Total hip arthroplasty for arthritis following acetabular fractures—evaluation of radiological,functional and quality of life parameters

IntroductionTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) has been termed as ‘operation of the century’ as it provides a stable and mobile hip to patients who are debilitated by pathologies affecting the hip. Acetabular fractures pose a challenge for their initial management as well for the management of secondary osteoarthritis which is often the outcome of these fractures. The study attempts to evaluate the short term radiological, functional and quality of life outcomes of THA done in patients with prior acetabular fractures and to find a correlation between various factors.Materials and methods47 patients who provided consent for this retrospective study were clinically and radiologically evaluated at their latest follow up. Ratios of horizontal offset, vertical offset, body lever arm and cup inclination were calculated with respect to the opposite normal hip on a radiograph. Questionnaires were filled up for Harris Hip Score (HHS), Short form -12, Short Musculoskeletal functional assessment (SMFA) and WHO-quality of life (WHO-QoL).ResultsHHS and quality of life scores had a tendency to improve over time. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was noted between scores of patients having less than 2 years follow up and more than 4 years follow-up. The HHS, radiological and quality of life parameters were not statistically significantly different when analysed based on acetabular fracture pattern, their primary management and aetiology necessitating the THA.ConclusionThe short term radiological, functional and quality of life parameters are dependent on the accuracy of the THA performed and are not significantly affected by the fracture type, initial management and outcomes of that management. However, longer follow up is necessary to evaluate these parameters even more accurately.     

Radiographic and clinical analysis of cementless acetabular fixation in total hip arthroplasty

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Imageless navigation for insertion of the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty: is it as accurate as CT-based navigation?

In a prospective randomised clinical study acetabular components were implanted either freehand (n = 30) or using CT-based (n = 30) or imageless navigation (n = 30). The position of the component was determined post-operatively on CT scans of the pelvis.Following conventional freehand placement of the acetabular component, only 14 of the 30 were within the safe zone as defined by Lewinnek et al (40 degrees inclination sd 10 degrees ; 15 degrees anteversion sd 10 degrees ). After computer-assisted navigation 25 of 30 acetabular components (CT-based) and 28 of 30 components (imageless) were positioned within this limit (overall p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between CT-based and imageless navigation (p = 0.23); both showed a significant reduction in variation of the position of the acetabular component compared with conventional freehand arthroplasty (p < 0.001). The duration of the operation was increased by eight minutes with imageless and by 17 minutes with CT-based navigation.Imageless navigation proved as reliable as that using CT in positioning the acetabular component.     

Can metal-on-metal bearings improve the longevity of total hip prostheses?

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: In total hip arthroplasty (THA), inter-series comparative clinical results cannot be considered worthy before at least 10 years of average follow-up, as shown in the Swedish Arthroplasty Register experience (1978-1993). Last generation metal-on-metal bearings were introduced in France only nine years ago (1995). To date, using mid term information, data from the literature, and our experience, one could assume that this bearing material has the capacity to improve THA longevity. Three types of information were analyzed: 1) comparative radiographic and EBRA studies published on early migration (<2 years) of acetabular implants; 2) preliminary comparative data on wear and osteolysis at the 8-year maximum follow-up; 3) clinical data on dislocation frequency and in vitro and in vivo observations of bearing separation and sliding. Study no 1: primary stability of these metal-on-metal acetabular cups was better than for polyethylene (PE) cups or alumina liners; study no 2: no detectable wear and less osteolysis were observed to date with metal-on-metal bearings versus their alumina-on-PE counterparts. Study no 3: less dislocation and less head sliding were measured with the metal-on-metal versus alumina-on-PR bearings possibly due to the interfacial forces provided by lubricating fluid (suction fit). CONCLUSION: According to current knowledge, this metal-on-metal bearing still represent, with alumina-on-alumina and highly crosslinked PE, a competitive and comprehensive option to improve THA longevity. The real pending problem concerns the frequency and above all the intensity of metal delayed hypersensitivity reaction and their potential effect on implant loosening.     

