Radiographic evaluation of Charnley cups used in first-time revision: repeated observations for 7-15 years

Less early subsidence of cemented Exeter short stems compared with cemented Exeter standard stems in Dorr type A femurs

Aims

The Exeter short stem was designed for patients with Dorr type A femora and short-term results are promising. The aim of this study was to evaluate the minimum five-year stem migration pattern of Exeter short stems in comparison with Exeter standard stems.

Methods

In this case-control study, 25 patients (22 female) at mean age of 78 years (70 to 89) received cemented Exeter short stem (case group). Cases were selected based on Dorr type A femora and matched first by Dorr type A and then age to a control cohort of 21 patients (11 female) at mean age of 74 years (70 to 89) who received with cemented Exeter standard stems (control group). Preoperatively, all patients had primary hip osteoarthritis and no osteoporosis as confirmed by dual X-ray absorptiometry scanning. Patients were followed with radiostereometry for evaluation of stem migration (primary endpoint), evaluation of cement quality, and Oxford Hip Score. Measurements were taken preoperatively, and at three, 12, and 24 months and a minimum five-year follow-up.

Results

At three months, subsidence of the short stem -0.87 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) -1.07 to -0.67) was lower compared to the standard stem -1.59 mm (95% CI -1.82 to -1.36; p < 0.001). Both stems continued a similar pattern of subsidence until five-year follow-up. At five-year follow-up, the short stem had subsided mean -1.67 mm (95% CI -1.98 to -1.36) compared to mean -2.67 mm (95% CI -3.03 to -2.32) for the standard stem (p < 0.001). Subsidence was not influenced by preoperative bone quality (osteopenia vs normal) or cement mantle thickness.

Conclusion

The standard Exeter stem had more early subsidence compared with the short Exeter stem in patients with Dorr type A femora, but thereafter a similar migration pattern of subsidence until minimum five years follow-up. Both the standard and the short Exeter stems subside. The standard stem subsides more compared to the short stem in Dorr type A femurs. Subsidence of the Exeter stems was not affected by cement mantle thickness.

Acetabular Subchondral Bone Decortication and Its Role in the Outcome of Cemented Total Hip Replacement in Young Patients

Purpose

Long-term fixation of cemented acetabular components can be problematic in younger active patients. Our technique is put forward to improve outcomes and maximize implant survivorship in this particular patient population.

Materials and Methods

We report on a cohort of young adult patients (less than 55 years old) with cemented total hip replacement (THR) using a novel technique in preparing and cementing the acetabulum with a minimum follow-up of 10 years (mean follow-up, 14 years). Retrospectively collected data on clinical and radiological outcomes were reviewed.

Results

Sixty-five THRs were performed with the minimum study follow-up period. Average age for patients was 44 years old (range, 19–55 years). The mean Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for patients at final appointment was 92.7. Radiographs taken at an average of 14 years after operation showed 63 of 65 hips showed no evidence of any radiological loosening. Cup survivorship was 100% at the end of the study period.

Conclusion

Our technique of preparing the acetabulum in combination with cement fixation is reproducible with excellent results in a cohort of patients prone to early aseptic loosening of the acetabular component.

High proximal migration in cemented acetabular revisions operated with bone impaction grafting; 47 revision cups followed with RSA for 17 years

BACKGROUND

Bone impaction grafting is a biologically and mechanically appealing option in acetabular revision surgery, allowing restitution of the bone stock and restoration of the biomechanics. We analysed differences in proximal migration of the revision acetabular components when bone impaction grafting is used together with a cemented or an uncemented cup.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

43 patients (47 hips), revised due to acetabular loosening and judged to have less than 50% host bone-implant contact were included. The hips were randomised to either an uncemented (n = 20) or a cemented (n = 27) revision cup. Radiostereometry and radiography was performed postoperatively, at 3 and 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 13 and 17 years postoperatively. Clinical follow-up was performed at 1, 2 and 5 years postoperatively and thereafter at the same interval as in the radiographic follow-up.

