Primary aseptic revision of the femoral component of a cemented total hip arthroplasty using a cemented technique without bone graft

Total hip arthroplasty in patients under 50 years old: Does cementless fixation have better results?

BACKGROUND

Cementless fixation for hip arthroplasties has increased in the last decades, particularly in younger patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term results three different types of fixations in patients under 50years old.

METHODS

Cemented, hybrid and cementless fixations were assessed in patients under 50years old with a minimum follow-up of 8years. Loosening, demarcation, complications, and prosthesis survival were assessed. Functional analysis was performed with the modified Harris Hip Score and Visual analogue scale was collected.

RESULTS

Final series consisted in 222 patients. Significant improvement was observed regarding mHHS and VAS score in each group. We observed statistically significant difference regarding demarcation between the groups (P<.001). The higher rate of acetabular and femoral stem loosening was observed in the cemented (20.0%) and hybrid (18.9%) group. The lowest prosthesis survival rate after 16 years was observed in hybrid group (P<.001).

CONCLUSION

Total hip replacement has good long-term clinical and functional outcomes. The lowest rate of prosthesis survival was observed in hybrid group with 84.2% after 16years.

[Translated article] Total hip arthroplasty in patients under 50 years old: Does cementless fixation have better results?

BACKGROUND

Cementless fixation for hip arthroplasties has increased in the last decades, particularly in younger patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term results three different types of fixations in patients under 50years old.

METHODS

Cemented, hybrid and cementless fixations were assessed in patients under 50years old with a minimum follow-up of 8years. Loosening, demarcation, complications, and prosthesis survival were assessed. Functional analysis was performed with the modified Harris Hip Score and Visual analogue scale was collected.

RESULTS

Final series consisted in 222 patients. Significant improvement was observed regarding mHHS and VAS score in each group. We observed statistically significant difference regarding demarcation between the groups (p<.001). The higher rate of acetabular and femoral stem loosening was observed in the cemented (20.0%) and hybrid (18.9%) group. The lowest prosthesis survival rate after 16 years was observed in hybrid group (p<.001).

CONCLUSION

Total hip replacement has good long-term clinical and functional outcomes. The lowest rate of prosthesis survival was observed in hybrid group with 84.2% after 16years.

“Unexpected” Infections in Revision Arthroplasty for Aseptic Loosening

Background. Data from the national registers of arthroplasty showed that about 12% of hip and knee arthroplasty undergo revision within 10 years after the primary surgery. The leading cause of hip revisions is aseptic loosening of components, knee joint periprosthetic infection (PPI). Some of the infectious complications, including those related to mechanical causes, remain out of sight. The aim of the study was to identify the frequency of unexpected infections during revision knee and hip arthroplasty performed for aseptic complications of any etiology. Materials and Methods. 839 cases of revision arthroplasty of knee and hip joints were analyzed, including 485 aseptic revisions in 450 patients. Clinical, X-ray, laboratory (complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel, coagulation panel) methods, synovial fluid analysis and microbiological examination of punctures, including intraoperative ones, were used. The ICM and EBJIS (European Bone and Joint Infections Society) consensus recommendations were used as criteria for assessing the presence of infection. Results. The average age of patients at the time of the revision was 61.7 years. The hip joint prevailed (59.4%), knee joint 40.6%. The growth of microorganisms in the intraoperative biomaterial was detected in 2.08% of observations: in 10 out of 287 patients after aseptic revision of the hip joints and in none of the 198 revisions of the knee joints. In 8 out of 10 cases, the causative agents were coagulase-negative staphylococci, including 6 MRSE; in two cases, anaerobic bacteria. All revisions were carried out by a one-stage method. Patients with detected PPI underwent systemic antibacterial therapy. At the stage of catamnesis, reinfection was assumed in one of the 10 identified cases of PPI, the patient did not show up for revision. In control 63% of the group of the other (aseptic) 470 patients, PPI developed in 4 cases, two-stage revisions were carried out. Conclusions. The frequency of infections accidentally detected during aseptic revisions of large joints was 2.08%. Three-time examination of joint punctures, including intraoperative, provides additional opportunities for the diagnosis of PPI during aseptic revision, and also allows you to choose the optimal stage of revision treatment. The experience gained makes it possible in certain cases to perform one-stage revision in the treatment of PPI.