Total hip arthroplasty: to cement or not to cement the acetabular socket? A critical review of the literature

The optimal method for acetabular socket fixation remains controversial. We present a critical analysis of the current evidence from a systemic literature review of comparative studies, long-term case series, prior literature reviews, meta-analysis, and national arthroplasty registry data for cemented and uncemented acetabular components to determine the respective survivorship rates, overall risk of re-operation, dislocation rates, and wear-related complications. Using contemporary techniques, both cemented and uncemented sockets can yield good long-term results, but our evaluation suggests that the overall/all cause re-operation risk is lower for cemented fixation. Until and unless crosslinked polyethylene (PE) liners or alternative bearings can prove to yield superior outcome in the future, the cemented PE cup remains the gold standard, in all age groups, by which every acetabular component should be compared.     

Can component and patient factors account for the variance in wear rates among bilateral total hip arthroplasty patients?

The purpose of this study was to indirectly quantify the effect of patient and component factors on polyethylene wear in patients with bilateral hip arthroplasties. Assuming that both hips experience similar levels of activity, the confounding influence of activity on wear can be removed by comparing wear rates within subjects. We studied temporal wear patterns in 21 patients with bilateral hip arthroplasty with a mean follow-up of 102 months. Each patient had matching acetabular cup and femoral head components implanted in both hips. Regression analyses were used to assess the variation in wear rates between the first and second implanted hips. The r(2) value demonstrated that matched components and patient factors accounted for 61% of the variance in wear rates. The remaining 39% of the variance, which is unaccounted for, indicates that factors other than those related to the components and patient also play a role.     

Clinical evaluation of the hip joint after implantation of cementless Mittelmeier type and Parhofer-M?nch type hip prosthesis]

Total hip replacement is the most common procedure in the treatment of severe degenerative changes in the hip joint. The authors present clinical evaluation of 129 patients (151 hips) who underwent total hip replacement using either the Mittelmeier type or the Parhofer-M?nch type hip prothesis. The age of the patients ranged at the time of the operation between 17 and 74 years (average 44.9). The follow-up ranged from 24 to 143 months (average 61.2 months). The P-M prothesis was implanted in 53 hips, the P-M "Plasmapore" prothesis in 42 patients, Mittelmeier Autophor 900 prothesis in 49 patients and the Mittelmeier Autophor 900S prothesis in 7 patients. Clinical evaluation was performed according to the d'Aubigne-Postel method with the Charnley modification. The results were graded as very good in 17 cases, good in 64 cases, satisfactory in 53 cases and poor in 17 cases. Very good and good results were mainly observed after implantation of the P-M type prothesis and P-M "Plasmapore" type prothesis. Worse results were observed in patients, who at the time of the operation were aged 45 years or less and who had congenital hip dysplasia. P-M type prothesis gives better clinical results in the treatment of degenerative changes of the hip joint.     

Total hip arthroplasty in the very elderly: is it worthwhile?

Introduction

With an ageing population, more patients are being referred to orthopaedic department for possible total hip arthroplasty (THA). Many elderly patients have associated comorbidity factors and shorter life expectancy making the decision for surgery difficult. Rationalisation of the decision making process as to whether to proceed with THA in the very elderly hence can be extremely difficult.

Objective

We attempted to analyse the mortality, morbidity and benefits after THA surgery in the very elderly population.

Patients and methods

Between 1987 and 2007, 58 patients over 90 years of age had THA surgery (male 19 and female 39). Patient’s notes were retrospectively analysed. The mean age at surgery was 91.9 years (range 90–95 years).

Results

There were 4 major and 11 minor post-operative complications with no immediate or late post-operative deaths. At the time of clinical follow up, the Harris Hip Score improved significantly (P < 0.0001) from a pre-operative mean of 18 points (range 10–44) to 38 points (range 30–75). The WOMAC Score improved significantly (P < 0.0001) from a pre-operative mean of 73 points (range 58–86) to 35 points (range 23–40). The mean age at death after THA was 96.1 years (95% CI 95.35–96.91) which was significantly longer (P < 0.001) when compared to the general population of similar age group.

Conclusion

THA offers significant pain relief with better quality of life in the very elderly patients.     

Can an extracorporeal glenoid aiming device be used to optimize the position of the glenoid component in total shoulder arthroplasty?

