Third-Generation Ceramic-on-Ceramic Bearing Surfaces in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

With an increase of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA), the choice of bearing surface becomes more important. Wear debris by conventional metal-on-polyethylene articulations may cause extensive osteolysis, especially in young patients. We analyzed the clinical and radiographic outcomes after revision THA using third-generation ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surfaces in 42 hips. The mean age of the patients was 48.8 years (32-59 years), and the mean duration of follow-up monitoring was 5.4 years (3.2-8.0 years). At final follow-up examination, the average Harris Hip Score was 91.3. Although minor complications were observed in 6 hips (14.3%), no hips required additional revision surgery. No hip showed radiolucent lines, acetabular cup migration, or osteolysis. Our data show that clinical and radiographic outcomes after revision THA using third-generation ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surfaces are favorable. Ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surfaces can be preferentially considered for revision THA, especially in young patients. Further studies with long-term follow-up data are warranted.     

Clinical Outcomes and Bearing-Specific Complications Following Fourth-Generation Alumina Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Single-Surgeon Series of 749 Hips at a Minimum of 5-Year Follow-Up

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the minimum 5-year outcomes and bearing-specific complications in a single surgeon series of fourth-generation alumina ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasties (THAs).

Cementless total hip arthroplasty with a metal-on-metal bearing in patients younger than 50 years

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) longevity is the primary concern in young patients. Metal-on-metal articulations were reintroduced to reduce polyethylene particle-induced osteolysis and improve survivorship; to date, based on issued reports, this strategy appears to have been successful. In this study, the authors investigated metal-on-metal articulation survivorship and osteolysis incidence in young patients (19-50 years old at index operations) and retrospectively reviewed cementless metal-on-metal THAs in 70 patients (78 hips) with a mean follow-up of 12.4 years. Metasul articulation was used with the Wagner acetabular component in all. Survivorship with revision for any cause was 98.7% (95% confidence interval, 98%-100%), and survivorship due to the development of osteolysis for any lesion was 97.5% (95% confidence interval, 95%-99%). Mean Harris hip score improved from 51 to 95 points at final follow-up. The findings of this study indicate that outcomes of cementless THA with a metal-on-metal bearing in young patients are satisfactory. However, longer-term studies in larger cohorts are required to determine whether metal-on-metal articulations are really a favorable option in young patients.     

Survival analysis of cementless grit-blasted titanium total hip arthroplasties

Although about 200000 cementless Zweymüller-Alloclassic total hip arthroplasties (THAs) were carried out worldwide in the last decade, the survival analysis of these prostheses was not available in the 2000 report of the Swedish national hip arthroplasty registry. We report a prospective survivorship analysis of 200 consecutive grit-blasted cementless Alloclassic primary THAs carried out since 1988. Using surgical, clinical and radiological endpoints for the stem and the threaded cup the ten-year survivorship was 91.5% for reoperation for any cause, 96.4% for hip pain (Merle d'Aubigné score < 5 points, clinical failure), 99.4% for definite aseptic loosening (radiological failure) and 99.3% for revision for aseptic loosening. Using the Swedish registry criteria of primary osteoarthritis and revision for aseptic loosening as the endpoint, the survival rate of 99.1% at ten years for the subgroup of 157 Alloclassic THAs in osteoarthritis compares favourably with that of the best modern cemented hip replacements reported in the Swedish arthroplasty registry.     

Nine years follow-up of 100 ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty

The aim of this study was to evaluate the first 100 cementless ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed at our institution with more than nine years of follow-up. Clinical evaluation was performed using Harris hip score. Radiological evaluation was performed by two surgeons. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Harris hip score significantly improved at latest follow-up. Radiological analysis showed calcar osteolysis for 75 patients and one cup loosening. One patient required a revision five years postoperatively for cup loosening. Based on these results and the routine use of a navigation system to optimise positioning of the implants, we advocate the use of uncemented hydroxyapatite coated ceramic-on-ceramic THA in young and active patients in our current practice.     

Uncemented third-generation ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty using metal acetabular shell with direct taper locking liner

Background

The ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC)-bearing couple in total hip arthroplasty (THA) was developed to reduce the wear debris and osteolysis. Although the mechanical strength of third-generation ceramic has improved over previous generations, the risk of osteolysis and ceramic fracture is still an important concern.

