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.     

Total hip arthroplasty in patients with Down��s syndrome

Patients with Down’s syndrome (DS) have an increased incidence of coxarthrosis which may become symptomatic with prolonged life expectancy. We present seven consecutive patients (nine hips) with DS who had primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Average clinical and radiological follow-up was 9.9 ± 6.4 years (range 2–22.25). Harris hip scores (HHS) improved significantly (p < 0.01) from 41.1 (range 18.5–65) to 80.2 (range 67.5–91) at latest follow-up. Two patients required revision arthroplasty for stem loosening at 16 (osteolysis) and six years (trauma) following THA, respectively. Six of the THAs required a constrained liner. No dislocations or deep infections were encountered. We contend that THA is a reliable surgical intervention in patients with DS and may be performed in symptomatic patients.     

Total hip arthroplasty with cementless cups and femoral head autografts for patients with hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of total hip arthroplasty (THA) with cementless cups and femoral head autografts for patients with hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. Methods: Between 1995 and 2002, we implanted 23 cementless cups and femoral head autografts in 20 patients with hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. In this study, a retrospective study was made on 21 hips in 20 patients (18 females and 2 males, aged 50 years on an average) with developmental hip dysplasia treated by THA with a cementless cup and femoral head autograft. The acetabular cup was placed at the level of the true acetabulum and all the patients required autogenous femoral head grafts due to acetabular deficiency. The average rate of the acetabular cup covered by the femoral head autograft was 31% ( ranging from 10 % to 45 % ). Eight hips had less than 25 % cup coverage and thirteen between 25% and 50%. The average follow-up period was 4.7 years (range, 1-8 years). The replacing outcome was evaluated by modified Harri ship score. Preoperative and follow-up radiographs were made. Results: All the autografts were united to the host bones. No autograft was collapsed or no component from the hip was loosed in all the patients. According to the modified Harris hip score, the average hip score increased from 46 before operation to 89 at the final review. Before operation, the leg-length discrepancy was greater than 2 cm in all the patients except one with bilateral hip dysplasia. After operation, only 2 out of 20 patients had a leg-length discrepancy greater than 1 cm. Three hips showed minor bone resorption in the lateral portion of the graft, which did not support the cup. Three hips developed Grade 1 Brooker heterotopic ossification and one developed Grade 2. Conclusions: THA with a cementless cup and a femoral head autograft for patients with osteoarthritis resulted from hip dysplasia can result in favorable outcomes. This method can provide reliable acetabnlar fixation and restore the aeetabular bone stock in patients with developmental hip dysplasia when the cementless cup covered by the graft does not exceed 50 %.     

The Nottingham health profile–experiences after hip revision arthroplasty

Introduction:Considering patients after hip revision arthroplasty postoperative quality controls allows an evaluation of the individual implant situation as well as the achieved postoperative quality of life. With regard to a possible loss of data reliable statements about the used implant system with special consideration to the implant survival rate could not be received. In this connection standardized self-assessment questionnaires like the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) are in the centre of interest. The main focus of this study was to demonstrate a correlation between the Nottingham Health Profile and the Merle d’Aubigne (MDA) Score. Patients and methods: Fifty-one patients after femoral stem revision were re-examined. All patients received a written appointment for an ambulatory re-examination together with the NHP 4 weeks before. The clinical evaluation was carried out by using the MDA Score. Correlations between the NHP and the MDA were calculated. Results: Overall the data of 39 patients could be evaluated completely. Three patients (5.9%) did not appear to the ambulatory re-examination, four patients (7.8%) deceased in the meantime. With further five patients (9.8%) the NHP questionnaire could not be rated due to an incorrect treatment. The mean follow-up after revision was 5.8 years. Correlations between the category ‘Pain’ NHP/MDA as well as to the combination of the NHP-categories ‘Pain’+‘Physical Mobility’ and the total MDA-Score could be demonstrated. Conclusion: Out of our personal experiences the use of the NHP makes an individual follow-up evaluation after revision hip arthroplasty possible. Patient-referred changes can lead to direct re-examinations. Correlation coherences between the NHP and the MDA could be demonstrated equivalent to already published results. In what way a survival rate analysis of an implant by using the NHP is possible could not be answered clearly. It has to be included that wrong answered questionnaires lead to an additional drop-out rate beneath the lost to follow-up rate.     

The Burch–Schneider cage for reconstruction after metastatic destruction of the acetabulum: outcome and complications

Introduction  

The Burch–Schneider cage is an established implant in revision surgery after hip arthroplasty that is used for reconstructing osseous defects in the acetabulum. However, there are only a few reports about the use of cages in patients with metastatic destruction of the acetabulum. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the outcome and complications of this procedure.     

