人工髋关节置换术后5年内翻修的原因分析及处理方法

目的 探讨初次髋关节置换术后早期翻修的原因和防治方法.方法 回顾性分析2002年1月至2007年6月55例行人工髋关节翻修术患者的资料,其中术后5年内(含5年)翻修11例,翻修原因及翻修方式为:髋臼假体位置不良导致复发性脱位2例,手术调整髋臼假体位置;髋臼假体松动5例,翻修髋臼和(或)股骨假体;术后早期股骨假体周围骨折2例,行骨折复位固定;股骨头磨损髋臼1例,行全髋翻修;感染1例,行二期手术翻修.术前和术后随访采用Harris评分评估髋关节功能.术前Harris评分平均46分(28～62分).结果 本组随访时间16～76个月,平均36个月.术后Harris评分提高至平均86分(75～96分).术后出现并发症2例:1例术后局部血肿形成,4周后需再次手术清理血肿;1例术后关节不稳,经适当牵引制动后关节不稳定现象消失.无感染、深静脉血栓、主要血管和神经损伤等并发症发生.结论 初次髋关节置换早期翻修主要原因与髋臼假体处理、假体选择和安放技术不当有关,因此提高髋臼假体安放的手术技术有助于改善人工髋关节的疗效.     

Adventure sports and sexual freedom hip replacement: the tripolar hip

Certain athletic activities and lifestyles require a completely stable and very mobile hip. Total hip replacement with a natural femoral head size and two mobile-bearing surfaces (i.e., a “tripolar” prosthesis) is the most stable prosthesis. Elegant design and wear-resistant bearing surfaces are the keys to long-term implant survivorship. The hypothesis is that a ceramic-coated tripolar prosthesis using highly cross-linked polyethylene can provide full function and complete stability with low wear. This study sought to determine: (1) patient-reported outcomes, (2) functional outcomes, (3) implant survivorship and complications, and (4) postoperative sexual limitations. Between 1998 and 2011, the author performed 160 primary total hip replacements using tripolar prostheses in patients participating in adventure sports and other physically demanding activities. The institutional review board approved this study. The inclusion criteria were patients who needed unrestricted activity and who were not candidates for or did not choose hip resurfacing. Patients were followed every second year and assessed with radiographs, Harris Hip Score, WOMAC, SF-12, and UCLA functional outcome scores. Patients were asked about symptoms of instability and satisfaction with their hip replacement. Patients were asked both preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively four questions about their sexual activity. Mean follow-up was 11 years. At 2 years’ postoperatively, 98% of patients reported their satisfaction as excellent or good and 99% were not limited for sexual activity following surgery. Seventy-four percent of patients reported they were recovered within 6 weeks of surgery. There were no dislocations. There were three revision procedures for implant loosening, infection, and periprosthetic fracture, but there were no failures of the tripolar articulation. The mean postoperative UCLA score was the highly athletic score of 8. There were no signs of osteolysis, wear, or metal sensitivity reactions. The range of motion achieved, sexual, and functional outcomes were higher than with other types of total hip replacement. This ceramic-coated tripolar prosthesis using highly cross-linked polyethylene provides full function, complete stability, and low wear to younger, active patients, thus confirming the hypothesis and clinical relevance.     

股骨上段肿瘤切除后人工假体重建的临床研究

目的探讨肿瘤广泛切除后人工假体置换治疗股骨上段恶性肿瘤的疗效,总结并发症发生情况。方法1998年7月至2005年7月,对81例股骨上段骨肿瘤的患者行广泛切除后人工假体置换,肿瘤类型包括股骨近端转移癌30例,股骨近端原发恶性骨肿瘤39例,股骨上段周围原发恶性软组织肿瘤4例,股骨上段纤维异常增殖症3例,其他5例。9例患者使用了灭活肿瘤骨结合人工假体复合重建缺损,5例患者行异体骨人工关节复合体重建,其余67例患者均使用金属假体。术后功能评价采用MSTS93评分。结果30例骨转移癌患者中,因术后均转往相关肿瘤科室行放、化疗,随访率较低,局部复发率不详,但术后短期关节功能良好。76例（93．8％）患者术后半年MSTS93评分平均在25分以上。51例原发肿瘤患者术后随访1．5～7．0年,平均3．5年。1例患者出现髋脱位;2例患者出现假体迟发感染;2例患者出现假体松动;2例患者发生移植物与宿主骨接合处不愈合;2例患者出现髋臼磨损;3例患者出现髋部疼痛,行走困难;1例患者出现假体的下沉。5例患者在术后0．5～2．0年内发生了局部复发。结论股骨上段恶性骨肿瘤切除后应用人工假体重建骨缺损,并发症较少,可以早期进行康复训练,术后髋关节功能良好,可作为股骨上段恶性骨肿瘤切除后的首选重建方法。     