Methods

We studied 124 uncemented THAs with third-generation CoC-bearing couple implanted between 2000 and 2004. The ceramic liner and head were secured with the direct taper locking mechanism. One hundred and eleven hips were followed-up for minimum of 8 years, with an average follow-up period of 10.1 years (range 8.0–12.8 years). Patients were evaluated with a particular emphasis on the prevalence of the osteolysis and the ceramic fracture.

Results

The survivorship with the end point as implant revision for any reason was 94.9 % (95 % confidence intervals 90.0–99.3 %) at 12.8 years. Revisions were performed because of one ceramic liner fracture, three dislocations, and two deep infections. No radiographic evidence of wear or osteolysis was observed. The preoperative Merle d’Aubigne and Postel hip score increased from 11.6 to 17.1.

Conclusions

Patients, who received third-generation CoC THA had no detectable wear and osteolysis. One ceramic fracture occurred, and the main reason for revision was dislocation.     

Fifteen-year survivorship of a collarless,cemented, normalized femoral stem in primary hybrid total hip arthroplasty with a modified third-generation cement technique

This prospective review aimed to evaluate 15-year survivorship of the collarless, third-generation cemented, normalized, Omnifit (Osteonics, Allendale, NJ) femoral stem in hybrid total hip arthroplasty (THA). Between January 1986 and June 1990, a single surgeon prospectively implanted 250 consecutive hybrid THAs (215 patients) using a modified third-generation cement technique in selected patients. A Harris-Galante (I or II) (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) cementless shell with modular polyethylene (4150 resin) liners gamma-sterilized in air were implanted. Kaplan-Meier survivorship of the femoral or acetabular component with mechanical failure (revision for aseptic loosening) as the end-point was 100% ± 0% at 15 years. Wear couple exchange and bone grafting was performed in 1 case (0.4%) for progressive acetabular osteolysis. This report supports femoral component centralization and good cement mantle to ensure durability of the collarless, cemented, normalized femoral stem with a surface roughness of 30–40 microinches.     

Total hip arthroplasty using cementless grit-blasted femoral component: a minimum 10-year follow-up study

The grit-blasted cementless Spotorno (CLS) stem, which has excellent survival rates up to 10 years, is widely used in total hip arthroplasty (THA). We investigated the survivorships of CLS stems in THA at a minimum follow-up of 10 years and sought to identify factors that influence outcomes. A total of 227 hips of 191 patients who underwent cementless THA with a CLS stem were retrospectively reviewed at a mean follow-up of 12.3 years. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically according to implant type and surgery-related and patient-related factors. Survivorship was 97.2% when femoral revision for any reason was defined as the end point. Femoral revisions were performed in 3 hips because of periprosthetic fractures. Survivorship for all hips, using revision for any reason as the end point, was 92.6%. Two metal-on-metal THAs were revised because of aseptic loosening or osteolysis around the cup. No significant differences were evident for type of stem, type of bearing surface, stem alignment, or patient-related factors. However, a canal fill index of 80% or less was found to affect cortical remodeling, subsidence, and a change in stem position of 5° or more, which indicates that care must be taken not to undersize stems. In addition, in view of the revisions performed, bearing surfaces appear to importantly influence THA survivorship.     

Survivorship of Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty With Metal-Backed Acetabular Liners at 10 Years

BackgroundCeramic-on-ceramic bearings are becoming increasingly popular in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). To enhance ceramic-on-ceramic liner exchange in case of revision surgery, metal-backed liner systems have been proposed. Little is known about the clinical performance of these implants. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a metal-backed liner implant system for primary THA.MethodsA total of 422 patients (with 468 consecutive THAs) were followed over a mean period of 10 years. All arthroplasties were performed with a cementless stem, a press-fit cup, and a metal-backed liner system. Surgical and clinical data, complications, and revisions were analyzed. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) before surgery and at 1 and 10 years after surgery were compared.ResultsThe overall 10-year implant survival rate was 93.8%. The survival rate was 97.0% for heads and liners, 97.5% for stem, and 99.3% for acetabular cup. The most common reason for revision was ceramic breakage (2.4%) of the third-generation (BIOLOX forte) acetabular liner. Mean WOMAC score improved significantly from 50.1 before surgery to 13.2 at 1 year after surgery. There was no difference in WOMAC scores between surgical approach and type of bearing at 1 and 10 years after surgery.ConclusionTHA using cementless stem, press-fit cup, and metal-backed liner system provides satisfactory long-term outcomes, with revision rate comparable to that with other systems available in the market. The metal-backed liner system has low risk of mal-seating. Third-generation ceramic liners should be avoided as they seem to be more prone to breakage.     

