Femoral and acetabular revision using impacted nondemineralized freeze-dried bone allografts

Background  Favorable results have been obtained by the use of deep-frozen bone allografts in total hip arthroplasty. However, owing to the shortage of deep-frozen allografts and the risk of infectious disease, other materials have been studied, such as sterile nondemineralized freeze-dried allografts. The aim of this study was to describe midterm clinical outcomes and radiographic bone incorporation of human freeze-dried bone grafts in 42 revision total hip arthroplasty procedures using cancellous impacted bone grafting. Methods  This report presented clinical and radiographic evidence of allograft incorporation in 42 hip reconstructions performed between 1996 and 2002. The patient group included 13 (31%) men and 29 (69%) women with mean ± SD age of 63 ± 14 years (range 28–80 years). Meanfollow-upwas 82 months (range 63–127) months. Clinical analysis was based on the D’Aubigné-Postel score. Radiographic incorporation was defined according to specific criteria. Results  The D’Aubigné and Postel criteria showed adequate outcome in 38 (90%) of the patients. The radiographic evaluation revealed that allograft remodeling and incorporation were found in 39 (93.0%) and 36 (86.5%) of acetabular and femoral cases, respectively. The overall graft survival rate at an average follow-up of 8 years (range 5–10 years) was 90%. Conclusions  Bone grafts obtained by the lyophilization process developed and carried out in our tissue bank provide suitable grafts for revision total hip arthroplasty. Clinical and radiographic midterm results were excellent, indicating that nondemineralized freeze-dried bone allografts are suitable for replacing deep-frozen grafts.     

Allogeneic grafts for bone tumor: 21 cases of osteoarticular and segmental grafts

We treated 21 aggressive and malignant bone tumors by wide resection and replacement with deep-frozen osteoarticular and segmental (intercalary and block) allografts. Radiologic and histologic studies showed a gradual accretion of new bone on the graft trabeculae, sometimes with total creeping substitution. Substantial resorption of grafted condylar bone occurred in 3 of 14 cases. One of them ended with arthrodesis; in the other 2 the result after augmentation autografts was fair. Radiographically, a gradual joint surface destruction was observed in all the osteoarticular grafts after 5 years, not correlating with joint function, however. Biopsies showed some cartilage regeneration. Each patient underwent, on an average, two operations. Function after osteoarticular grafts at 3-16 years was excellent in 1 case, good in 4, fair in 6, and poor in 1 case; 2 cases were too recent for evaluation. Function 3-12 years after segmental grafts was excellent in 3 cases and poor in 3 cases (1 amputation due to nonunion, 1 amputation due to recurrence, and 1 prosthetic replacement due to recurrence); 1 case was too recent for evaluation. We conclude that an allograft is an acceptable alternative in the reconstruction of large tumor defects. However, it still presents unsolved immunologic and preservation problems, which make the prognosis guarded.     

Allogeneic grafts for bone tumor. 21 cases of osteoarticular and segmental grafts

We treated 21 aggressive and malignant bone tumors by wide resection and replacement with deep-frozen osteoarticular and segmental (intercalary and block) allografts. Radiologic and histologic studies showed a gradual accretion of new bone on the graft trabeculae, sometimes with total creeping substitution. Substantial resorption of grafted condylar bone occurred in 3 of 14 cases. One of them ended with arthrodesis; in the other 2 the result after augmentation autografts was fair. Radiographically, a gradual joint surface destruction was observed in all the osteoarticular grafts after 5 years, not correlating with joint function, however. Biopsies showed some cartilage regeneration. Each patient underwent, on an average, two operations. Function after osteoarticular grafts at 3-16 years was excellent in 1 case, good in 4, fair in 6, and poor in 1 case; 2 cases were too recent for evaluation. Function 3-12 years after segmental grafts was excellent in 3 cases and poor in 3 cases (1 amputation due to nonunion, 1 amputation due to recurrence, and 1 prosthetic replacement due to recurrence); 1 case was too recent for evaluation. We conclude that an allograft is an acceptable alternative in the reconstruction of large tumor defects. However, it still presents unsolved immunologic and preservation problems, which make the prognosis guarded.     