Periprosthetic femoral fractures treated with a modular distally cemented stem

PURPOSE: To assess the treatment outcome of revision hip arthroplasty for Vancouver type B3 periprosthetic femoral fractures using a modular distally cemented stem. METHODS: 22 men and 14 women (37 hips) aged 66 to 79 (mean, 70) years underwent revision hip arthroplasty for Vancouver type B3 periprosthetic femoral fractures. The indication for surgery was periprosthetic fracture with stem loosening and loss of proximal bone stock. The patients were referred from other hospitals after previous surgeries had failed: 8 with 3 previous surgeries, 19 with 2, and 9 with one. Using a transtrochanteric approach, the existing prosthesis was removed and a modular proximal femoral replacement stem was inserted, bypassing the area of proximal femoral fracture and bone loss. The stem was distally cemented. Patients were immobilised within 48 hours of surgery. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for a mean of 14 (range, 8-18) years. The mean Harris hip score improved from 29 (range, 5-40) to 78 (range, 56-88); 24 patients attained excellent or good scores (>80), 10 attained fair, and 2 attained poor scores. The mean healing time was 7 (range, 6-14) months; there was no non-union. Improvement in proximal bone stock was noted on serial radiographs. None of the stems had cement fracture or migration, requiring revision. Two (5%) of the patients had dislocations. CONCLUSION: Vancouver type B3 periprosthetic femoral fractures can be successfully treated with a distally cemented modular proximal femoral replacement prosthesis.     

Recurrent intrapelvic cyst complicating metal-on-metal cemented total hip arthroplasty

Spontaneous intrapelvic masses causing vascular compression raise the suspicion of a neoplasm or infection. We present a patient who developed a recurrent intrapelvic cyst 14 years after a McKee-Farrar total hip arthroplasty which presented as acute onset of lower limb swelling, threatening the vascularity of the limb. This cyst recurred three times, and the patient finally needed revision total hip arthroplasty. The most probable cause of the recurrence was the cement and metal wear debris. Such cysts have been described in the literature, but to the best of our knowledge, this is the only report that describes it complicating a metal-on-metal prosthesis. Received: 27 September 1999     

Dissemination of wear particles to the liver, spleen, and abdominal lymph nodes of patients with hip or knee replacement

