Are Ceramic-on-ceramic Bearings in Total Hip Arthroplasty Associated With Reduced Revision Risk for Late Dislocation?

Background

Dislocation is a major complication after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), but little is known about the potential relationships between bearing materials and risk of dislocation. Dislocation within the first year after surgery is typically related to either surgical error or patient inattention to precautions, but the reasons for dislocation after the first year are often unclear, and whether ceramic bearings are associated with an increased or decreased likelihood of late dislocation is controversial.

Questions/purposes

The purpose of this study was to use a national registry to assess whether the choice of bearings–metal-on-polyethylene (MoP), ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP), ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC), or metal-on-metal (MoM)–is associated with differences in the risk of late dislocation.

Methods

Data from primary THAs were extracted from the New Zealand Joint Registry over a 10-year period. The mean age of patients was 69 years (SD ± 12 years), and 53% were women. The median followup in this population was 7 years (range, 1–13 years). The surgical approach used was posterior in 66% of THAs, lateral in 29%, and anterior in 5%. The primary endpoint was late revision for dislocation with “late” defined as greater than 1 year postoperatively. A total of 73,386 hips were available for analysis: 65% MoP, 17% CoP, 10% CoC, and 7% MoM. In general, patients receiving CoC and MoM bearings were younger compared with patients receiving CoP and MoP bearings.

Results

Four percent of the hips were revised (3130 THAs); 867 THAs were revised for dislocation. Four hundred seventy THAs were revised for dislocation after the first postoperative year. After adjusting for head size, age, and surgical approach, only CoP (hazard ratio [HR], 2.10; p = 0.021) demonstrated a higher proportion of revision, whereas MoP did not (HR, 1.76; 95% p = 0.075). There were no differences of revisions for dislocation in the CoC (HR, 1.60; p = 0.092) and MoM cohorts (HR, 1.54; p = 0.081).

Conclusions

Dislocation is a common reason for revision after THA. The relationships between bearing materials and risk of revision for late dislocation remain controversial. This large registry study demonstrated that bearing surface had little association with the incidence of late dislocation. Future studies with longer followups should continue to investigate this question.

Level of Evidence

Level III, therapeutic study.     

Are Trends in Total Hip Arthroplasty Bearing Surface Continuing to Change? 2007-2015 Usage in a Large Database Cohort

Background

Bearing surface issues related to trunnionosis or metal-on-metal (MoM) articulations have likely impacted recent trends in bearing surface choice. The purpose of this study is to evaluate trends in total hip arthroplasty (THA) bearing surface use, including 2015 data, with respect to the date of operation and patient demographics.

Comparison of Postoperative Complications Following Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty With Other Hip Bearings in Medicare Population

Background

The use of metal-on-metal (MoM) hip bearings has declined in the recent years due to strong evidence of their high complication rates and early failure. Hip implants with highly cross-linked polyethylene liners and ceramic bearings have become the modern implants of choice. We sought to determine if MoM implants are associated with higher complication and revision rates when compared to other hip bearings in the Medicare population.

National Trends in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty in Extremely Young Patients : A Focus on Bearing Surface Usage

The purpose of this study was to present national trends in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and bearing surface usage for patients 30 years and younger. Using the Healthcare-Cost-and-Utilization-Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 2006 to 2009, 8919 primary THA discharges (4454 coded by bearing surface) were identified in patients 30 years and younger. The most commonly used bearing surface was metal-on-metal (MoM), representing 37.6% of cases, followed by ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) (24.6%), metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) (22.1%) and ceramic-on-polyethylene (15.7%). From 2006 to 2009, the percentage of THAs that used hard-on-hard bearing surfaces decreased (MoM: 42.9%-29.4%; CoC: 34.0%-19.7%).This decrease in hard-on-hard bearing surface usage presents a challenge for surgeons treating young patients to find other acceptable durable bearings that do not have the potential problems associated with MoM or CoC.     

Do different types of bearings and noise from total hip arthroplasty influence hip-related pain,function, and quality of life postoperatively?

