The use of hydroxyapatite on press-fit tapered femoral stems

The advantage of an HA coating includes superior proximal femoral osteointegration and reduced thigh pain, reduced subsidence risk, reduced distal wear particle migration, and better preservation of periprosthetic bone quality. Furthermore, the survivorship and clinical outcomes are at least comparable to cemented and uncoated uncemented systems without any substantial deleterious effect of the HA coating like third-body wear or late failures. In our opinion, these advantages justify the increased cost. With over 20 years of favorable cumulative data, the continued use of HA can be recommended as an effective and reliable adjunct to cementless tapered femoral fixation in primary THA.     

Osteolysis after total knee arthroplasty

Osteolysis ranks as the most significant cause of revision surgery in both total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The factors leading to osteolysis in TKA are unique and sometimes preventable. Changes in polyethylene manufacturing and implant design are striving to improve overall wear. In this review, we discuss osteolysis as it relates to TKAs. The etiology, diagnosis, contributing factors, and management are presented. The final section focuses on future improvements in TKA design, which may ultimately decrease the rate of osteolysis.     

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.     

Executive Summary: Value-based Purchasing and Technology Assessment in Orthopaedics

As US healthcare expenditures continue to rise, reform has shifted from spending controls to value-based purchasing. This paradigm shift is a drastic change on how health care is delivered and reimbursed. For the shift to work, policymakers and physicians must restructure the present system by using initiatives such as process reengineering, insurance and payment reforms, physician reeducation, data and quality measurements, and technology assessments. Value, as defined in economic terms, will be a critical concept in modern healthcare reform. We summarize the conclusions of this ABJS Carl T. Brighton Workshop on healthcare reform.