Failures after revision hip arthroplasties with threaded cups and structural bone allografts: Loosening of 13/18 cases after 1-4 years

Uncemented threaded, smooth cup acetabular components and structural deep-frozen bone allografts harvested from femoral heads during arthroplasties were used for reconstruction of the acetabulum in 18 revision hip arthroplasties. Autogenous bone grafts were also used in every case. The mean follow-up time was 2.5 (1-4) years. Loosening of the prosthetic component occurred in 13 cases. In 8 cases revision of the acetabular component has already been performed, and 5 cases remain to be reoperated. The use of uncemented, threaded cups in combination with reconstruction of bone defects with structural allografts cannot be recommended in acetabular revisions.     

Revision total hip arthroplasty using a Kerboull-type acetabular reinforcement device with bone allograft: minimum 4.5-year follow-up results and mechanical analysis

We retrospectively reviewed 40 hips in 36 patients who had undergone acetabular reconstruction using a titanium Kerboull-type acetabular reinforcement device with bone allografts between May 2001 and April 2006. Impacted bone allografts were used for the management of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Type II defects in 17 hips, and bulk bone allografts together with impacted allografts were used for the management of Type III defects in 23 hips. A total of five hips showed radiological failure at a mean follow-up of 6.7 years (4.5 to 9.3), two of which were infected. The mean pre-operative Merle d'Aubigné score was 10 (5 to 15) vs 13.6 (9 to 18) at the latest follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier survival rate at ten years, calculated using radiological failure or revision of the acetabular component for any reason as the endpoint, was 87% (95% confidence interval 76.3 to 97.7). A separate experimental analysis of the mechanical properties of the device and the load-displacement properties of bone grafts showed that a structurally hard allograft resected from femoral heads of patients with osteoarthritis should be preferentially used in any type of defect. If impacted bone allografts were used, a bone graft thickness of < 25 mm was acceptable in Type II defects. This clinical study indicates that revision total hip replacement using the Kerboull-type acetabular reinforcement device with bone allografts yielded satisfactory mid-term results.     

Cryopreserved Arterial Allografts in the Treatment of Prosthetic Graft Infections

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cryopreserved arterial allografts in the management of prosthetic graft infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a 5-year period 45 patients with infection of prosthetic vascular grafts were treated. There were 39 intra-abdominal infected grafts (group I) and six extra-abdominal infected grafts (group II). Treatment consisted of total graft removal and in situ or extra-anatomic implantation of cryopreserved arterial allografts. Six patients were operated on as an emergency. Four patients presented with aorto-enteric fistula. Follow-up ranged from 30 to 78 months. RESULTS: There were six in-hospital deaths and two additional patient deaths during follow-up, yielding an overall mortality rate of 18%. Six patients died due to complications directly related to infection or insertion of an allograft. Combined short and long-term mortality rate was much higher in patients operated on as an emergency (67%) compared to elective cases (11%). Patients with aorto-enteric fistula had the highest mortality rate (75%). Primary and secondary 3-year allograft patency rates for group I were 84 and 94%, respectively and for group II were 60 and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic allografts are useful in the treatment of infection of major vascular prosthetic grafts, except for patients with aorto-enteric fistula. Patients with infection of the prosthetic graft should be promptly assessed for graft removal, since results of elective surgery are much better than results of emergency procedures.     

Preparation of the acetabulum to correct severe acetabular deficiency for total hip replacement--with special reference to stress distribution of the periacetabular region after operation