Background and purpose — Patient-reported outcome (PRO) is recognized as an important tool for evaluating the outcome and satisfaction after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We wanted to compare patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) scores from patients with ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) THAs and those with metal-on-metal (MoM) THAs to scores from patients with metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) THAs, and to determine the influence of THA-related noise on PROM scores.

Patients and methods — We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional questionnaire survey in a cohort of patients identified from the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Registry. The PROMs included were: hip dysfunction and osteoarthritis and outcome score (HOOS), EQ-5D-3L, EQ VAS, UCLA activity score, and questions about noise from the THA. The response rate was 85% and the number of responders was 3,089. Of these, 45% had CoC THAs, 17% had MoM THAs, and 38% had MoP THAs, with a mean length of follow-up of 7, 5, and 7 years, respectively.

Results — Compared to MoP THAs, the mean PROM scores for CoC and MoM THAs were similar, except that CoC THAs had a lower mean score for HOOS Symptoms than did MoP THA. 27% of patients with CoC THAs, 29% with MoM THAs, and 12% with MoP THAs reported noise from their hip. For the 3 types of bearings, PROM scores from patients with a noisy THA were statistically significantly worse than those from patients with a silent MoP THA. The exception was noisy CoC and MoM THAs, which had the same mean UCLA activity score as silent MoP THAs.

Interpretation — A high proportion of patients reported noise from the THA, and these patients had worse PROM scores than patients with silent MoP THAs.     

Bearing exchange in the management of pseudotumours

Introduction

Soft tissue reactions following metal-on-metal (MoM) arthroplasty of the hip have been under considerable discussion. These reactions are seen following both hip resurfacing and MoM total hip arthroplasty (THA). The phenomenon may arise owing to shedding of metal particles in high wear states, hypersensitivity with normal metal wear rates or a combination of the two.

Methods

Three patients were identified who had developed a soft tissue reaction (pseudotumour) following MoM hip resurfacing procedures. The prostheses were revised to ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) THA with only minimal debridement of the pseudotumour. Pre and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was performed to assess the size of the lesions.

Results

Progressive and satisfactory resolution of the associated pseudotumours was identified following revision of the prostheses to CoC THA.

Conclusions

In the early stages of pseudotumour formation following MoM hip resurfacing, this potentially devastating condition can be managed adequately with revision to a CoC bearing THA with minimal soft tissue excision.     

A Comparative Study of Four Bearing Couples of the Same Acetabular and Femoral Component: A Mean Follow-Up of 11.5 Years

We present a retrospective evaluation of 1369 hip arthroplasties performed using the Bicon-Plus cups and SL-Plus stems, differing only in the bearing combination. Four bearing combination groups were used: metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) group with 587 hips, ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP) group with 161 hips, metal-on-metal (MoM) group with 322 hips and ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) group with 299 hips. The mean follow-up was 11.5 years (4.1 to 15.0). Radiological evaluation was performed on implants failed due to aseptic loosening. The survival for prosthesis with revision for any reason at ten years was 96.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 94.3 to 97.9) for MoP, 98.1% (CI 95.9 to 100) for CoP, 90.2% (CI 86.8 to 93.6) for MoM, and 95.6% (CI 93.0 to 98.2) for CoC. Survival for aseptic loosening was also determined.     

Ceramic Bearings Are Associated With a Significantly Reduced Revision Rate in Primary Hip Arthroplasty: An Analysis From the National Joint Registry for England,Wales, Northern Ireland,and the Isle of Man

BackgroundProsthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication. Studies have suggested reduction in PJI with the use of ceramic bearings.MethodsAdult patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) using an uncemented acetabular component with ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC), ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP), or metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) bearing surfaces between 2002 and 2016 were extracted from the National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man. A competing risk regression model to investigate predictors of each revision outcome was used. Time-to-event was determined by duration of implantation since primary surgery with competing risks being death or revision. The results were adjusted for age, gender, American Association of Anaesthesiologists grade, body mass index, surgical indication, intraoperative complications, and implant data.ResultsIn total, 456,457 THAs (228,786 MoP, 128,403 CoC, and 99,268 CoP) were identified. Multivariable modeling showed that the risk of revision for PJI was significantly lower with CoC (risk ratio 0.748, P < .001) and CoP (risk ratio 0.775, P < .001) compared to MoP. Significant reduction in risk of aseptic and all-cause revision was also seen. The significant protective effect of ceramic bearing was predominantly seen 2 years after implantation. Aseptic revision beyond 2 years reduced by 18.1% and 24.8% for CoC and CoP (P < .001), respectively. All-cause revision rate beyond 2 years reduced by 21.6% for CoC and 27.1% for CoP (P < .001)ConclusionThis study demonstrates an association between the use of ceramic as part of the bearing, with lower rates of revision for all causes, revision for infection, and revision for aseptic causes, supporting ceramic bearings in THA.     

There Are No Differences in Short- to Mid-term Survivorship Among Total Hip-bearing Surface Options: A Network Meta-analysis

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasingly being performed in patients with long life expectancies and active lifestyles. Newer implant bearing surfaces, with superior wear characteristics, often are used in this cohort with the goal of improving longevity of the prosthesis, but comparisons across the numerous available bearing surfaces are limited, so the surgeon and patient may have difficulty deciding which implants to use.

Questions/purposes

The purpose of this study was to answer the following question: Is there a short- to mid-term survivorship difference between common THA bearings used in patients younger than age 65 years?

Methods

We conducted a systematic review to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published after 2000 that reported survivorship of ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC), ceramic-on-highly crosslinked polyethylene (CoPxl), or metal-on-highly crosslinked polyethylene (MoPxl) bearings. To qualify for our review, RCTs had to have a minimum 2-year followup and study patients were required to have an average age younger than 65 years. Direct-comparison meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were performed to combine direct and indirect evidence.

Results

Direct-comparison meta-analysis found no differences among the bearing surfaces in terms of the risk of revision; this approach demonstrated a risk ratio for revision of 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19–2.23; p = 0.50) between CoC and CoPxl and a risk ratio for revision of 0.40 (95% CI, 0.06–2.63; p = 0.34) between CoC and MoPxl. Network meta-analysis (with post hoc modification) likewise found no differences in survivorship across the three implant types, demonstrating the following probabilities of most effective implant with 95% credible intervals (CrI): CoC = 64.6% (0%–100%); CoPxl = 24.9% (0%–100%); and MoPxl = 9.9% (0%–100%). The CrIs ranged from 0% to 100% for all three bearing surfaces. Direct-comparison meta-analysis allowed for pooling of five RCTs, including 779 THAs, whereas network meta-analysis (before post hoc analysis) enabled pooling of 18 RCTs, including 2599 THAs.

Conclusions

Current published evidence does not support survivorship differences among commonly used bearing surfaces in patients younger than age 65 years undergoing THA at short- to mid-term followup. Long-term RCT data will be needed to determine if a survivorship benefit is realized in younger, more active patients over time.

Level of Evidence

Level I, therapeutic study.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11999-014-4065-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Strong association between smoking and the risk of revision in a cohort study of patients with metal‐on‐metal total hip arthroplasty

Thus far the ability to predict who will develop early failure following the insertion of a metal‐on‐metal (MoM) bearing has been very limited. Our objective was to assess the effect of smoking on failure rates in patients with MoM bearing, compared with patients with ceramic‐on‐polyethylene (CoP) bearing. From a prospective hospital‐based registry we included all primary THAs operated upon between 1/2001 and 12/2011 with MoM or CoP bearings of the same cup design and head size (28 mm). We compared revision rates through 10/2013 classified by smoking status and type of bearing. We included 1,964 patients (median age 71, 57% women), 663 with MoM and 1,301 with CoP bearing. Mean follow‐up was 6.9 years (range 1.8–12.8). Revisions were required for 56 THAs. In patients with MoM bearing the adjusted incidence rate of revision among ever‐smokers was four times greater than among never‐smokers (95% CI 1.4–10.9). Among those with CoP bearing, the rate ratio was only 1.3 (95% CI 0.6–2.5). We found a strong association between smoking and increased failure of MoM THAs. In contrast, the association was weak for patients with CoP bearing. Smoking might be a trigger or an effect amplifier for adverse reactions to metal debris from MoM bearings. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:762–768, 2014.     

