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.     

Minimum 20-Year Follow-Up Results of Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty With Improved Cementing Technique

A consecutive, non-selective cohort of 83 (77 patients) cemented total hip arthroplasty revisions using contemporary cementing techniques was analyzed at a minimum of 20 years following the index procedure. No patients were lost to follow-up. The average age at revision was 62.4 years (23 to 89). Twenty-two hips (26.5%) had had a reoperation, eighteen (21.7%) for aseptic loosening, 3 (3.6%) for femoral prosthesis fracture and 1 (1.2%) for dislocation. The incidence of re-revision for aseptic femoral loosening was 7.5% and for aseptic acetabular loosening was 21.7%. These results confirm that cemented femoral revision using improved cementing techniques is a durable option in revision hip surgery. In contrast to this, THA revisions using a cemented acetabular component have been less durable at this length of follow-up.     

Cementless jumbo cups for revision of failed Furlong prosthesis. A case series

BackgroundRevision of failed total hip arthroplasty (THA) presents great challenge to any orthopaedic surgeon especially in the presence of acetabular defects where the main goal is to achieve durable fixation of prosthetic components to bone which is the key to successful revision surgery.MethodsSeventeen patients (17 hips) with mean age of 52 (40–61) years had revision surgery for aseptic failure of Furlong hydroxyapatite-ceramic-coated (HAC) prosthesis using cementless jumbo cups. Patients were reviewed clinically and radiographically with mean follow-up of 3.5 years (2–6). No patient was lost to follow up.ResultsAll revised acetabular components showed polyethylene wear, severe metallosis, with acetabular defects IIB (4/17), and IIIA (13/17) according to Paprosky classification. The femoral component was well fixed in all cases but one patient had stem revision for femoral fracture mal-union. There was one early post-operative infection; there was no postoperative dislocation, sciatic nerve injury, periprosthetic fracture or deep venous thrombosis. At last follow-up, no progressive radiolucencies or acetabular migration was identified. The mean Harris hip score improved from 42 (24–59) pre-operatively to 85 (72–92).ConclusionGood clinical results and radiographic stability were obtained at short term follow up after acetabular revision using cementless jumbo cups, which justify its use in revision surgery even in the face of major acetabular defects. Furlong HAC femoral component gives excellent long-term survival in young and active patients with a survival rate of 94% at 18.6 years.     

Third and fourth generation ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty at a minimum of ten years

BackgroundCeramic on Ceramic bearings in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) afford a low friction coefficient, low wear rates and extreme hardness. Significant complications include hip squeak, ceramic fracture and poor polyethylene performance in revision procedures due to imbedding of abrasive microscopic ceramic fragments. We report on the results of this bearing at a minimum of 10 years.MethodsA single-centre retrospective review of 449 THAs was performed. Primary outcome measures included aseptic revision and all-cause revision rates at a minimum of 10 years post operatively. Evaluation of functionality was performed with WOMAC and SF-36 scores which were performed pre-operatively and at intervals of 6 months, one year, 2 years, 5 years and 10 years post operatively.ResultsThere was a 6.2% (n = 28) all-cause and 5.3% (n = 24) aseptic revision rate for ceramic on ceramic total hip arthroplasty at minimum of 10 years with a mean time to revision 4.8 years (range 2 months–11.6 years). Notably, there were 2 revisions for ceramic head fracture, one for ceramic liner fracture, 3 for aseptic loosening and 3 revisions for squeaking. Pain of unknown origin was the most common reason for revision. There was an improvement in postoperative WOMAC scores from a mean of 59.8 (range 15–95) pre-operatively to a mean of 15.6 (range 0–78) at 10 years.ConclusionThis study showed good functional outcomes but high revision rates for CoC THA at a minimum of 10 years. Our rates of ceramic fracture were consistent with other studies.     