The author analysed the radiological results of eighty-three total hip replacements in the patients with severely defective acetabulum secondary to congenital hip dysplasias or failed total hip replacements, after an average follow-up period of three years, paying particular attention to socket loosening. The patients with congenital hip dysplasias were divided into the following four groups: Group 1: The sockets were placed above the level of true acetabulum. Group 2: The sockets were placed in the true acetabulum with the cement used as a filler superolaterally. Group 3: The sockets were placed in the true acetabulum with bone grafts. Group 4: Eccentric sockets were placed in the true acetabulum. The incidence of radiological loosening of the socket was 50% in the group 1, 13% in the group 2, 6% in the group 3 and 75% in the group 4. The patients who underwent revision for socket loosening were also divided into two groups, the one whose acetabula were reconstructed with bone grafts and the other without bone graft. The incidence of radiological loosening of the socket was 28% in the group with bone grafts and 72% in the group without bone graft. The major factor that may have been responsible for socket loosening in these cases was considered to be poor mechanical condition around the socket due to bone deficiency. Two-dimensional finite element analysis was performed to establish the stresses in the periacetabular region after total hip replacement for acetabular deficiency. Model variations include, the conventional plastic socket of 44 mm outside, 28 mm inside diameter placed in false acetabulum or in high level, (2) in true acetabulum using bone cement as a filler, (3) in true acetabulum with bone graft and (4) eccentric socket placed in true acetabulum without bone graft. The ratio of von Mises stress to yield stress of each element were calculated. The results demonstrated that in the periacetabular region, the area superomedial to the socket was at high risk in each model. The area in periacetabular bone where the ratio of von Mises stress to yield stress was more than 20% was almost the same in model (1), (2), (4) and about a half of them in model (3). In conclusion, the most effective method to prevent the socket loosening after total hip replacement in the patient with deficient acetabulum was considered to reconstruct the new spherical acetabulum at anatomical position with bone graft.     

Massive bone allografts in large skeletal defects after tumor surgery: a clinical and microradiographic evaluation

Massive deep-frozen bone allografts were implanted in 13 patients after en bloc tumor resection. Patients were followed up for 14 months to 17 years. Most of the reconstructive procedures included a segmental bone allograft with knee or ankle fusion. Graft infections were the most critical complications in regard to the end results, finally requiring amputation in two cases. There were three stress fractures; two of which were successfully treated without further complication. Graft incorporation was assessed by bone scintimetry in four cases. Isotope uptake by the center of the graft was found to be superior to control bone segments at only 15 years after surgery. Two recovered allograft specimens were available for a microradiographic study. Creeping substitution was a very slow process, initiated at the outer surface of the graft and characterized at 2-3 years after implantation by large, incompletely filled osteons. The present investigation demonstrates that massive bone allografts are very slowly revascularized and are intimately anchored by the host bone. Provided that tumor control is effective and graft infection is avoided, reconstructive surgery with massive bone allografts represents a successful alternative to prosthetic implants in young adult with a long life expectancy.     

The efficacy of application of lyophilized, radiation-sterilized bone graft in orthopedic surgery

The purpose of this study is retrospective analysis of clinical application of lyophilized (freeze-dried), radiation-sterilized allografts in various orthopedic disorders. Grafts of this type have been produced by Polish tissue banks for many years, even before the production of deep-frozen grafts was started. This type of graft is still produced because of their easy storage, transportation, and distribution. Their application is successful in selected cases. Freeze-dried, radiation-sterilized cancellous or cortical-cancellous blocks, cancellous chips, or diaphyseal cortical struts were applied in 435 patients ranging from three to 74 years old. There were five main groups of procedures: posterior or anterior spine fusion, 224 cases; joint arthrodeses, 36 cases; reconstructive operations, 83 cases; filling of bone lesions, 59 cases; and posttraumatic reconstructive operations, 33 cases. The efficacy of application of lyophilized, radiation-sterilized allografts was estimated retrospectively on the basis of physical examination data and roentgenographic assessment collected during postoperative visits. Incorporation and rebuilding of the grafts as well as a satisfactory therapeutic effect were achieved in 394 (91%) patients. Excluding the cases of congenital and hypovascular pseudoarthroses, post-osteomyelitis gap and focuses, as well as Stage 2 bone lesions, it is suggested that lyophilized, radiation-sterilized allografts can be applied on the condition that intimate contact between the donor bone and host bed is complete and sustained.     