BACKGROUNDS: The importance of particles generated by wear and corrosion of joint replacement prostheses has been understood primarily in the context of the local effects of particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis and aseptic loosening. We studied dissemination of wear particles in patients with total hip and knee replacement to determine the prevalence of and the histopathological response to prosthetic wear debris in the liver, spleen, and abdominal para-aortic lymph nodes. METHODS: Postmortem specimens from twenty-nine patients and biopsy specimens from two living patients with a failed replacement were analyzed. Specimens of tissue obtained from the cadavera of fifteen patients who had not had a joint replacement served as controls. The concentration of particles and the associated tissue response were characterized with the use of light microscopy of stained histological sections. Metallic particles were identified by electron microprobe analysis. Polyethylene particles were studied with the use of oil-red-O stain and polarized light microscopy. The composition of polyethylene particles was confirmed in selected cases by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and hot-stage thermal analysis. Twenty-one of the patients studied post mortem had had a primary total joint replacement. Eleven of them had had a hip prosthesis for a mean of sixty-nine months (range, forty-three to 171 months), and ten had had a knee replacement for a mean of eighty-four months (range, thirty-one to 179 months). The other eight patients studied post mortem had had a hip replacement in which one or more components had loosened and had been revised. The mean time between the initial arthroplasty and the time of death was 174 months (range, forty-seven to 292 months), and the mean time between the last revision procedure and the time of death was seventy-one months (range, one to 130 months). RESULTS: Metallic wear particles in the liver or spleen were more prevalent in patients who had had a failed hip arthroplasty (seven of eight) than in patients who had had a primary hip (two of eleven) or knee replacement (two of ten). The principal source of wear particles in the majority of these patients involved secondary nonbearing surfaces rather than wear between the two primary bearing surfaces as intended. In one living patient, dissemination of titanium alloy particles from a hip prosthesis with mechanical failure was associated with a visceral granulomatous reaction and hepatosplenomegaly, which required operative and medical treatment. Metallic wear particles were detected in the paraaortic lymph nodes in 68 percent (nineteen) of the twenty-eight patients with an implant from whom lymph nodes were available for study. In 38 percent (eleven) of all twenty-nine patients with an implant who were studied post mortem, metallic particles had been further disseminated to the liver or spleen, where they were usually found within small aggregates of macrophages occurring as infiltrates without apparent pathological importance. Polyethylene particles elicited a similar response. They were identified in the paraaortic lymph nodes of 68 percent (nineteen) of the twenty-eight patients and the liver or spleen of 14 percent (four) of the twenty-nine patients. The majority of the disseminated wear particles were less than one micrometer in size. Currently available methods lack the sensitivity and specificity necessary to detect very low concentrations of submicrometer polyethylene particles and probably underestimated the prevalence of polyethylene wear debris in the liver and spleen. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, systemic distribution of metallic and polyethylene wear particles was a common finding, both in patients with a previously failed implant and in those with a primary total joint prosthesis. The prevalence of particles in the liver or spleen was greater after reconstructions with mechanical failure. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)     

关节镜下后内入路治疗腘窝囊肿的疗效分析

目的探讨关节镜下后内入路治疗腘窝囊肿的疗效分析,并将其与传统开放性手术治疗方式作比较。方法回顾性研究自2014年1月至2019年1月于我院收治的68例腘窝囊肿患者,男30例,女38例;年龄33-61岁,平均(43.01±5.39)岁。其中关节镜下后内入路手术治疗组32例,传统开放性手术治疗组36例。统计两组患者的手术时间、手术切口长度、住院时间、复发情况,并采用Rauschning和Lindgren腘窝囊肿分级评分标准、Lysholm膝关节评分、视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)判定患者的治疗效果。结果所有患者术后均获5-12个月随访,平均(8.46±2.40)个月。术后关节症状明显缓解,关节功能明显改善。关节镜手术组无囊肿复发,开放手术组有2例在手术后3-6个月复发,经关节镜下手术后症状消失。关节镜治疗组患者在手术切口长度、住院时间、复发情况、膝关节VAS、Lysholm膝关节评分、Rauschning和Lindgren腘窝囊肿分级评分标准均明显优于开放手术组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论关节镜下后内入路治疗腘窝囊肿是一种安全、有效的治疗方法。     

Tissue reactions to wear debris of joint prostheses. Diagnostic problems. Apropos of 2 cases

We report two cases of tissue reactions to wear debris after large joint prostheses. In the first case, a septic loosening of a hip arthroplasty was suspected after emergence of an inguinal mass. In the second case, a patient with loose hip prosthesis had surgery for a prostatic adenocarcinoma and pelvic lymph nodes were discovered during surgery. They were first suspected to be metastatic carcinoma. These two diagnostic problems were resolved by histology which revealed sinusal histiocytic reaction to wear debris. The peculiar sign of this reaction is the presence of birefringent components such as polyethylene seen with polarized light. These problems will become more frequent in the future because of the increasing number of elderly patients who have had hip replacement and will undergo surgery for pelvic cancer. A close medico-surgical collaboration should help pathologists in such cases.     

Assessment of Five Interleukins in Human Synovial Fluid as Possible Markers for Aseptic Loosening of Hip Arthroplasty