Total Hip Arthroplasty After Prior Acetabular Fracture: Infection Is a Real Concern

BackgroundAcetabular fractures often require surgical intervention for fracture fixation and can result in premature osteoarthritis of the hip joint. This study hypothesized that total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with a prior acetabular fracture who had undergone open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is associated with a higher rate of subsequent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).MethodsAbout 72 patients with a history of acetabular fracture that required ORIF, undergoing conversion THA between 2000 and 2017 at our institution, were matched based on age, gender, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, and date of surgery in a 1:3 ratio with 215 patients receiving primary THA. The mean follow-up for the conversion THA cohort was 2.9 years (range, 1-12.15) and 3.06 years (range, 1-12.96) for the primary THA.ResultsPatients with a previous acetabular fracture, compared with the primary THA patients, had longer operative times, greater operative blood loss, and an increased need for allogeneic blood transfusion (26.4% vs 4.7%). Most notably, PJI rate was significantly higher in acetabular fracture group at 6.9% compared with 0.5% in the control group. Complications, such as aseptic revision, venous thromboembolism, and mortality, were similar between both groups.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that conversion THA in patients with prior ORIF of acetabular fractures is associated with higher complication rate, in particular PJI, and less optimal outcome compared with patients undergoing primary THA. The latter findings compel us to seek and implement specific strategies that aim to reduce the risk of subsequent PJI in these patients.     

Does salvage and tranexamic acid reduce the need for blood transfusion in revision hip surgery?

We carried out a retrospective case-control study in 80 patients who underwent a revision total hip replacement. Group A (40 patients) received tranexamic acid and intra-operative cell salvage. Group B (40 patients) was a matched control group and did not receive this management. Each group was divided into four subgroups: revision of both components, revision of both components with bone grafting, revision of the acetabular component with or without bone graft, and revision of the femoral component with or without bone graft. In group A the total number of units transfused was 52, compared with 139 in group B, representing a reduction in blood usage of 62.5%. The mean amount of blood transfused from cell salvage in each group was 858 ml (113 to 2100), 477 ml (0 to 2680), 228 ml (75 to 315) and 464 ml (120 to 1125), respectively. There was a significant difference in the amount of blood returned between the groups (p < 0.0001). In group A, 22 patients needed transfusion and in group B, 37 (p < 0.0001). A cost analysis calculation showed a total revenue saving of pounds sterling 70 000 and a potential saving throughout our facility of pounds sterling 318 288 per year. Our results show that a significant reduction in blood transfusion can be made using combined cell salvage and tranexamic acid in revision surgery of the hip.     

Clinical and radiographic assessment of cementless acetabular revision with morsellised allografts

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of cementless acetabular revision with deep frozen morsellised allografts. Sixty-one patients (65 hips) underwent acetabular revision using cementless components and deep frozen morsellised allografts. Fifty-seven hips (53 patients) were reviewed at a mean of 105.1 months (range 72–180 months) after revision. The study group included 29 males and 24 females with a mean age of 46.4 years. One cup underwent further revision for aseptic loosening and two were defined as radiographic failures. The mean time for allograft incorporation was 12.5 months (range 6–24 months) after index surgery. The mean Harris hip score of the patients improved from 61.1 points preoperatively to 91.6 points postoperatively. Linear and cavitary osteolysis was observed in two and 12 hips, respectively. The acetabular revision using cementless components with deep frozen morsellized allografts provides favourable clinical and radiographic results, although the initial disease and age may adversely affect the outcomes.     

Timing and safety of hip fracture surgery in patients on direct-acting oral anticoagulants

BackgroundMany geriatric patients presenting for emergency hip fracture surgery are on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) most of which are not easily reversible. A safe policy was required to reduce delays to surgery. Prior to institution of our hospital's protocol in January 2021, most of these patients had surgery after 48 h following the last dose of DOAC due to concerns about increased perioperative blood loss.MethodsThis was a prospective closed loop audit of the protocol-surgery within 24 h from last dose of DOAC (if creatinine clearance >50 ml/min) with administration of 1-g of tranexamic acid at anesthesia induction. 131 eligible patients (DOAC, n = 22; no anticoagulation, n = 109) between January–June 2021 who had emergency hip fracture surgery were identified. Primary outcome measures were peri-operative blood loss, transfusion requirements and policy compliance. Secondary outcome measures were 30-day mortality, thrombotic complications and wound bleeding.ResultsCompliance with surgical timing and tranexamic acid administration were 55% and 81% respectively after the second audit cycle. The mean estimated blood loss (EBL) in the DOAC group versus the non-anticoagulated control group was 500 ml and 330 ml respectively. The difference between these groups was statistically significant at an alpha level of 5% (P = 0.0115, 95% CI 38.48–299.16). The difference for intra-operative (RR 3.43; 95% CI 1.68–7.01) and post-operative blood transfusion (RR 2.10; 95% CI 1.23–3.58) for the 2 groups was also statistically significant. However, there was no case of massive blood transfusion in both groups. The DOAC group had a lower risk for 30-day mortality (RR 0.71; 95% CI 0.09-5.46). There was no major thrombotic complication in the DOAC group.ConclusionThis audit has shown that this protocol is safe although clinicians should anticipate some degree of increased intra-operative blood loss. We will recommend continuation of this policy with sustained safety monitoring in order to reduce delays to surgery.     