Treatment of vascular graft infection by in situ replacement with cryopreserved aortic allografts: An experimental study

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to prove the efficacy of cryopreserved aortic allografts to treat an established vascular graft infection by in situ replacement in an animal model and to evaluate the role of the antibiotics normally used to decontaminate the allografts. Methods: Twenty-three dogs underwent infrarenal aortic replacement with a gelatin-sealed knitted polyester graft contaminated in vitro by staphylococcus epidermidis RP-62. One week later, the 18 surviving animals underwent reoperation for graft removal and were randomized into three groups for in situ replacement: group I (control, n = 6) received a new gelatin-sealed graft; group II (n = 6) received a non–antibiotic-treated cryopreserved allograft; and group III (n = 6) received an antibiotic-treated cryopreserved allograft. Control grafts and allografts were removed 4 weeks after the initial intervention for quantitative bacteriologic analysis and histologic analysis. Bacteriologic results were expressed as colony-forming units per square centimeter of graft material. Qualitative bacteriologic analysis was also obtained from perigraft fluid and tissue. Results: All of the initially implanted grafts and all of the control grafts (group I) were infected at the time of removal. In group II, three out of six allografts were not totally incorporated, whereas in group III incorporation was always complete, with a significantly decreased inflammatory reaction. All of the antibiotic-treated allografts were sterile, whereas three untreated allografts grew bacteria. Conclusions: In this model, cryopreserved aortic allografts were more resistant to reinfection than synthetic grafts after in situ replacement of an infected prosthetic graft. However, the antibiotic loading of the cryopreserved aortic allograft appears to be essential to obtain optimal therapeutic effects. (J Vasc Surg 1998;27:689-98.)     

Morsellized allografts for fixation of the hip prosthesis femoral component: A mechanical and histological study in the goat

To simulate femoral intramedullary bone stock loss in revision surgery of failed total hip arthroplasties, a method was developed using impacted trabecular bone grafts. In 14 goats a cemented total hip arthroplasty was performed, fixating the stem within a circumferential construction of bone allografts. After 6 or 12 weeks, 4 goats were used for mechanical tests and 3 for histology.

The stability of the stems was determined in a loading experiment with roentgen-stereophotorammetric analysis; loads of up to 1.44 times body weight were used. One aseptic loosening was seen with gross movements. In the other cases the most important movements were axial rotations (max 0.24 degrees under 800 N) and axial translations (max. 0.16 mm under 800 N). After unloading some elastic recovery occurred. There were no differences between the 6 and 12-week groups. Histoogically, revascularization and remodeling of the grafts were evident. Bone apposition and bone resorption of the grafts resulted in a mixture of graft and new bone. There was more new bone formation in the 12-week group, but the process was not yet completed. The use of impacted trabecular bone grafts in cases of severe intramedullary bone stock loss seems to be a promising revision technique.     

Selection of bone grafts for revision total hip arthroplasty

The selection of bone grafts to reconstruct deficient bone for revision hip replacement requires an understanding of specific bone graft functions and the critical steps of the biologic incorporation of the graft into the host. Bone grafts provide functions of osteogenesis, either graft derived or by osteoinduction, osteoconduction, or both, and mechanical support. Autologous cancellous bone provides excellent osteogenesis and osteoconduction without structural support. Nonvascularized cortical autografts provide mechanical support and are somewhat osteogenic. Allogeneic cancellous bone is osteoconductive and minimally osteoinductive, whereas cortical allografts provide structural support, if not freeze-dried, and are somewhat osteoconductive. Allogeneic demineralization bone matrix is highly osteoinductive. The selection of the appropriate bone graft depends on the classification of the bone deficiency. Cavitary (contained) defects can be reconstructed with cancellous morselized autograft, frozen or freeze-dried allograft, or allogeneic demineralized bone matrix. Segmental defects require bulk corticocancellous and/or cortical autografts or allografts. The ultimate incorporation of the bone graft depends on the interaction of the graft and the host's mechanical and biologic environment, and host-bone graft contact and stability. Optimum bone graft selection will enhance the clinical outcomes in revision total hip arthroplasty.     

Allograft reconstruction in total knee arthroplasty.