Midterm Prospective Comparative Analysis of 2 Hard-on-Hard Bearing Total Hip Arthroplasty Designs

Introduction

Hard-on-hard (HoH) bearing surfaces in total hip arthroplasty (THA) are commonly utilized in younger patients and may decrease mechanical wear compared to polyethylene bearing surfaces. To our knowledge, no study has prospectively compared the 2 most common HoH bearings, ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) and metal-on-metal (MoM) THA.

Clinical Outcomes,Metal Ion Levels,Lymphocyte Profiles,and Implant Survival Following Five Different Bearings of Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Mean 10-year Follow-up Study

BackgroundDifferent bearings have been used in total hip arthroplasty (THA), but the long-term performance is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are differences when comparing THAs with 5 different bearings at a long-term follow-up of more than 10 years.MethodsFrom January 2010 to May 2012, 101 THA patients (134 hips) were divided into metal-on-metal group (MoM, 31 hips), metal-on-polyethylene group (MoP, 23 hips), ceramic-on-metal group (CoM, 21 hips), ceramic-on-ceramic group (CoC, 33 hips), and ceramic-on-polyethylene group (CoP, 26 hips). The mean follow-up period was 10.3 years. The Harris hip score (HSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores (WOMAC), range of motion (ROM), blood cell count, and liver-kidney function were measured. Serum and urine metal ion levels were measured using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and a blood lymphocytes analysis was counted by flow cytometry.ResultsNo difference was observed in the HSS, WOMAC, ROM, blood cell count, or liver-kidney function among any of the 5 groups. Metal ion levels were significantly elevated in metal-containing bearings. Flow cytometry showed that no differences were found. Revision was performed due to pseudotumor in 3 patients. The implant survival rate was 96.7% and 93.3% for the MoM and CoC groups, which was significantly lower compared with other groups.ConclusionsMetal ion levels were elevated significantly in metal-containing bearings, especially in MoM THA patients. The implant survival rate was significantly lower in CoC and MoM THAs, which was mainly due to pseudotumor formation.Level of EvidenceTherapeutic Level II.     

Application and survival curve of total hip arthroplasties: a systematic comparative analysis using worldwide hip arthroplasty registers

Purpose

The aim of the study was to compare primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) implantations between different countries in terms of THA number per inhabitant, age, and procedure type and to compare the survival curve including all THAs using hip arthroplasty registers.

Methods

THA registers were compared between different countries with respect to the number of primary implantations per inhabitant and age, procedure type and survival curve. We performed a literature search for all national hip arthroplasty registers providing annual reports for 2009 or, if not available, a more recent period. The data from these reports were analysed in terms of number, age distribution and procedure type of primary THAs and survival curves.

Results

We identified nine hip arthroplasty registers, which comprised sufficient data to be included. A large variation was found in the annual number of primary THA implantations per inhabitant. The procedure type varied greatly as well, e.g. in Sweden 67 % are cemented THAs whereas in Emilia-Romagna (Italy) 89 % are cementless THAs.

Conclusions

This study revealed large differences in terms of the annual number of primary THAs per inhabitant and primary THA procedure type across countries. These data can be used to rank local primary THA implantations within an international context.     

No association between serum metal ions and implant fixation in large-head metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty: A 5-year radiostereometric study of 49 hips

Background

The mechanism of failure of metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been related to a high rate of metal wear debris, which is partly generated from the head-trunnion interface. However, it is not known whether implant fixation is affected by metal wear debris.

Patients and methods

49 cases of MoM THA in 41 patients (10 women) with a mean age of 52 (28–68) years were followed with stereoradiographs after surgery and at 1, 2, and 5 years to analyze implant migration by radiostereometric analysis (RSA). Patients also participated in a 5- to 7-year follow-up with measurement of serum metal ions, questionnaires (Oxford hip score (OHS) and Harris hip score (HHS)), and measurement of cup and stem positions and systemic bone mineral density.

