Cementless CUT femoral neck prosthesis: increased rate of aseptic loosening after 5 years

BACKGROUND: Bone-saving hip arthroplasty techniques, which facilitate revision, are gaining importance as the number of hip replacements in younger patients increases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 123 CUT femoral neck prostheses (ESKA Implants, Lübeck, Germany) were implanted in 113 patients (average age 53 years) between 1999 and 2002. After a mean follow-up of 5 (3-7) years, we determined the state of 120 prostheses; 3 patients could not be located. 97 patients with 107 prostheses, none of which had been revised, were evaluated clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: The median Harris hip score improved from 51 points to 92 points in the unrevised hips. 13 CUT prostheses (11%) had been revised, 7 because of aseptic loosening, 3 because of persisting thigh pain, 1 because of immediate vertical migration, and 2 because of septic loosening. The 5-year survival rate of the CUT prosthesis was 89%. INTERPRETATION: The medium-term survival with this type of femoral component is unsatisfactory, with a high rate of aseptic loosening. The surviving prostheses had a good clinical outcome.     

Schenkelhalsendoprothese Typ CUT

BACKGROUND: As the number of younger patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty is growing steadily, bone-saving implantation techniques are increasingly gaining in importance. METHODS: Fifty-six femoral neck prostheses (type CUT, ESKA Implants, Lübeck, Germany) were implanted in 50 patients between 1999 and 2002 (average age 49 years). After a mean follow-up of 4.9 years (min.: 3.2, max.: 6.5), we determined the state of all the prostheses. Forty-four patients with 50 prostheses were examined clinically with the Harris hip score and were assessed radiologically. RESULTS: The average Harris hip score improved from 48 points preoperatively to 93 points at the most recent follow-up examination. Of the 56 CUT prostheses, 6 (10.7%) had been revised. Four of these six cases (7.1%) required revision because of aseptic loosening. The radiological evaluation of these four cases revealed in three cases progressive horizontal migration with varization of the prosthesis, although the stem had been correctly positioned in primary surgery, with the femoral neck resected too widely or completely. After 4.9 years, the survival rate of the CUT prostheses is 88.4% according to Kaplan-Meier for a necessary exchange of the CUT prostheses as an endpoint. CONCLUSION: The use of the CUT prosthesis can lead to good clinical and radiological results, but shows a higher loosening rate as compared with cementless standard stems. Further studies are necessary to determine if the CUT prosthesis is a real alternative to cementless standard stems.     

5-year clinical and radiostereometric analysis (RSA) follow-up of 39 CUT femoral neck total hip prostheses in young osteoarthritis patients

Background As the number of young patients receiving total hip arthroplasty increases, bone-saving implantations facilitating possible future revision, such as the CUT femoral neck prosthesis, are gaining importance. There have been few medium-term results reported for this prosthesis, however, and its migration pattern has not been analyzed.

Patients and methods 39 consecutive CUT femoral neck prostheses were implanted in 32 patients, mean age 37 (17–58) years, with symptomatic osteoarthritis and either less than 55 years of age or with an anatomic anomaly preventing implantation of a diaphyseal stem (n = 1). Patients were followed prospectively using routine clinical examination and radiostereometric analysis (RSA) at 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks postoperatively and annually thereafter. This study evaluated the 5-year follow-up results.

Results The mean Harris hip score increased from 26 (3–51) points preoperatively to 84 (66–98), 86 (55–98), and 87 (47–98) points at 3, 12, and 60 months. 3 stems were revised: 1 after luxation following excessive subsidence due to an undersized component and 2 due to persistent strong thigh pain. 5-year survival was 95% (95% CI: 87–100). Initial migration varied widely in magnitude; median total tip migration was 0.42 mm (0.09–9.4) at 6 weeks, 0.92 mm (0.18–5.9) at 1 year, and 1.10 mm (0.13–6.4) at 5 years. Even after high initial migration, stabilization was achieved in 31 of the 35 RSA-evaluable implants. 3 prostheses showed progressive continuous migration throughout the entire follow-up period, and were considered to be loose, suggesting reduced long-term survival.