Custom total hip arthroplasty

Custom total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been advocated as a primary operation to achieve optimal proximal fit and fill in THA. Because of the increased cost of the implant, it must be proved that survivorship of the custom component is improved compared with a well-cemented or cementless off-the-shelf femoral prosthesis. A series of 64 primary and revision femoral component custom titanium uncemented THAs were reviewed. In the primary custom group 90.9%, and in the revision group 80%, had good to excellent results using the Harris hip scoring system at a mean follow-up period of 6.5 years. The age range was 32 to 74 years (mean, 53 years). Thigh pain was present in 17% of the patients in this series. Significant osteolysis occurred in 4.7% of the cases. The average time to failure for the four primary custom THAs was 4.1 years, and for the four revision custom THAs, 2.4 years. Despite excellent proximal fit and fill, these short-term results have not resulted in improved success rates compared with a well-cemented or cementless off-the-shelf femoral component when performing THA.     

Cementless Metasul metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasties at 13 years

Second-generation metal-on-metal bearings have been used since the late 1980s as alternative bearings to eliminate aseptic loosening due to polyethylene wear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term results of a series of Metasul (Zimmer GmbH, Winterthur, Switzerland) metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (THA). One hundred forty-nine cementless THAs with a 28-mm Metasul articulation were performed in 111 consecutive patients. The results were retrospectively reviewed at 13 years postoperatively. Clinical and radiographic evaluations and implant survivorship were performed. Seven hips (4.7%) were revised. The overall survivorship with revision for any reason as the end point was 0.94. The average Harris hip score was 91.4. Expansive osteolysis was found adjacent to the stem in 4 hips. Metal wear-related aseptic loosening was not the major reason for failure in our Metasul metal-on-metal THAs. Recurrent dislocation was the main reason for revision in our series.     

Cementless THA for the Treatment of Osteonecrosis at 10-Year Follow-Up: Have We Improved Compared to Cemented THA?

Results of cementless THA for osteonecrosis were evaluated at a minimum of 10-year follow-up and compared to our previous report of cemented THA for osteonecrosis. Eighty cementless THAs in 66 patients with osteonecrosis were followed for a minimum of 10 years. Evaluation consisted of need for revision; radiographic evidence of loosening, wear and osteolysis; activity monitoring with an accelerometer; UCLA, Tegner, WOMAC, and Harris hip scores. Results were compared to 48 cemented THAs performed for osteonecrosis with comparable follow-up. At a minimum of 10 years, 10 hips required reoperation. Loosening and revision for loosening were significantly lower in the cementless group compared to the cemented historical control. Cementless fixation in THAs for osteonecrosis demonstrated durable results with bearing surface wear being the major long-term problem.     

Revision total hip arthroplasty in juvenile chronic arthritis: 17 revisions in 11 patients followed for 4-12 years

BACKGROUND: Revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) is complicated by the young age of the patient, poor bone stock and small physical proportions. We report the complications and outcome of a prospective series of 17 revision THAs in Charnley class C JCA patients. METHODS: 15 acetabular components and 10 femoral components were revised. 13 cementless cups, 2 reconstruction/roof rings and cemented cups, and 4 cemented and 6 cementless femoral stems were implanted. 2 proximal femoral allografts and 1 strut allograft were used. Age at revision was 32 (21-53) years. Follow-up averaged 7 (4-12) years. RESULTS: 2 patients with cemented femoral stems developed loosening, osteolysis and fracture. Both were successfully revised to long-stem cementless implants with strut/proximal femoral allografts. 1 loose, worn cementless cup with osteolysis was revised. 1 patient with a peri-operative infection and late acetabular fracture had a loose, non-revised cementless cup. 1 case of sciatic nerve palsy occurred after revision using a reconstruction ring. 1 late infection necessitated resection arthroplasty. Harris hip scores improved from 53 (34-85) to 76 (47-96). INTERPRETATION: Revision THA in JCA has a substantial complication rate, even in experienced hands. The problem of obtaining long-term stable fixation, osteolysis, and replenishment of lost bone stock are major difficulties.     

