Satisfactory Results of the Exeter Revision Femoral Stem Used for Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background

The Exeter cemented femoral stem has demonstrated excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes as well as long-term survivorship free from aseptic loosening. A shorter revision stem (125 mm) with a 44 offset became available for the purpose of cement-in-cement revision situations. In certain cases, this shorter revision stem may be used for various primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) where the standard length stem would require distally reaming the femoral canal. We sought to report on the early to midterm results of this specific stem when used for primary THA regarding (1) clinical and radiographic outcomes, (2) complications, and (3) survivorship.

Multi-centre study of cement-in-cement and in-cement femoral revision total hip arthroplasty using polished,stainless steel stems

BackgroundExposure of the acetabular component during revision total hip arthroplasty is often difficult and stems are often difficult to remove. Polished and tapered cemented stems are easily removed and can be easily reconstructed by either cement-in-cement or in-cement technique. This study was a retrospective review of the medium-term outcomes of revision total hip arthroplasty conducted with the Exeter stem fixed by cement-in-cement or in-cement method in four institutions.MethodsThis study included hips (n = 103) reconstructed by cement-in-cement or in-cement technique on the femoral side during revision total hip arthroplasty in four institutions between 2003 and 2015. The mean age at surgery was 71.1 years (range, 43–86 years), and the mean follow-up period was 5.6 years (range, 0–13 years).ResultsRevision arthroplasty was required for acetabular component complications in 69 hips, for dislocation in 25, for infection in eight, and for stem fracture in one hip. Re-revision was required in 10 hips for: infection (n = 6), acetabular component complications (n = 3), and dislocation (n = 1). No radiographic loosening, cement fractures, or osteolysis of the femoral components were observed. Ten-year survival rate was 99% with the endpoint of femoral revision surgery, and 100% with the endpoint of femoral aseptic loosening.ConclusionsThe medium-term outcomes of revision total hip arthroplasty on the femoral side conducted using the cement-in-cement or in-cement technique were favourable, with no cases of aseptic loosening. As long as the bone-cement interface remains robust, there is no need to remove all the cement, and the cement-in-cement or in-cement technique should be used for reconstruction.     

Fifteen-year Results of Precoated Femoral Stem in Primary Hybrid Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background

There has been controversy whether methylmethacrylate precoating of the cemented femoral stem is a solution for aseptic loosening or rather contributes to increased failure rates in cemented total hip arthroplasties.

Methods

On a retrospective basis, we analyzed 76 primary hybrid total hip arthroplasties from 63 patients with precoated, cemented femoral stems between October 1990 and December 1995. The mean age of the patients was 46.8 years (range, 22 to 77 years) with a minimum follow-up of 14 years (mean, 15.5 years; range, 14 to 19.5 years). Third generation cementing techniques were employed in all cases.

Results

Twenty-four out of 76 cases (31.6%) showed aseptic loosening of the femoral stems, of which 23 stems were revised at an average revision time of 8 years (range, 3 to 14.8 years). The main mode of loosening was cement-stem interface failure in 22 hips (91.7%). Twenty-one out of 24 failed hips (87.5%) demonstrated C2 cementing grades (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis using radiographic aseptic loosening of the femoral stem as the endpoint for failure showed survival rates of 76.5% at 10 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 71.4 to 81.6) and 63.2% at 19 years (95% CI, 57.3 to 69.1).

Conclusions

An early failure of the precoated femoral stem in this study was mainly due to an insufficient cementing technique. Achievement of good cement mantle may improve the survival rates.     

Eleven- to 14-year follow-up results of cementless total hip arthroplasty using a third-generation alumina ceramic-on-ceramic bearing

To analyze long-term survivorship of cementless total hip arthroplasties (THAs) with the third-generation alumina ceramic-on-ceramic bearing, 100 consecutive THAs between 1996 and 1998 were reviewed. One cup and 2 stems were revised due to aseptic loosening. Another cup showed chipping of the acetabular liner at 8 years and required cup revision. The remaining hips showed stable bone ingrowth fixation with no osteolysis at the final follow-up. The 14-year survivorship as the end point of revision was 97.9% for the cup, 97.8% for the stem, and 95.7% for the overall implants, respectively. We conclude that cementless THA with the third-generation ceramic-on-ceramic hip bearing provided an excellent survivorship and eliminated periprosthetic osteolysis for 11 to 14 years.     

