Impingement in Total Hip Replacement: Mechanisms and Consequences

Phantom validation of a novel RSA-based impingement metric to assess component-on-component impingement risk

Component-on-component impingement in total hip arthroplasty may lead to post-operative complications including dislocation. Despite numerous clinical studies focusing on reducing this risk, assessment methods remain limited to qualitative radiography, finite element analysis, and cadaver studies. There is a need for more precise measurements of impingement in the research setting. We aimed to validate a novel RSA-based impingement metric to measure component-on-component impingement in vivo. A phantom experiment of a standard metal-on-polyethylene total hip system was performed. RSA examinations were performed as typical for a traditional weight-bearing RSA exam for large joints. The phantom was placed in 10 possible impinged positions and one neutral position. Double exposure radiographs were taken to measure repeatability. The closest distance between the skirt of the head and the inner circumference of the acetabular cup liner was measured to assess impingement risk. Distances between the closest point of the hood to the edge of the cup in 10 impinged positions ranged from 0.05 to 1.03 mm, with the average being 0.67 mm. In the neutral position, the distance measured is 11.02 mm. Excellent repeatability was observed, with a standard deviation of 0.03 mm with an r value of 0.09. A validated RSA-based risk metric was established to evaluate in vivo hip impingement. A 1 mm threshold may be proposed to define impingement where distances approaching 1.00 mm are at a greater risk of impingement. This simplified metric holds promise for upcoming clinical studies on component-on-component impingement.

Impingement testing of total hip replacements according to ASTM F2582 - Implant wear, resistance to damage and acceptance criteria

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the resistance to impingement damage of three different artificially aged UHMWPE materials used for total hip joint replacement. The results obtained can be used as a basis for an acceptance criterion for testing according to ASTM F2582-20.

METHODS

Three different polyethylene liner materials, standard polyethylene (UHMWPE), moderately crosslinked (XLPE) and vitamin E stabilized crosslinked (XLPE-VE) polyethylene of the same design and manufacturer were tested up to one million impingement cycles according to ASTM F2582-20. The liners were artificially oxygen aged for two and three weeks according to ASTM F2003-02. The wear volumes of the liner, acetabular shells, and hip endoprosthesis stems were determined. Each of the six impingement test groups consisted of three samples. For each test group, a reference group was subjected to the same conditioning and loading conditions but without impingement between the hip stem and the liner. The force needed to disassemble the liner from the acetabular shell (push-out force) was determined according to ASTM F1820-22 for the test and the reference groups.

RESULTS

XLPE and XLPE-VE polyethylene groups showed less impingement wear when compared to the standard UHMWPE material. Similarly, the protective function of the liner against direct metal-on-metal contact was greater, resulting in less wear on the acetabular shell and the stem neck. The three weeks aged standard UHMWPE group showed early onset of fatigue delamination wear. The push-out values remained unchanged for all XLPE liners and the 3-week aged XLPE-VE liners. The aged UHMWPE liners showed low push-out strength due to component shrinkage caused by aging in combination with the tapered fixation used for this specific design.

SIGNIFICANCE

The largest polyethylene wear volume measured of XLPE and XLPE-VE polyethylene aged for two and three weeks was 15.05 mm³ (SD 0.56 mm³). The corresponding metal wear volume was 1.23 mm³ (SD 0.19 mm³) for the acetabular cup and 1.33 mm³ (SD 0.20 mm³) for the stem neck. Those values can support the definition of an acceptance criteria for impingement testing. The results of the push-out test required by ASTM F2582-20 should be evaluated with respect to geometry changes caused by aging. The protective effect of the polyethylene liner against metal-on-metal contact should be considered in the implant design phase in order to avoid implant failure due to metal debris.

Evaluation of the native femoral neck and stem version reproducibility using robotic-arm assisted direct-anterior total hip arthroplasty

The intraoperative measurement of the femoral version (FV) has gained attention in wake of an optimised combined version (CV) philosophy. Whereas some data is available utilising different approaches, to our belief this study provides the first in vivo FV data in DA-THA using the MAKO™ robot. To improve the accuracy of the femoral stem version in DA-THA, we want to ask the following question: How effectively can we reproduce the native femoral version in DA- THA using the MAKO™ robot? The first 125 total hip cases through DAA with the use of the combined anteversion concept and the help of the MAKO™ robot from a single institution, single surgeon from January 2020 to July 2021 were retrospectively analysed. The native version (NV) and broach version (BV) were determined with the use of the MAKO™ preoperative computed tomography planning software. The data of the NV and BV of 115 withheld patients was normally distributed. The native femoral version ranged from -12° till 33° (mean 7,8° +/- 8,1) and the broach version ranged from -18° till 43° (mean 8,2° +/- 9,9). The Pearson correlation coefficient between the NV and BV was 0,78. The native femoral version can be reproduced by broaching the proximal femur, in a robotically implanted direct anterior cementless THA, with 78% effectiveness. Stem placement seemed to be more precise with growing experience, however this appeared not to be significant.

Do hip resurfacing and short hip stem arthroplasties differ from conventional hip stem replacement regarding impingement-free range of motion?

Total hip joint replacement (THR) is clinically well-established. In this context, the resulting range of motion (ROM) is crucial for patient satisfaction when performing joint movements. However, the ROM for THR with different bone preserving strategies (short hip stem and hip resurfacing) raises the question of whether the ROM is comparable with conventional hip stems. Therefore, this computer-based study aimed to investigate the ROM and type of impingement for different implant systems. An established framework with computer-aided design 3D models based on magnetic resonance imaging data of 19 patients with hip osteoarthritis was used to analyse the ROM for three different implant systems (conventional hip stem vs. short hip stem vs. hip resurfacing) during typical joint movements. Our results revealed that all three designs led to mean maximum flexion higher than 110°. However, hip resurfacing showed less ROM (-5% against conventional and -6% against short hip stem). No significant differences were observed between the conventional and short hip stem during maximum flexion and internal rotation. Contrarily, a significant difference was detected between the conventional hip stem and hip resurfacing during internal rotation (p = 0.003). The ROM of the hip resurfacing was lower than the conventional and short hip stem during all three movements. Furthermore, hip resurfacing shifted the impingement type to implant-to-bone impingement compared with the other implant designs. The calculated ROMs of the implant systems achieved physiological levels during maximum flexion and internal rotation. However, bone impingement was more likely during internal rotation with increasing bone preservation. Despite the larger head diameter of hip resurfacing, the ROM examined was substantially lower than that of conventional and short hip stem.