Results

At 1–2 years, mean total translation (TT) was 0.04 mm (95% CI: –0.07 to 0.14; p = 0.5) for the stems; at 2–5 years, mean TT was 0.13 mm (95% CI: –0.25 to –0.01; p = 0.03), but within the precision limit of the method. For the cups, there was no statistically significant TT or total rotation (TR) at 1–2 and 2–5 years. At 2–5 years, we found 4 cups and 5 stems with TT migrations exceeding the precision limit of the method. There was an association between cup migration and total OHS < 40 (4 patients, 4 hips; p = 0.04), but there were no statistically significant associations between cup or stem migration and T-scores < –1 (n = 10), cup and stem positions, or elevated serum metal ion levels (> 7µg/L (4 patients, 6 hips)).

Interpretation

Most cups and stems were well-fixed at 1–5 years. However, at 2–5 years, 4 cups and 5 stems had TT migrations above the precision limits, but these patients had serum metal ion levels similar to those of patients without measurable migrations, and they were pain-free. Patients with serum metal ion levels > 7 µg/L had migrations similar to those in patients with serum metal ion levels < 7 µg/L. Metal wear debris does not appear to influence the fixation of hip components in large-head MoM articulations at medium-term follow-up.Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip articulations allow the use of larger-diameter femoral head sizes than other constrained articulation types like metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) and ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) total hip arthroplasties (THAs), where a liner must be interpositioned between the femoral head and the metal shell. Large-diameter MoM hip articulations more closely mimic the natural human anatomy; they improve joint stability and reduce the incidence of postoperative dislocation (Krantz et al. 2012). Furthermore, they reduce the volume of wear particles, which has been considered advantageous from a quality and bearing perspective since wear particles from in MoP bearings are clearly associated with osteolysis and aseptic loosening in THA. MoM hip articulations have therefore been recommended worldwide in the past decade and used for younger patients with high activity levels. Although volumetric wear rates at the surfaces of MoM bearings are 20 times lower than those of conventional MoP bearings, and although the wear particles are typically smaller than 50 nm (Doorn et al. 1998), the number of nano-sized metal particles generated is up to 500 times higher than for MoP bearings (Sieber et al. 1999, Mabilleau et al. 2008). These nano-sized metal particles and metal ions from the MoM bearing and the trunnion of the neck junction are spread both locally and systemically. Phagocytosis of the nano-sized metal particles impairs osteoblastic activity, which may contribute to the cellular events that occur during aseptic loosening and soft tissue destruction (Lohmann et al. 2000).No previous studies have investigated the implant stability of large-head MoM THAs, and only a few studies have evaluated the stability of MoM hip resurfacing articulations (RHAs) (Glyn-Jones et al. 2004, Itayem et al. 2005, 2007, Baad-Hansen et al. 2011, Penny et al. 2012, Lorenzen et al. 2013).We hypothesized that MoM implant migration would be more extensive in patients with elevated serum metal ion levels than in patients whose serum metal ion levels were within the acceptable range (< 7 µg/L), and that MoM implants would be well-fixed in those with acceptable serum metal ion levels.     

What Are Normal Metal Ion Levels After Total Hip Arthroplasty? A Serologic Analysis of Four Bearing Surfaces

Background

The recent experiences with adverse local tissue reactions have highlighted the need to establish what are normal serum levels of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), and titanium (Ti) after hip arthroplasty.

Increased risk of revision of cementless stemmed total hip arthroplasty with metal-on-metal bearings: Data from the Nordic Arthroplasty Register Association

Background and purpose

Data from the national joint registries in Australia and England and Wales have revealed inferior medium-term survivorship for metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) than for metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) THA. Based on data from the Nordic Arthroplasty Register Association (NARA), we compared the revision risk of cementless stemmed THA with MoM and MoP bearings and we also compared MoM THA to each other.