Purpose:

Successful total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) requires a correct position of the glenoid component. This study compares the accuracy of the positioning with a new developed glenoid aiming device and virtual three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) scan positioning.

Materials and Methods:

On 39 scapulas from cadavers, a K-wire (KDev) was positioned using the glenoid aiming device. It consists of glenoid components connected to the aiming device, which cover 150° of the inferior glenoid circle, has a fixed version and inclination and is available with several different radii. The aiming device is stabilized at the most medial scapular point. The K-wire is drilled from the center of the glenoid component to this most medial point. All scapulas were also scanned with CT and 3D reconstructed. A virtual K-wire (Kct) was positioned in the center of the glenoid and in the scapular plane. Several parameters were compared. Radius of the chosen glenoid component (rDev) and the virtual radius of the glenoid circle (rCT), spinal scapular length with the device (SSLdev) and virtual (SSLct), version and inclination between KDev and Kct, difference between entry point and exit point (“Matsen”-point).

Results:

Mean rDev: 14 mm ± 1.7 mm and mean rCT: 13.5 mm ± 1.6 mm. There was no significant difference between SSLdev (110.6 mm ± 7.5 mm) and SSLct (108 mm ± 7.5 mm). The version of KDev and Kct was −2.53° and −2.17° and the inclination 111.29° and 111.66°, respectively. The distance between the “Matsen-point” device and CT was 1.8 mm.

Conclusion:

This glenoid aiming device can position the K-wire on the glenoid with great accuracy and can, therefore, be helpful to position the glenoid component in TSA. The level of evidence: II.     

Does computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty improve the overall component position and patient function?

Purpose

There remains controversy as to whether computer-navigated total knee replacement (TKR) improves the overall prosthesis alignment and patient function. The aim of this study was to determine whether computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty provides superior prosthesis positioning when compared to a conventional jig-assisted total knee replacement and whether this affected the functional outcome.

Methods

This prospective, randomised controlled study compared computer navigated and conventional jig-assisted total knee replacement in 37 patients who underwent bilateral TKR. A quantitative assessment of the spatial positioning of the implant in the 74 total knee replacements was determined using a low-dose dual-beam CT scanning technique. This resulted in six parameters of alignment that were compared. Functional outcomes using the high activity arthroplasty score and Knee Society score were assessed pre-operatively, postoperatively, at three years and at five years. Patients also indicated which knee they felt was subjectively the best.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in the prosthesis alignment between both groups and the number of outliers was not decreased with navigation. All function scores improved from pre-operative to postoperative but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups at five years. At five years, 40.6 % of patients thought their jig-assisted knee was the better knee compared with 21.9 % their computer assisted knee and 37.5 % of patients who felt they were the same.

Conclusion

Computer-assisted implantation of total knee replacements does not offer a significant advantage in prosthesis alignment. There was no difference in functional outcome or subjective “best knee” between the computer-assisted or jig-assisted knee.     

Are component positioning and prosthesis size associated with hip resurfacing failure?

Background  

Recent studies suggest that there is a learning curve for metal-on-metal hip resurfacing. The purpose of this study was to assess whether implant positioning changed with surgeon experience and whether positioning and component sizing were associated with implant longevity.     

Can pelvic tilting be ignored in total hip arthroplasty?

INTRODUCTION

The orientation of acetabular component is influenced by pelvic tilt, body position and individual variation in pelvic parameters. Most post-operative adverse events may be attributed to malposition of the component in the functional position. There is evidence that orientation of the pelvis changes from the supine to standing position. Authors report a case of recurrent dislocation after total hip arthroplasty due to excessive pelvic tilting.PRESENTATION OF CASE A 69-year old female with coxarthrosis had undergone total hip replacement with recurrent dislocation of the hip on bearing weight in spite of using constrained acetabular component.

DISCUSSION

Our case report substantiates the influence of pelvic tilt, incurred by a sagittal deformity of spine, on dynamic orientation of the acetabular cup which was positioned in accordance with the anatomic landmarks alone. If the reference is only bony architecture and dynamic positions of the pelvis are not taken into account, improper functional orientation of the acetabular cup can result in sitting and standing positions. These can induce instability even in anatomically appropriately oriented acetabular component.