RESULTS

There were no differences in the base line demographic data between the 2 groups. At the last follow-up (17 years) 14 hips (10 cemented, 4 uncemented) had been re-revised due to loosening. 3 additional cups (1 uncemented and 2 cemented) were radiographically loose. There was a higher early proximal migration in the cemented cups.

DISCUSSION

Cups operated on with cement showed a higher early migration measured with RSA and also a higher number of late revisions. The reason for this is not known, but factors such as inclusion of cases with severe bone defects, use of smaller bone chips and issues related to the impaction technique might have had various degrees of influence.

Positive effect of removal of subchondral bone plate for cemented acetabular component fixation in total hip arthroplasty: a randomised RSA study with ten-year follow-up

We hypothesised that the removal of the subchondral bone plate (SCBP) for cemented acetabular component fixation in total hip arthroplasty (THA) offers advantages over retention by improving the cement-bone interface, without jeopardising implant stability. We have previously published two-year follow-up data of a randomised controlled trial (RCT), in which 50 patients with primary osteoarthritis were randomised to either retention or removal of the SCBP. The mean age of the retention group (n = 25, 13 males) was 70.0 years (sd 6.8). The mean age in the removal group (n = 25, 16 males) was 70.3 years (sd 7.9). Now we have followed up the patients at six (retention group, n = 21; removal group, n = 20) and ten years (retention group: n = 17, removal group: n = 18), administering clinical outcome questionnaires and radiostereometric analysis (RSA), and determining the presence of radiolucent lines (RLLs) on conventional radiographs. RSA demonstrated similar translation and rotation patterns up to six years. Between six and ten years, proximal acetabular component migration and changes of inclination were larger in the retention group, although the mean differences did not reach statistical significance. Differences in migration were driven by two patients in the SCBP retention group with extensive migration versus none in the SCBP removal group. The significant difference (p < 0.001) in the development of radiolucent lines in the retention group, previously observed at two years, increased even further during the course of follow-up (p < 0.001). While recognising SCBP removal is a more demanding technique, we conclude that, wherever possible, the SCBP should be removed to improve the cement-bone interface in order to maximise acetabular component stability and longevity.

High rate of revision and a high incidence of radiolucent lines around Metasul metal-on-metal total hip replacements: results from a randomised controlled trial of three bearings after seven years

A total of 397 hips were randomised to receive Metasul metal-on-metal (MoM), metal-on-conventional polyethylene (MoP) or ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP) bearings using a cemented triple-tapered polished femoral component (MS-30). There were 129 MoM hips in 123 patients (39 male and 84 female, mean age 63.3 years (40.7 to 72.9)), 137 MoP hips in 127 patients (39 male and 88 female, mean age 62.8 years (24.5 to 72.7)) and 131 CoP hips in 124 patients (51 male and 73 female, mean age 63.9 years (30.6 to 73.8)). All acetabular components were cemented Weber polyethylene components with the appropriate inlay for the MoM articulation. Clinical evaluation was undertaken using the Harris hip score (HHS) and radiological assessments were made at two, five and seven years. The HHS and radiological analysis were available for 341 hips after seven years. The MoM group had the lowest mean HHS (p = 0.124), a higher rate of revision (p < 0.001) and a higher incidence of radiolucent lines in unrevised hips (p < 0.001). In all, 12 revisions had been performed in 12 patients: eight in the MoM group (four for infection, four for aseptic loosening, three in the MoP group (one each of infection, dislocation and pain) and one in the CoP group (infection). Our findings reveal no advantage to the MoM bearing and identified a higher revision rate and a greater incidence of radiolucent lines than with the other articulations. We recommend that patients with a 28 mm Metasul MoM bearing be followed carefully.