Total hip arthroplasty for posttraumatic arthritis after acetabular fracture

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) outcomes for posttraumatic arthritis after acetabular fracture have yielded inferior results compared to primary nontraumatic THA. Recently, improved results have been demonstrated using cementless acetabular reconstruction. Thirty-two patients underwent THA for posttraumatic arthritis after acetabular fracture; 24 were treated with open reduction internal fixation, and 8 were managed conservatively. Time from fracture to THA was 36 months (6-227 months). Average follow-up was 4.7 years (2.0-9.7 years). Harris Hip score increased from 28 (0-56) to 82 points (20-100). Six patients required revision. Five-year survival with revision, loosening, dislocation, or infection as an end point was 79%. Survival for aseptic acetabular loosening was 97%. Revision surgery correlated with nonanatomic restoration of the hip center and a history of infection (P < .05). Despite obvious challenges, advances in fracture management and cementless acetabular fixation in THA demonstrate improved results for posttraumatic arthritis following acetabular fracture.     

A Comparison of Revision Rates for Dislocation and Aseptic Causes Between Dual Mobility and Large Femoral Head Bearings in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty With Subanalysis by Acetabular Component Size: An Analysis of 106,163 Primary Total Hip Arthroplasties

BackgroundDual mobility (DM) and large femoral head bearings (≥36 mm) both decrease the risk of dislocation in total hip arthroplasty (THA). There is limited comparable data in primary THA. This study compared the revision rates for dislocation and aseptic causes between DM and large femoral heads and subanalyzed by acetabular component size.MethodsData from the Australian Orthopedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry were analyzed for patients undergoing primary THA for osteoarthritis from January 2008 (the year of first recorded DM use) to December 2019. All DM and large femoral head bearings were identified. The primary outcome measure was the cumulative percent revision (CPR) for dislocation and for all aseptic causes. The results were adjusted by age, sex, and femoral fixation. A subanalysis was performed stratifying acetabular component diameter <58 m and ≥58 mm.ResultsThere were 4942 DM and 101,221 large femoral head bearings recorded. There was no difference in the CPR for dislocation (HR = 0.69 (95% CI 0.42, 1.13), P = .138) or aseptic causes (HR = 0.91 (95% CI 0.70, 1.18), P = .457). When stratified by acetabular component size, DM reduced the CPR for dislocation in acetabular component diameter <58 mm (HR = 0.55 (95% CI 0.30, 1.00), P = .049). There was no difference for diameter ≥58 mm. There was no difference in aseptic revision when stratified by acetabular component diameter.ConclusionThere is no difference in revision rates for dislocation or aseptic causes between DM and large femoral heads in primary THA. When stratified by acetabular component size, DM reduces dislocation for acetabular component diameter <58 mm.Level of EvidenceLevel III.     

Increased Synovial Inflammatory Markers in Aseptic Total Hip Arthroplasty Dislocation

BackgroundIn cases of total hip arthroplasty (THA) dislocation, a synovial fluid aspiration is often performed to evaluate for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). It is currently unclear how aseptic dislocation of a THA influences synovial fluid white blood cell (WBC) count and polymorphonuclear percentage (PMN%). The primary aim of this study is to investigate the influence of THA dislocation on synovial WBC count and PMN%.MethodsTwenty-eight patients who underwent a synovial aspiration of a THA between 2014 and 2019 were identified and enrolled in our case-control study. Patients with an aseptic THA dislocation and synovial hip aspiration were matched against patients without dislocation, patients undergoing hip aspiration before aseptic THA revision surgery, and patients undergoing hip aspiration before septic THA revision surgery.ResultsSynovial WBC count was significantly increased in the dislocation vs aseptic THA revision group (P = .015), as well as between the septic revision group vs dislocation and aseptic THA revision group (both P < .001). The PMN% did not differ significantly between the dislocation and aseptic revision groups (P = .294). Mean C-reactive protein values were 12.4 ± 14.9 mg/dL in THA dislocation, 24.1 ± 37.7 mg/dL in THA without infection compared to 85.7 ± 84.9 mg/dL in THA infection group (P < .001).ConclusionThis study shows that THA dislocation has a significant impact on synovial WBC count in joint aspiration. Our data suggest that in the setting of THA dislocation, synovial WBC and PMN% may not be the best method to evaluate for PJI. Further research should be performed to establish new thresholds for these synovial inflammatory markers in the setting of THA dislocation and PJI.Level of evidenceLevel III; retrospective trial.     