Functional Femoral Anteversion: Axial Rotation of the Femur and its Implications for Stem Version Targets in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background

Acetabular and femoral component positioning are important considerations in reducing adverse outcomes after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Previous assessments of femoral anteversion examined anatomic femoral anteversion (AFA) referenced to anatomic landmarks. However, this does not provide a functional understanding of the femur's relationship to the hip. We investigate a new measurement, functional femoral anteversion (FFA), and sought to measure its variability across a large sample of patients undergoing THA.

Methods

A total of 1008 consecutive patients underwent THA surgery between September 2019 and July 2021. All patients were measured for supine and standing functional femoral rotation (FFR), AFA, and FFA.

Results

The mean standing FFA was 13.2° ± 12.2° (-27.8° to 52.3°). The mean change in FFR from supine to standing was -2.2° ± 11.8° (-43.0° to 41.9°). Of all, 161 (16%) patients had standing FFA version greater than 25°. Four hundred sixty (46%) patients had standing FFR (internal or external) greater than 10°. One hundred twenty-three (12%) patients exhibited an increase in external rotation from supine to standing of greater than 10°. A moderate, negative linear relationship was observed between AFA and standing external femoral rotation (P <<.001, R = -0.46), indicating people may externally rotate their femur as AFA decreases with age.

Conclusions

Functional alignment of the femur in patients requiring THA is understudied. It is now understood that the femur, like the pelvis, can rotate substantially between functional positions. Enhancing our understanding of FFA and FFR may improve both acetabular and femoral component positioning.

Three-Dimensional Functional Impingement in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Biomechanical Analysis

BACKGROUND

Although component offset can affect impingement after total hip arthroplasty, the exact impact is unclear. Evaluation of offset on an anterior-posterior pelvic radiograph is different than evaluation in functional positions of impingement, namely flexion/internal rotation and extension/external rotation. We quantified the effect of acetabular (cup/liner) vs femoral (head/stem) offsets on changes in range of motion to extra-prosthetic impingement in these 2 impingement-prone functional positions.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 16 total hip arthroplasty patients (age 61.5 ± 12.1 years, body mass index 28.3 ± 4.9 kg/m²) with preoperative and postoperative computerized tomography scans. To eliminate metal artifact, femoral and pelvic 3-dimensional models were created using preoperative scans aligned with postoperative scans, and 3-dimensional scanned implant models were used to reproduce clinical implantation. We tested ±5 mm acetabular cup, acetabular liner, femoral stem, and femoral head offsets. Maximum range of motion (ROM) to bone-bone impingement was calculated for internal rotation at 90° flexion and external rotation at 10° extension.

RESULTS

In all cases, increased offset increased ROM to impingement, and vice versa. During internal rotation at 90° flexion, ±5 mm liner offset had the greatest impact on ROM (+9°/-10°), followed by cup (+8°/-9°), head (+5°/-7°), and stem (+3°/-5°) offset. During external rotation at 10° extension, ±5 mm cup offset had the greatest impact on ROM (+10°/-10°), followed by liner (+9°/-9°), head (+7°/-8°), and stem (+4°/-4°) offset. However, no statistically significant differences were found in the changes to ROM in flexion obtained through cup and liner offsets, the changes to ROM in extension obtained through liner and head offsets, and the changes to ROM in extension obtained through increasing stem and head offsets.

CONCLUSION

Increasing offset by any method reduces impingement. Center-of-rotation offset changes via acetabular cup or liner have the greatest impact on extra-prosthetic impingement.

Computer simulation of optimal lipped polyethylene liner orientation against prosthetic impingement

Background

Lipped or elevated acetabular liners are to improve posterior stability and are widely used in hip arthroplasty. However, concerns of increasing impingement exist when using such liners and optimal orientation of the elevated rim remains unknown. We aimed to identify the impact of lipped liner on the range of motion (ROM) before impingement and propose its optimal orientation.

Methods

An isochoric three-dimensional model of a general hip-replacement prosthesis was generated, and flex-extension, add-abduction and axial rotation were simulated on a computer. The maximum ROM of the hip was measured before the neck impinged on the liner. Different combinations of acetabular anteversion angles ranging from 5 to 30 degrees, and lipped liner orientations from posterior to anterior were tested.

Results

When acetabular anteversion was 10 or 15 degrees, placing the lip of the liner in the posterosuperior of the acetabulum allowed satisfactory ROM in all directions. When acetabular anteversion was 20 degrees, extension and external rotation were restricted. Adjusting the lip to the superior restored satisfactory ROM. When acetabular anteversion was 25 degrees, only placing the lip into the anterosuperior could increase extension and external rotation to maintain satisfactory ROM.

Conclusions

This study showed that optimal lipped liner orientation should depend on acetabular anteversion. When acetabular anteversion was smaller than 20 degrees, placing lip in the posterior allowed an optimally ROM. When acetabular anteversion was greater than 20 degrees, adjusting lip to the anterior allowed a comprehensive larger ROM to avoid early impingement.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13018-022-03093-6.

Impingement in total hip arthroplasty: A geometric model

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most common and successful surgical interventions. The survivorship at 10 years for the most commonly used systems is over 95%. However, the incidence of revision is usually much higher in the 0-1 year time period following the intervention. The most common reason for revision in this early time period is dislocation and subluxation, which may be defined as complete or permanent, and partial or temporary loss of contact between the bearing surfaces respectively. This study comprises the development of a geometric model of bone and an in situ total hip replacement, to predict the occurrence and location of bone and component impingement for a wide range of acetabular cup positions and for a series of frequently practiced activities of daily living. The model developed predicts that anterior-superior component impingement is associated with activities that result in posterior dislocation. The incidence may be reduced by increased cup anteversion and inclination. Posterior-inferior component impingement is associated with anterior dislocation activities. Its incidence may be reduced by decreased cup anteversion and inclination. A component impingement-free range was identified, running from when the cup was positioned with 45° inclination and 25° anteversion to 70° inclination and 15°-20° anteversion.