Interpretation Currently, we cannot recommend the CUT femoral neck prosthesis as a routine treatment option in (young) patients requiring THA. The CUT prosthesis may not reach the 90% survival benchmark at 10 years, and the prosthesis is difficult to implant. If initial stabilization is achieved, however, aseptic loosening is unlikely. A good clinical outcome was seen in the surviving prostheses. We will continue to follow this patient group.     

Long-term outcome of cemented total hip arthroplasty with the Charnley-type femoral stem made of titanium alloy

BackgroundTotal hip arthroplasty is a successful treatment for hip diseases including osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and rheumatoid arthritis. Various designs of cemented femoral stems made of stainless steel and titanium alloy have been used. Among them, Charnley-type femoral stems made of stainless steel have often been reported to have good long-term outcome. However, the long-term outcome of the Charnley-type femoral stem made of Ti alloy is yet to be reported. We conducted a retrospective study to assess the long-term outcome of cemented primary total hip arthroplasty with the Charnley-type femoral stem made of Ti alloy.MethodsBetween October 1988 and February 1997, 341 cemented primary total hip arthroplasties with the Charnley-type femoral stem made of Ti alloy were consecutively performed in our hospital. Among these, 164 patients (211 hips) who underwent this procedure were followed up for more than 12 years, and the surgical hips were analysed clinically and radiologically. The mean follow-up period was 20.6 years. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were performed to assess femoral component survival. Factors affecting stem revision for aseptic loosening were also investigated using log-rank tests.ResultsIn the functional assessment, the preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association score significantly improved from 47.2 points preoperatively to 79.0 points at the final follow-up. Eventually, 33 femoral stems were revised, of which 12 were revised for aseptic loosening. In the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, the 20-year survival rates with stem revision for aseptic loosening and radiological stem loosening at the end points were 95.9% and 97.1%, respectively. Original diagnosis (non-osteoarthritis) was the only significant factor for aseptic loosening of the femoral stem.ConclusionsCemented primary total hip arthroplasty with the Charnley-type femoral stem made of Ti alloy showed excellent outcomes for more than 20 years.     

5-year clinical and radiostereometric analysis (RSA) follow-up of 39 CUT femoral neck total hip prostheses in young osteoarthritis patients

Background As the number of young patients receiving total hip arthroplasty increases, bone-saving implantations facilitating possible future revision, such as the CUT femoral neck prosthesis, are gaining importance. There have been few medium-term results reported for this prosthesis, however, and its migration pattern has not been analyzed. Patients and methods 39 consecutive CUT femoral neck prostheses were implanted in 32 patients, mean age 37 (17-58) years, with symptomatic osteoarthritis and either less than 55 years of age or with an anatomic anomaly preventing implantation of a diaphyseal stem (n = 1). Patients were followed prospectively using routine clinical examination and radiostereometric analysis (RSA) at 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks postoperatively and annually thereafter. This study evaluated the 5-year follow-up results. Results The mean Harris hip score increased from 26 (3-51) points preoperatively to 84 (66-98), 86 (55-98), and 87 (47-98) points at 3, 12, and 60 months. 3 stems were revised: 1 after luxation following excessive subsidence due to an undersized component and 2 due to persistent strong thigh pain. 5-year survival was 95% (95% CI: 87-100). Initial migration varied widely in magnitude; median total tip migration was 0.42 mm (0.09-9.4) at 6 weeks, 0.92 mm (0.18-5.9) at 1 year, and 1.10 mm (0.13-6.4) at 5 years. Even after high initial migration, stabilization was achieved in 31 of the 35 RSA-evaluable implants. 3 prostheses showed progressive continuous migration throughout the entire follow-up period, and were considered to be loose, suggesting reduced long-term survival. Interpretation Currently, we cannot recommend the CUT femoral neck prosthesis as a routine treatment option in (young) patients requiring THA. The CUT prosthesis may not reach the 90% survival benchmark at 10 years, and the prosthesis is difficult to implant. If initial stabilization is achieved, however, aseptic loosening is unlikely. A good clinical outcome was seen in the surviving prostheses. We will continue to follow this patient group.     