We reviewed 32 deep-frozen irradiated allografts used for the reconstruction of bone defects in 20 knees. They were subdivided into bulk grafts, cortical strut grafts, and morsellised bone. The average follow-up was 4.2 years (2 to 7.2). Radiographs showed union of the allograft to the host in all cases. Two allografts later fractured and three knees required further surgery because of infection. The allografts effectively filled large bone defects around the knee, lessening the need for custom-made and constrained prostheses.     

Massive bone allografts in large skeletal defects after tumor surgery: a clinical and microradiographic evaluation

Summary Massive deep-frozen bone allografts were implanted in 13 patients after en bloc tumor resection. Patients were followed up for 14 months to 17 years. Most of the reconstructive procedures included a segmental bone allograft with knee or ankle fusion. Graft infections were the most critical complications in regard to the end results, finally requiring amputation in two cases. There were three stress fractures; two of which were successfully treated without further complication. Graft incorporation was assessed by bone scintimetry in four cases. Isotope uptake by the center of the graft was found to be superior to control bone segments at only 15 years after surgery. Two recovered allograft specimens were available for a microradiographic study. Creeping substitution was a very slow process, initiated at the outer surface of the graft and characterized at 2–3 years after implantation by large, incompletely filled osteons. The present investigation demonstrates that massive bone allografts are very slowly revascularized and are intimately anchored by the host bone. Provided that tumor control is effective and graft infection is avoided, reconstructive surgery with massive bone allografts represents a successful alternative to prosthetic implants in young adults with a long life expectancy.     

Vancomycin-supplemented impacted bone allografts in infected hip arthroplasty. Two-stage revision results

Bone allografts can store and release high levels of vancomycin. We present our results of a two-stage treatment for infected hip arthroplasty with acetabular and femoral impaction grafting using vancomycin-loaded allografts. We treated 29 patients (30 hips) by removal of the implants, meticulous debridement, parenteral antibiotic therapy and second-stage reconstruction using vancomycin-supplemented impacted bone allografts and a standard, cemented Charnley femoral component. The mean follow-up was 32.4 months (24 to 60). Infection control was obtained in 29 cases (re-infection rate of 3.3%; 95% confidence interval 0.08 to 17) without evidence of progressive radiolucent lines, demarcation or graft resorption. One patient had a further infection ten months after revision caused by a different pathogen. Associated post-operative complications were one traumatic periprosthetic fracture at 14 months, a single dislocation in two hips and four displacements of the greater trochanter. Vancomycin-supplemented allografts restored bone stock and provided sound fixation with a low incidence of further infection.     

Use of freeze-dried bone allografts in revision total hip arthroplasty

Acetabular loosenings with severe bone loss require a large amount of graft material to fill the defect. Although all donors are systematically subjected to serologic screening, bone allografts that are chemically processed, freeze-dried, and radiosterilized ensure a higher level of microbiological safety than radiosterilised deep-frozen allografts. The bone allograft used in this study meets this requirement. Therefore, it was both interesting and important to evaluate its outcome in revision acetabuloplasty. This phase II multi-centre study involves 44 revision total hip replacements (35 evaluable) in patients with acetabular bone defects who received allografts obtained from femoral heads harvested from living donors. The results obtained at 40 months follow-up confirmed that reconstructions using a small amount of graft material have a satisfactory outcome. Where an allograft is used in association with an acetabular ring, good primary stability is provided by the ring and secondary stability is ensured by graft incorporation (which, in our study, has often shown to be enhanced by the use of bone cement). The advantages of this type of bone allograft are its greater ease of use and storage at room temperature.     

Morphometric and physical investigations of segmental cortical bone autografts and allografts in canine ulnar defects.

Cortical bone grafts were implanted for six months in mature dogs using an osteoperiosteal 3-cm defect in the ulna to evaluate their respective morphometric and physical values compared with autografts. The bone-grafting material included fresh auto- and allografts, frozen and thimerosal preserved allografts, and partially demineralized bone allografts. The grafts were evaluated by roentgenograms, microradiograms, photon absorptiometry, porosity, fluorescence labeling measurements, and torsional loading at failure. Autografts achieved a better union score than the allografts, but intracortical bone porosity, percentage of cumulative new bone, and mineral apposition rate were not variables with statistical significance. Lamellar bone was found earlier and in greater quantity in autografts. Within the graft, new bone was deposited at a slower rate than in the recipient bone. Autografts showed less peripheral resorption and a greater torsional resistance than allografts. Photon absorptiometry demonstrated that nondemineralized allografts underwent a substantial loss of peripheral bone. This marked reduction in the outer diameter of the graft had more influence on torsional resistance than did the intracortical porosity of the graft. Demineralized allografts were osteoinductive in only 28% of the cases and appeared to respond in an all-or-nothing pattern. Frozen and thimerosal preserved allografts were the most acceptable substitutes to autografts.     