One of the most important factors that seems to be involved in total hip replacement is periprosthetic osteolysis. As it is well documented that several interleukins (ILs) are triggered in periprosthetic osteolysis, this article investigates the role of five ILs in primary and replacement total hip arthroplasty, understanding if one of them can also predict hip implant loosening, secondary surgery, and prosthesis breakage. The levels of IL-1α, 1β, 6, 8, and 10 in synovial fluid were examined, using a high sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit (Pierce Biotechnology, Inc., Rockford, IL, USA) to determine whether these cytokines could be used as markers of enhanced periprosthetic osteolysis, leading to aseptic loosening of total/partial hip arthroplasty or revision surgery. Synovial fluid was harvested from 23 patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty and 35 patients undergoing total/partial hip revision due to aseptic loosening. In the revision group, four cases had suffered a prosthesis fracture and five were second revisions. ILs 6 and 8 were significantly higher in the revisions (305 and 817 pg/mL) compared with the primary arthroplasties (151 and 151 pg/mL), including cases with prosthesis fracture and those requiring a second revision. IL-10 levels were lower (not significantly) in second revision samples compared with those of revision samples. IL-1β levels were significantly higher in prosthesis fracture samples compared with those of all the other revision samples. No statistically significant differences in IL levels were found between osteoarthritis samples and those of other diseases. These results are a step forward to elucidating the complex network of events that are involved in loosening of hip implants.     

Compressive intrapelvic synovial cysts: an early complication of an HA-coated cup

Synovial cysts arising from the hip are not common but can develop in response to intraarticular derangement and increased intraarticular pressures. We present a case of a compressive intrapelvic synovial cyst 3 years after a total hip replacement with a hydroxyapatite-coated acetabular component. At surgery, cracking of the coating of the acetabular component was observed in the areas where the cup was not covered by host bone. The cyst was excised and the bearing surface was replaced. Three years after surgery there has been no recurrence. Migration of hydroxyapatite granules from uncovered portions of hydroxyapatite-coated cups may be a source of third-body wear and could accelerate synovial cyst formation.     

First experiences with fluorodeoxyglucose-positron-emission tomography (FDG-PET) in the evaluation of painful total knee and hip joint replacements

AIM: The aim of the study was to describe first experiences using FDG-PET in the examination of painful arthroplasties. METHOD: 12 patients prior to revision of a total hip or knee joint replacement underwent PET. Histopathology, microbiological analysis and intraoperative diagnosis were compared to preoperative PET findings. RESULTS: The analysis of intraoperative findings, of microbiological examinations and of histopathology showed that besides the well known determinants infection and early postoperative granulation tissue, polyethylene wear induced foreign-body reaction was a major cause for increased FDG consumption. CONCLUSION: In vivo imaging of marked foreign-body tissue reaction induced by polyethylene wear is feasible by FDG-PET. This observation, however, leads to reduced specificity of PET imaging for the diagnosis of periprosthetic infection.     

Pelvic pseudotumor: an unusual presentation of an extra-articular granuloma in a well-fixed total hip arthroplasty

A 76-year-old woman developed a pelvic mass and abdominal pain 12 years after cementless total hip arthroplasty. The mass was a cystic granuloma that communicated with the hip joint via a soft tissue herniation under the inguinal ligament. There was no acetabular lysis or defects. The shell and femoral component were well fixed, the polyethylene was worn, and a liner exchange was undertaken. The cyst was debrided, and follow-up computed tomography demonstrated resolution of the granuloma and no recurrence of the cyst. Removal of the source of the particle wear debris via liner exchange or revision surgery combined with cyst debridement via a single incision is recommended.     

Failure of bipolar hemiarthroplasty: a retrospective review of 31 consecutive bipolar prostheses converted to total hip arthroplasty

Bipolar hemiarthroplasty has been widely used for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. Outcome studies show excellent results with near preoperative ambulation and lasting, painless hip function. However, what has only recently been considered is that, in some cases, failure of bipolar hemiarthroplasty may be due to wear of the thin, ultra-high-molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) insert between the inner and outer bearings of the prosthesis with subsequent generation of particulate debris, periprosthetic osteolysis, and stem loos ening. We reviewed 31 consecutive bipolar hemiarthroplasties converted to total hip arthroplasties by a single surgeon between 1986 and 1994. The average time to failure was 38 months. Fifty-six percent of the cases showed radiographic evidence of osteolysis around the stem. Radiographic migration of the bipolar head of more than 1 mm into the pelvis, suggestive of cartilage wear, occurred in 67% of the cases. Among the patients with radiographic osteolysis and a loose stem at the time of revision, 92% showed a characteristic histiocytic and giant cell reaction to polyethylene particles in tissue obtained during surgery. The UHMWPE liners from the retrieved outer shells showed an average wear rate of 0.7 mm per year. Recent studies comparing bipolar to unipolar hemiarthroplasty show little difference between the two with regard to morbidity, mortality, or functional outcome. In light of our findings, it might be prudent to reconsider the design and indications for bipolar hemiarthroplasty.     