Long-term results of use of a collared matte-finished femoral component fixed with second-generation cementing techniques. A fifteen-year-median follow-up study

BACKGROUND: So-called second-generation cementing techniques in total hip arthroplasty have been shown to provide better survival of the femoral component than first-generation methods do; however, surface finish and other features of the component design also influence the durability of the reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to determine the results of primary total hip replacement with use of a collared femoral component with a matte-finished surface fixed with second-generation cementing techniques and followed for ten to twenty years. METHODS: The study group consisted of 256 consecutive hips in 236 patients who had had a primary total hip arthroplasty with fixation of a Harris Design-2 femoral component with second-generation cementing techniques (use of an intramedullary plug and a cement gun). The mean age of the patients at the time of the operation was sixty-six years. One hundred and twelve patients were male, and 124 were female. Seven patients were lost to follow-up less than ten years after the operation. The median duration of follow-up of the living patients who had not had a revision was 15.4 years. RESULTS: At the time of the most recent follow-up, nineteen femoral components (7%) had been revised because of aseptic loosening, five (2%) had been removed because of deep infection, and one (0.4%) had been revised because of recurrent dislocation. The mean Harris hip score for the surviving patients who had not had a revision improved from 51 points preoperatively to 91 points at the most recent evaluation. At fifteen years, the estimated survival rate of the femoral components was 92.2% with revision due to aseptic loosening as the end point and 90.1% with mechanical failure (radiographic loosening or revision due to aseptic loosening) as the end point. Patients who were younger than fifty years old at the time of the operation had a lower fifteen-year rate of survival of the femoral implant, in terms of both revision due to aseptic loosening (72.3% compared with 95.7%, p = 0.0001) and mechanical failure (72.3% compared with 93.1%, p = 0.005), than did patients who were fifty years or older. CONCLUSIONS: Fixation of this collared matte-finished femoral component with use of second-generation cementing techniques for primary total hip replacement provided satisfactory results at ten to twenty years in older patients but less satisfactory results in younger patients.     

Staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty using rough and smooth surface femoral stems with similar design: 10-year survivorship of 48 cases

Background?Various studies have reported good long-term results using femoral stems with either smooth or rough surfaces. In this retrospective cross-sectional survivorship study, we reviewed the 10-year results of 51 bilateral staged cemented total hip arthroplasties using the Harvard or the Charnley femoral stems—which have almost similar geometry but a different surface finish.

Methods?51 patients were reviewed at median interval of 10 (Harvard group) and 11 years (Charnley group) after the primary operation. We evaluated cement mantle thickness, alignment of the components, presence of radiolucent lines, and aseptic loosening. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to calculate the survival rate using various endpoints.

Results?8 hips in the Harvard group were revised for aseptic loosening of thefemoral component at a median interval of 6.3 years after the primary procedure. 3 hips in the Charnley group were revised for aseptic loosening of the femoral and acetabular components between 10 and 11 years after the primary procedure. The 10-year survival rate for the femoral component using revision surgery for aseptic loosening as an endpoint was 80% (95% CI: 31–42) and 95% (95% CI: 44–47) in the Harvard and the Charnley group, respectively. Cox regression analysis did not reveal any statistically significant effect of various radiographical parameters on the survival rate (p < 0.05).

Interpretation?Our results demonstrate that in the group of patients studied, the femoral stem component with the matt surface finish had less satisfactory 10-year survival than the femoral stem of similar design which had a smooth surface finish.

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Poor intermediate-term survival of the uncemented Optan anatomically adapted femoral component

Purpose — We evaluated the 5-year survival of the uncemented Optan anatomically adapted femoral stem, with revision for aseptic loosening as the endpoint.