CONCLUSION

The sagittal position of pelvis is a key factor in impingement and dislocation after total hip arthroplasty. Pelvic tilting affects the position of acetabular component in the sagittal plane of the body as compared with its anatomic position in the pelvis. We suggest a preoperative lateral view of spine-pelvis, in upright and supine position for evaluation of a corrective adaptation of the acetabular cup accordingly with pelvic balance.     

Does stem design influence component positioning in total hip arthroplasty using a minimal invasive posterolateral approach?

Purpose

Limited data exist for the reconstructive potential of short bone-preserving stems in THA using a minimal invasive posterolateral approach. Our study aim was to assess the effect of stem design on the reconstruction of hip offset and leg length in MIS posterolateral THA.

Methods

This retrospective consecutive single-surgeon study compares hip offset and leg length, as well as acetabular component positioning (cup anteversion; inclination) of 129 THAs with a cementless standard-length stem (Synergy®) and 143 THAs with a cementless short bone-preserving stem (Trilock®).

Results

In reference to the contralateral side, the mean difference in hip offset was 0.9 mm (p = 0.067) for the standard stem and 0.1 mm (p = 0.793) for the short stem, respectively. Leg-length discrepancy was 0.7 mm (Synergy®) and 0.9 mm (Trilock®), respectively. A total of 233 (86 %) acetabular components fell within the target zone for anteversion and inclination.

Conclusion

Accurate component positioning in MIS posterolateral approach THA is possible and is not influenced by the type of stem.     

Excellent long-term results of the Müller acetabular reinforcement ring in primary total hip arthroplasty

Background and purpose — The original Müller acetabular reinforcement ring (ARR) shows favorable medium-term results for acetabular reconstruction in total hip arthroplasty, where it is used when the acetabular bone stock is deficient. However, there are no data regarding long-term survival of the device. We therefore investigated long-term survival and analyzed radiological modes of failure.

Patients and methods — Between 1984 and 2002, 321 consecutive primary arthroplasties using an ARR were performed in 291 patients. The mean follow-up time was 11 (0–25) years, and 24 hips were lost to follow-up. For survival analysis, we investigated 321 hips and the end of the follow-up was the date of revision, date of death, or the last patient contact date with implant still in situ. Radiological assessment was performed for 160 hips with a minimum of 10 years of follow-up and with radiographs of sufficient quality. It included evaluation of osteolysis, migration, and loosening.

Results — 12 ARR THAs were revised: 1 isolated ARR revision for aseptic loosening, 4 revisions of the ARR and the stem for aseptic loosening, 6 for infection, and 1 for recurrent dislocation. The cumulative revision rate for all components, for any reason, at 20 years was 15% (95% CI: 10–22), while for the ARR only it was 7% (95% CI: 4–12) for any reason and 3.4% (95% CI: 1–9) for aseptic loosening. 21 (13%) of 160 ARR THAs examined had radiological changes: 7 had osteolysis but were not loose, and 14 were radiologically loose but were not painful and not revised.

Interpretation — Our data suggest that the long-term survival of the ARR is excellent.     

Do we need intraoperative radiographs for positioning the femoral component in total hip arthroplasty?

Introduction

Poor long-term results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) can result from femoral component misalignment. There are few reports that discuss the effectiveness of intraoperative radiographs for placing femoral components. This study is a retrospective review to find out the usefulness of intraoperative radiographs in detecting and improving the femoral component misalignment in posterior-approached primary THA.

Materials and methods

The study group included 150 primary THAs performed between September 2009 and April 2012. After the trial component insertion in lateral decubitus position, intraoperative radiography was performed. The surgeon assessed the femoral component position in three aspects: alignment, leg length, and offset. If it is not following the preoperative template, the surgeon makes the intraoperative adjustments to change the femoral component position. After the operation, postoperative radiograph was taken; the same parameters were measured and were compared to intraoperative findings. The changes in each parameter were classified into three categories: satisfactory, no change, and unsatisfactory. Among the three parameters, if one is satisfactory and the others are not unsatisfactory, we defined it as accurate positioning of the femoral component.