Ten-year results after cementless THA with a sandwich-type alumina ceramic bearing

We analyzed the long-term results of a single-surgeon series of 102 cementless total hip arthroplasties (THAs) performed using a sandwich-type alumina ceramic bearing. The prostheses involved a porous-coated acetabular socket, a polyethylene-alumina composite liner, a 28-mm alumina head, and a grit-blasted titanium-alloy stem. Mean patient age at the time of THA was 39 years (range, 18-66 years), and 76% of the patients were younger than 50 years. All procedures were performed with use of the same surgical technique and the same implant at a single center. Mean follow-up was 115 months (range, 84-133 months). When failure was defined as revision of either the acetabular or the femoral component for any reason, Kaplan-Meier survival probability at 10 years was 95.3% (95% confidence interval, 89.5%-100%). Mean Harris Hip Score improved from 47 points (range, 16-70 points) preoperatively to 95 points (range, 85-100 points) at final follow-up. No radiographically detectable osteolysis around the acetabular or femoral component was observed in any hip. No patient reported squeaking in the operated hip. During the follow-up period, 3 hips (3%) required revision surgery; 2 underwent acetabular revision because of a ceramic liner fracture and 1 underwent revision for early loosening of the acetabular cup. Ten-year results of cementless THA with a sandwich-type alumina ceramic bearing were encouraging, and no great increase in ceramic failure rate was observed, which contrasts with the findings of previously reported short-term follow-up studies.     

Third-generation ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty in patients younger than 30 years with osteonecrosis of femoral head

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and radiographic results of patients younger than 30 years who underwent cementless third-generation ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty for osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Forty-one patients (56 hips) with a minimum follow-up of 6 years were included. In all cases, third-generation ceramic-on-ceramic articulation was used. Average Harris Hip Scores improved from 52.9 preoperatively to 98.2, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, from 95.2 to 25.2. Thirty-nine patients returned to their normal occupations. No aseptic loosening or osteolysis was observed. Total hip arthroplasty performed using third-generation ceramic-on-ceramic bearings for osteonecrosis of femoral head was found to provide satisfactory clinical and radiologic results, especially in active, young patients.     

Ten-year results with the Morscher press-fit cup: an uncemented, non-modular, porous-coated cup inserted without screws

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) with well designed cementless acetabular implants has shown excellent results. The purpose of this study was to assess our clinical and radiological outcomes using an uncemented cup. We conducted a prospective cohort study including all consecutive primary THAs performed with the Morscher press-fit cup, an uncemented non-modular acetabular component, between March 1996 and December 1998. Patients were evaluated at ten years with clinical and radiological follow-up, patient satisfaction and questionnaire assessment using the Harris hip score (HHS), Merle d’Aubigné and Postel score, the UCLA score, the 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12) and a visual analog scale. Five hundred sixty-one THAs were performed in 518 patients. At 120 months (± 7.3 months), 303 patients with 335 THAs were still available for follow-up. None of the patients had required cup revision for aseptic loosening. At ten years, the cup survivorship was 98.8% (95% CI 97.4–99.5) with cup revision for any cause as an endpoint. No radiolucencies were seen around the cups, but osteolytic defects involved 21 stems (8.3%). Mean total linear polyethylene wear was 0.9 mm. The Morscher acetabular replacement cup provides excellent results at ten years. There were no revisions for aseptic loosening of the cup, and no osteolytic defects were found around the cup. Patient satisfaction was high and the clinical results were very good.     

A long-term follow-up study of the cementless THA with anatomic stem/HGPII cup with 22-mm head

The anatomic femoral component and Harris-Galante porous II (HGPII) cup were developed to provide more reliable bone ingrowth. We performed 20 cementless total hip arthroplasties (THAs) with anatomic stem/HGPII cup with 22-mm head in 14 consecutive patients, and evaluated the clinical and radiological results for a mean follow-up of 12.8 years. The all-anatomically designed stem provided excellent clinical and radiographic results. Four acetabular components underwent revision: three for fracture of the locking mechanism and wear of the polyethylene liner and one for the locking mechanism failure with dislocation of the HGPII cup. The abduction angles of the four revised acetabular components were apparently higher. The survivorship 13 years after surgery was 78%. Our findings show good long-term results using the anatomic femoral component, while the HGPII cup combined with 22-mm head seems to have poor durability due to locking mechanism failure.     