Patients and methods

We identified 32,678 patients who were operated from 2002 through 2010 with cementless stemmed THA with either MoM bearings (11,567 patients, 35%) or MoP bearings (21,111 patients, 65%). The patients were followed until revision, death, emigration, or the end of the study period (December 31, 2011), and median follow-up was 3.6 (interquartile range (IQR): 2.4–4.8) years for MoM bearings and 3.4 (IQR: 2.0–5.8) years for MoP bearings. Multivariable regression in the presence of competing risk of death was used to assess the relative risk (RR) of revision for any reason (with 95% confidence interval (CI)).

Results

The cumulative incidence of revision at 8 years of follow-up was 7.0% (CI: 6.0–8.1) for MoM bearings and 5.1% (CI: 4.7–5.6) for MoP bearings. At 6 years of follow-up, the RR of revision for any reason was 1.5 (CI: 1.3–1.7) for MoM bearings compared to MoP bearings. The RR of revision for any reason was higher for the ASR (adjusted RR = 6.4, CI: 5.0–8.1), the Conserve Plus (adjusted RR = 1.7, CI: 1.1–2.5) and “other” acetabular components (adjusted RR = 2.4, CI: 1.5–3.9) than for MoP THA at 6 years of follow-up.

Interpretation

At medium-term follow-up, the survivorship for cementless stemmed MoM THA was inferior to that for MoP THA, and metal-related problems may cause higher revision rates for MoM bearings with longer follow-up.Wear particles from the polyethylene liner in metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) bearings in total hip arthroplasty (THA) are associated with osteolysis and aseptic loosening of the implant (Jacobs et al. 1994). Surgeons therefore became interested in alternatives such as metal-on-metal (MoM) bearings. The main justification for using large-diameter-head (LDH) MoM bearings in THA was less wear and the hope of lower revision rates. However, a lower risk of revision has only been found for revision due to dislocation (Kostensalo et al. 2013), whereas the total risk of revision has been found to be increased in some studies (Smith et al. 2012, Huang et al. 2013). In addition, LDH MoM was introduced in order to achieve increased range of motion and better function (Burroughs et al. 2005, Davis et al. 2007), but that has not been shown clinically (Penny et al. 2013).Several concerns about the use of MoM bearings in hip surgery have been voiced in recent years: excessive failure rates for certain brands and implant combinations used with MoM components have been reported (Langton et al. 2011, Australian Orthopaedic Association 2013). Some designs are associated with increased frequency of aseptic loosening (Australian Orthopaedic Association 2013), and large head sizes placed on conventional stems may cause taper junction failure (Langton et al. 2012). Exposure to chromium and cobalt may cause adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD) (Langton et al. 2010) such as pseudotumors (Pandit et al. 2008) and hypersensivity reactions (Willert et al. 2005) locally in the hip joint. Furthermore, metal ions may be genotoxic (Daley et al. 2004).Only a few population-based studies on MoM bearings in stemmed THAs from hip arthroplasty registries have been published (Smith et al. 2012, Mokka et al. 2013b, Furnes et al. 2014), with only 1 population-based study focusing on causes of revision resulting from specific combinations of acetabular and femoral components (Mokka et al. 2013b). We compared the 6-year revision risk for MoM bearings with that for MoP bearings in cementless stemmed THA. In addition, we studied different designs of stemmed MoM THAs and the causes of revision in a population-based follow-up study using data from the Nordic Arthroplasty Register Association (NARA).     

Large-diameter Metal-on-metal Total Hip Arthroplasty: Dislocation Infrequent but Survivorship Poor

Background

Use of large-diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) articulations in THA increased, at least in part, because of the possibility of achieving improved joint stability and excellent wear characteristics in vitro. However, there have been subsequent concerning reports with adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD), pseudotumors, and systemic complications related to metal ions.

Questions/purposes

The purpose of this study was to determine at a minimum of 2 years’ followup (1) the proportion of patients who experienced a dislocation; (2) the short-term survivorship obtained with these implants; (3) the causes of failure and the proportion of patients who developed ARMD; and (4) whether there were any identifiable risk factors for revision.