A second-generation cementless total hip arthroplasty mean 9-year results

Two hundred fifty-eight primary total hip arthroplasties in 231 patients were implanted using a circumferentially, proximally porous-coated, collared femoral component and a cementless, hemispherical, porous-coated acetabular component and followed up for a mean of 9 years (5-14 years). Four femoral components were revised (2 stems for infection and 2 stems for aseptic loosening). One additional femoral component was radiographically loose at last follow-up. Nine hips underwent acetabular revision (4 for instability, 2 for infection, 2 for loosening, and 1 for osteolysis). Ten-year survivorship with revision or loosening of any component as the end point was 92%; with femoral component aseptic loosening as end point, survivorship was 98%; with acetabular aseptic loosening as the end point, survivorship was 99%. Osteolysis was identified in 26 hips (13%).     

Primary total hip arthroplasty with a flanged, cemented all-polyethylene acetabular component: evaluation at a minimum of 20 years

One hundred twenty-three consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties in 107 patients were performed with the insertion of a cemented, all polyethylene, flanged acetabular component. At a minimum of 20 years, 66 patients had died (75 hips) and 8 patients (8 hips) were lost to follow-up evaluation, leaving 40 hips in 33 patients. At a mean of 21.1 years, 2 cups had been revised for aseptic loosening, one well-fixed cup was revised at the time of femoral component revision, and 4 additional cups had definite evidence of radiographic loosening. Survivorship analysis revealed a 77.3% survivorship for the component at 21 years, with revision or definite loosening as an endpoint (95% confidence interval, 67.8%-86.8%).     

Outcome of revision for mechanical stem failure using the cemented Charnley's stem: A Study of 399 Cases

Three hundred ninety-nine cemented stem revision total hip arthroplasties performed in cases with mechanical stem failure without infection and having a minimum follow-up period of 3 years were prospectively studied. Two hundred eighty-three were revised for aseptic stem loosening and 116 were revised for fractured stem. Bone-grafting was not performed in any of the cases. The average follow-up period was 7 years 5 months. At the last follow-up evaluation, 70.4% of the patients were pain free and 20.6% had only mild or occasional discomfort. On radiographic evaluation, 31 stems (7.8%) were loose. Thirty-five hips (8.8%) required a rerevision, of which only 20 (5.0%) were for recurrence of mechanical stem failure. Clinical survivorship of the revised stem was 93.9% at 10 years, whereas radiographic survivorship was 91.5% at 10 years. On radiographic analysis, the mechanical failure rate at the last follow-up evaluation was greater after revision for fractured stem than after revision for aseptic stem loosening. Prerevision femoral cortical bone stock did not appear to adversely affect the outcome of the procedure. The clinical and radiologic results achieved with cemented stem revision arthroplasty for mechanical stem failure are excellent.     

Results of a cemented titanium alloy straight femoral shaft prosthesis after 10 years of follow-up

Two-hundred fifty implantations of a cemented femoral stem made of titanium alloy in 239 patients were followed for 9.7 years (range 8.7-10.3 years). Eighty-nine patients with 93 hips have died and two could not be located. Five hips have been revised, two for infection, one for aseptic loosening and two during revision of the cup. Three stems showed radiological loosening but have not been revised. The average hip score was 85. The results are encouraging and comparable to other cemented femoral stems.     

Excellent Long-Term Survival Rate of Polished,Tapered, Cemented Stems in Patients Aged 35 Years or Younger With Avascular Necrosis or Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hip

BackgroundTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) for avascular necrosis (AVN) or inflammatory arthritis (IA) comes with a relatively high risk of aseptic stem loosening, especially in young patients. There are limited long-term data on the survivorship of polished, tapered, cemented stems in this population. We therefore performed a single-center retrospective study investigating the survival of this particular stem type in young patients with AVN or IA.MethodsAll patients aged ≤35 years who had received a THA for AVN or IA operated on by the senior author between 1990 and 2010 at the University Hospitals Leuven were identified. In total, 85 THAs in 62 patients were included. Primary endpoint was revision of the femoral component for aseptic loosening. Secondary endpoints were revision of the acetabular component for aseptic loosening, revision for other reasons, and the presence of radiolucencies around the components.ResultsThe mean follow-up for the entire cohort was 18.0 ± 5.3 years (range 8.0-28.9). Taking revision for aseptic loosening as endpoint, the survival of cemented stems was 100% after 15 years and 95.1% after 20 years. Survival of uncemented cups (91.3%) was significantly better than survival of cemented cups (50.3%) after 20 years of follow-up for aseptic loosening. Taking revision for any reason as endpoint, the survival of THAs with uncemented and cemented cups was 90% and 43.1% at 20 years respectively. Radiolucencies developed in the cement mantles around 11 of the 81 nonrevised stems, mainly in zones 1 and 7.ConclusionIn this cohort of young patients with high-risk profiles for aseptic stem loosening, polished, tapered, cemented stems showed excellent long-term survival rates and they therefore remain a viable alternative to uncemented stem designs.     

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.     

The uncemented Bi-Contact total hip arthroplasty

We reviewed a consecutive series of 153 uncemented Bi-Contact (Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) total hip arthroplasties (THAs) in 138 patients who had been followed for at least 5 years (mean, 6.8 years; range, 5-9 years). The Bi-Contact uncemented THA consists of a straight femoral stem made of titanium alloy. The proximal portion of the stem is titanium plasma-sprayed. The cup is press-fit with or without hydroxyapatite coating with a facility for anchoring screws with a snap-fit polyethylene liner. The mean age of the patients was 70.8 years (range, 41-94 years). The mean preoperative Harris hip score of 41 (range, 20-80) improved postoperatively to a mean of 92 (range, 56-96). Three acetabular cups were revised for aseptic loosening, and 1 cup was revised for recurrent dislocation. To date, none of the stems have been revised for aseptic loosening. Radiographic evaluation of the remaining 149 hips revealed that the acetabular cup was stable in 146 hips and possibly unstable in the remaining 3 cases with nonprogressive osteolysis behind the cup. None of the stems showed any evidence of instability. Using the recommendation of revision as the endpoint, the cumulative survival for the prosthesis was 97.3% at a mean follow-up of 6.8 years (95% confidence interval, 95.9-99.4), with stem survival of 100%. In the medium-term, these results are comparable to cemented primary THA and justify the continued use of this prosthesis.     

The concentric all-polyethylene Exeter acetabular component in primary total hip replacement

We report the outcome of the flangeless, cemented all-polyethylene Exeter acetabular component at a mean of 14.6 years (10 to 17) after operation. Of the 263 hips in 243 patients, 122 prostheses are still in situ; 112 patients (119 hips) have died, 18 hips have been revised, and three patients (four hips) were lost to follow-up. Radiographs at the final review were available for 110 of the 122 surviving hips. There were acetabular radiolucent lines in 54 hips (49%). Two acetabular components had migrated but neither patient required revision. The Kaplan-Meier survivorship at 15 years with 61 hips at risk with revision for any cause as the endpoint was 89.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 84.6 to 95.2) and for aseptic loosening of the acetabular component or lysis 91.7% (95% CI 86.6 to 96.8). In 210 hips with a diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis, survivorship with revision for any cause as the endpoint was 93.2% (95% CI 88.1 to 98.3), and for aseptic loosening of the acetabular component 95.0% (95% CI 90.3 to 99.7). The cemented all-polyethylene Exeter acetabular component has an excellent long-term survivorship.     

18 years of results with cemented primary hip prostheses in the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register: Concerns about some newer implants