Primary Ceramic-on-ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a 32-mm Ceramic Head With a Titanium-alloy Sleeve

Background

Modern ceramic-on-ceramic bearings have become attractive alternatives to conventional polyethylene in total hip arthroplasty (THA) as a result of their low wear and minimal particle production. However, 28-mm heads in ceramic-on-ceramic bearing couples have been associated with ceramic fracture. To address these issues, 32-mm and larger ceramic heads with a titanium-alloy sleeve have been introduced, although limited data are available on their durability and clinical outcomes.

Questions/purposes

We determined (1) the survivorship of the primary ceramic-on-ceramic THA using a 32-mm ceramic head with a titanium-alloy sleeve at a minimum followup of 5 years; (2) Harris hip scores; (3) the incidence of ceramic fracture and noisy hip; and (4) the proportion of hips showing radiographic evidence of osteolysis.

Methods

From November 2005 to August 2009, we performed 301 ceramic-on-ceramic THAs using a 32-mm ceramic head with a titanium-alloy sleeve in 270 patients. Of these, 12 patients (12 hips [4%]) died from problems unrelated to surgery and 13 patients (15 hips [5%]) were lost during followup before a minimum of 5 years had been reached, leaving 245 patients who had 274 THAs with a minimum followup of 5 years (mean, 6.5 years; range, 5–9 years) in this retrospective analysis. During the study period, 30% (301 of 997 hips) were performed with this articulation based on the operating surgeon’s discretion. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 55 years (range, 16–82 years). All operations were performed at a single center. All of the ceramic implants were hot isostatic-pressed, laser-marked, proof-tested third-generation alumina. We determined the implant survival, Harris hip scores, incidence of ceramic fracture or noisy hips (based on a questionnaire), and presence of osteolysis.

Results

The survival rate of ceramic-on-ceramic bearings in primary THA using a 32-mm ceramic head with a titanium-alloy sleeve was 98% (95% confidence interval, 96%–100%) at 9 years. The Harris hip score improved from a mean of 47 points preoperatively to 93 points at last followup. One ceramic head fractured at 6 years postoperatively. No ceramic liners fractured. Audible hip clicking and squeaking were identified in four hips and one hip, respectively. Osteolysis was detected in three hips, but none had symptoms.

Conclusions

Primary ceramic-on-ceramic THA using a 32-mm ceramic head with a titanium-alloy sleeve has a survivorship of 98% at 9-year followup. Nevertheless, surgeons should be aware of the potential risks of ceramic fracture, noise, and osteolysis associated with the use of a ceramic head with a titanium-alloy sleeve.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic study.     

Revision total hip arthroplasty in juvenile chronic arthritis: 17 revisions in 11 patients followed for 4–12 years

Background Revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) is complicated by the young age of the patient, poor bone stock and small physical proportions. We report the complications and outcome of a prospective series of 17 revision THAs in Charnley class C JCA patients.

Methods 15 acetabular components and 10 femoral components were revised. 13 cementless cups, 2 reconstruction/roof rings and cemented cups, and 4 cemented and 6 cementless femoral stems were implanted. 2 proximal femoral allografts and 1 strut allograft were used. Age at revision was 32 (21–53) years. Follow-up averaged 7 (4–12) years.

Results 2 patients with cemented femoral stems developed loosening, osteolysis and fracture. Both were successfully revised to long-stem cementless implants with strut/proximal femoral allografts. 1 loose, worn cementless cup with osteolysis was revised. 1 patient with a peri-operative infection and late acetabular fracture had a loose, non-revised cementless cup. 1 case of sciatic nerve palsy occurred after revision using a reconstruction ring. 1 late infection necessitated resection arthroplasty. Harris hip scores improved from 53 (34–85) to 76 (47–96).

Interpretation Revision THA in JCA has a substantial complication rate, even in experienced hands. The problem of obtaining long-term stable fixation, osteolysis, and replenishment of lost bone stock are major difficulties.