Accuracy of Computed Tomography–Guided Joint Aspiration and Computed Tomography Findings for Prediction of Infected Hip Prosthesis

BackgroundInfection after total hip arthroplasty remains a diagnostic challenge. We assessed the accuracy of computed tomography (CT)-guided joint aspiration combined with CT findings for prediction of septic hip prosthesis before revision surgery.MethodsA total of 96 patients (64.6% men; mean age, 68 years) scheduled for elective revision surgery due to suspicion of infection after total hip arthroplasty underwent CT-guided joint aspiration. Volume and microbiological cultures of aspirated fluid and salient findings on CT scans, including periprosthetic soft-tissue mass, malpositioning of the prosthesis, periprosthetic osteolysis, reactive enlarged lymph nodes, and heterotopic ossification, were assessed by a blinded radiologist.ResultsSeptic hip prosthesis was shown on revision surgery in 35 patients (36.4%), with Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated in 54.3% of cases. Culture of the aspirated fluid yielded the same microorganism in 24 patients (68.6%). The accuracy of preoperative CT-guided joint aspiration was 86.5%. High volume (>1 mL) of aspirated fluid was recorded in 32 patients (33.3%). In the multivariate analysis, high volume on CT aspiration, accumulation of soft tissue exceeding the joint margin, osteolysis without bone insufflation, and enlarged iliac lymph nodes were significant predictors of infected hip prosthesis. Similar results were obtained after adjustment of the model by the presence of aggressive granulomatosis.ConclusionPreoperative CT-guided joint aspiration is accurate to diagnose septic hip prosthesis based on CT imaging findings and volume and bacterial culture of the aspirated fluid. Enlarged iliac lymph nodes emerged as a strong predictor of infection.     

Catastrophic Periprosthetic Osteolysis in Total Hip Arthroplasty at 20 Years: A Case Report and Literature Review

BackgroundPeriprosthetic osteolysis is a serious complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, most orthopedic surgeons only focus on bone loss and hip reconstruction. Thus, it was required to understand the treatment algorithm for periprosthetic osteolysis integrally.Case PresentationA 52‐year‐old Asian male presented with chronic hip pain. A mass appeared on the medial side of the proximal left thigh at more than 20 years after bilateral THA. Radiographs revealed catastrophic periprosthetic osteolysis, especially on the acetabular side. Large amounts of necrotic tissue and bloody fluids were thoroughly debrided during revision THA. A modular hemipelvic prosthesis was used for revision of the left hip. Four years later, the patient presented with right hip pain, where a mass appeared on the medial side of the proximal right thigh. A primary acetabular implant with augment was used for revision of the right hip. Laboratory evaluation of bloody fluid retrieved from surgery revealed elevated levels of inflammatory markers.ConclusionInflammatory responses to polyethylene wear debris can lead to severe bone resorption and aseptic loosening in the long‐term following THA. Therefore, in spite of revision THA, interrupting the cascade inflammatory might be the treatment principle for periprosthetic osteolysis.     

Revision hip replacement for recurrent Hydatid disease of the pelvis: a case report and review of the literature

A case of a large recurrent hydatid cyst involving the right ilium and right hip treated with excision of the cyst, Total hip replacement and revision of the acetabular component with a Tripolar articulation for cyst recurrence and acetabular component loosening is presented along with a review of the relevant literature. To our knowledge there is no reported case of Total Hip replacement and revision for hydatid disease involving the bony pelvis.     

The role of limb salvage surgery and custom mega prosthesis in multiple myeloma

Nine patients with multiple myeloma underwent limb salvage surgery and custom megaprosthesis replacement for tumours involving long bones. The lower limb was commonly involved with an average age of 47.7 years at presentation. All patients had pathological fractures. Resection and reconstruction was done using custom megaprostheses. A proximal femoral prosthesis was used for proximal femoral tumours and an intercalary prosthesis for tumours involving the femoral shaft. One patient each had total femoral prosthesis and total knee prosthesis. With an average follow-up of 88.2 months, three patients died of their disease. One patient with total knee prosthesis had delayed deep infection requiring removal of the prosthesis and another patient with an intercalary prosthesis had a periprosthetic fracture and declined revision surgery. Radiological evidence of loosening was seen in one patient. The functional outcome was excellent in 3 and good in 3 patients. The 5-year Kaplan-Meier survival rate of the patients was 66.7%.     