A Modeling Study of a Patient-specific Safe Zone for THA: Calculation, Validation, and Key Factors Based on Standing and Sitting Sagittal Pelvic Tilt

BACKGROUND

Lumbar-pelvic stiffness and sagittal imbalance have been reported to increase the risk of dislocation and wear after THA. One potential way to approach this concern is by identifying patient-specific safe zones for THA components based on the standing and sitting sagittal pelvic tilt. However, there is no algorithm to integrate the standing and sitting pelvic tilt into the surgical plan of component orientations.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We established a new mathematical algorithm for determining a patient-specific safe zone for THA by integrating the impingement-free ROM requirements of standing and sitting while preventing edge loading while standing. We aimed to determine (1) the accuracy of this new method for predicting the impingement-free ROM for a given component orientation, (2) the sensitivity and specificity of detecting an impingement-free acetabular cup position for standing and sitting, and (3) the influences of key factors including pelvic tilt while standing and pelvic tilt while sitting and implant parameters on patient-specific safe zones.

METHODS

A strategy for calculating the intersection of standing and sitting impingement-free safe zones and the zone of a standing radiographic inclination of ≤ 45° was used to develop patient-specific safe zones. We conducted a computer simulation study including the pelvis and THA prosthesis to answer the three study questions. We enrolled 10 patients who underwent robot-assisted THA for avascular necrosis of the femoral head (mean age 49 ± 19 years; five were women) from October 2019 to December 2019. We used a prosthesis model with a conical stem neck and a non-hooded liner, with the femoral head diameter ranging between 28 mm and 40 mm, and the corresponding head-neck ratio ranging between 2.33 and 3.33. We tested 1680 movements for the accuracy of impingement-free ROM (Question 1), and 80 marginal points and 120 non-marginal points of the comprehensive impingement-free safe zone, which combines the standing and sitting postures (Question 2). For Question 3, we explored the influences of standing and sitting pelvic tilt, femoral head diameter, and ROM criteria on the size of the patient-specific safe zone.

RESULTS

With the simulation method as a reference for detecting impingement, the mean absolute error (arithmetic mean of all the absolute errors) of the calculated impingement-free ROM was 1.4° ± 2.3°, and the limit of agreement of errors was between -3.6° and 3.7°. The sensitivity of detecting a safe cup orientation within the comprehensive impingement-free safe zone for a given ROM criterion was 98.9% (95% CI 93.6% to 99.9%), and specificity was 97.1% (95% CI 91.0% to 99.2%). There were no impingement-free safe zones for 29% (pelvic tilt combinations without an impingement-free safe zone and all tested combinations) and no patient-specific safe zones for 46% (pelvic tilt combinations without a patient-specific safe zone and all tested combinations) of the tested combinations of standing and sitting pelvic tilt. The patient-specific safe zone was sensitive to changes in standing and sitting pelvic tilt, femoral head diameter, stem version, and ROM criteria. Stem anteversions beyond 10° to 20° dramatically reduced the size of the patient-specific safe zone to 0 within a change of 10° to 20°.

CONCLUSION

The patient-specific safe zone algorithm can be an accurate method for determining the optimal orientation for acetabular cups and femoral stems in THA. The patient-specific safe zone is sensitive to changes in standing and sitting pelvic tilt, stem version, ROM criteria, and the femoral head diameter. A narrow zone of 10° to 20° for stem anteversion is recommended to maximize the size of the patient-specific safe zone.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study suggests the potential of a mathematical algorithm to optimize the orientation of THA components and illustrates how key parameters affect the patient-specific safe zone.

EVALUATION OF THE RANGE OF MOTION OF A HIP ARTHROPLASTY SYSTEM: A COMPUTER SIMULATION STUDY

Objective:

To date, the literature lacks consensus on the most efficient method to measure the range of motion of an in vitro prosthetic system. In this study, we propose the use of a relatively low-cost online software to measure the range of motion of hip prosthetic implants manufactured in Brazil and compare its results with the current technical standards for hip arthroplasty.

Methods:

Three different diameters of femoral heads were evaluated (28 mm, 32 mm, and 36 mm). The mean values of the angular displacement of the prosthesis in each motion axis were obtained by computer simulations.

Results:

The range of motion with each femoral head was 28mm (extension/flexion: 148°, internal/external rotation: 179°, adduction/abduction: 107°), 32 mm (152°/185°/114°), and 36 mm (158°/193°/120°).

Conclusion:

The computational method showed that the larger the femoral head, the greater the range of motion of the hip joint prosthetic system. Additional clinical studies are necessary to compare the physical results obtained with the values found in this study by computational modeling.Level of evidence V, Experimental study.

In vivo articular contact pattern of a total wrist arthroplasty design

Total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) designs suffer from relatively high complication rates when compared to other arthroplasties. Understanding the contact pattern of hip and knee replacement has improved their design and function; however, the in vivo contact pattern of TWA has not yet been examined and is thus the aim of this study. We hypothesized that the center of contact (CoC) is located at the geometric centers of the carpal component and radial component in the neutral posture and that the CoC moves along the principal arcs of curvature throughout primary anatomical motions. Wrist motion and implant kinematics of six patients with the Freedom® total wrist implant were studied during various tasks using biplanar videoradiography. The location of the CoC of the components was investigated by calculating distance fields between the articular surfaces. We found the CoC at the neutral posture was not at the geometric centers but was located 3.5 mm radially on the carpal component and 1.2 mm ulnarly on the radial component. From extension to flexion, the CoC moved 10.8 mm from dorsal to volar side on the carpal component (p < 0.0001) and 7.2 mm from volar to dorsal on the radial component (p = 0.0009). From radial to ulnar deviation, the CoC moved 12.4 mm from radial to ulnar on the carpal component (p < 0.0001), and 5.6 mm from ulnar to radial on the radial component (p = 0.009). The findings of this study may eventually improve TWA success by advancing future designs through a more accurate understating of their kinematic performance in vivo.

Effect of postural changes on in vivo pelvic tilt and functional component anteversion in total hip arthroplasty patients with lumbar disc degenerations

Aims

The complex relationship between acetabular component position and spinopelvic mobility in patients following total hip arthroplasty (THA) renders it difficult to optimize acetabular component positioning. Mobility of the normal lumbar spine during postural changes results in alterations in pelvic tilt (PT) to maintain the sagittal balance in each posture and, as a consequence, markedly changes the functional component anteversion (FCA). This study aimed to investigate the in vivo association of lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) with the PT angle and with FCA during postural changes in THA patients.

Methods

A total of 50 patients with unilateral THA underwent CT imaging for radiological evaluation of presence and severity of lumbar DDD. In all, 18 patients with lumbar DDD were compared to 32 patients without lumbar DDD. In vivo PT and FCA, and the magnitudes of changes (ΔPT; ΔFCA) during supine, standing, swing-phase, and stance-phase positions were measured using a validated dual fluoroscopic imaging system.