Regional five-year clinical outcomes of 289 consecutive cementless oxford uni-compartmental knee replacements at a non-inventor centre

IntroductionUncemented unicompartmental knee replacement offers a minimally invasive approach, faster rehabilitation and good levels of function, supported by evidence reporting low intra-operative fracture rate and mid-term stability with no implant migration at 5-years. Our aim was to examine the clinical outcomes in 289 consecutive Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (257 patients), five years post-operatively.MethodsA retrospective study of patients treated between 2008 and 2014 in a non-inventor centre by a single surgeon was performed. Patients with anteromedial bone on bone uni-compartmental arthritis were included. Oxford Knee Scores (OKSs) at last follow-up were recorded, intra-operative complications reported with commentary on revision cases.ResultsMean age of patients was 66 years (SD 9.6, 45–88 years). 122 (42%) patients were female and 135 (58%) were male. Patient in our study were ASA 1 (36%), ASA 2 (62%) and ASA 3 (01%). There were no intra-operative complications, particularly tibia fractures during impaction. The average oxford knee score was 40.1 (n = 232, Range 06 to 48, SD 8.46) at an average 6 years and 3 months from surgery, including revised patients. Six patients had their prosthesis revised within five-years of the index surgery. Five-year cumulative implant survival rate was 97.8% (95% CI 97.62 to 97.98, SE 0.09). Indications for revision were: lateral side wear (n = 1); dislocated spacer (n = 4); instability and spacer subluxation (n = 1). Thirteen patients died within five years of surgery Five-year cumulative survival rate was 94.9% (95% CI 94.87 to 94.925, SE 0.013).ConclusionThe proportion of patients requiring revision at five-years is lower than that generally reported for UKR. These findings add support for the use of the cementless oxford UKR outside the design centre.     

Fate of the Retained Acetabular Component During Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

BackgroundThe aim of this meta-analysis and systematic review is to estimate re-revision rates due to aseptic loosening of retained acetabular components after revision total hip arthroplasty.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched until June 11, 2018. Data were extracted by 2 independent investigators and consensus was reached with the involvement of a third investigator. Rates of re-revision due to aseptic loosening from 6 studies were aggregated using random effects model after a logit transformation and were grouped by study and population level characteristics.ResultsAn assessment of the re-revision rates of retained acetabular components due to aseptic loosening in revision total hip arthroplasty was reported in 6 studies involving 669 cases. The pooled re-revision rate was 12.6% (95% confidence interval 8.4-18.4) with a mean study follow-up of 8.6 years. The rate of re-revision due to aseptic loosening of retained acetabular components was 6.8% (95% confidence interval 3.4-13.3). In the univariate meta-regression analysis, mean age at index revision surgery was significantly associated with the rate of re-revision due to aseptic loosening (R² = 99.98%, P < .0001).ConclusionBased on this exploratory analysis, revision hip procedures with retentions of well-fixed acetabular components generally have a low risk of failure during mid-term to long-term follow-ups.     

