The scientific basis of cement versus cementless fixation

The arguments for and against three implant materials (polymethylmethacrylate, cobalt-chrome alloy, and titanium aluminium vanadium alloy) when used as interfaces between a loaded implant and bone are reviewed from mechanical and biologic standpoints. It is concluded that there is neither an overwhelming advantage nor a disadvantage for any one of them.

Early migration of prostheses related to long-term survivorship. Comparison of tibial components in knee replacement

We determined the cumulative survival rates, in arthroplasty of the knee, of three designs of tibial component, using a change of position on standard radiographs or revision for aseptic loosening as criteria of failure. The average migration of each of the three designs in the first postoperative year is known from roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis reported by other authors. The ranking order of the components as judged by cumulative survival is the same as that determined by early migration. This finding supports the view that the measurement of early migration can predict late aseptic loosening and therefore that such measurements are clinically of value.

Proximally cemented versus uncemented Freeman-Samuelson knee arthroplasty. A prospective randomised study

We studied the effect of a layer of cement placed under the tibial component of Freeman-Samuelson total knee prostheses with a metal back and an 80 mm intramedullary stem, using roentgen stereophotogrammetry to measure the migration of the tibial component during one year in 13 uncemented and 16 cemented knees. The addition of cement produced a significant reduction in migration at one year, from a mean of 1.5 mm to one of 0.5 mm (p less than 0.01), including a significant reduction in pure subsidence. One year postoperatively the clinical results were similar between the groups, but, at three years, one uncemented knee had required revision.

One-stage reimplantation for infected total knee arthroplasty

One-stage reimplantation for the salvage of infected total knee arthroplasty in 18 patients was reviewed at an average follow-up of five years. There had been one recurrence and one new infection, both in rheumatoid patients with another focus of infection. In four other patients the clinical result was impaired by pain after walking (2) and limited flexion (2). Our results suggest that one-stage reimplantation is a reasonably reliable procedure for the management of a loose infected prosthesis.

Accuracy of the Nunn method in measuring acetabular cup migration

The accuracy of the Nunn method in measuring acetabular component migration was compared with 3 other radiological methods and with roentgen stereophotogrammetry in 34 pelvic radiographs. The Nunn method seems to have the same or better accuracy than the other non-computerized methods, but less accuracy than the computerized EBRA method.

Exposure of the hip using a modified anterolateral approach

This report outlines an exposure to the hip using one curved skin incision, permitting retention of the femoral neck, and allowing access to both the anterior and posterior aspects of the hip, the whole of the proximal femur, and the circumference of the acetabulum. This approach is useful in revision surgery. The anterior abductors are mobilized using partial sharp release. A review of postoperative abductor function is presented, demonstrating satisfactory function after partial sharp release.

The effect of hydroxyapatite coating on ingrowth of bone into cavities in an implant

A canine implant study was performed to assess whether hydroxyapatite (HA) could induce bone to close gaps at the bone-prosthesis junction. Titanium alloy (TiAlV) plates with varying grooves cut into them (1, 2, and 3 mm deep) and identical on both sides were sprayed on one side with HA and left as bare metal on the other. These were then implanted into the distal femora of dogs that were killed 4 and 8 weeks afterwards. Specimens were analyzed using optical microscopy and microradiography. Results show that the presence of HA induces bone to grow almost completely down the deepest groove by 8 weeks. In the 1- and 2-mm grooves at 4 weeks the depth of penetration of bone into the grooves was greater on the HA coated side (but the actual volume of bone in the grooves was greater on the TiAlV side because the bone present was more dense). We conclude that the presence of HA induces bone to close relatively large gaps. Although bone does not grow all the way into uncoated defects there can be more bone here in the short term. This feature of HA may be of great value in hip implant fixation.

Sensitivity to titanium. A cause of implant failure?

Tissues from five patients who underwent revision operations for failed total hip replacements were found to contain large quantities of particulate titanium. In four cases this metal must have come from titanium alloy screws used to fix the acetabular component; in the fifth case it may also have originated from a titanium alloy femoral head. Monoclonal antibody labelling showed abundant macrophages and T-lymphocytes, in the absence of B-lymphocytes, suggesting sensitisation to titanium. Skin patch testing with dilute solutions of titanium salts gave negative results in all five patients. However, two of them had a positive skin test to a titanium-containing ointment.