Results

PT, FCA, ΔPT, and ΔFCA were significantly correlated with the severity of lumbar DDD. Patients with severe lumbar DDD showed marked differences in PT with changes in posture; there was an anterior tilt (-16.6° vs -12.3°, p = 0.047) in the supine position, but a posterior tilt in an upright posture (1.0° vs -3.6°, p = 0.005). A significant decrease in ΔFCA during stand-to-swing (8.6° vs 12.8°, p = 0.038) and stand-to-stance (7.3° vs 10.6°,p = 0.042) was observed in the severe lumbar DDD group.

Conclusion

There were marked differences in the relationship between PT and posture in patients with severe lumbar DDD compared with healthy controls. Clinical decision-making should consider the relationship between PT and FCA in order to reduce the risk of impingement at large ranges of motion in THA patients with lumbar DDD. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1505–1510.

Effect of postural changes on in vivo pelvic tilt and functional component anteversion in total hip arthroplasty patients with lumbar disc degenerations

AIMS

The complex relationship between acetabular component position and spinopelvic mobility in patients following total hip arthroplasty (THA) renders it difficult to optimize acetabular component positioning. Mobility of the normal lumbar spine during postural changes results in alterations in pelvic tilt (PT) to maintain the sagittal balance in each posture and, as a consequence, markedly changes the functional component anteversion (FCA). This study aimed to investigate the in vivo association of lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) with the PT angle and with FCA during postural changes in THA patients.

METHODS

A total of 50 patients with unilateral THA underwent CT imaging for radiological evaluation of presence and severity of lumbar DDD. In all, 18 patients with lumbar DDD were compared to 32 patients without lumbar DDD. In vivo PT and FCA, and the magnitudes of changes (ΔPT; ΔFCA) during supine, standing, swing-phase, and stance-phase positions were measured using a validated dual fluoroscopic imaging system.

RESULTS

PT, FCA, ΔPT, and ΔFCA were significantly correlated with the severity of lumbar DDD. Patients with severe lumbar DDD showed marked differences in PT with changes in posture; there was an anterior tilt (-16.6° vs -12.3°, p = 0.047) in the supine position, but a posterior tilt in an upright posture (1.0° vs -3.6°, p = 0.005). A significant decrease in ΔFCA during stand-to-swing (8.6° vs 12.8°, p = 0.038) and stand-to-stance (7.3° vs 10.6°,p = 0.042) was observed in the severe lumbar DDD group.

CONCLUSION

There were marked differences in the relationship between PT and posture in patients with severe lumbar DDD compared with healthy controls. Clinical decision-making should consider the relationship between PT and FCA in order to reduce the risk of impingement at large ranges of motion in THA patients with lumbar DDD.

Comparison of Test Setups for the Experimental Evaluation of the Primary Fixation Stability of Acetabular Cups

Sufficient primary fixation stability is the basis for the osseointegration of cementless acetabular cups. Several test methods have been established for determining the tilting moment of acetabular press-fit cups, which is a measure for their primary fixation stability. The central aim of this experimental study was to show the differences between the commonly used lever-out test method (Method 1) and the edge-load test method (Method 2) in which the cup insert is axially loaded (1 kN) during the tilting process with respect to the parameters, tilting moment, and interface stiffness. Therefore, using a biomechanical cup block model, a press-fit cup design with a macro-structured surface was pushed into three cavity types (intact, moderate superior defect, and two-point-pinching cavity) made of 15 pcf and 30 pcf polyurethane foam blocks (n = 3 per cavity and foam density combination), respectively. Subsequently, the acetabular cup was disassembled from the three artificial bone cavities using the lever-out and the edge-load test method. Tilting moments determined with Method 1 ranged from 2.72 ± 0.29 Nm to 49.08 ± 1.50 Nm, and with Method 2, they ranged from 41.40 ± 1.05 Nm to 112.86 ± 5.29 Nm. In Method 2, larger areas of abrasion were observed in the artificial bone cavity compared to Method 1. This indicates increased shear forces at the implant–bone interface in the former method. In conclusion, Method 1 simulates the technique used by orthopedic surgeons to assess the correct fit of the trial cup, while Method 2 simulates the tilting of the cup in the acetabular bone cavity under in situ loading with the hip resultant force.

The Impingement-free, Prosthesis-specific, and Anatomy-adjusted Combined Target Zone for Component Positioning in THA Depends on Design and Implantation Parameters of both Components

BACKGROUND

Lewinnek's recommendation for orienting the cup in THA is criticized because it involves a static assessment of the safe zone and because it does not consider stem geometry. A revised concept of the safe zone should consider those factors, but to our knowledge, this has not been assessed.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) To determine the shape, size, and location of target zones for combined cup and stem orientation for a straight stem/hemispheric cup THA to maximize the impingement-free ROM and (2) To determine whether and how these implant positions change as stem anteversion, neck-shaft angle, prosthetic head size and target range of movements are varied.

METHODS

A three-dimensional computer-assisted design model, in which design geometry was expressed in terms of parameters, of a straight stem/hemispheric cup hip prosthesis was designed, its design parameters modified systematically, and each prosthesis model was implanted virtually at predefined component orientations. Functional component orientation referencing to body planes was used: cups were abducted from 20° to 70°, and anteverted from -10° to 40°. Stems were rotated from -10° to 40° anteversion, neck-shaft angles varied from 115° to 143°, and head sizes varied from 28 to 40 mm. Hip movements up to the point of prosthetic impingement were tested, including simple flexion/extension, internal/external rotation, ab/adduction, combinations of these, and activities of daily living that were known to trigger dislocation. For each combination of parameters, the impingement-free combined target zone was determined. Maximizing the size of the combined target zone was the optimization criterion.