Efficacy of intraoperative blood collection and reinfusion in revision total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing revision total hip arthroplasty frequently require perioperative blood transfusion, increasing the risk for blood-borne disease and anaphylactic and hemolytic reactions. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of intraoperative blood collection and reinfusion on net blood loss in patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty. METHODS: The medical records of 126 patients who had had a revision total hip arthroplasty with intraoperative blood salvage, with use of a collection and reinfusion device, during a twenty-eight-month period were reviewed. For comparison, the medical records of ninety-six patients who had undergone revision hip arthroplasty without intraoperative blood salvage were reviewed. Each of the 222 patients was categorized into a group on the basis of the type of revision. RESULTS: Patients who had a revision of the femoral and acetabular components (Group C) had significantly higher mean intraoperative and total blood loss than did those who had a revision of the femoral component only (Group A [p = 0.009 and p = 0.02, respectively]) or a revision of the acetabular component only (Group B [p = 0.0001 for both]). Total blood loss was not significantly different between Groups A and B. The mean amount of blood reinfused intraoperatively was 356 mL for the patients in Group A, 374 mL for the patients in Group B, and 519 mL for the patients in Group C. Regression analysis showed a significant decrease in net blood loss with intraoperative collection and reinfusion in Groups B (p = 0.002) and C (p = 0.0001) but not in Group A. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative collection and reinfusion substantially decreased net perioperative blood loss in patients who had a revision of both components (Group C) and in those who had a revision of the acetabular component (Group B). The use of intraoperative blood collection and reinfusion appears to be a valuable method of preserving blood volume in the perioperative period.     

Anatomic placement of the acetabular implant in cementless total hip arthroplasty does not adversely affect the implant survival and patient satisfaction

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate if the acetabulum's conservative reaming with preservation of the medial acetabular bone and anatomic placement of the acetabular implant in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) has any adverse effect on the radiological outcome, long term implant survival and patient satisfaction.Methods106 consecutive patients were identified from a single surgeon practice who underwent cementless THA from 2005 to 2010. Twenty-one were lost to follow up, and five patients died unrelated to THA. Eighty patients were available for the study. The mean follow-up was 8.6 years (range 5.7–11.6). The mean age was 61.9 years. Immediate pre- and postoperative radiographs were reviewed to calculate combined offset (Acetabular offset – AO, plus Femoral offset – FO). Implant failure, aseptic loosening, revision surgery, patient satisfaction and complications were assessed on long-term follow-up.ResultsAcetabular component survival was 100% with no aseptic failure. None of the patients had revision surgery for any cause. The mean difference in the acetabular offset and combined offset postoperatively was within 3 mm. One patient had a dislocation, and one had a prosthetic joint infection (PJI). 95% of the patients in this series would recommend the hip replacement procedure to others, with a mean satisfaction score of 8.7 (range; 1–10).ConclusionConservative acetabular reaming with preservation of medial acetabulum bone with the anatomic placement of the acetabular implant in cementless THA is safe with no adverse effects on implant survival and patient satisfaction. It offers the advantage of preserving the patient's bone stock, which would potentially be of significant advantage to the patient and the surgeon in case of revision arthroplasty.     

Transverse posterior wall acetabular fracture pattern is associated with increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection after conversion total hip arthroplasty

IntroductionAcetabular fracture subtypes are associated with varying rates of subsequent conversion total hip arthroplasty (THA) after open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with transverse posterior wall (TPW) patterns having a higher risk for early conversion. Conversion THA is fraught with complications including increased rates of revision and periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). We aimed to determine if TPW pattern is associated with higher rates of readmissions and complications including PJI after conversion compared to other subtypes.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 1,938 acetabular fractures treated with ORIF at our institution from 2005 to 2019, of which 170 underwent conversion that met inclusion criteria, including 80 TPW fracture pattern. Conversion THA outcomes were compared by initial fracture pattern. There was no difference between the TPW and other fracture patterns in age, BMI, comorbidities, surgical variables, length of stay, ICU stay, discharge disposition, or hospital acquired complications related to their initial ORIF procedure. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for PJI at both 90-days and 1-year after conversion.ResultsTPW fracture had higher risk of PJI after conversion THA at 1-year (16.3% vs 5.6%, p = 0.027). Multivariable analysis revealed TPW independently carried increased risk of 90-day (OR 4.89; 95% CI 1.16–20.52; p = 0.03) and 1-year PJI (OR 6.51; 95% CI 1.56–27.16; p = 0.01) compared to the other acetabular fracture patterns. There was no difference between the fracture cohorts in 90-day or 1-year mechanical complications including dislocation, periprosthetic fracture and revision THA for aseptic etiologies, or 90-day all-cause readmission after the conversion procedure.ConclusionAlthough conversion THA after acetabular ORIF carry high rates of PJI overall, TPW fractures are associated with increased risk for PJI after conversion compared to other fracture patterns at 1-year follow-up. Novel management/treatment of these patients either at the time of ORIF and/or conversion THA procedure are needed to reduce PJI rates.Level of evidenceTherapeutic Level III (retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing an intervention with analyses of outcomes).     