ICLH double-cup arthroplasty, 1980-1987

The results are presented of 92 double-cup arthroplasties modified in light of previously published experience. The review period lasted up to 7 years after operation. Eighty-six had a metal femoral component and six had a ceramic femoral component. Forty metal femoral cups were matched with a cemented acetabulum, while with 46 the acetabular implant was cementless. The overall revision rate for the metal femoral cups was 23.3%, and a further 31.8% demonstrated radiological signs suggestive of loosening. There was no difference between the cemented and uncemented cups in terms of revision rates or clinical results. The clinical results of those hips that have not yet loosened were excellent. A histological study showed that femoral lossening was associated with an erosive cellular response. Surface arthroplasty of the hip with current materials should be abandoned.

A correlative study of the geometry and anatomy of the distal femur

Sixteen knees were examined roentgenographically in the lateral plane. Ten knees were examined from autopsy subjects. The distal articular femur may be represented by three circular surfaces: (1) the floor of the patellar groove (articulating with the patella from 10 degrees to 100 degrees), (2) the posterior femoral condyles (articulating with the tibia from 10 degrees to 150 degrees), and (3) the distal condyles (articulating with the tibia from 0 degrees to 10 degrees). The radii of these surfaces, their angular arcs, and the distances between their centers varied with the size of the femur but fell within a narrow range. The radii of the patellar groove and the posterior femoral condyles averaged 24 mm and 21 mm, and the average angle subtended by these arcs was 90 degrees and 140 degrees, respectively. The average distance between the centers of these two circles was 20 mm. The femoral attachment of the synovial and patellar retinacular reflections was found in the area of the center of the patellar groove circle. The femoral attachments of the medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments and of the lateral collateral and anterior cruciate ligaments were found to be in the area of the center of the circle of the medial and lateral posterior femoral condylar circles, respectively.

Unconstrained knee arthroplasty after patellectomy

The authors report seven cases of unconstrained knee arthroplasty with excision of both cruciate ligaments, after previous patellectomy. Six of these seven cases were completely painfree and function was satisfactory in all cases. The reasons for previously reported pain and instability after total unconstrained knee arthroplasty with excision of the cruciate ligaments and a previous patellectomy are discussed.

The effect of a stem on the tibial component of knee arthroplasty. A roentgen stereophotogrammetric study of uncemented tibial components in the Freeman-Samuelson knee arthroplasty

We studied the effect of a metal tray with an intramedullary stem on the micromotion of the tibial component in total knee arthroplasty. Of 32 uncemented Freeman-Samuelson knee arthroplasties performed in London and Gothenburg, nine had a metal backing and stem added to the tibial component. Micromotion of the tibial components, expressed as migration and inducible displacement, was analysed using roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis up to two years follow-up. The addition of a metal back and a 110 mm stem to the standard polyethylene component significantly reduced both migration over two years and inducible displacement.

The effect of a metal-back without a stem upon the fixation of a tibial prosthesis

Three methods of tibial component fixation without cement (as part of TKA) have been used at the London Hospital. All three methods have used the same polyethylene component fixed with two HDP (Day) pegs. A metal-back without a stem was added to the HDP in group 1. Group 2 consisted of an HDP-only component. In group 3 a stem was added to the metal-back used in group 1. Radiological comparison showed the fixation of the polyethylene component with metal back but no stem to be inadequate; the component tilted into varus more frequently than the other configurations. It is suggested that failure was due to the increased rigidity of the metal-backed component (as compared with the HDP only) and that the rigidity (and the resultant tendency to rock) can be offset by a stem. It is concluded that rigid (ie, metallic) tibial components should have a stem.

The effect of retention of the femoral neck and of cement upon the stability of a proximal femoral prosthesis

Radiological measurements of downward femoral component migration are reported for 203 hips in the first 2 years following total hip arthroplasty. The femora differed with respect to the retention of the femoral neck--in 167 it was retained and in 36 it was damaged--and to the use of cement--142 hips were press-fits and 61 were cemented. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that both retention of the neck and the use of cement retarded migration (ie, increased stability) of the femoral component (P = .0003 and .0037, respectively).