RESULTS

The combined target zones for impingement-free cup orientation had polygonal boundaries. Their size and position in the diagram changed with stem anteversion, neck-shaft angle, head size, and target ROM. The largest target zones were at neck-shaft angles from 125° to 127°, at stem anteversions from 10° to 20°, and at radiographic cup anteversions between 17° and 25°. Cup anteversion and stem anteversion were inverse-linearly correlated supporting the combined-anteversion concept. The range of impingement-free cup inclinations depended on head size, stem anteversion, and neck-shaft angle. For a 127°-neck-shaft angle, the lowest cup inclinations that fell within the target zone were 42° for the 28-mm and 35° for the 40-mm head. Cup anteversion and combined version depended on neck-shaft angle. For head size 32-mm cup, anteversion was 6° for a 115° neck-shaft angle and 25° for a 135°-neck-shaft angle, and combined version was 15° and 34° respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The shape, size, and location of the combined target zones were dependent on design and implantation parameters of both components. Changing the prosthesis design or changing implantation parameters also changed the combined target zone. A maximized combined target zone was found. It is mandatory to consider both components to determine the accurate impingement-free prosthetic ROM in THA.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study accurately defines the hypothetical impingement-free, design-specific component orientation in THA. Transforming it into clinical precision may be the case for navigation and/or robotics, but this is speculative, and as of now, unproven.

Using artificial neural networks to predict impingement and dislocation in total hip arthroplasty

Dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a major issue and an important post-surgical complication. Impingement and subsequent dislocation are influenced by the design (head size) and position (anteversion and abduction angles) of the acetabulum and different movements of the patient, with external extension and internal flexion the most critical movements. The aim of this study is to develop a computational tool based on a three-dimensional (3D) parametric finite element (FE) model and an artificial neural network (ANN) to assist clinicians in identifying the optimal prosthesis design and position of the acetabular cup to reduce the probability of impingement and dislocation. A 3D parametric model of a THA was used. The model parameters were the femoral head size and the acetabulum abduction and anteversion angles. Simulations run with this parametric model were used to train an ANN, which predicts the range of movement (ROM) before impingement and dislocation. This study recreates different configurations and obtains absolute errors lower than 5.5° between the ROM obtained from the FE simulations and the ANN predictions. The ROM is also predicted for patients who had already suffered dislocation after THA, and the computational predictions confirm the patient's dislocations. Summarising, the combination of a 3D parametric FE model of a THA and an ANN is a useful computational tool to predict the ROM allowed for different designs of prosthesis heads.

Finite Element Analysis to Probe the Influence of Acetabular Shell Design, Liner Material, and Subject Parameters on Biomechanical Response in Periprosthetic Bone

The implant stability and biomechanical response of periprosthetic bone in acetabulum around total hip joint replacement (THR) devices depend on a host of parameters, including design of articulating materials, gait cycle and subject parameters. In this study, the impact of shell design (conventional, finned, spiked, and combined design) and liner material on the biomechanical response of periprosthetic bone has been analyzed using finite element (FE) method. Two different liner materials: high density polyethylene-20% hydroxyapatite-20% alumina (HDPE-20%HA-20%Al2O3) and highly cross-linked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (HC-UHMWPE) were used. The subject parameters included bone condition and bodyweight. Physiologically relevant load cases of a gait cycle were considered. The deviation of mechanical condition of the periprosthetic bone due to implantation was least for the finned shell design. No significant deviation was observed at the bone region adjacent to the spikes and the fins. This study recommends the use of the finned design, particularly for weaker bone conditions. For stronger bones, the combined design may also be recommended for higher stability. The use of HC-UHMWPE liner was found to be better for convensional shell design. However, similar biomechanical response was captured in our FE analysis for both the liner materials in case of other shell designs. Overall, the study establishes the biomechanical response of periprosthetic bone in the acetabular with preclinically tested liner materials together with new shell design for different subject conditions.

A Preoperative Analytical Model for Patient-Specific Impingement Analysis in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Prosthetic impingement is important to consider during total hip arthroplasty planning to minimise the risk of joint instability. Modelling impingement preoperatively can assist in defining the required component alignment for each individual. We developed an analytical impingement model utilising a combination of mathematical calculations and an automated computational simulation to determine the risk of prosthetic impingement. The model assesses cup inclination and anteversion angles that are associated with prosthetic impingement using patient-specific inputs, such as stem anteversion, planned implant types, and target Range of Motion (ROM). The analysed results are presented as a range of cup inclination and anteversion angles over which a colour map indicates an impingement-free safe zone in green and impingement risk zones in red. A validation of the model demonstrates accuracy within +/- 1.4° of cup inclination and anteversion. The study further investigated the impact of changes in stem anteversion, femoral head size, and head offset on prosthetic impingement, as an example of the application of the model.

Subject-Specific Surgical Planning for Hip Replacement: A Novel 2D Graphical Representation of 3D Hip Motion and Prosthetic Impingement Information

Prosthetic impingement (PI) following total hip arthroplasty (THA), which arises due to the undesirable relative motion of the implants, results in adverse outcomes. Predicting PI through 3D graphical representation is difficult to comprehend when all activities are combined for different implant positions. Therefore, the aim of the paper was to translate this 3D information into a 2D graphical representation for improved understanding of the patient’s hip motion. The method used planned implanted geometry, positioned onto native bone anatomy, and activity definitions as inputs to construct the 2D polar plot from 3D hip motion in four steps. Three case studies were performed to highlight its potential use in (a) combining different activities in a single plot, (b) visualising the effect of different cup positions and (c) pelvic tilt on PI. A clinical study with 20 ‘Non-Dislocators’ and 20 ‘Dislocators’ patients after 2 years of THA was performed to validate the method. The results supported the study hypothesis, in that the incidence of PI was always higher in the ‘Dislocators’ compared to the ‘Non-Dislocators’ group. The proposed 2D graphical representation could assist in subject-specific THA planning by visualising the effect of different activities, implant positions, pelvic tilt and related aspects on PI.

Restoration of center of rotation and balance of THR

Improvements in early hip arthroplasties focused on surgical techniques with subsequent studies emphasizing restoration of the hip center of rotation for longevity of the implant. Current literature suggests femoral stem anteversion of 10-20°, cup anteversion of 20-25° and a combined anteversion of 25-40° in males, 30-45° in females. Inclination goal appears to be 45° precisely to balance between impingement & dislocation versus edge loading & accelerated wear. Restoration of the acetabular center of rotation will improve joint reactive forces and reduce wear. Here we describe techniques to achieve a well balanced total hip with restoration of the center of rotation.

Effect of soft-tissue impingement on range of motion during posterior approach Total Hip Arthroplasty: an in vivo measurement study

PURPOSE

While implant impingement and bony impingement have been recognized as causes of poor outcomes in total hip arthroplasty (THA), reports of soft-tissue impingement are rare. To clarify the issue, the effect of anterior capsule resection on hip range of motion (ROM) was quantitatively measured in vivo during posterior approach THA using a CT-based hip navigation system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For 47 patients (51 hips), hip ROM was measured intraoperatively before and after resection of the anterior hip capsule, and the difference was compared.