Methods

We reviewed the results of 1235 patients who underwent 1440 large-diameter MoM primary THAs at our institution using two acetabular devices from a single manufacturer with minimum 2-year followup. Large-diameter MoM devices were used in 48% (1695 of 3567) of primary THAs during the study period. We generally used these implants in younger, more active, higher-demand patients, in patients considered at higher risk of instability, and in patients with adequate bone stock to achieve stable fixation without use of screws. Clinical records and radiographs were reviewed to determine the incidence and etiology of revision. Patients whose hips were revised were compared with those not revised to identify risk factors; Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed as was multivariate analysis to account for potential confounding variables when evaluating risk factors. Minimum followup was 2 years (average, 7 years; range, 2–12 years); complete followup was available in 85% of hips (1440 of 1695).

Results

Dislocation occurred in one hip overall (< 1%; one of 1440). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed survival free of component revision was 87% at 12 years (95% confidence interval, 84%–90%). The two most common indications for revision were ARMD (48%; 47 of 108 hips revised) and loosening or failure of ingrowth (31%; 34 of 108). Risk factors for component revision were younger age at surgery (relative risk [RR] 0.98 per each increased year; p = 0.02), higher cup angle of inclination (RR 1.03 per each increased degree; p = 0.04), and female sex (RR 1.67; p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Large-diameter MoM THAs are associated with a very low dislocation rate, but failure secondary to ARMD and loosening or lack of ingrowth occur frequently. Patients with MoM THA should be encouraged to return for clinical and radiographic followup, and clinicians should maintain a low threshold to perform a systematic evaluation. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are recommended to prevent the damaging effects of advanced ARMD.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, Therapeutic study.     

What Are the Current Clinical Issues in Wear and Tribocorrosion?

Background

Wear and corrosion in joint arthroplasty are important causes of failure. From the standpoint of current clinical importance, there are four main categories of wear and tribocorrosion: polyethylene wear, ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearing wear, metal-on-metal (MoM) bearing wear, and taper tribocorrosion. Recently, problems with wear in the knee have become less prominent as have many issues with hip polyethylene (PE) bearings resulting from the success of crosslinked PE. However, MoM articulations and taper tribocorrosion have been associated with soft tissue inflammatory responses, and as a result, they have become prominent clinical concerns.

Where Are We Now?

For PE wear in the hip, several advances include improved locking mechanisms and data supporting highly crosslinked polyethylenes (HXLPE). Edge-loading in CoC articulations can contribute to stripe wear and subsequent squeaking. For MoM articulations, the relationship of wear-to-edge loading, sensitivity to component positioning, typical soft tissue response, and use of imaging is increasingly understood. Taper tribocorrosion (from femoral head–neck junctions and other modular elements) and associated soft tissue inflammatory responses appear to be serious clinical issues that are not fully understood.

Where Do We Need to Go?

In the knee, clinical concerns remain with the efficacy of HXLPE, modular connections, and metal allergies. For PE wear in the hip, concerns remain regarding how to increase crosslinking of PE while minimizing PE fractures. With CoC articulations, questions remain on how to prevent noises, chipping, and impingement and if enhanced designs can contribute to improved results. For MoM articulations, we need to improve imaging tests for soft tissue reactions, determine best practices in terms of monitoring protocols, and better define if, how, and when to act on serum metal levels. For taper tribocorrosion, we need to use modularity wisely and also understand how to improve tapers and materials in the future. For patients at risk for tribocorrosion, we need to define realistic diagnostic and monitoring protocols. We also need to enhance revision methods, and the threshold of acceptable soft tissue damage, to minimize complications associated with soft tissue damage such as hip instability.

How Do We Get There?

HXLPE and other bearing surfaces will likely continue to be refined. We need to develop tapers with more resistance to tribocorrosion through improved understanding of the manufacturing process and ongoing engineering improvements. Revision procedures for wear and tribocorrosion can be enhanced by determining when partial component retention is appropriate and how best to manage soft tissue damage. For CoC articulations, enhanced designs are required to minimize noises, chipping, and impingement. Importantly, we must continue to promote and analyze joint replacement registries to identify early failures and analyze long-term successes.