Fracture of ceramic heads in total hip replacement

After introduction of ceramics in total hip replacement, there have been several studies on wear and fracture of the femoral head component. Though reports on fractures are few, we saw four fractures within 2 months. In all patients, a cementless hip prosthesis by four different surgeons was implanted between 3/2001 and 2/2004. In three patients, a ceramic-on-polyethylene pair and in one, a ceramic-on-ceramic pair was used. Only one patient suffered an adequate trauma. The mean survival of the ceramic head was 27 months (11–42). In two patients with polyethylene inlays, the inlay showed signs of wear out due to the fractured head. All four revision surgeries had a good outcome with satisfying results and no complications. Though we observe the postoperative development after implantation of ceramic components closely, we still believe that ceramics in total hip replacement in young and active patients are indicated with good long term results.     

肿瘤型人工膝关节置换术后假体并发症的临床研究

目的探讨肿瘤型轴心式人工膝关节置换术后假体的并发症及处理方式。 方法选择2011年1月至2018年12月在解放军联勤保障部队第980（白求恩国际和平）医院和解放军总医院接受肿瘤型轴心式人工膝关节假体置换的61例患者作为研究对象。纳入经病理组织学证实为下肢骨恶性肿瘤、具有良好的重建技术条件、在解放军联勤保障部队第980（白求恩国际和平）医院和解放军总医院行肿瘤切除、肿瘤型轴心式人工膝关节假体置换术治疗并接受随访者。排除胫神经、腓总神经、腘动静脉受累或弥漫性皮肤浸润者、有远处转移，经全身化疗后仍无法达到广泛切除标准者、要求截肢与失访患者。采用卡方检验或Fisher精确分析不同临床特征患者3年并发症发生率，观察分析并发症发生原因和处理方式。 结果61例患者术后3年内共9例患者发生并发症13例次，发生率15%。不同性别(P＝0.462)、年龄(P＝0.543)、肿瘤类型(P＝0.119)、Enneking分期(P＝0.261)、肿瘤位置(P＝0.139)、术前化疗(P＝0.441)等因素并发症发生率差异均无统计学意义。2例假体松动患者中，1例行膝关节假体翻修术，1例未予处理。2例深部感染患者均保留假体清创手术联合术后抗生素持续冲洗2周。1例假体断裂患者行肿瘤假体翻修术。1例假体周围骨折患者行切开复位内固定术后痊愈。5例患者伤口不愈合，予以碘伏纱布伤口换药，3例患者刀口愈合，2例行局部清创后缝合并换药后痊愈；2例腓总神经损伤，术后1～2个月出现小腿和足部感觉减退和部分功能失能，对症处理后痊愈。 结论肿瘤型轴心式人工膝关节置换术后假体的并发症发生率较低，临床可根据并发症的特点进行针对性防治。     

Periprosthetic fracture of the femur after total hip arthroplasty occurring in winter activities: report of two cases

Periprosthetic fractures are uncommon after total hip replacement surgery and are most often associated with loosening or osteolysis. In a review of Mayo Clinic records, the cumulative incidence of femoral fractures after primary uncemented prostheses was only 0.4% (4). No periprosthetic fracture associated with sports participation has been previously reported in the literature. When advising patients about return to sports and recreational activities after total hip replacement, concerns fall into two main categories: 1) wear of the bearing surface(s) and secondary ramifications such as early failure or osteolysis, and 2) dislocation or fracture of the prosthesis or periprosthetic bone. The former concerns have been previously examined (5), but the latter have not been reported to date. These case reports describe a complication that may occur in total hip arthroplasty in those patients who return to winter sports and recreational activities. Although at intermediate follow-up there does not appear to have been irreversible damage for these patients, it is imperative to warn patients that activities that place the patient at risk of trauma may compromise the longevity of the artificial joint. This information can be used in helping patients understand the risks associated with athletic activity after total hip arthroplasty, which is a major goal of current recommendations for advising patients after this type of surgery.