Does osteoporosis increase early subsidence of cementless double-tapered femoral stem in hip arthroplasty?

Bone Mineral Density is Associated With Adverse Events but not Patient-Reported Outcomes in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Although osteoporosis is common in patients undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), its impact on postoperative outcomes has been inadequately studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of bone mineral density (BMD) on adverse events and patient-reported outcomes in THA and TKA.

METHODS

A series of 1,306 THA and 1,046 TKA patients who had received osteodensitometry were analyzed retrospectively. Rates of readmission, complication, transfusion, and patient-reported outcome were correlated with BMD. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between osteoporosis and adverse events.

RESULTS

Osteoporosis patients showed higher rates of 90-day readmission (THA: 8.5% versus 4.0%, P = .02; TKA: 8.9% versus 4.4%, P = .04) and transfusion (THA: 6.8% versus 1.2%, P < .001; TKA: 5.4% versus 1.5%, P = .005). After THA, rates of complications requiring intensive care management (5.1% versus 0.7%, P < .001) and rates of medical complications (3.5% versus 0.6%, P = .001) were increased. After TKA, rates of surgical complications (2.8% versus 0.8%, P = .04) were increased. Postoperatively, osteoporosis patients improved to comparable patient-reported outcomes as patients who had normal BMD. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed osteoporosis as an independent risk factor for readmissions, complications, and transfusions.

CONCLUSION

Osteoporosis is a risk factor for adverse events after THA and TKA. Affected patients show similar improvement of patient-reported outcome compared to patients who have normal BMD. As osteoporosis is modifiable, a systematic screening of patients scheduled for THA or TKA should be discussed.

The effect of reduced bone mineral density on elective total hip arthroplasty outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and disruption of normal bony architecture are the characteristics of osteopenia and osteoporosis and in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) may cause failure of trabecular ingrowth. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of reduced BMD on outcomes following primary elective THA.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 650 elective THAs with a DEXA scan in their electronic health record (EHR) from 2011 to 2020 was conducted at an urban, academic center and a regional, health center. Patients were separated into three cohorts based on their t-score and the World Health Organizations definitions: normal (t-score ≥ - 1), osteopenia (t-score < - 1.0 and > - 2.5), and osteoporosis (t-score ≤ - 2.5). Demographic and outcome data were assessed. Subsidence was assessed for patients with non-cemented THAs. Regression models were used to account for demographic differences.

RESULTS

650 elective THAs, of which only 11 were cemented, were included in the study. Patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis were significantly older than those without (p = 0.002 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and had a lower BMI (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). PFx was significantly greater in patients with osteoporosis when compared to those with normal BMD (6.5% vs. 1.0%; p = 0.04). No such difference was found between osteoporotic and osteopenic patients. The revision rate was significantly higher for osteoporotic patients than osteopenic patients (7.5% vs. 1.5%; p = 0.04). No such difference was found between the other comparison groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients with osteoporosis were older with reduced BMI and had increased PFx after non-cemented elective THA. Understanding this can help surgeons formulate an appropriate preoperative plan for the treatment of patients with osteoporotic bone undergoing elective THA.

Can guided wave ultrasound predict bone mechanical properties at the femoral neck in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty?

The bone quality of patients undergoing hip replacement surgery is poorly predicted by radiographs alone. With better bone quality information available to a surgeon, the operation can be performed more safely. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ultrasound signals of cortical bone at peripheral sites such as the tibia and radius can be used to predict the compressive mechanical properties of cortical bone at the femoral neck. We recruited 19 patients undergoing elective hip arthroplasty and assessed the radius and tibia of these patients with the Azalée guided wave ultrasound to estimate the porosity and thickness of the cortex. Excess bone tissues were collected from the femoral neck and the compressive mechanical properties of the cortex were characterised under a mechanical loading rig to determine stiffness, ultimate strength, and density. The correlations between the ultrasound measurements and mechanical properties were analysed using linear regression, Pearson correlation statistics, and multiple regression analysis. Cortical mechanical properties were weakly to moderately correlated with the ultrasound measurements at various sites (R2 = 0.00-0.36). The significant correlations found were not consistent across all 4 peripheral measurement sites. Additionally, weak to moderate ability of the ultrasound to predict mechanical properties at the neck of femur with multiple regression analysis was found (R2 = 0.00-0.48). Again, this was inconsistent across the different anatomical sites. Overall, the results demonstrate the need for ultrasound scans to be collected directly from clinically relevant sites such as the femoral neck due to the inconsistency of mechanical properties across various sites.