“Unexpected” Infections in Revision Arthroplasty for Aseptic Loosening

Background. Data from the national registers of arthroplasty showed that about 12% of hip and knee arthroplasty undergo revision within 10 years after the primary surgery. The leading cause of hip revisions is aseptic loosening of components, knee joint periprosthetic infection (PPI). Some of the infectious complications, including those related to mechanical causes, remain out of sight. The aim of the study was to identify the frequency of unexpected infections during revision knee and hip arthroplasty performed for aseptic complications of any etiology. Materials and Methods. 839 cases of revision arthroplasty of knee and hip joints were analyzed, including 485 aseptic revisions in 450 patients. Clinical, X-ray, laboratory (complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel, coagulation panel) methods, synovial fluid analysis and microbiological examination of punctures, including intraoperative ones, were used. The ICM and EBJIS (European Bone and Joint Infections Society) consensus recommendations were used as criteria for assessing the presence of infection. Results. The average age of patients at the time of the revision was 61.7 years. The hip joint prevailed (59.4%), knee joint 40.6%. The growth of microorganisms in the intraoperative biomaterial was detected in 2.08% of observations: in 10 out of 287 patients after aseptic revision of the hip joints and in none of the 198 revisions of the knee joints. In 8 out of 10 cases, the causative agents were coagulase-negative staphylococci, including 6 MRSE; in two cases, anaerobic bacteria. All revisions were carried out by a one-stage method. Patients with detected PPI underwent systemic antibacterial therapy. At the stage of catamnesis, reinfection was assumed in one of the 10 identified cases of PPI, the patient did not show up for revision. In control 63% of the group of the other (aseptic) 470 patients, PPI developed in 4 cases, two-stage revisions were carried out. Conclusions. The frequency of infections accidentally detected during aseptic revisions of large joints was 2.08%. Three-time examination of joint punctures, including intraoperative, provides additional opportunities for the diagnosis of PPI during aseptic revision, and also allows you to choose the optimal stage of revision treatment. The experience gained makes it possible in certain cases to perform one-stage revision in the treatment of PPI.

A technique for decision-making in cementless femoral revision hip arthroplasty

Classification systems for femoral revision of a failed THA fail to address several of the more critical determinants. The aim of the present study was to assess the reliability of a simplified algorithm for decision making during cementless reconstruction for femoral loosening with respect to stem length, stem design and the need for an extended trochanteric osteotomy. Four observers with different levels of clinical experience blindly assessed 40 X-rays of hips scheduled for a femoral revision. Intra-observer and inter-observer reliability of 4 radiographic criteria were assessed: 1) diaphyseal bone loss extension to the isthmus; 2) proximal femoral remodelling; 3) presence of cement; and 4) cortical thickness. Inter-observer agreement relating to the four criteria was good (κ = 0.66) for the extension to isthmus, moderate (κ = 0.57) for proximal femoral remodelling and very good for presence of cement (κ = 1) and cortical thickness (κ = 0.88). Intra-observer agreement was good for extension to isthmus and proximal femoral remodelling and very good for presence of cement and cortical thickness. Based on these criteria, an algorithm has been developed to describe 4 reconstruction options. The algorithm seems reliable for decision making during femoral cementless revision, but research into comparison with intraoperative findings is still required.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, Development of diagnostic criteria on consecutive patients.

Mid-term outcomes after distally locked-to-standard primary stem exchange in 29 hip-prosthesis patients

BACKGROUND

Cementless locked femoral stems are used for revision surgery in patients with bone loss to induce spontaneous bone reconstruction, allowing subsequent replacement by a standard primary stem. The small number of patients and short follow-ups available to date preclude a valid assessment of this strategy.

HYPOTHESIS

After distally locked stem revision, replacement by a standard primary stem does not induce complications, and the quality of the bone reconstruction allows strong fixation of a regular primary stem.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 29 patients in whom a distally locked femoral stem was replaced by a standard primary stem between 1998 and 2010 (cemented in 27, cementless in 2 cases). The reason for the procedure was stem breakage, stem migration, or thigh pain. Mean patient age was 63 years (range, 39-78 years). Outcomes were evaluated based on the Postel-Merle d'Aubigné [PMA] score and Harris Hip Score [HHS]. In addition, radiographs were obtained to assess prosthesis fixation and the Hofmann cortical index measured the bone reconstruction.

RESULTS

The distally locked stem was removed via a postero-lateral approach without femoral osteotomy in all the 29 cases. In one patient, an intra-operative fracture occurred during femoral preparation. Mean follow-up after the exchange procedure was 75 months (range, 3-188 months). Postoperative ccomplications occurred in 9 (32%) patients and consisted of chronic infection in 2 patients (after 3 and 76 months), post-traumatic peri-prosthetic fractures treated with internal fixation in 3 patients (after 100, 138, and 182 months), aseptic loosening in 3 patients (after 13, 39, and 122 months), and recurrent instability in one patient (after 63 months). All cause revision stem survival after 75 months was 72% (95% confidence interval, 47%-87%). In the 19 patients who still had their revision stem at last follow-up, the mean PMA score was 16.7 (range, 13-18) and the mean HHS was 88.2 (range, 59-99). The Hofmann index remained unchanged [36.5% (range, 28%-58%) before the exchange and 32.9% (range, 20%-57%) after the exchange; P=0.129].