RESULTS

Resection of the anterior hip capsule brought about an average 6° increase of ROM in the direction of flexion with internal rotation and did not markedly change ROM in other directions.

CONCLUSIONS

During THA through a posterior approach, soft-tissue impingement by the anterior hip capsule can occur. Clinically, we expect that resection of the anterior hip capsule can reduce the risk of posterior instability without increasing the risk of anterior instability.

Femur First navigation can reduce impingement severity compared to traditional free hand total hip arthroplasty

Impingement is a major source of dislocation and aseptic loosening in total hip arthroplasty (THA). We compared impingement free range of motion (ROM) using a novel computer navigated femur first approach to conventional THA. In addition, impingement between genders was also explored. In a retrospective analysis of 121 THA patients, subject-specific post-operative ROM was simulated using post-operative 3D-CT data, and compared with the benchmark ROM, essential for activities of daily living. Three parameters were defined to express both implant-to-implant (ITI) and bone-to-bone (BTB) impingement - coverage percentage, third angle, and impingement severity. Although coverage percentage was similar between the navigated and conventional group for both ITI (p = 0.69) and BTB (p = 0.82) impingement, third angle was significantly reduced in the navigation group for both ITI (p = 0.02) and BTB (p = 0.05) impingement. Impingement severity for both ITI (p = 0.01) and BTB (p = 0.05) was significantly decreased in the navigation group compared to the conventional. Impingement severity in men was considerably higher compared to women for both ITI (p = 0.002) and BTB (p = 0.02). Navigation guided femur first THA is able to improve alignment of ROM axis, and consequently, to reduce impingement in THA. Men seem to be more prone to impingement than women.

The History of Biomechanics in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Biomechanics of the hip joint describes how the complex combination of osseous, ligamentous, and muscular structures transfers the weight of the body from the axial skeleton into the appendicular skeleton of the lower limbs. Throughout history, several biomechanical studies based on theoretical mathematics, in vitro, in vivo as well as in silico models have been successfully performed. The insights gained from these studies have improved our understanding of the development of mechanical hip pathologies such as osteoarthritis, hip fractures, and developmental dysplasia of the hip. The main treatment of end-stage degeneration of the hip is total hip arthroplasty (THA). The increasing number of patients undergoing this surgical procedure, as well as their demand for more than just pain relief and leading an active lifestyle, has challenged surgeons and implant manufacturers to deliver higher function as well as longevity with the prosthesis. The science of biomechanics has played and will continue to play a crucial and integral role in achieving these goals. The aim of this article, therefore, is to present to the readers the key concepts in biomechanics of the hip and their application to THA.

Shear stress and von Mises stress distributions in the periphery of an embedded acetabular cup implant during impingement

As literature implies, daily activities of total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients may include movements prone to implant-implant impingement. Thus, high shear stresses may be induced at the acetabular implant-bone interface, increasing the risk of implant loosening. The aim of the current study is to determine whether or not impingement events may pose an actual risk to acetabular periprosthetic bone. An existing experimental workflow was augmented to cover complete three-dimensional strain gage measurement. von Mises and shear stresses were calculated from 1620 measured strain values, collected around a hemispherical cup implant at 2.5 mm interface distance during worst-case impingement loading. A shear stress criterion for acetabular periprosthetic bone was derived from the literature. At the impingement site, magnitudes of von Mises stress amount to 0.57 MPa and tilting shear stress amount to -0.3 MPa at 2.5 mm interface distance. Conclusion can be drawn that worst-case impingement events are unlikely to pose a risk of bone material failure in the periphery around fully integrated cementless acetabular hip implants in otherwise healthy THA patients. As numerical predictions in the literature suggested, it can now be confirmed that impingement moments are unlikely to cause acetabular implant-bone interface fixation failures.

Impingement-free range of movement, acetabular component cover and early clinical results comparing ‘femur-first’ navigation and ‘conventional’ minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty

We report the kinematic and early clinical results of a patient- and observer-blinded randomised controlled trial in which CT scans were used to compare potential impingement-free range of movement (ROM) and acetabular component cover between patients treated with either the navigated ‘femur-first’ total hip arthroplasty (THA) method (n = 66; male/female 29/37, mean age 62.5 years; 50 to 74) or conventional THA (n = 69; male/female 35/34, mean age 62.9 years; 50 to 75). The Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the Harris hip score, the Euro-Qol-5D and the Mancuso THA patient expectations score were assessed at six weeks, six months and one year after surgery. A total of 48 of the patients (84%) in the navigated ‘femur-first’ group and 43 (65%) in the conventional group reached all the desirable potential ROM boundaries without prosthetic impingement for activities of daily living (ADL) in flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and rotation (p = 0.016). Acetabular component cover and surface contact with the host bone were > 87% in both groups. There was a significant difference between the navigated and the conventional groups’ Harris hip scores six weeks after surgery (p = 0.010). There were no significant differences with respect to any clinical outcome at six months and one year of follow-up. The navigated ‘femur-first’ technique improves the potential ROM for ADL without prosthetic impingement, although there was no observed clinical difference between the two treatment groups.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:890–8.

No difference in clinical outcome, bone density and polyethylene wear 5-7 years after standard navigated vs. conventional cementfree total hip arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this investigation was to compare clinical outcome, component loosening, polyethylene cup wear and periprosthetic bone mineral density between "cup first" navigated and conventional cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) 5-7 years after surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty patients who received THA with (n = 25) or without (n = 25) the use of an image-free navigation system by a single surgeon were investigated after a mean follow-up of 6.4 (4.8-7.4) years. The Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) and the Harris Hip Score (HHS) were obtained; range-of-motion (ROM) was evaluated by a blinded examiner. Radiographic cup inclination, signs of radiographic loosening and polyethylene wear were analysed with the help of digital analysis software on anterio-posterior radiographs by a blinded examiner. Acetabular and femoral periprosthetic bone density was evaluated with the help of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

We were unable to find any statistical significant or clinically relevant difference for the HOOS, HHS, ROM and polyethylene wear between the navigated and the conventional THA group 5-7 years after surgery. Cup inclination was more precise in the navigated THA group in relation to the target value of 45°.