Survivorship and clinical outcomes of ‘cup–cage’ reconstruction in revision of hip arthroplasty for chronic pelvic discontinuity: A systematic review

BackgroundThis study was conducted to assess the survivorship and clinical outcomes of cup-cage reconstruction technique in the revision of THA.MethodsPubMed, OVID, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to February 2020 were searched. Studies that reported the clinical and radiological follow-up were identified.ResultsA total of 151 hips (145 patients) in six studies were included. The all-cause revision-free survivorship of cup-cage implant at the end of follow-up was 90.1% (136/151), with a mean follow-up of 64.4 months(range 12–135). The overall complication rate was 23.8% (36 of 151 hips), of which component problem, dislocation, infection and sciatic nerve palsy/injury were relatively common. All included studies reported improved clinical outcomes at the end of follow-up.ConclusionResults suggested that revision of THA with a cup-cage has a favourable implant survivorship and clinical outcomes for the treatment of pelvic discontinuity, despite the high complications occurrence rates.     

Total hip arthroplasty in tubercular arthritis of the hip – Surgical challenges and choice of implants

Osteoarticular tuberculosis of the hip joint can be a debilitating disease that can result in severe cartilage degeneration, destruction, and eventual painful arthritis of the hip. Usually, a secondary affliction to a primary lung disease, Tuberculosis (TB) of the hip can be difficult to diagnose due to its indolent natural history and deep-seated nature of the hip joint itself. Untreated, ultimately TB hip leads to disabling arthritis of the hip with limitation of activities of daily living, livelihood, and socio-economic consequences. Historic surgical options such as arthrodesis and excision arthroplasty of TB hip have limitations and several disadvantages. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a viable option to restore mobility and relieve pain in patients with severe post-tuberculous arthritis but has been controversial in the past due to the concerns of disease reactivation. We evaluate the current role of THA in TB of the hip, its various applications in different presenting scenarios with a guide to surgical tips and tricks for managing this challenging condition.     

Proximal cement fixation in total hip arthroplasty—first results with a new stem design

Stem loosening and stress-shielding are problems encountered in cemented hip arthroplasty. Could proximal stem fixation by partial cementing solve the problem? More physiological transmission of forces with only proximal cement fixation seems to be possible with this recent development (Z-stem, Option 3000, Mathys Orthopaedics, Bettlach, Switzerland). In a prospective clinical trial, this new implant was used for total hip arthroplasty in human patients. One hundred and thirty-three (133) total hip replacements in 123 patients were performed between April 1996 and January 2003. All of them were followed up regularly; 53 were analysed with the EBRA-FCA method (Einzel Bild Röntgen Analyse—femoral component analysis), whereas the rest were analysed using conventional follow-up X-rays. Eighty-six (86) patients with 95 hips could be examined in August 2004 to obtain mid-term results. At this stage, the mean follow-up time was 61 months (5.08 years), with a maximum of 100 months (8.33 years). Up to October 2004, nine cases needed a revision. The clinical data collected reported an average Harris Hip Score of 89.3 (good). The EBRA-FCA analysis reported a mean subsidence of less than 1.5 mm after the first two years, under the EBRA threshold of predicted loosening. At the latest follow-up (at an average of 61 months), there was an average stable subsidence of 2.4 mm in general. Eight (8) patients presented with subsidence of more than 5 mm. The results of the new implant seem to be encouraging. Finally, comparing our results to other fixation concepts will require longer follow-up periods.     

Dual-mobility components obviate the need for constrained components in revision total hip arthroplasty–Affirms

Dual-mobility hip components provide an additional articular surface, with the goals of improving range of motion and overall stability. In many European centers, these components are used for primary total hip arthroplasty. However, their greatest utility may be to prevent and treat recurrent dislocation after revision total hip arthroplasty. Several retrospective series have shown satisfactory results for this indication at medium-term follow-up. There are important concerns with these components, including intraprosthetic dislocation and polyethylene wear causing chronic dislocation, but these are rare phenomena. At present, dual-mobility components are the preferred solution to manage recurrent dislocation in revision surgery.     

Trochanteric non-union in revision total hip arthroplasty: does it matter?