DISCUSSION

This study confirms the feasibility of substituting a distally locked stem with a standard primary stem. No specific complications occurred and no technical difficulties arose when extracting the long stems. However, the 32% complication rate and, more specifically, the occurrence of loosening in 10% (3/29) of patients mandates caution in the use of this technique, which should not be proposed routinely, and suggests a need for considering cementless fixation of the standard primary stem.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective study.

History and design considerations for arthroplasty around the wrist

The history and evolution of both soft tissue and implant arthroplasty about the wrist are discussed, including carpometacarpal, radiocarpal, and distal radioulnar joints. Technical considerations for arthroplasty are reviewed, including factors affecting implant osseointegration, implant articulation/constraint, and management of complications.

Radiographic grading of femoral stem cementation in hip arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE:

To determine intra and interobserver agreement of the grading system for femoral cementation in hip arthroplasty proposed by Barrack.

METHODS:

Immediate anteroposterior and lateral postoperative radiographs of 55 primary total hip arthroplasties were assessed by two observers familiar with the use of this grading system. The assessments were performed on two separate occasions by each observer and independently. The statistical analysis measured the Kappa coefficient, which determines the degree of agreement between tests with categorical variables.

RESULTS:

Intraobserver Kappa coefficient varied from 0.43 to 0.68, demonstrating moderate to substantial strength of agreement; interobserver Kappa coefficient varied from 0.19 to 0.44, demonstrating slight to moderate strength of agreement.

CONCLUSION:

Intra and particularly interobserver agreement are limited in this grading system, even when used by trained individuals. Level of Evidence III, Study of nonconsecutive patients; without consistently applied reference "gold" standard.

De-escalation exchange of loosened locked revision stems to a primary stem design: complications, stem fixation and bone reconstruction in 15 cases

INTRODUCTION

Femoral stem revision with a locked stem after total hip arthroplasties treats severe bone defects by favoring spontaneous bone reconstruction. Initially, once reconstruction was obtained, the temporary implant was to be replaced by a standard primary component. The use of locked stems has increased, but repeat revision with a short stem which is also called "de-escalation" has not been extensively studied.

HYPOTHESIS

Repeat revision of a locked stem with a short stem is not associated with any specific morbidity and does not affect the quality of reconstruction obtained, or fixation of the subsequent standard length primary design stem.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients whose locked femoral stem was exchanged due to thigh pain and/or radiographic images showing failed osteointegration were analyzed. These 15 patients were all followed-up and evaluated by the Postel Merle d'Aubigné score. Progression of bone defects was evaluated using the Hofmann cortical index.

RESULTS

There were no difficulties extracting the locked stem and a standard length primary stem was inserted with no associated procedures or bone complications in any of the cases. At a mean follow-up of 55 months (36-84months), thigh pain had disappeared and the Postel Merle d'Aubigné score had increased from 12.6±2.9 (7-16) to 16.5±0.9 (15-18) (P=0.0001). The use of a locked femoral stem resulted in bone reconstruction in all cases, the Hofmann index increased from 30.5%±17.9% (12-71%) before insertion of the locked stem to 43.6%±25.6% (19-90%) at exchange (P<0.05). Bone reconstruction was durable after the exchange with a stable Hofmann index 43.7%±26.2% (17-92%) at the final follow-up (P=0.9). No recurrent loosening occurred.

DISCUSSION

Revision of a loosened locked femoral stem with a standard design primary stem does not result in any specific increased morbidity, or modify bone reconstruction obtained with the locked stem and results in stable fixation of a new standard length stem.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV: retrospective or historical series.

Uncemented computer-assisted design-computer-assisted manufacture femoral components in revision total hip replacement

We prospectively evaluated the long-term outcome of 158 consecutive patients who underwent revision total hip replacement using uncemented computer-assisted design-computer-assisted manufacture femoral components. There were 97 men and 61 women. Their mean age was 63.1 years (34.6 to 85.9). The mean follow-up was 10.8 years (10 to 12).

The mean Oxford, Harris and Western Ontario and McMaster hip scores improved from 41.1, 44.2 and 52.4 pre-operatively to 18.2, 89.3 and 12.3, respectively (p < 0.0001, for each). Six patients required further surgery. The overall survival of the femoral component was 97% (95% confidence interval 94.5 to 99.7). These results are comparable to those of previously published reports for revision total hip replacement using either cemented or uncemented components.