The influence of surface porosity on gap-healing around intra-articular implants in the presence of migrating particles

Less polyethylene wear in monobloc compared to modular ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene inlays in hybrid total knee arthroplasty: A 5-year randomized radiostereometry study

BACKGROUND

A modular polyethylene (PE) inlay in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may wear on both sides. PE particles may induce osteolysis, which can lead to implant loosening. The aim of this study was to determine if PE wear in monobloc TKA differs from that ofmodular TKA at 60-month follow-up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a prospective, patient-blinded trial, 50 patients were randomized to hybrid TKA surgery with either acementless high-porosity trabecular-metal tibial component with a monobloc UHMWPE inlay (MONO-TM) or a cementless low-porosity screw-augmented titanium fiber-mesh tibial component with a modular UHMWPE inlay (MODULAR-FM). Radiostereometry was used to measure PE wear and tibial component migration.

RESULTS

At 60-monthfollow-up, mean PE wear of the medial compartment was 0.24 mm and 0.61 mm and mean PE wear of the lateral compartment was 0.31 mm and 0.82 mm for the MONO-TM and the MODULAR-FM groups, respectively (p < 0.01). The PE wear-rate was 0.05 mm (95% CI 0.03-0.08) in the MONO-TM group and 0.14 mm (95% CI 0.12-0.17) in the MODULAR-FM group (p < 0.01). Total translation at 60 months was mean 0.30 mm (95% CI 0.10-0.51) less (p < 0.01) for MONO-TM compared with MODULAR-FM tibial components. The majority of tibial components were stable (<0.2 mm MTPM) from 12 to 24-month and 24 to 60-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

At mid-term follow-up, monobloc PE inlay wear was approximately 40% of that of the modular PE inlay wear, which suggest that back-side wear of modular PE inlays is a significant contributor of PE wear in hybrid TKA.

Uncemented or cemented femoral components work equally well in total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

To study the pattern of migration and clinical results up to 10 years of uncemented versus cemented fixation of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trial was conducted of 41 patients (23 women, 18 men) under the age of 60 years using radiostereometric analysis.

RESULTS

About two-thirds of the cemented implants and half of the uncemented implants stabilized between 2 and 10 years, while the remainder displayed a small annual increase of maximum total point motion of 0.09-0.10 mm/year. At 10 years there were no statistically significant differences in migration or clinical results between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Uncemented fixation with titanium fiber mesh coating of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty works equally as well as cemented fixation up to 10 years. An annual migration of 0.1 mm seems compatible with excellent long-term performance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I.

Arthrotomy-based preclinical models of particle-induced osteolysis: A systematic review

We completed a systematic literature review of in vivo animal models that use arthrotomy-based methods to study particle-induced peri-implant osteolysis. The purpose of the review was to characterize the models developed to date, to determine the questions addressed, to assess scientific rigor and transparency, and to identify gaps in knowledge. We probed three literature databases (Medline, Embase, and Scopus) and found 77 manuscripts that fit the search parameters. In the most recent 10 years, researchers mainly used rat and mouse models, whereas in the previous 20 years, large animal, canine, and rabbit models were more common. The studies have demonstrated several pathophysiology pathways, including macrophage migration, particle phagocytosis, increased local production of cytokines and lysosomal enzymes, elevated bone resorption, and suppressed bone formation. The effect of variation in particle characteristics and concentration received limited attention with somewhat mixed findings. Particle contamination by endotoxin was shown to exacerbate peri-implant osteolysis. The possibility of early diagnosis was demonstrated through imaging and biomarker approaches. Several studies showed that both local and systemic delivery of bisphosphonates inhibits the development of particle-induced osteolysis. Other methods of inhibiting osteolysis include the use of anabolic agents and altering the implant design. Few studies examined non-surgical rescue of loosened implants, with conflicting results with alendronate. We found that the manuscripts often lacked the methodological detail now advocated by the ARRIVE guidelines, suggesting that improvement in reporting would be useful to maximize rigor and transparency. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2595-2605, 2017.

Comparison between mechanical stress and bone mineral density in the femur after total hip arthroplasty by using subject-specific finite element analyses

The mechanism underling bone mineral density (BMD) loss that occurs in the femur after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains unknown. We compared the equivalent stress and strain energy density (SED) to BMD in the femur after THA using subject-specific finite element analyses. Twenty-four patients who had undergone primary cementless THA were analysed. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at 1 week and 3, 6 and 12 months after THA. Seven regions of interest (ROIs) were defined in accordance with Gruen's system (ROIs 1-7). Computed tomography images of the femurs were acquired pre- and postoperatively, and the images were converted into three-dimensional finite element (FE) models. Equivalent stress and SED were analysed and compared with DEXA data. BMD was maintained 1 year after THA in ROIs 3, 4, 5 and 6, whereas BMD decreased in ROIs 1, 2 and 7. FE analysis revealed that equivalent stress in ROIs 3, 4, 5 and 6 was much higher than that in ROIs 1, 2 and 7. A significant correlation was observed between the rate of changes in BMD and equivalent stress. Reduction of equivalent stress may contribute to decrease in BMD in the femur after THA.