The aims of this study were to assess whether trochanteric non-union is an important factor in revision total hip arthroplasty in terms of postoperative morbidity. We studied prospectively 97 consecutive patients undergoing revision total hip arthroplasty in the years 1992-1996. All operations were performed by one surgeon through a Charnley trans-trochanteric approach. The patients were followed-up over a period of 1-4 years and at 12 months postsurgery were assessed using a modified scoring system devised by D'Aubigne. Anatomical union of the greater trochanter was assessed by an anterior-posterior pelvic radiograph at 12 months to decide if the greater trochanter was united in the correct anatomical position. The trochanteric non-union rate was 18.5% (18 out of 97 patients). There was no significant difference between the patients in terms of pain, function and satisfaction scores at one year between those with trochanteric union and those without. This study suggests that trochanteric non-union post revision total hip arthroplasty is not a cause of increased morbidity.     

Total hip replacement arthroplasty with Mallory-Head system—minimum ten-year follow-up results

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic results of a total hip arthroplasty with the double tapered Mallory-Head system.

Methods

The clinical and radiographic results of a consecutive series of 81 total hip replacements in 75 patients were reviewed 10–15?years (average 11.4?years) postoperatively. The patients’ underlying conditions were avascular necrosis in 46 hips (57?%), osteoarthritis in 12 hips (15?%), RA in nine hips (11?%), and others. Clinical results were evaluated based on the modified Harris hip score and modified Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score. A radiographic analysis was performed.

Results

The average modified Harris hip score improved from a preoperative score of 56 points to a postoperative 92 points. The average modified Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score was 15 points at the latest follow up, and 55 hips (68?%) were classified as the clinical grades of excellent or good results. One acetabular component was revised because of loosening, and one was revised for recurrent dislocation.

Conclusion

The clinical and radiological evaluations of the total hip replacements using the Mallory-Head system showed good results.     

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.     

Femoral head diameter affects the revision rate in total hip arthroplasty: An analysis of 1,720 hip replacements with 9–21 years of follow-up

Background?In a previous study concerning 1,660 ScanHip THAs that were followed for up to 12 years, the cumulative revision rate was not found to be dependent on whether a 22-mm or a 32-mm head size had been used. We have re-examined these patients to see whether a longer follow-up time (9–21 years) would disclose an effect of head size on the revision rate.

Patients and methods?We analyzed the cumulative revision rate for 1,720 Scan Hip arthroplasties with either 22-mm or 32-mm femoral heads. The patients were followed for 9–21 years.

Results?Arthroplasties with 32-mm head had 2.8-times higher cumulative revision rate than those with a 22-mm head. Older age reduced the risk of revision while male sex increased the risk.

Interpretation?We found that head size affects revision risk, but that even in a reasonably large material a long follow-up time is required to disclose the effects of head size—and thus wear—on survival.     

Smith–Petersen and early development of hip arthroplasty

Dr. Marius N. Smith-Petersen, in Boston, MA, USA, introduced the mould arthroplasty (1923). He used a reactive synovial-like membrane that he found had developed around a piece of glass he had removed from a workman’s back, which had been imbedded there for a year. The original design was a ball-shaped, hollow hemisphere of glass that could fit over the femoral head of the hip joint. The objective was to stimulate cartilage regeneration on both sides of the moulded glass joint. Smith-Peterson intended to remove the glass after the cartilage had been restored. Glass provided a new, smooth surface for movement, and although proving biocompatible, it could not withstand the stresses of walking and quickly failed. Smith-Petersen succeeded in his endeavour by using Vitallium alloy.     

Are abductor muscle quality and previous revision surgery predictors of constrained liner failure in hip arthroplasty?

Dislocation is one of the most common complications of total hip arthroplasty. The use of constrained liners is an option for the management of chronic hip instability, typically used after other methods have failed. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the overall clinical outcomes and failure rates of a tripolar constrained liner design, to assess the radiographic outcomes of its use, and to examine whether various factors such as abductor mechanism quality and history of previous revision surgeries were associated with an increased risk of failure. Forty-three hips in 39 patients who had a mean follow-up of 51 months (range, 24–110 months) were reviewed. Ninety-one percent of the hips (39 of 43 hips) did not need any revisions over the study period. A new liner was implanted in all four failed hips with concurrent revision of the acetabular cup in three cases. No further dislocations occurred in this group. The mean hip score for surviving hips was 82 points (range, 38–100 points) at final follow-up. Radiographic evaluation revealed stable, well-fixed acetabular components in all surviving hips without progressive radiolucencies. No association was found between abductor muscle quality and the incidence of failure, but patients who experienced a constrained liner failure were more likely to have undergone at least one previous hip revision operation. Tripolar constrained acetabular liners can provide successful outcomes in patients with hip instability, although it is important not to rely on the use of a constrained liner alone in an attempt to compensate for other correctable factors such as component positioning.     