Methods — Between January 2004 and March 2007, 432 total hip arthroplasties (THAs) were performed in 432 patients. After follow-up for a mean time of 5 years, the patients were evaluated using the WOMAC questionnaire and plain radiography. Patients who were unable to attend the follow-up visit were contacted by telephone to determine whether they had had any revision surgery of their THA

Results — Within 5 years, 39 patients (9%) had died of unrelated causes and 63 patients (15%) had been lost to follow-up. Of the remaining cohort, 224 patients (68%) had full follow-up while 88 patients (27%) were evaluated with WOMAC only and 18 patients (5%) were evaluated with radiography only. The mean WOMAC score of all evaluated patients was 21 (10–100). At 5-year follow-up, there were 26 stem revisions reported (6%), 14 hips (3%) showed aseptic loosening, and 12 hips (3%) had had a periprosthetic femoral fracture. The 5-year survival to revision for any reason was 94%. Worst-case analysis yielded a 5-year survival of 79%.

Interpretation — The 5-year survival for aseptic loosening of the Optan anatomically adapted femoral component was disappointing. Radiographic evaluation showed evidence of proximal radiolucencies and distal cortical bone hypertrophy, which we attribute to insufficient proximal bone in-growth and increased load transfer at the tip of the stem. We do not recommend the use of the Optan femoral stem.     

Cemented collarless (exeter-CPT) versus cementless collarless (PCA) femoral components: A 2- to 14-year follow-up evaluation

The purpose of this study was to compare the intermediate results of total hip arthroplasty with a cemented, collarless, femoral prosthesis design (Exeter, Howmedica, Middlesex, UK and CPT, Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) with those of a cementless, collarless, porous-coated femoral component (PCA, Howmedica). A total of 151 hips in 128 patients were reviewed. In the cemented group, 85 Exeter-CPT prostheses were used in 71 patients with an average follow-up period of 6.5 years. In the uncemented group, 66 PCA prostheses were placed in 57 patients with an average follow-up period of 7 years. Harrington hip scores improved from 50.1 to 80.7 for the PGA group and from 49.5 to 87.3 for the Exeter-CPT group. The patient satisfaction rates were 89 and 96%, respectively. Sixty-eight patients with Exeter or CPT prostheses had excellent function and no significant thigh pain after 2 years. One Exeter stem was revised 10 years after the primary surgery because of localized osteolysis due to cement defect. Two Exeter sockets were revised because of aseptic loosening. In the PCA group, the incidence of thigh pain that persisted beyond 2 years was 39.4%, and there were high incidences of distal cortical hypertrophy (66.6%) and bead loosening (45.5%). Sixteen hips were revised for aseptic stem loosening, uncontrollable thight pain, or stem fracture (1 hip), and seven were revised because of migration and aseptic loosening of the socket. The cementless ingrowth stems failed earlier (around 5 years), whereas the cemented stems continued to perform well past 14 years. In this study, the cemented, collarless, collarless, porous-coated anatomic design at an average follow-up period of 7 years (range, 2–14 years).     

Total hip arthroplasty using an Omniflex modular system: 5 to 12 years followup

We evaluated intermediate-term results of primary cementless Omniflex prostheses. Forty-nine patients (57 hips) with a mean age of 44 years were observed for an average of 8.6 years. The average Harris hip score was 46 points before surgery and 87 points at final followup. Revision was done in five hips (9%) in five patients. Two acetabular components (4%) were revised because of breakage of the polyethylene insert. Three femoral components (5%) were revised because of aseptic loosening. Six femoral components (10%) were radiographically loose. Overall, 11 hips (19%) were considered mechanical failures. Osteolysis was identified around three acetabular components (5%) and around 20 femoral components (35%). Nine hips (16%) had femoral osteolysis around the distal stem tip. The average annual polyethylene liner wear was 0.18 mm. These results were inferior to those using other recent cementless total hip systems.     

N-acetylcysteine attenuates lung injury in a rodent model of fracture

Background?The role of growth factors in prosthesis loosening is unclear. We evaluated the levels of plate-let-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), transforming growth factors β1 (TGF-β1) and β2 (TGF-β2), both before and after activation, in patients with aseptic loosening of their hip prosthesis.