Randomized comparison between 3 surface treatments of a single anteverted stem design: 84 hips followed for 5 years

Eighty patients (84 hips) randomly received an anteverted cobalt-chromium stem (Lubinus SP2; Waldemar Link, Hamburg, Germany) with matte, polymethyl methacrylate-coated, or polished surface (uncollared). Radiostereometry was used to study migration and wear; and the bone mineral density was studied with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years. The polished stems had subsided 0.1 to 0.2 mm more at 6 months and 0.3 to 0.4 mm more at 5 years than the matte and precoated versions (P < .0001) and subsided mainly inside the cement mantle. The rotations of the stem and the migration and wear of the cemented cup did not differ between the 3 groups. After 1 and 2 years, the polished stems had lost significantly less bone mineral in Gruen zones 1, 2, 6, and 7 (P = .004 to .03); but this difference had disappeared after 5 years. The period of improved bone remodeling around the polished version coincided with the early period of increased subsidence, suggesting that stem motions inside the mantle resulted in a favorable loading of the proximal femur. Our observations suggest that alternative shapes could be possible on future polished femoral stem designs.

Cementless hemispheric acetabular component for acetabular revision arthroplasty: a 5- to 19-year follow-up study

This study evaluated the 5- to 19-year clinical and radiographic results of cementless acetabular revision. Between 1986 and 1998, 130 hips (125 patients) underwent cementless acetabular revisions. Ten patients were lost to follow-up; 6 patients died. One hundred nine patients (114 hips) were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 8.8 years. The mean Harris hip score improved from 62.1 to 90.7 at final follow-up. Two hips underwent repeat revision. Twenty-two hips developed cavitary osteolysis. Kaplan-Meier survivorship at 121 months was 98.2% with repeat revision for any reason as the end point and 89.5% with repeat revision or radiographic loosening as the end point. Cementless acetabular revision provides favorable clinical and radiographic results, and the initial disease and age may adversely affect the outcomes.

Acetabular cortical and cancellous bone density and radiolucent lines after cemented total hip arthroplasty: a prospective study using computed tomography and plain radiography

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate load-transfer mechanisms and stress patterns of periacetabular cortical and cancellous bone after cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) in vivo using computed tomography (CT) assisted osteodensitometry. In addition we analyzed the efficacy of CT in detecting radiolucent lines around the acetabular component compared to plain radiography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-two cemented acetabular cups were investigated using conventional sequential axial CT scans (Ø 8 days and 26 months post-OP) and plain radiography (Ø 5 days and 40 months post-OP). CT assisted osteodensitometry was used to determine cancellous and cortical bone bone density (BD). Radiolucent lines were evaluated using both CT and plain radiography.

RESULTS

Significant BD loss at the time of follow-up was only detectable ventral to the cup (cortical bone: -16%, P = 0.001; cancellous bone: -31%, P = 0.001). The BD changes dorsal and cranial to the cup were not significant. Postoperatively no radiolucent lines were observed in the cement-bone interface by CT, while on plain radiography acetabular lucent lines were seen in 12 out of 22 cases.

CONCLUSION

CT-osteodensitometry has the technical ability to discriminate between cortical and cancellous bone structures with respect to strain-adapted remodeling: sufficient cancellous and cortical bone stock remained dorsal and cranial to the cup indicative of a balanced load transfer to these regions. CT-osteodensitometry has the potential to become an effective instrument for quality control in THA and the method of choice for in vivo determination of periprosthetic BD. In contrast, plain radiography is more suitable for the early detection of radiolucent lines compared to axial CT scans.

Migration pattern of a short femoral neck preserving stem

The CFP stem represents a short collared neck-retaining stem with very proximal metaphyseal anchoring along the calcar combined with up-to-date metallurgy. Despite theoretical advantages, the stability and clinical outcome are unknown. We prospectively measured the migration pattern of this new stem and cup. Twenty-six patients (26 hips) with a mean age of 54 years (range, 40-66 years) underwent THA and were followed for 2 years with radiostereometry, radiographs, and clinical scores. The stem showed some early retroversion (mean, SEM 0.6 degrees, 0.3), but stabilized before 1 year. Subsidence (0.05 mm, 0.06) and varus-valgus tilting (0.03 degrees, 0.01) were low. We observed no bone loss in the calcar region. Factors related to patients, implant design, and implantation did not predict migration patterns. The two-dimensional wear of the ceramic/conventional articulation was 0.09 mm at 2-24 months. The low migration of this short neck preserving stem suggests a favorable long-term outcome but longer followup is needed to substantiate this prediction. This design might become an alternative to standard stems and hip resurfacing.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See The Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Is removal of subchondral bone plate advantageous in cemented cup fixation? A randomized RSA study