Background and purpose Few studies have compared the long-term survival of cemented primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs), and several prostheses have been used without adequate knowledge of their endurance. We studied long-term outcome based on data in the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register.Patients and methods The 10 most used prosthesis brands in 62,305 primary Palacos or Simplex cemented THAs reported to the Register from 1987 through 2007 were included. Survival analyses with revision as endpoint (for any cause or for aseptic loosening) were performed using Kaplan-Meier and multiple Cox regression with time-dependent covariates. Revision rate ratios (RRs) were estimated for the follow-up intervals: 0–5, 6–10, and > 10 years.Results 5 prosthesis brands (cup/stem combinations) (Charnley, Exeter, Titan, Spectron/ITH, Link IP/Lubinus SP; n = 24,728) were investigated with 0–20 year follow-up (inserted 1987–1997). After 18 years, 11% (95% CI: 10.6–12.1) were revised for any cause and 8.4% (7.7–9.1) for aseptic loosening. Beyond 10 years of follow-up, the Charnley cup had a lower revision rate due to aseptic loosening than Exeter (RR = 1.8) and Spectron (RR = 2.4) cups. For stems, beyond 10 years we did not find statistically significant differences comparing Charnley with Titan, ITH, and SP stems, but the Exeter stem had better results (RR = 0.5). 10 prosthesis brands (9 cups in combination with 6 stems; n = 37,577) were investigated with 0–10 years of follow-up (inserted from 1998 through 2007). The Charnley cup had a lower revision rate due to aseptic loosening than all cups except the IP. Beyond 5 years follow-up, the Reflection All-Poly cup had a 14 times higher revision rate. For stems, beyond 5 years the Spectron-EF (RR = 6.1) and Titan (RR = 5.5) stems had higher revision rates due to aseptic loosening than Charnley. The analyses also showed a marked improvement in Charnley results between the periods 1987–1997 and 1998–2007.Interpretation We observed clinically important differences between cemented prosthesis brands and identified inferior results for previously largely undocumented prostheses, including the commonly used prosthesis combination Reflection All-Poly/Spectron-EF. The results were, however, satisfactory according to international standards.     

Total hip arthroplasty in patients less than 40 years old with avascular necrosis of the femoral head. A 5 to 19-year follow-up study

We evaluated 34 total hip arthroplasties (THA) for avascular necrosis of the femoral head in 26 patients who were younger than 40 years at the time of the index operation. The average age at the time of THA was 283 (17-38) years. The mean follow-up was 10.9 (5-19) years. We used 6 cemented and 28 cementless acetabular components and a cemented polished tapered stem in all hips. The mean Charnley modified Merle d' Aubigné Postel score was 8.9 points preoperatively and 16.6 points at final follow-up. Two cemented metal-backed cups were revised because of aseptic loosening at 10 years, one cemented polyethylene cup failed at 12 years and 2 more all polyethylene cups had pending failure. The metal-backed cemented cups and the all polyethylene cups had a longer follow-up than the uncemented cups. Therefore and because of the proven unfavourable long-term outcome of the cemented metal-backed Exeter cup we are not able to draw any firm conclusions regarding the preferred choice between cemented and uncemented cups in this particular group of patients. On the femoral site none of the stems had to be revised. Our results show that a cemented polished tapered femoral component has an excellent survival in primary total hip replacement in young patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head.     

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).     

Cemented Müller straight stem total hip replacement: 18 year survival,clinical and radiological outcomes

AIM: To present the 18 year survival and the clinical and radiological outcomes of the Müller straight stem, cemented, total hip arthroplasty (THA).METHODS: Between 1989 and 2007, 176 primary total hip arthroplasties in 164 consecutive patients were performed in our institution by the senior author. All patients received a Müller cemented straight stem and a cemented polyethylene liner. The mean age of the patients was 62 years (45-78). The diagnosis was primary osteoarthritis in 151 hips, dysplasia of the hip in 12 and subcapital fracture of the femur in 13. Following discharge, serial follow-up consisted of clinical evaluation based on the Harris Hip Score and radiological assessment. The survival of the prosthesis using revision for any reason as an end-point was calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis.RESULTS: Twenty-four (15%) patients died during the follow-up study, 6 (4%) patients were lost, while the remaining 134 patients (141 hips) were followed-up for a mean of 10 years (3-18 years). HSS score at the latest follow-up revealed that 84 hips (59.5%) had excellent results, 30 (22.2%) good, 11 (7.8%) fair and 9 (6.3%) poor. There were 3 acetabular revisions due to aseptic loosening. Six (4.2%) stems were diagnosed as having radiographic definitive loosening; however, only 1 was revised. 30% of the surviving stems showed no radiological changes of radiolucency, while 70% showed some changes. Survival of the prosthesis for any reason was 96% at 10 years and 81% at 18 years.CONCLUSION: The 18 year survival of the Müller straight stem, cemented THA is comparable to those of other successful cemented systems.     