Patients and methods?26 patients with loosened hip implants were compared with 21 patients who had stable hip prostheses, and 28 patients undergoing primary hip replacement. The plasma levels of the growth factors were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay. TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 were determined both before and after activation.

Results?Patients with aseptic loosening had significantly lower PDGF-BB levels than patients undergoing primary hip replacement, and significantly lower TGF-β2 levels than patients with a stable implant. Patients with stable prostheses had significantly higher TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 levels than patients undergoing primary hip replacement.

Interpretation?It is possible that the prosthetic implant itself causes a local increase in PDGF-BB, TGF-β1 and TGF-β2, released by osteoblasts and other cells in the microenvironment. The plasma PDGF-BB measured does not correspond to local release, which is probably due to local consumption or degradation. The consumption of PDGF-BB is low in stable implants, and TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 levels increase during bone formation. In loosening, PDGF-BB consumption is higher and causes a significant reduction in plasma levels as compared to presurgery. The formation of poor-quality bone may be related to the scarce increase in TGF-β1 and TGF-β2. In conclusion, compared with patients with a stable implant, a reduction in bone-forming growth factors appears to occur in individuals with aseptic loosening.     

Cementless Spotorno tapered titanium stems

We evaluated the clinical and radiographic results of the first consecutive 154 implantations of a cementless, double-tapered straight femoral stem (cementless Spotorno (CLS), Sulzer Orthopedics) in 141 patients under the age of 55 (mean 47 (13–55)) years. After a mean follow-up of 12 (10–15) years, 11 patients (11 hips) had died and 7 (7 hips) could not be located. 5 patients (5 hips) underwent femoral revision—1 for infection, 1 for periprosthetic fracture and 3 for aseptic loosening of the stem. The overall survival rate of the stem was 97% at 12 years (95% confidence limits, 93%–100%), and survival with femoral revision for aseptic loosening as an end point 98 (95–100)%. The survival rate of the acetabular components was 78 (71–85) % after 12 years. The median Harris hip score at follow-up was 84 points. None of the patients had thigh pain. Radiolucent lines in Gruen regions 1 and 7 were present in 21 hips (17%). 2 hips had radiolucent lines in regions 2–6 on anteroposterior (AP) radiographs. No femoral osteolysis was detected.

The mid- to long-term survival with this type of femoral component is excellent and compares favorably with cemented stems in this age group. However, the high rate of cup loosening and the low Harris hip scores are a concern in this subgroup of young patients.     

Prosthetic overhang is the most effective way to prevent scapular conflict in a reverse total shoulder prosthesis

Background and purpose?Controversies still exist about whether there is any effect of operative approach on survival of hip prostheses. We compared long-term survival of primary total hip arthroplasties in a welldefined study population from a national prospective population-based registry with regard to the three most commonly used surgical approaches.

Methods?We assessed prosthesis survival according to surgical approach (the lateral with or without trochanteric osteotomy, and the posterolateral) for 19,304 Charnley and 6,002 Exeter total hip arthroplasties performed from 1987 to 2004.

Results?For Charnley total hip arthroplasties, lateral approach with trochanteric osteotomy had a lower probability of revision than lateral approach without trochanteric osteotomy (RR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.5–0.8). The lower revision rate was due to fewer revisions for aseptic loosening and dislocation. The differences had declined in the latest time period (1995–2004). We observed no differences between lateral approach without trochanteric osteotomy and posterolateral approach, except that there were more revisions due to dislocation in the posterolateral approach group (RR = 1.9, 95%CI: 1.1–3.2). No statistically significant differences were observed for Exeter total hip arthroplasties.

Interpretation?For Charnley prostheses, the lateral approach with trochanteric osteotomy gave a reduced revision risk compared to the other approaches, which was due to fewer revisions for dislocation, and in the first time period also fewer revisions due to aseptic loosening.     