There is uncertainty regarding whether and how the subchondral bone plate should be treated during acetabular preparation for cemented cup fixation in a total hip arthroplasty. We hypothesized that removing the bone plate would improve the cement-bone interface without jeopardizing the initial cup stability, and therefore, be advantageous to long-term cup survival. We randomized 50 patients with primary osteoarthritis into two groups, one for removal and one for retention of the subchondral bone plate. The patients were evaluated during 2 years followup using repeated radiostereometric examinations, analyses of radiolucent lines, and clinical followups. Patient scoring was done using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the Short Form-12, and the Harris hip score. Removal of the subchondral bone plate resulted in a superior cement-bone interface with less development of radiolucent lines. The radiostereometry results showed small migrations in both groups. We found no differences in cup stability between groups, although a difference was observed in rotational behavior with the removal group stabilizing in a slightly vertical position whereas the retention group showed slight but progressive rotation into a more horizontal position. No differences were found during clinical followups. Removing the subchondral bone plate, where possible, improves the cement-bone interface without jeopardizing the stability, implying better long-term cup survival. However, it is a more demanding surgical technique.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, Level I (high quality randomized controlled trial with statistically significant difference or no statistically significant difference but narrow confidence intervals). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Porous-coated cups fixed with screws: a 12-year clinical and radiostereometric follow-up study of 50 hips

BACKGROUND

Excellent mid-term results have stimulated the use of hemispherical porous-coated cups in hip replacement. With longer follow-up, there have been problems related to polyethylene wear and liner fixation, and osteolysis has been documented in reports of selected cases. We evaluated the clinical and radiographic results of 50 patients followed for 12 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

58 consecutive patients (58 hips), mean age 55 years, were operated with Harris-Galante (HG) I or II cups using line-to-line fit and additional screw fixation. Polyethylene linersgamma-sterilized in air and 32-mm ceramic heads were used. 8 patients died within 12 years, leaving 50 patients with a complete 12 year follow-up. 23 of the cups were also evaluated with radiostereometry (RSA) for migration, liner stability, and wear.

RESULTS

All metal shells were still in situ after 12 years. 4 hips had been revised due to femoral loosening. In these revisions, the liner had been exchanged due to wear and/or instability, resulting in a cup survival rate of 89%. 28 cups displayed osteolytic lesions, mainly in relation to screws. RSA revealed minimum translations, but in many cases there were pronounced liner rotations suggesting unstable liners within the metal shell. The annual proximal wear was 0.09 mm and the three-dimensional wear was 0.16 mm.

INTERPRETATION

RSA can predict the long-term performance of cup fixation. Low migration during the initial years after implantation indicates excellent long-term results regarding fixation of the metal shell. The main problem with this design appears to be liner instability and osteolysis, factors that are probably interrelated. Because these phenomena are clinically silent, we recommend regular follow-up of patients with HG cups to avoid sudden loosening and complicated revisions.

Different loss of BMD using uncemented press-fit and whole polyethylene cups fixed with cement: repeated DXA studies in 96 hips randomized to 3 types of fixation

BACKGROUND

In cemented THA, aseptic loosening of the cup is more common than loosening of the stem, while periprosthetic osteolysis of the socket resulting in difficult reconstruction problems has emerged as the most significant problem with cementless cup fixation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

90 patients (96 hips) scheduled for THA were stratified in three groups according to the method of fixation of the acetabular component: acrylic bone cement with fluoride (Cemex-F), porous-coated press-fit cup with ceramic coating (Trilogy, uncemented) and acrylic cement with gentamicin (Palacos). All patients received the Spectron EF stem. Acetabular bone mineral density was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) 1 week postoperatively, and after 12 and 24 months. The periprosthetic BMD was evaluated in 5 ROIs positioned around the acetabular component.

RESULTS

In the uncemented sockets, the BMD had decreased proximally and medially to the cup after 2 years. The difference was significant in the proximal region as compared to the control group (Palacos). No difference was noted between the 2 groups with cemented components after 2 years. Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that loss of periprosthetic BMD in the proximal high-pressure region after 2 years increased with higher postoperative BMD and when the uncemented design had been used.