Excessive distal migration of fiber-mesh coated femoral stems

BACKGROUND

The surface texture, localization, and magnitude of the surface material applied to the femoral stem can facilitate bone ingrowth and influence the survival of total hip arthroplasties. Clinical and radiographic studies have shown superior bone ingrowth in proximally porous-coated stems with a diaphyseal grit-blasted surface in comparison to a smooth diaphyseal surface. Surface textures-especially porous surface material-have been suggested to have a sealing effect against migration of polyethylene debris along the implant-bone interface and to reduce the inflammatory response, leading to a prolonged implant survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2004 and 2006, we conducted a randomized, controlled trial (RCT) involving 50 patients with non-inflammatory arthritis. They received either a distally tapered, extended coated stem or a straight, proximally coated stem. During surgery, tantalum markers were inserted into the greater and lesser trochanter. Implant migration was evaluated at 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively by radiostereometric analysis. The primary endpoint was stem migration 2 years after surgery.

RESULTS

All femoral components in both groups showed pronounced distal translation, with the highest rate of translation occurring between 0 and 3 months. After 2 years, the mean distal translation was 2.67 (95% CI: -3.93 to -1.42) mm for the tapered, extended coated stem and 1.80 (-2.45 to -1.15) mm for the straight, proximally coated stem. Half of the tapered, extended coated stems and two-thirds of the straight, proximally coated stems had migrated more than 1 mm. No difference between the 2 stems could be seen with regard to translation or rotation at any time point. After 2 years, 2 hips have been reoperated due to mechanical loosening of the stem.

INTERPRETATION

An excessive amount of migration of both stem types was seen 2 years postoperatively. It is of vital importance to follow this patient cohort since radiostereometric analysis is known to be predictive of late implant failure, especially in this study where pronounced early migration was observed. We recommend longer follow-up of both stem types.

Superior fixation of pegged trabecular metal over screw-fixed pegged porous titanium fiber mesh: a randomized clinical RSA study on cementless tibial components

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Lasting stability of cementless implants depends on osseointegration into the implant surface, and long-term implant fixation can be predicted using radiostereometric analysis (RSA) with short-term follow-up. We hypothesized that there would be improved fixation of high-porosity trabecular metal (TM) tibial components compared to low-porosity titanium pegged porous fiber-metal (Ti) polyethylene metal backings.

METHODS

In a prospective, parallel-group, randomized unblinded clinical trial, we compared cementless tibial components in patients aged 70 years and younger with osteoarthritis. The pre-study sample size calculation was 22 patients per group. 25 TM tibial components were fixed press-fit by 2 hexagonal pegs (TM group) and 25 Ti tibial components were fixed press-fit and by 4 supplemental screws (Ti group). Stereo radiographs for evaluation of absolute component migration (primary effect size) and single-direction absolute component migration (secondary effect size) were obtained within the first postoperative week and at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. American Knee Society score was used for clinical assessment preoperatively, and at 1 and 2 years.

RESULTS

There were no intraoperative complications, and no postoperative infections or revisions. All patients had improved function and regained full extension. All tibial components migrated initially. Most migration of the TM components (n = 24) occurred within the first 3 months after surgery whereas migration of the Ti components (n = 22) appeared to stabilize first after 1 year. The TM components migrated less than the Ti components at 1 year (p = 0.01) and 2 years (p = 0.004).

INTERPRETATION

We conclude that the mechanical fixation of TM tibial components is superior to that of screw-fixed Ti tibial components. We expect long-term implant survival to be better with the TM tibial component.

Relationship between solute transport properties and tissue morphology in human annulus fibrosus

Poor nutritional supply to the intervertebral disc is believed to be an important factor leading to disc degeneration. However, little is known regarding nutritional transport in human annulus fibrosus (AF) and its relation to tissue morphology. We hypothesized that solute diffusivity in human AF is anisotropic and inhomogeneous, and that transport behaviors are associated with tissue composition and structure. To test these hypotheses, we measured the direction-dependent diffusivity of a fluorescent molecule (fluorescein, 332 Da) in three regions of AF using a fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) technique, and associated transport results to the regional variation in water content and collagen architecture in the tissue. Diffusivity in AF was anisotropic, with higher values in the axial direction than in the radial direction for all regions investigated. The values of the diffusion coefficient ranged from 0.38 +/- 0.25 x 10(-6) cm(2)/s (radial diffusivity in outer AF) to 2.68 +/- 0.84 x 10(-6) cm(2)/s (axial diffusivity in inner AF). In both directions, diffusivity decreased moving from inner to outer AF. Tissue structure was investigated using both scanning electron microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy. A unique arrangement of microtubes was found in human AF. Furthermore, we also found that the density of these microtubes varied moving from inner to outer AF. A similar trend of regional variation was found for water content, with the highest value also measured in inner AF. Therefore, we concluded that a relationship exists among the anisotropic and inhomogeneous diffusion in human AF and the structure and composition of the tissue.

Particle migration and gap healing around trabecular metal implants

Bone on-growth and peri-implant migration of polyethylene particles were studied in an experimental setting using trabecular metal and solid metal implants. Cylindrical implants of trabecular tantalum metal and solid titanium alloy implants with a glass bead blasted surface were inserted either in an exact surgical fit or with a peri-implant gap into a canine knee joint. We used a randomised paired design. Polyethylene particles were injected into the knee joint. In both types of surgical fit we found that the trabecular metal implants had superior bone ongrowth in comparison with solid metal implants (exact fit: 23% vs. 7% [p=0.02], peri-implant gap: 13% vs. 0% [p=0.02]. The number of peri-implant polyethylene particles was significantly reduced around the trabecular metal implants with a peri-implant gap compared with solid implants.