Bony atrophy after mega total hip replacement for bone tumors: 11 cases followed for 3-15 years

We followed 11 patients 3-15 years after a cemented mega total hip replacement for a proximal femoral bone tumor. 7/8 survivors had good function and only occasional pain. 1 hip had been revised because of deep infection and in 1 case the cup had been exchanged because of aseptic loosening. 2 patients had been operated on because of local recurrence of the tumor. At follow-up, 1 patient had radiographic signs of loosening of the stem after 7 years. There was in 8 cases a pronounced athropy of the femoral cortical bone, not correlated to loosening of the stem.     

Long-Term (up to 38 Years) Failure Modes of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Adult Patients Who Had Childhood Infection of Hip

BackgroundThe long-term failure modes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in adult patients who had childhood infection have not been documented. The purpose of this study is to analyze the longer term clinical and radiographic results, prevalence of osteolysis, and survival rate of THA.MethodsWe reviewed the results of 142 patients (145 hips) (mean age 41.9 years). The age of the patients at the time that the infection was contracted was an average of 7.1 years (range 1-11). The average interval between active infection and THA was 34.5 years. All but 2 hips (1 patient) had a quiescent period of infection of more than 10 years. The average duration of follow-up after THA was 31.5 years (range 25-38).ResultsAll but 2 hips with more than 10 years of quiescent infection had no recurrence of infection. The remaining 2 hips in the 1 patient with only 7 years of quiescent infection had a recurrence of infection. Seventy-eight of 145 hips (54%) underwent isolated cup revision for loosening, or osteolysis, or dislocation. Thirty (21%) femoral components were revised for aseptic loosening and/or osteolysis. The Kaplan-Meier survivorship curve at 31.5 years showed that the survival rate of the acetabular component was 46% (95% confidence interval 39-74) and that of the femoral component was 79% (95% confidence interval 73-89).ConclusionContributing factors to the high failure rate of THAs were less than optimal prostheses and poor quality of polyethylene during the time period of this study.     

Long-Term Outcomes of Ultra-Short Metaphyseal-Fitting Anatomic Cementless Femoral Stem in Total Hip Arthroplasty With Ceramic-on-Ceramic Articulation for Young Patients

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to assess the long-term outcomes of this specific stem in patients younger than 50 years old, with regard to clinical and radiographic outcomes, survivorship, and complication rate.MethodsTwo hundred thirty-nine consecutive series of patients (324 hips) who were younger than 50 years old at the time of surgery were enrolled in the study. Osteonecrosis (50%) and dysplastic hip (34%) were most common diagnoses. Patients were informed to use crutches or walker for 4 weeks to protect the femoral component against rotational stress. The mean follow-up was 15.6 years (range 14-17).ResultsAt the latest follow-up, the mean Harris Hip Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, and University of California, Los Angeles activity score were 93 points, 13 points, and 7 points, respectively. Three patients (1.3%) had moderate thigh pain. All of the acetabular components and 321 (99%) femoral stems were solidly fixed at the time of the latest follow-up. Three stems (0.9%) were revised for aseptic loosening. Two hips (0.6%) had a dislocation and 2 hips (0.6%) had a periprosthetic fracture. Ceramic fracture or osteolysis was not found in any hip at the time of the final follow-up. Survival rate of the femoral component was 99.1% (95% confidence interval 94-100) and that of the acetabular component was 100% (95% confidence interval 94-100) at 15.6 years.ConclusionIn this series, THA using an ultra-short metaphyseal-fitting anatomic cementless femoral stem provided excellent long-term clinical and radiographic results in patients younger than 50 years old. Furthermore, our initial theoretical concerns about early aseptic loosening due to the absence of distal stem fixation were not justified.     

Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes of Modular Tapered Fluted Stems for Femoral Revision for Paprosky III and IV Femoral Defects or Vancouver B2 and B3 Femoral Fractures

BackgroundExtensive femoral bone loss poses a challenge in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). Many techniques have been developed to address this problem including fully porous cylindrical stems, impaction bone grafting, and cementation of long stems, which have had varied success. Modular tapered fluted femoral stems (MTFS) show favorable results. We sought to determine the minimum 2-year radiographic and clinical performance of MTFS in rTHA in a population with extensive proximal femoral bone loss.MethodsOur clinical database was queried retrospectively for all patients who underwent rTHA with an MTFS. We included patients with Paprosky 3 and 4 femoral bone loss and patients with Vancouver B2 and B3 periprosthetic femur fractures. Patients without 2-year follow-up were invited to return to clinic for X-ray evaluation and to complete clinical questionnaires. We assessed distance of stem subsidence and presence of stem fixation on final X-ray. We recorded all-cause revision and survival of the stem at final follow-up.ResultsOne hundred twenty-nine patients were available for follow-up. Average follow-up time was 3.75 years. One hundred twenty-two stems (95%) remained in place at final follow-up. Median subsidence was 1.4 mm (range 0-21). All-cause revision rate was 16.3% (21 patients). Of the hips revised, 10 were for instability, 6 for infection, 1 for aseptic loosening, and 1 for periprosthetic femur fracture. Three were revised for other reasons. The stem was revised in 7 patients (5.4%), and the most common reason for stem revision was infection (5 patients). The other 2 stems were revised for aseptic loosening in a Paprosky 4 femur and periprosthetic femur fracture. Survival of tapered modular fluted stems with aseptic failure as an endpoint was 98.4%. The mean Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement score at final follow-up was 73, and mean Veterans Rand 12 item health survey physical and mental scores were 32.8 and 52.2, respectively.ConclusionIn patients with Paprosky 3, 4 femoral defects or Vancouver type B2, B3 fractures, modular tapered fluted stems for femoral revision show excellent outcomes at minimum 2-year follow-up.     

Revision total hip arthroplasty with use of a cemented femoral component. Results at a mean of ten years

BACKGROUND: Revision of the femoral component of a total hip replacement with use of cement has been associated with early mechanical failure due to aseptic loosening. The purpose of the present study was to determine the long-term survival after revision of the femoral component with cement and to identify factors that were predictive of failure. METHODS: The results of 129 revision total hip arthroplasties that had been performed with use of a cemented femoral stem were reviewed to determine component survival. Ninety-seven hips that had been followed for a minimum of five years were included in survival analysis and tests of significance. Harris hip scores were used to quantify clinical outcomes. Clinical and surgical factors were analyzed to determine whether they were predictive of failure. RESULTS: The mean Harris hip score improved from 52 points preoperatively to 71 points at the time of the most recent follow-up (p < 0.001). The ten-year survival rate was 91% with rerevision of the femoral component because of aseptic loosening as the end point and 71% with mechanical failure as the end point. Patients who were more than sixty years old had greater long-term component survival and less pain than younger patients did (p < 0.05). A good-quality postoperative cement mantle was associated with better long-term radiographic signs of fixation (p < 0.001). Poor femoral bone quality was associated with an increased rate of rerevision for aseptic loosening (p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Revision with use of a cemented femoral component remains an option for selected patients, with an acceptable ten-year survival rate and fair radiographic evidence of fixation. Our patients had acceptable clinical outcomes at ten years, and few had notable pain. The best results may be achieved in older patients (those who are sixty years old or more) with adequate bone stock who are managed with modern cementing techniques.     

Aseptic Loosening of the Monk hip Prosthesis

In a preliminary report concerning 104 Monk arthroplasties satisfactory results were found within an observation time of 1.6 years (Hansen & Rechnagel 1977). However an early tendency for aseptic loosening was recorded. At a follow-up of the same patients after 5 years it was found that 17 patients, with their primary prostheses in place, had died. of the remaining 86 prostheses not less than 50 per cent had been removed because of loosening causing symptoms. Furthermore at re-examination of 39 patients with 43 of the primary prostheses still in situ radiological and clinical evidence of progressive aseptic loosening was present.

The aetiology of the loosening is discussed and it is suggested that wear of the polyethylene cap plays an important role. It is concluded that the “soft top” Monk prosthesis cannot be recommended for replacement arthroplasty of the hip.