CONCLUSIONS

Standard "cup first" THA navigation does not improve mid-term functional outcome, bony ingrowth and/or polyethylene wear. New concepts in computer-assisted THA, considering cup and stem as coupled biomechanical partners are needed to justify the effort of navigation in routine operations.

An in vivo comparison of the orientation of the transverse acetabular ligament and the acetabulum

Aligning the acetabular component with the Transverse Acetabular Ligament (TAL) to ensure optimal anteversion has been reported to reduce dislocation rates. However, to our knowledge in vivo measurement of the TAL angle has not yet been reported in a large cohort of normal hips. CT scans of 218 normal hips were analyzed. The TAL and four acetabular rim anteversion angles were measured (superiorly to inferiorly) relative to the anterior pelvic plane. The mean TAL anteversion angle was 20.5° ± 7.0°, and the acetabular rim angles from superior to inferior were 11.0° ± 12.9°, 19.9° ± 8.8°, 20.9° ± 6.2° and 25.1° ± 6.2° respectively. Both the TAL and the acetabular rim were significantly more anteverted in females than in males. The TAL anteversion angle was comparable to the predominant orientation (central rim section) of the native acetabulum while the superior acetabulum was comparatively retroverted and the inferior was relatively more anteverted.

The use of combined anteversion in total hip arthroplasty for patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip

The combined anteversion technique has been proposed recently and proved to be an applicable technique in general THA. The corresponding author routinely applied this approach to DDH patients in clinical practice. The current study aimed to provide clinical evidence for this approach. We studied 35 DDH patients (47 hips). Every patient underwent pelvic CT scans before and after surgery and the HHs was recorded. The data indicate a high accuracy of controlling components orientation and satisfactory clinical outcomes. Using this approach, we reduced dislocation risk and got better impingement free range of motion. Therefore, we conclude that combined anteversion is effective for DDH patients who receive a THA. This approach could guarantee stable and functioning joints for DDH patients receiving THA.

Impingement and dislocation in total hip arthroplasty: mechanisms and consequences

In contemporary total hip arthroplasty, instability has been a complication in approximately 2% to 5% of primary surgeries and 5% to 10% of revisions. Due to the reduction in the incidence of wear-induced osteolysis that has been achieved over the last decade, instability now stands as the single most common reason for revision surgery. Moreover, even without frank dislocation, impingement and subluxation are implicated in a set of new concerns arising with advanced bearings, associated with the relatively unforgiving nature of many of those designs. Against that backdrop, the biomechanical factors responsible for impingement, subluxation, and dislocation remain under-investigated relative to their burden of morbidity. This manuscript outlines a 15-year program of laboratory and clinical research undertaken to improve the scientific basis for understanding total hip impingement and dislocation. The broad theme has been to systematically evaluate the role of surgical factors, implant design factors, and patient factors in predisposing total hip constructs to impinge, sublux, and/or dislocate. Because this class of adverse biomechanical events had not lent itself well to study with existing approaches, it was necessary to develop (and validate) a series of new research methodologies, relying heavily on advanced finite element formulations. Specific areas of focus have included identifying the biomechanical challenges posed by dislocation-prone patient activities, quantifying design parameter effects and component surgical positioning effects for conventional metal-on-polyethylene implant constructs, and the impingement/dislocation behavior of non-conventional constructs, quantifying the stabilizing role of the hip capsule (and of surgical repairs of capsule defects), and systematically studying impingement and edge loading of hard-on-hard bearings, fracture of ceramic liners, confounding effects of patient obesity, and subluxation-mediated worsening of third body particle challenge.

Severe impingement of lumbar disc replacements increases the functional biological activity of polyethylene wear debris

BACKGROUND

Wear, oxidation, and particularly rim impingement damage of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene total disc replacement components have been observed following surgical revision. However, neither in vitro testing nor retrieval-based evidence has shown the effect(s) of impingement on the characteristics of polyethylene wear debris. Thus, we sought to determine (1) differences in polyethylene particle size, shape, number, or biological activity that correspond to mild or severe rim impingement and (2) in an analysis of all total disc replacements, regardless of impingement classification, whether there are correlations between the extent of regional damage and the characteristics of polyethylene wear debris.

METHODS

The extent of dome and rim damage was characterized for eleven retrieved polyethylene cores obtained at revision surgery after an average duration of implantation of 9.7 years (range, 4.6 to 16.1 years). Polyethylene wear debris was isolated from periprosthetic tissues with use of nitric acid and was imaged with use of environmental scanning electron microscopy. Subsequently, particle size, shape, number, biological activity, and chronic inflammation scores were determined.

RESULTS

Grouping of particles by size ranges that represented high biological relevance (&lt;0.1 to 1-μm particles), intermediate biological relevance (1 to 10-μm particles), and low biological relevance (&gt;10-μm particles) revealed an increased volume fraction of particles in the &lt;0.1 to 1-μm and 1 to 10-μm size ranges in the mild-impingement cohort as compared with the severe-impingement cohort. The increased volume fractions resulted in a higher specific biological activity per unit particle volume in the mild-impingement cohort than in the severe-impingement cohort. However, functional biological activity, which is normalized by particle volume (mm3/g of tissue), was significantly higher in the severe-impingement cohort. This increase was due to a larger volume of particles in all three size ranges. In both cohorts, the functional biological activity correlated with the chronic inflammatory response, and the extent of rim penetration positively correlated with increasing particle size, number, and functional biological activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that severe rim impingement increases the production of biologically relevant particles from motion-preserving lumbar total disc replacement components.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Morbid obesity may increase dislocation in total hip patients: a biomechanical analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Recently, obesity, especially morbid obesity, has been linked to increased rates of dislocation after THA. The reasons are unclear. Soft tissue engagement caused by increased thigh girth has been proposed as a possible mechanism for decreased joint stability.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We asked (1) whether thigh soft tissue impingement could decrease THA stability, and if so, at what level of BMI this effect might become evident; and (2) how THA construct factors (eg, head size, neck offset, cup abduction) might affect stability in the morbidly obese.

METHODS

The obesity effect was explored by augmenting a physically validated finite element model of a total hip construct previously comprising just implant hardware and periarticular (capsular) soft tissue. The model augmentation involved using anatomic and anthropometric data to include graded levels of increased thigh girth. Parametric computations were run to assess joint stability for two head sizes (28 and 36 mm), for normal versus high neck offset, and for multiple cup abduction angles.