The Long-Term Results of Total Hip Arthroplasty With a Cemented β-Titanium Stem

BackgroundWe report on the outcomes of a double-tapered cemented stem made of β-titanium alloys (Ti-15Mo-5Zr-3Al) at least 10 years after total hip arthroplasty.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 148 consecutive, primary total hip arthroplasties using this stem performed in 130 patients between January 2004 and August 2008. The patients’ mean age was 59.6 years (range, 24-79). Implant survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves with the primary end point being stem revision for any reason and the secondary end point being stem revision for aseptic stem loosening. We also clinically and radiologically followed 140 hips (in 123 patients) for an average of 12.2 years (range, 10-15).ResultsThe only revisions were for 2 stems with deep infection. Ten-year survival was 99.3% (95% confidence interval, 95.4%-99.9%) and 100% for the primary and secondary end point, respectively. The mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association hip score improved from 51.4 preoperatively to 88.7 at the last follow-up. Radiolucent lines at the stem-cement interface were seen in 14 hips (10.0%). None of the hips met the criteria of radiological stem loosening. Nineteen stems (13.6%) subsided by around 1 mm between 2 and 8 years after surgery. Distal femoral cortical hypertrophy occurred in 24 hips (17.0%), mostly with valgus alignment.ConclusionThe clinical outcomes of the femoral stems were excellent with survival at 10 years. Stem subsidence and distal femoral cortical hypertrophy did not affect the results. Long-term use of β-titanium alloy stems is safe and effective.     

The Exeter Universal stem: a minimum ten-year review from an independent centre

We reviewed 142 consecutive primary total hip replacements implanted into 123 patients between 1988 and 1993 using the Exeter Universal femoral stem. A total of 74 patients (88 hips) had survived for ten years or more and were reviewed at a mean of 12.7 years (10 to 17). There was no loss to follow-up. The rate of revision of the femoral component for aseptic loosening and osteolysis was 1.1% (1 stem), that for revision for any cause was 2.2% (2 stems), and for re-operation for any cause was 21.6% (19 hips). Re-operation was because of failure of the acetabular component in all but two hips. All but one femoral component subsided within the cement mantle to a mean of 1.52 mm (0 to 8.3) at the final follow-up. One further stem had subsided excessively (8 mm) and had lucent lines at the cement-stem and cement-bone interfaces. This was classified as a radiological failure and is awaiting revision. One stem was revised for deep infection and one for excessive peri-articular osteolysis. Defects of the cement mantle (Barrack grade C and D) were found in 28% of stems (25 hips), associated with increased subsidence (p = 0.01), but were not associated with endosteal lysis or failure. Peri-articular osteolysis was significantly related to the degree of polyethylene wear (p < 0.001), which was in turn associated with a younger age (p = 0.01) and male gender (p < 0.001). The use of the Exeter metal-backed acetabular component was a notable failure with 12 of 32 hips (37.5%) revised for loosening. The Harris-Galante components failed with excessive wear, osteolysis and dislocation with 15% revised (5 of 33 hips). Only one of 23 hips with a cemented Elite component (4%) was revised for loosening and osteolysis. Our findings show that the Exeter Universal stem implanted outside the originating centre has excellent medium-term results.     

Long-term survivorship of cemented all-polyethylene acetabular components in patients > 75 years of age

Between 1974 and 1982, 132 consecutive hips in 112 patients >75 years of age were treated with primary total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis using a cemented all-polyethylene T28 socket and cemented T28 or TR28 stem with a 28-mm head size. At the time of review, 94 patients (110 hips [83%]) had died and 18 patients (22 hips [17%]) were still living (mean age at follow-up, 93 years). Five hips (5 patients) were lost to follow-up. Clinical follow-up averaged 8.9 years for the entire group and 14.6 years for patients still living. Only 2 acetabular components have been revised (1 for recurrent dislocation, 1 for infection). No acetabular component has required revision for aseptic loosening. Survivorship free of acetabular revision for aseptic loosening at 10 years was 100%; free of symptomatic acetabular loosening, 97.4% (95% confidence interval, 91.8-100%); and free of acetabular loosening, 95.9% (95% confidence interval, 89.7-100%). The commonest complication was postoperative hip dislocation, which occurred in 11 hips (8.7%) and which required reoperation in 2 hips. Cemented acetabular components implanted in patients >75 years of age with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis showed a high rate of survivorship free of revision and free of symptomatic aseptic loosening.