Analytical review on the biocompatibility of surface-treated Ti-alloys for joint replacement applications

INTRODUCTION

With the advancement of joint replacements such as total hip replacement (THR), Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely used as implant materials. The bearing surface of Ti improves the longevity of implants. In this perception, researchers design a Ti-alloy that increases the wear and corrosion resistance to enhance osteogenesis and mechanical stability.

AREAS COVERED

: This paper is dedicated to finding the major causes of the failure of THR. Further, this paper provides an overview of the application of metallic alloys and their influencing factors that influence biocompatibility. The most contributing part of this paper focuses on the post-treatment impact on Ti-alloys biocompatibility.

EXPERT OPINION

This paper revealed and discussed that Ti alloys' biocompatibility for orthopedic applications mainly depends on antibacterial activities that decide tissue-implant compatibility. Therefore, performing surface treatment enhances the biocompatibility of Ti alloys. It was also observed that more water contact angle (WCA) induces bacterial growth and enhances cell adhesion. In contrast, the treated surface increases the antibacterial activities at lower WCA. Surface heat treatment with sintering or micro-arc oxidation achieves suitable antibacterial or antimicrobial activities.

Artificial Neural Networks Can Predict Early Failure of Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients With Osteoporosis

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) done in the aging population is associated with osteoporosis-related complications. The altered bone density in osteoporotic patients is a risk factor for revision surgery. This study aimed to develop and validate machine learning (ML) models to predict revision surgery in patients with osteoporosis after primary noncemented THA.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 350 patients with osteoporosis (T-score less than or equal to -2.5) who underwent primary noncemented THA at a tertiary referral center. All patients had a minimum 2-year follow-up (range: 2.1 to 5.6). Four ML algorithms were developed to predict the probability of revision surgery, and these were assessed by discrimination, calibration, and decision curve analysis.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of revision surgery was 5.2% at a mean follow-up of 3.7 years after primary noncemented THA in osteoporotic patients. Revision THA was done because of periprosthetic fracture in nine patients (50%), aseptic loosening/subsidence in five patients (28%), periprosthetic joint infection in two patients (11%) and dislocation in two patients (11%). The strongest predictors for revision surgery in patients after primary noncemented THA were female sex, BMI (>35 kg/m2), age (>70 years), American Society of Anesthesiology score (≥3), and T-score. All four ML models demonstrated good model performance across discrimination (AUC range: 0.78 to 0.81), calibration, and decision curve analysis.

CONCLUSION

The ML models presented in this study demonstrated high accuracy for the prediction of revision surgery in osteoporotic patients after primary noncemented THA. The presented ML models have the potential to be used by orthopaedic surgeons for preoperative patient counseling and optimization to improve the outcomes of primary noncemented THA in osteoporotic patients.

Total hip arthroplasty in patients with osteoporosis

There is a high prevalence of osteoporosis in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. There are several clinically relevant questions related to the management of such cases: the effect of ageing; the initial osseointegration of implants, especially when cementless THA is used; the effect of medical osteoporosis treatment on bone-implant interface; the incidence of intraoperative and late periprosthetic fractures, and the long-term survival of both cemented and cementless total hip arthroplasty performed for proximal femoral fractures and hip osteoarthritis. A critical review of the literature is presented in an attempt to draw practical conclusions.

Favorable Functional Recovery and Stem Stability after Hip Arthroplasty with a Short Metaphyseal Stem in Elderly Patients with Osteoporotic Femoral Neck Fractures

Purpose

Short stems have recently become widely used; however, concerns about the initial secure fixation of a short stem in osteoporotic bone remain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term clinical and radiological results of using a short cementless metaphyseal stabilizing tapered stem for senile osteoporotic femoral neck fractures.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-eight arthroplasties (31 bipolar hemiarthroplasties and 7 total hip arthroplasties) were performed for osteoporotic femoral neck fractures in patients older than 65 years (10 males and 28 females). The mean age was 76.1 years and the mean follow-up was 2.9 years. We retrospectively evaluated clinical results, focusing on walking performance, thigh pain, and radiologic results, with special regard to signs of stem stability and osteointegration.

Results

Mean Harris hip score was 84.3 points and 68.4% of patients regained their preoperative walking performance. No patients complained about thigh pain. No osteolysis or loosening was observed during the follow-up, and all but 1 stem showed signs of stable bone ingrowth.

