hips, 18 %), dislocation (five hips, 15 %), deep venous thrombosis (one hip, 3 %) and postoperative periprosthetic fracture (one hip, 3 %). The mean preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association hip score was 50.3 ± 14.9 vs 78.2 ± 11.5 at the latest follow-up. The Kaplan–Meier survival rate at 15 years, calculated using radiological failure or re-revision of the femoral component for any reason as the end point, was 87 or 100 %, respectively. The failure-free survival rate for the subgroup with a good-quality cement mantle was significantly higher than that for the subgroup with poor quality (p = 0.033).

Conclusions

The quality of cementation was identified as a significant risk factor for further loosening. Revision total hip replacement using a cemented long femoral component yielded satisfactory long-term results in this series.