Results

Intraoperative adjustments were made in 122 cases (81.3 %). The adjustments included changes in the component size (35.3 %), component alignment (38.6 %), femoral offset (14.0 %), and additional femoral neck cuts (56.0 %). As a result, accurate positioning was successfully achieved in 112 cases (91.8 %) by taking intraoperative radiographs.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that intraoperative radiography is a useful method for detecting the errors of placing the femoral components, and the success of a surgeon to correct those errors after detecting them intraoperatively.     

The use of a “rim cutter” device and a flanged cup for improving the mantle of the acetabular component of a cemented Exeter total hip arthroplasty

A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the cement mantle in two groups of patients treated with the acetabular components of cemented Exeter total hip arthroplasties (THAs). Two groups of 20 patients were compared: Group 1 received non-flanged acetabular cemented cups (Contemporary, Stryker) and Group 2 received flanged acetabular cemented cups (X3 Rim Fit, Stryker). Cups in Group 2 were implanted after using a rim cutter device. Group 2 showed better penetration of cement in zone 1 (10.76 mm compared with 2.93 mm; p = 0.008) and a thicker cement mantle in zone 1 (3.57 mm compared with 2.89 mm; p = 0.04). More cups in Group 2 had a cement mantle thickness less than 3 mm (30 % in Group 1 compared with 70 % in Group 2; p = 0.0039). No other radiological differences were observed. These results favor the use of a rim cutter device and flanged cup to improve the cement mantle for the acetabular components of cemented Exeter THAs. However, the improvements were less than expected. In view of the results of previous studies, further research is therefore needed to assess the value of this approach in improving the acetabular cement mantle.     

Does Dega osteotomy increase acetabular volume in developmental dysplasia of the hip?

Whether acetabular volume increases or decreases after acetabular Dega osteotomy is not known. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of Dega osteotomy on the volume of the acetabulum in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. Nine hips of seven patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip that have undergone Dega osteotomy were included in the study. The acetabular index, acetabular depth, and acetabular volume of each hip were calculated before and after surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging was used for the measurement of the acetabular volume. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative values of acetabular index, acetabular depth, and acetabular volume was statistically significant. We conclude that Dega acetabular osteotomy increases the volume of the acetabulum.     

Can interepicondylar distance predict joint line position in primary and revision knee arthroplasty?

Restoration of the position of the prosthetic joint line (JL) to the same level as the original JL is a challenging problem in primary adn revision knee arthroplasty, and there is no reliable method for achieving this objective. We hypothesized that there is a constant ratio between the interepicondylar distance (IED) and the perpendicular distance from this interepicondylar line to the JL and analyzed 100 computed tomography scans of the knee to study this relationship. The IED and the perpendicular distance from this interepicondylar line to the JL was measured using both the clinical epicondylar axis (CEA) and the surgical epicondylar axis (SEA). Results showed that the ration between the IED adn the perpendicular distance from the interepicondylar line to the JL was 3.0 using the CEA and 3.3 using the SEA. The ratio was found to be constant, irrespective of the patient's sex or height. We suggest using the CEA because of the ease in localizing epicondyle peaks and conclude that the position of the JL from the interepicondylar line is one-third the IED using the CEA. This will prove to be a valuable aid in restoring the JL position during knee arthroplasty.     

Does unilateral total hip arthroplasty improve pain and function in the non-operative hip joint?

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology - Some reports suggested that the status of the opposite-side hip affects clinical outcomes of unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) for...     

Total hip arthroplasty after prior surgical treatment of hip fracture is it always challenging?

Salvage total hip arthroplasty (THA) presents a viable solution for failed open reduction internal fixation. This study compares salvage THA in patients with prior femoral neck fractures vs patients with prior intertrochanteric fractures. One hundred fifty-four hips in 152 patients underwent conversion from open reduction internal fixation to THA. Eighty-three patients had previous femoral neck fractures, and 69 patients (71 hips) had prior intertrochanteric fractures. Salvage THA in patients with prior intertrochanteric fractures presented a more technically demanding procedure with longer operative times and larger amounts of blood loss. Although conversion THA presents a technically challenging procedure, it is safe and yields relatively few orthopedic complications.