Conclusion

Short, metaphyseal stabilizing tapered stems could be a reliable treatment option for osteoporotic femoral neck fractures.

Discrepancy and contradiction regarding fixation of hip stems with or without cement: survey among 765 hip arthroplasty specialists

INTRODUCTION

The growing use of cementless stems is associated with an increase in implant-related complications. This global survey study investigates which parameters orthopaedic surgeons currently consider for either cemented or cementless stem fixation in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

A survey regarding current practice patterns was distributed among hip arthroplasty specialists. Key questions concerned: (i) frequency of using cemented/cementless stems; (ii) frequency of using parameters which influence a choice between both; (iii) usage of specific cut-off values for parameters.

RESULTS

507 (out of 765) respondents, having at least 5 years' experience and performing at least 50 cases a year, were selected for analysis. Respondents using both fixation techniques ( n = 413; 81%) use a cementless stem in 69% and a cemented stem in 31%. The choice is most frequently based on: (i) patient age; (ii) cortical thickness; (iii) femoral canal shape; (iv) bone mineral density; and (v) stem fit on preoperative templating. 57% using both fixation techniques do not use a specific cut-off value for age. 92% of the respondents that do use a cut-off value for age use exclusively cemented stems in patients being ⩾72.7 years (median 75; range 50-90 years). Considerable discrepancy and even contradictory responses were present regarding the other parameters and the use of specific cut-off values.

CONCLUSIONS

Current practice patterns regarding stem fixation in primary THA vary substantially among orthopaedic surgeons. Evidence-based guidelines are needed to define which parameters and threshold values support the best individual choice for hip stem fixation.

The Importance of Bone Mineral Density in Hip Arthroplasty: Results of a Survey Asking Orthopaedic Surgeons about Their Opinions and Attitudes Concerning Osteoporosis and Hip Arthroplasty

Objective. In patients scheduled to undergo total joint arthroplasty of the hip, the bone quality around the joint affects the safety of prosthetic implantation. Bone strength is clinically assessed by measuring bone mineral density (BMD); therefore we asked if BMD is important to orthopaedic surgeons performing hip arthroplasty. Methods. In a 14-question survey, we asked about treatment patterns with respect to BMD, osteoporosis work-up, and treatment for patients with low BMD scheduled to undergo hip arthroplasty. Results. 72% of all asked orthopaedics reported to use cementless implants as a standard in hip arthroplasty. Over 60% reported that low BMD is a reason to reconsider operation strategies, but only 4% performed BMD measurement preoperatively. 26% would change their treatment strategy in case of a BMD (T-Score) between −1.5 and −2 and 40% in case of a T-score between −2 and −2.5, and 29% would change their intraoperative strategy if a T-score smaller than −2.5 was measured. Conclusion. The majority of orthopaedic surgeons who responded to the survey reported that they do not perform routine measurement of BMD before arthroplasty. However, most surgeons commented that low bone mineral density will influence their surgical plan and the implant design.

The Early Result of Cementless Arthroplasty for Femur Neck Fracture in Elderly Patients with Severe Osteoporosis

Purpose

The purposes of the current study were to assess the early results of cementless hip arthroplasty (HA) for femoral neck fractures in elderly patients with severe osteoporosis and to compare the clinical outcomes between those who underwent total HA (THA) or bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA).

Materials and Methods

From April 2011 to May 2012, we performed 87 cementless HAs for displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients (≥65 years) with severe osteoporosis. Among them, we studied 70 hips that were able to be followed-up for >24 months. Of these, 34 underwent THA and 36 underwent BHA. Clinical results were evaluated using the Harris hip score (HHS), Koval classification, and radiographs.

Results

Only one instance of femoral stem loosening was observed. Additionally, no dislocations were observed and no revision surgeries were required. The mean changes in the functional items of the HHS scores were 2.8 and 5.2 for those who underwent THA and BHA, respectively (P<0.05). According to the Koval classification used for the ambulatory status analysis, the mean perioperative change in the grade was 0.8 (0-4), with no significant differences noted between the THA and BHA groups.

Conclusion

The early results of cementless HA for femur neck fractures in elderly patients with osteoporosis were satisfactory, and THA was found to have a functional advantage over BHA.

Cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a micro-arc oxidation coated stem in patients with displaced femoral neck fractures

Femoral stem fixation for displaced femoral neck fractures in osteoporotic patients is an ongoing debate. We evaluated the outcome of 136 cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coated stem. All patients survived the procedure and were discharged from the hospital. Thirty- and 90-day mortality rates were 0.7% and 2.2%, respectively. Ninety-eight hips were followed for a minimum of 2years (mean, 44months) postoperatively. Three stems were revised because of a periprosthetic fracture. Although cortical stress shielding around the stem was observed in 3 hips, there was no loosening or osteolysis. Cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a MAO-coated stem is a useful and safe option to treat displaced femoral neck fractures.

High early failure rate after cementless hip replacement in the octogenarian

BACKGROUND

Use of cementless hip replacements is increasing in many countries, but the best method for fixation for octogenarian patients remains unknown.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We studied how fixation method (cemented, cementless, hybrid) affects the survival of primary hip replacements and mortality in patients 80 years or older. Specifically, we asked if fixation method affects (1) the risk of revision; (2) the reasons for revision; and (3) the mortality after contemporary primary hip replacement in octogenarian patients.

METHODS

A total of 4777 primary total hip replacements were performed in 4509 octogenarian patients with primary osteoarthritis in Finland between 1998 and 2009 and were registered in the Finnish Arthroplasty Register. Comorbidity data were collected from a nationwide quality register. Survival of hip replacements, using any revision as the end point, and mortality were analyzed using competing risks survival analysis and Cox regression analysis. The average followup was 4 years (range, 1-13 years).

RESULTS

Cementless hip replacements were associated with a higher rate of early (within 1 year) revision compared with cemented hip replacements (hazard ratio, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.7-5.1), particularly in women. The difference was not explained by comorbidity or provider-related factors. Periprosthetic fracture was the leading mode of failure of cementless hip replacements. After 1 year, there were no differences in the survival rates although 10-year survival was slightly lower for cementless than cemented and hybrid hip replacements (93.9% [95% CI, 91.1%-96.7%] versus 97.4% [95% CI, 96.9%-98.0%] and 98.1% [95% CI, 96.9%-99.4%], respectively). Fixation method was not associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Cementless fixation was associated with an increased risk of revision and did not provide any benefit in terms of lower mortality in octogenarian patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, therapeutic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A 5-8 year retrospective follow-up of the C-stem AMT femoral component: patient reported outcomes and survivorship analysis

We report midterm functional, radiographic and survivorship data for the cemented, triple taper C-stem AMT femoral component from a consecutive cohort of 415 hip arthroplasties in 386 patients at a non-developer centre. Follow-up ranges were from 60 to 99 months, with a mean of 76 months. 32 hips were lost to follow-up. The median OHS was 40, median SF-12 mental component score (MCS) was 50, and median SF-12 physical component score (PCS) was 39. At 99 months follow up, stem survivorship is 96.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 82.5-99.5), and construct survivorship is 96.0% (95% CI 84.2-99.0). Adverse events such as calcar fracture, greater trochanter fracture and dislocation were rare at <1%. There have been no revisions for aseptic loosening.

Radiologic bone remodeling pattern around DCPD-coated, metaphyseal-loading cementless short stems in elderly patients

Concerns exist regarding using short stems during total hip arthroplasties performed in elderly patients. For this study, the authors assessed sequential bone remodeling findings in metaphyseal-loading short stems using serial radiography. A total of 100 consecutive primary THAs using short stems were performed in patients with an average age of 78.3 years. The presence and patterns of radiolucent lines, radiopaque lines, calcar rounding, proximal bone resorption, spot welds, cortical hypertrophy, and intramedullary bone formation around the distal tip were assessed. The final study group comprised 92 hips, and mean follow-up was 60±3 months (range, 48-72 months). At final follow-up, condensations of spot welds were noted in 84 (91.3%) hips. Spot weld formation occurred in all zones except 1 and 4. Calcar rounding was observed in 90 (97.8%) hips. Atrophy of the calcar was noted in 19 (20.6%) hips. Analysis of the proximal zones revealed reactive radiodense lines in zones 1 and 2 (tensile area/shoulder of stem) in 22 (23.9%) hips. A prominent reactive line around the tip of the stem was recorded in 32 (34.8%) hips on radiographs at final follow-up. However, there was no increase in space between the tip of the stem and the radiopaque line. No acetabular or femoral component migrated by more than 1 mm at final follow-up. No acetabular or femoral osteolysis was identified. The radiographic findings of metaphyseal-loading short stems in elderly patients suggest that 91.3% of implants were osseointegrated. No patient required stem revision. Metaphyseal-loading short stems in elderly patients provide continued fixation with adaptive bone remodeling.