RESULTS

Thigh soft tissue impingement lowered the resistance to dislocation for BMIs of 40 or greater. Dislocation risk increased monotonically above this threshold as a function of cup abduction angle, independent of hardware impingement events. Increased head diameter did not substantially improve joint stability. High-offset necks decreased the dislocation risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive obesity creates conditions that compromise stability of THAs. Given such conditions, our model suggests reduced cup abduction, high neck offset, and full-cup coverage would reduce the risks of dislocation events.

Development and evaluation of an image-free computer-assisted impingement detection technique for total hip arthroplasty

Periprosthetic or bony impingement in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been correlated to dislocation, increased wear, reduced postoperative functionality with pain and/or decreased range of motion (ROM). We sought to study the accuracy and assess the reliability of measuring bony and periprosthetic impingement on a virtual bone model prior to the implantation of the acetabular cup with the help of image-free navigation technology in an experimental cadaver study. Impingement-free ROM measurements were recorded during minimally invasive, computer-assisted THA on 14 hips of 7 cadaveric donors. Preoperatively and postoperatively the donors were scanned using computed tomography (CT). Impingement-free ROM on three-dimensional CT-based models was then compared with corresponding, intraoperative navigation models. Bony/periprosthetic impingement can be detected with a mean accuracy limit of below 5° for motion angles, which should be reached after THA for activities of daily living with the help of image-free navigation technology.

Experimental Evidence of Impingement Induced Strains at the Interface and the Periphery of an Embedded Acetabular Cup Implant

After total hip arthroplasty, impingement of implant components may occur during every-day patient activities causing increased shear stresses at the acetabular implant–bone interface. In the literature, impingement related lever-out moments were noted for a number of acetabular components. But there is little information about pelvic load transfer. The aim of the current study was to measure the three-dimensional strain distribution at the macrostructured hemispherical interface and in the periphery of a standard acetabular press-fit cup in an experimental implant-bone substitute model. An experimental setup was developed to simulate impingement loading via a lever arm representing the femoral component and the lower limb. In one experimental setup 12 strain gauges were embedded at predefined positions in the periphery of the acetabular cup implant inside a tray, using polyurethane composite resin as a bone substitute material. By incremental rotation of the implant tray in steps of 10 and 30 deg, respectively, the strains were measured at evenly distributed positions. With the described method 288 genuine strain values were measured in the periphery of an embedded acetabular cup implant in one experimental setup. In two additional setups the strains were evaluated at different distances from the implant interface. Both in radial and meridional interface directions strain magnitudes reach their peak near the rim of the cup below the impingement site. Values of equatorial strains vary near zero and reach their peaks near the rim of the cup on either side and in some distance from the impingement site. Interestingly, the maximum of averaged radial strains does not occur, as expected, close to the interface but at an interface offset of 5.6 mm. With the described experimental setup it is now possible to measure and display the three-dimensional strain distribution in the interface and the periphery of an embedded acetabular cup implant. The current study provides the first experimental proof of the high local stresses gradients in the direct vicinity of the impingement site. The results of the current study help for a better understanding of the impingement mechanism and its impact on acetabular cup stability.

Bone-on-bone versus hardware impingement in total hips: a biomechanical study

Dislocation remains a serious concern for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Impingement, typically between the implant femoral neck and the acetabular cup, remains the most common dislocation impetus. Wear reductions from recent bearing technology advancements have encouraged introduction of substantially increased femoral head diameters. However, there is some evidence that range of motion with larger head sizes is limited by bone-on-bone, rather than hardware, impingement. While all impingement events are of course undesirable, currently little is known biomechanically if these two impingement modes differ in terms of generation of potentially deleterious stress concentrations or with regard to dislocation resistance. Finite element (FE) analysis was therefore used to parametrically investigate the role of head diameter on the local biomechanics of bone-on-bone versus component-on-component impingement events. Of several dislocation-prone patient motion challenges considered, only squatting consistently resulted in bone-on-bone (as opposed to hardware) impingement. Implant stress concentrations arising from hardware impingement during squatting were greater than those from bony impingement, for all head sizes considered. Additionally, dislocation resistance was substantially greater for instances of bony impingement versus hardware-only impingement. These findings suggest that hardware impingement may still be a/the the predominant mode of impingement even with the use of larger femoral heads, for sub-optimally positioned cups. Additionally, the data indicate that, should impingement occur, impingements between the implant neck and cup are (1) more likely to dislocate, and (2) have a greater propensity for causing damage to the implant compared to impingement events involving bony members.

Hard-on-hard total hip impingement causes extreme contact stress concentrations

BACKGROUND

Impingement events, in addition to their role immediately proximate to frank dislocation, hold the potential to damage new-generation hard-on-hard bearings as a result of the relatively unforgiving nature of the materials and designs. Because of the higher stiffness and tighter design tolerances of metal-on-metal and ceramic implants, surgical positioning plausibly has become even more important.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We asked (1) whether, and under what cup orientation conditions, hard-on-hard impingements might challenge implant material failure strength; and (2) whether particle generation propensity at impingement and egress sites would show similar dependence on cup orientation.

METHODS

Realistic computational simulations were enabled by multistage finite element analyses, addressing both global construct motion and loading, and focal stress concentrations at neck impingement and rim egress sites. The global model, validated by a cadaveric simulation in a servohydraulic hip simulator, included both hardware components and advanced anisotropic capsule characterization. Parametric computational runs explored the effect of cup orientation for both ceramic-on-ceramic and metal-on-metal bearing couples for two distinct motion sequences associated with dislocation.

RESULTS

Stress concentrations from impingement increased nearly linearly with increased cup tilt and with cup anteversion. In some situations, peak values of stress approached or exceeded 1 GPa, levels challenging the yield strength of cobalt-chromium implants, and potentially the fracture strength of ceramics. The tendency for impingement events to generate debris, indexed in terms of a new scraping severity metric, showed orientation dependences similar to that for bulk material failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Damage propensity arising from impingement events in hard total hip bearings is highly orientation-dependent.

Arthroscopic treatment of unstable total hip replacement

Hip arthroscopy may be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of apparently well-implanted but unstable total hip replacement prostheses. We present 2 cases of arthroscopically assisted capsular tightening in unstable total hip replacements. Both cases had significant capsular laxity. Case 2 had impingement of the lower part of the acetabulum with the lesser trochanter that caused hip dislocation. Early revision surgery can be avoided with the use of this technique in selected cases of unstable total hip replacements.