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in revision of failed shoulder arthroplasty—outcome and follow-up

Purpose

The number of shoulder arthroplasties has increased over the last decade, which can partly be explained by the increasing use of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty technique. However, the options for revision surgery after primary arthroplasty are limited in cases of irreparable rotator cuff deficiency, and tuberosity malunion, nonunion, or resorption. Often, conversion to a reverse design is the only suitable solution. We analysed the functional outcome, complication rate and patient satisfaction after the revision of primary shoulder arthroplasty using an inverse design.

Methods

Over a ten-year period 57 patients underwent revision surgery for failed primary shoulder arthroplasty using a reverse design. Of the 57 patients, 50 (mean age, 64.2 years) were available after an average follow-up of 51 months. Clinical evaluation included the Constant Murley Score, the UCLA score, and the Simple Shoulder Test, whereas radiological evaluation included plain radiographs in standard projections. Patients were also requested to rate their subjective satisfaction of the final outcome as excellent, good, satisfied or dissatisfied.

Results

Compared to the preoperative status, the overall functional outcome measurements based on standardised outcome shoulder scores improved significantly at follow-up. The overall mean Constant Murley score improved from 18.5 to 49.3 points, the mean UCLA score improved from 7.1 to 21.6 points, and the mean simple shoulder test improved from 1.2 to 5.6 points. The average degree of abduction improved from 40 to 93° (p < 0.0001), and the average degree of anterior flexion improved from 47 to 98° (p < 0.0001). The median VAS pain score decreased from 7 to 1. Complications occurred in 12 cases (24 %).A total of 32 (64 %) patients rated their result as good or excellent, six (12 %) as satisfactory and 12 (24 %) as dissatisfied.

Conclusion

In revision shoulder arthroplasty after failed primary shoulder arthroplasty an inverse design can improve the functional outcome, and patient satisfaction is usually high. However, the complication rate of this procedure is also high, and patient selection and other treatment options should be carefully considered.     

Vancomycin prophylaxis for revision hip arthroplasty in penicillin and cephalosporin sensitive patients: Is dose adjustment necessary in accordance with blood loss and fluid replacement?

ObjectiveThe aims of this study were (1) to investigate the changes in the serum concentration of prophylactically administrated vancomycin in the perioperative period of revision hip arthroplasty in penicillin/cephalosporin-allergic patients, (2) to assess whether the postoperative re-administration of vancomycin is needed, and (3) to determine the relationships of vancomycin serum concentration with blood loss, body weight, and fluid replacement in such patients.MethodsThis study consisted of 29 patients (20 females, 9 males; mean age=63.3 years; age range=45–79 years) with a history of penicillin/cephalosporin allergy undergoing revision hip arthroplasty secondary to aseptic loosening or periprosthetic fractures. Serum vancomycin levels were measured (1) before administration of vancomycin, (2) at the time of skin incision, (3) every 1,5 hours thereafter until the end of the operation, (4) during the skin closure, and (5) after three and 12 hours from the initial dosage. Data regarding body weight, amounts of intraoperative blood loss, fluid and blood replacements and postoperative wound drainage were recorded.ResultsThe average blood loss, fluid replacement, and drain volume were 1280.3±575.8 (500–2700) mL, 2922.6±768.8 (1700–4600) mL, and 480.2±163.7 (200–850) mL, respectively. The mean levels of serum vancomycin were 46.3±21.8 (14.1–80.7) mg/L at the time of skin incision, 17.9±4.7 (9.4–30.9) and 9.8±2.2 (4.3–13.8) mg/L after 1.5 and 3 hours from the beginning of the surgery and 5.1±1.1 (2.9–6.8)mg/L after 12th hour postoperatively. The measured vancomycin levels were below the effective serum concentrations (< 5 mg/L) for 18 patients at 12 hours the administration of the first dose. A moderate level negative correlation between the blood loss/body weight ratio and vancomycin levels was found (p=0.004, r=−0.493). Predictive ROC curve analysis resulted in determining a blood loss volume higher than 1150 ml and a blood loss/body weight ratio higher than 18,5 is significant to estimate the vancomycin level below the minimum effective serum level at 12th hour postoperatively (AUC=0.793±0.16, p=0.009, AUC=0.753) 26±0.12, p=0.025, respectively).ConclusionEvidence from this study has indicated vancomycin concentration at 12th hour is below the effective level in most patients. Thus, earlier repetitive infusion of vancomycin seems to be necessary in penicillin/cephalosporin-allergic patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty, especially in those with high blood loss.Level of EvidenceLevel III, Therapeutic Study