Effect of osteonecrosis on bone density and its management on the results of revision arthroplasty of the hip]

128 hips after revision arthroplasty in 115 patients which had been operated in our Ward in 1990-2001 were retrospectively evaluated. There were 99 women and 16 men with mean age: 68.9 years old. The mean time of follow-up was 28.6 months (form 3 to 120 months). In 98 hips there were aseptic loosening of the both elements of the prosthesis, in 13 hips there were aseptic loosening of the stem, in 17 hips there were aseptic loosening of the cup only. Cement total hip rearthroplasty was made in 112 cases and cementless total hip rearthroplasty was made in 16 hips. In presented material there were used the acetabular bone grafts in 114 cases, and the femoral bone grafts in 97 cases--all with allogenic frozen bone grafts. The additional implants were used in 31 cases (meshwork, wire, screw). The bone defects in acetabulum and femoral stem was based on Paprovsky classification. There were good and excellent results in 90% and poor or bad results in 10% according to clinical and radiological evaluation. Mean clinical result was 78.5 p. in Harris Hip Score. The radiological results were poor in 13 hips (according to criterion proposed by joined committee of The Hip Society, SICOT and AAOS). Osteointegration of bone allografts was radiologically confirmed in 81% of cases. Complication rates is 20%. There is no correlation between the type of acetabular or femoral bone defects and results of revision hip arthroplasty. Poor results are correlated with use of SKT or Weller stem. Wagner femoral osteotomy and the lack of bone allografts healing.     

Bone grafting: role of histocompatibility in transplantation

The role of histocompatibility matching in bone allografting was studied in two canine bone graft models. In a cancellous ulnar segmental replacement model, frozen bone allografts exchanged between closely matched dogs were significantly better incorporated by radiographic and histologic criteria than were strongly incompatible grafts. Frozen allografts from disparate donors in recipients receiving immunosuppression appeared indistinguishable 6 months later from those in the untreated closely matched groups and from fresh autografts. Fresh vascularized orthotopically placed fibular bone grafts were evaluated by quantitative blood flow assessment, microangiography, and fluorochrome histomorphometry. Revascularized grafts exchanged between untreated closely matched dogs demonstrated preservation of blood flow and a pattern of repair that was delayed but not otherwise different than vascularized autografts. These results suggest that fresh vascularized grafts in the judiciously matched or immunosuppressed recipient offer attractive clinical possibilities.     

Radiological evaluation on allograft reconstruction of the acetabulum combined with supporting device in revision total hip replacement.

We reviewed the radiographs of 25 hips of 20 patients who had received revisions of the acetabular components of total hip replacement supplemented by allograft for bone defects. Bone defects in 20 hips (80%) were classified into type D (cranio-central defect) according to Itoman's classification. In eight, sockets were installed directly on the allografts (group A). A metallic supporting device was used for reinforcing the grafts in 17 hips (group B). The position of the acetabular socket was measured on a radiograph, taken immediately after revision surgery and again at the latest follow-up. Using a MEM template, cranial and central migrations were determined. Mean cranial migration in hips of group A was 3.6 mm. Group B was 0.2 mm. Maintenance of thickness of the allografts was 60.6% in the cranial region and 75% in the central in group A. In the hips of group B, however, almost 100% of the initial thickness was maintained cranially and centrally. Allograft reconstruction of acetabular bone defect in revision total hip replacement is a beneficial procedure. The remaining pelvic bone is usually in poor condition, therefore, it is necessary to ensure primary fixation by the metallic supporting device.