A cementless elastic monoblock socket in young patients: a ten to 18-year clinical and radiological follow-up

The survival of acetabular components depends on several factors: wear, osteolysis and septic or aseptic loosening. Osteolysis seems to be the main cause for concern in cementless arthroplasties. Acetabular osteolysis results from particle debris and segmental unloading of acetabular bone by rigid sockets. We investigated a cementless elastic monoblock socket with regard to acetabular osteolysis and aseptic loosening in a cohort of young patients. We evaluated 158 hip arthroplasties with a minimum follow-up of ten years (ten to 18) and a mean age of 42 years (18–50). The overall revision rate at 14 years was 80% with a 98% survival rate for aseptic loosening. The mean polyethylene wear rate was 0.11 mm/year. Progressive acetabular osteolysis was seen in 3% of patients evaluated. In conclusion, we found low pelvic osteolysis rates, acceptable overall wear rates, satisfactory overall survival and excellent survival rates for aseptic loosening of a cementless elastic monoblock socket in patients younger than 50 years. Ongoing tribology developments and knowledge about acetabular bone adaptations behind acetabular implants will further lower wear and osteolysis rates and optimise survival rates of cementless sockets.     

Middle term results of tantalum acetabular cups in total hip arthroplasty following pelvic irradiation

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the middle term cup survival, assess the functional implementation and the radiographic evolution of tantalum acetabular cups implanted on patients with a history of pelvic radiotherapy.MethodsFrom 2005 to 2013, we performed 12 THA replacements (4 males 8 females; mean age: 46.6 years (range 25–75)) on irradiated bone with Trabecular metal acetabular cups, 8 primary implants and 4 revision implants. The mean radiation dose delivered was 5500 cGy (range 3000 cGy–13,600 cGy). The mean follow-up was 68 months, ranging from 38 to 136. Postoperative follow-up time was assessed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, then annually. Double projection radiographs were requested at each control. Radiographic signs of loosening were investigated by X-rays looking for radiolucent lines. We used the Harris hip score for the clinical and functional evaluation.ResultsTo now none of the 12 patients in the series needed any revision surgery for aseptic loosening. In the revision group one patient have been revised for septic loosening, two patients have been treated by conservative procedure for hip dislocation. Post-operative Harris hip score improved from an average of 46 points to 85.3 points. At last follow-up we found only in one case radiographic signs of progressive lucent line, without clinical sign of failure.ConclusionIn a clinical setting, tantalum cup seems to provide a good stability due to the integration of the trabecular metal to the underline cancellous bone. The reported results, in agreement with literature data, propose the use of tantalum cups in irradiated bone.Level of evidenceLevel IV, therapeutic study.     

Long-term survival of the acetabular component after total hip arthroplasty with cement in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty with cement remains a difficult procedure in patients with osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip as it is associated with high rates of aseptic loosening of the acetabular component. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the rate of revision of the acetabular component in this group of patients and the variables that are associated with it. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records and radiographs of 292 hips in 206 patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty with cement for the treatment of osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip. The average age of the patients at the time of the index procedure was 42.6 years, and the average duration of follow-up was 15.7 years (range, 2.2 to 31.2 years). Fourteen patients were lost to follow-up, and seven patients died from causes unrelated to surgery. A 22.25-mm head was used in all cases, and bone-grafting of the acetabulum was performed in forty-eight hips. Survival of the acetabular component was calculated with revision for aseptic loosening as the end point. Individual survival rates based on age, component type, previous surgery, and annual polyethylene wear also were calculated. RESULTS: The most common reason for revision was aseptic loosening of the acetabular component, which led to 87.2% of the revision procedures. The overall rate of survival of the acetabular component was 90.6% at ten years and 63% at twenty years. A higher rate of acetabular revision was noted in association with previous acetabular surgery, the offset-bore cup, younger age, and accelerated polyethylene wear (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: Aseptic loosening of the acetabular component affects the longevity of total hip replacements in patients with osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip. The present study identified the risk factors associated with the long-term survival of the acetabular component in this group of patients.