INTERPRETATION

Contrary to previous studies of cemented stems, the use of fluoride cement did not influence the periprosthetic BMD 2 years after the examination. Increased loss of BMD with use of uncemented press-fit cups in the region in which osteolytic lesions are commonly found suggests that stress shielding may initiate the development of this complication. Longer follow-up will, however, be necessary to substantiate this hypothesis.

Mixing bone graft with OP-1 does not improve cup or stem fixation in revision surgery of the hip: 5-year follow-up of 10 acetabular and 11 femoral study cases and 40 control cases

BACKGROUND

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have the potential to improve incorporation of allograft bone in revision surgery. This could result in improved fixation and graft incorporation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated the effect of mixing OP-1 (BMP-7) with morselized allograft in hip revisions. In a case-control study, 20 acetabular revisions (10 in the study group, 10 controls) and 41 femoral revisions (11 in study group, 30 controls) were done using impaction allografting. The migration of the cups and stems was studied with radiostereometric analysis (RSA) for up to 5 years. Changes of bone mineral density around the femoral component were measured with dual energy X-ray adsorptiometry for 2 years. Bone remodeling and the extent of radiolucent lines were evaluated on conventional radiographs after 5 years. The clinical results were documented using Harris hip score.

RESULTS

In the cup study, there was no significant difference in implant migration between the study and control groups. 4 sockets in the study group were classified as radiographically loose after 5 years and 2 of them were revised after 5 years. After 2 years, the stems in the study group showed slightly increased posterior tilt (0.3 degrees , p = 0.03). 1 stem in the study group loosened and was revised during the third year of observation.

INTERPRETATION

The sample size and study design in our evaluation did not allow any firm conclusions. Absence of any trend to improved fixation and early revisions in the study group prompted us to stop recruitment to this study.

Migration of the acetabular component: effect of cement pressurization and significance of early radiolucency: a randomized 5-year study using radiostereometry

BACKGROUND

Cementing technique is a crucial factor in prosthesis fixation. No randomized studies have been published, however, comparing the outcome of conventional fingerpacking with the outcome of pressurization of the cement prior to cup insertion.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We randomized 50 THAs to either fingerpacking or sequential pressurization (including individual pressurization of each anchorage hole) and followed the patients with RSA for 5 years. The penetration of cement into the anchorage holes was measured on digital radiographs. Postoperative radiolucent lines around the cup were correlated to later RSA results. For clinical evaluation, we used SF-36 and HHS.

RESULTS

The pressurized group of THAs was more stable regarding changes in inclination. We found no other difference in the migratory behavior. The cement penetration into the anchorage holes was deeper with the pressurization technique than with fingerpacking. For the whole group taken together, there was a strong relation between the presence of radiolucent lines as measured on the postoperative radiograph and later migration observed by RSA at 2 and 5 years.

INTERPRETATION

Pressurization of the cement produced better cement penetration and increased the cup stability in terms of changes in inclination. Early findings of radiolucent lines can predict later unfavorable cup migration.

Bioactive cement or ceramic/porous coating vs. conventional cement to obtain early stability of the acetabular cup. Randomised study of 96 hips followed with radiostereometry

Ninety patients (96 hips) scheduled for THA were stratified to fixation of the acetabular component in three main groups of about equal size. Fluoride cement, porous coated press-fit cup with ceramic coating or Palacos cum Gentamicin cement were used. All patients received Spectron EF stem. The migration of the cups and the femoral head penetration into the socket were measured with radiostereometric analysis. At 2 years the choice of fixation did not influence the migration or rotation of the cup. Patients with compromised bone quality showed increased three-dimensional (3D or total) migration. Proximal and 3D penetration rates were increased in cemented compared with the uncemented cups (p<0.001), which probably not could be related to the choice of fixation. Appearance of radiolucent lines was almost equal in the two cemented groups. Uncemented cups had less radiolucent lines at 2 years. Fluoride containing cement or uncemented fixation did not improve the early postoperative stability of the socket.