The measurement of migration of the acetabular component of hip prostheses

Individual components of a total hip replacement are difficult to evaluate and quantify. We have studied the assessment of the acetabular component, and conclude that the measurement of migration allows the comparison of implants, although there is no established link between migration and significant loosening. A method of measurement based on clinical radiographs has been developed, and its limitations estimated. The accuracy of the technique was calculated to be +/- 3 mm.

Torsional stability of the femoral component of hip arthroplasty. Response to an anteriorly applied load

Torsional instability of femoral components has not received much attention, and is difficult to detect in conventional radiographs. To test this we designed a system to apply a load in an anteroposterior direction to the head of a femoral component, implanted into a cadaveric femur. Rotation within the bone was measured, using a purpose built transducer, with and without preservation of the neck, with and without cement, and with longitudinal ridges but no cement. The results show that torsional instability may be a problem in uncemented replacement. Preservation of the femoral neck and the use of a ridged prosthesis increases resistance to rotation. Rotational movements occurring in vivo during such activities as climbing stairs and rising from the seated position may contribute to mechanical loosening.

The patellofemoral joint in total knee prostheses. Design considerations

Some desirable design features of the patellofemoral joint in a total knee arthroplasty condylar prosthesis are proposed. These are that the femoral element should be grooved, have a high anterior flange, and be circular as viewed from the side. The groove should be about 5 mm deep and have relatively vertical walls. The patellar component should have a saddle-shaped articular surface matching the femur and should be countersunk into the patella. The components should be placed so as to position the joint automatically. Results with such a design are reported; loosening, wear, dislocation, and fracture have been rare. Osteolysis of the patella has not been seen after 9 years, so that the cementless press-fit fixation of an H.D.P. patellar prosthesis to date seems safe and efficacious.

Should the posterior cruciate ligament be retained or resected in condylar nonmeniscal knee arthroplasty? The case for resection

The arguments for resection of the (anterior and) posterior cruciate ligament(s), as a step in total knee arthroplasty, are reviewed on the basis of the authors' personal experience and the work of others published in the literature.

Rotational movement of femoral components of total hip replacements in response to an anteriorly applied load

Mechanical testing has been performed on total hip replacements implanted in sections of cadaveric femora. A purpose built transducer has been used to measure the rotation of the implant in the bone under loads applied in the anterior-posterior direction. This has been used to assess the effect of cement and also of retaining more of the femoral neck.

The retention of the femoral neck improved stability, as did the bone cement, and in the case of the uncemented prosthesis, longitudinal ridges increased the stability of the prosthesis.

Confidence booster

I am a 36 year old registered general nurse, who has worked on a hospital ward since 1978. I am at present nearing the end of a 'Back to nursing' course. I have had time away from work to bring up my daughter, and now I am able to return to part time work, but feel I am not confident enough to be in charge of a ward.

Homograft bone in revision acetabular arthroplasty. A clinical and radiographic study

Thirty-seven patients with extensive acetabular defects due to loose implants had revisions with uncemented components, the acetabulum being augmented with homograft bone. In six of these, a histological study of graft incorporation was made. At a mean follow-up of 1.5 years 34 patients were free of pain and 35 could walk for 30 minutes or longer. No graft had obviously sequestrated. Two components had radiological evidence of migration but remain asymptomatic. We conclude that cementless revision surgery with homograft supplementation of the acetabulum is clinically successful in the short-term. The long-term outcome is unknown.

A system for modelling forces on the hip joint in one-legged stance

We describe a method of testing hip prostheses. The prosthesis is implanted in a proximal section of femur, which is loaded to model the forces applied through the acetabulum via the greater trochanter.

Range of movement poor index of hip function

Conventional systems of assessing the hip before and after surgery use the range of movement as an indicator of functional results. We found that the range of movement, defined as the flexion arc or the total range, is a poor indicator of function as measured by ability to reach the feet. A different and more direct basis for assessing function is proposed.