Collarless polished tapered stem: clinical and radiological follow-up over 5 years

A 2-year prospective clinical and bone density evaluation, with a subset undergoing radiostereometric analysis, using the Absolut cemented stem

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is common though the investigation of new prostheses requires a practical, step‐wise introduction. This study reports the 2‐year clinical results and periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) changes, along with a subset undergoing Radiostereometric analysis (RSA), in patients undergoing primary cemented THA using a new highly polished, double tapered, collarless femoral stem (Absolut).

Methods

Between August 2013 and December 2016, 47 patients with a mean age of 74.2 years (range 36–89) underwent 51 THAs with the Absolut. All patients underwent clinical assessment pre‐surgery and at 6 weeks, 3, 12 and 24 months using the Oxford and Harris Hip Scores, as well as Dual Energy X‐ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) to assess BMD within 2–4 weeks post‐surgery, 12 and 24 months. RSA was undertaken in a patient subset (the first n = 30) early post‐surgery (1–2 days) and 3, 12 and 24 months.

Results

All clinical scores significantly improved (p < 0.05). RSA revealed a mean subsidence of 0.78 mm at 3 months, 1.23 mm at 12 months and 1.51 mm at 24 months. Anterior–posterior and medial‐lateral translation was negligible. A significant increase (p = 0.020) in BMD was observed in Gruen zone 1, though no significant changes were observed for any other zone up until 2 years. Two patients acquired an early post‐operative deep vein thrombosis that were treated accordingly and resolved, with no further complications or re‐operations.

Conclusion

The Absolut cemented femoral stem demonstrated good outcomes, BMD changes consistent with sound prosthesis integration and patterns of post‐operative micromotion observed in other successful cemented stems.

Temporal subsidence patterns of cemented polished taper-slip stems: a systematic review

The literature was reviewed to establish the levels of stem subsidence for both double and triple-tapered implants in order to determine whether there were any differences in subsidence levels with regard to the methods of measurement, the magnitude and rate of subsidence and clinical outcomes.

All studies reporting subsidence of polished taper-slip stems were identified. Patient demographics, implant design, radiological findings, details of surgical technique, methods of measurement and levels of subsidence were collected to investigate which factors were related to increased subsidence.

Following application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 papers of relevance were identified. The studies initially recruited 3090 hips with 2099 being available for radiological analysis at final follow-up. Patient age averaged 68 years (42–70), 60.4% were female and the average body mass index (BMI) was 27.4 kg/m² (24.1–29.2).

Mean subsidence at one, two, five and 10 years was 0.97 mm, 1.07 mm, 1.47 mm and 1.61 mm respectively. Although double-tapered stems subsided more than triple-tapered stems at all time points this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), nor was the method of measurement used (p > 0.05).

We report the levels of subsidence at which clinical outcomes and survivorship remain excellent, but based on the literature it was not possible to determine a threshold of subsidence beyond which failure was more likely.

There were relatively few studies of triple-tapered stems, but given that there were no statistically significant differences, the levels presented in this review can be applied to both double and triple-tapered designs.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:331-342. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200086

Vancouver B2 Peri-Prosthetic Fractures in Cemented Femoral Implants can be Treated With Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Alone Without Revision

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to assess the outcomes of 52 consecutive Vancouver B2 peri-prosthetic fractures around cemented polished double-tapered stems treated by open reduction and internal fixation in 2 trauma centers in 2 countries.

METHODS

Outcomes included modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Harris Pain Score, and return to pre-injury mobility. Fracture healing was assessed; implant subsidence measured and complications including re-operations reported.

RESULTS

No patient was lost to follow-up. Median patient age at operation was 82 years (range 43-98); Harris pain scores showed minimal pain (median 42, range 10-44) at latest follow-up. Median total subsidence at 1 year was 1.1 mm (range 0-5.4), the majority of which occurred within the cement mantle. No subsequent femoral stem revision was required (median 2.9 years, 0-10); however, there were 3 re-operations: 1 re-operation for pre-existing recurrent dislocation involving head liner exchange and 2 for repeat fixation due to metal fatigue. Two additional fractures occurred below the new plating, requiring further plating whilst still retaining the original stems.

CONCLUSION

Anatomical reduction and open reduction and internal fixation of Vancouver B2 peri-prosthetic fractures should be considered as an appropriate treatment solution for frail elderly patients with a peri-prosthetic fracture around cemented polished double-tapered stems.

Standard and line-to-line cementation of a polished short hip stem: Long-term in vitro implant stability

The current trend is toward shorter hip stems. While there is a general agreement on the need for a cement mantle thicker than 2 mm, some surgeons prefer line-to-line cementation, where the mantle has only the thickness provided by the cement-bone interdigitation. The aim of this study was to assess if a relatively short, polished hip stem designed for a standard cementation can also be cemented line-to-line without increasing the risk of long-term loosening. Composite femurs with specific open-cell foam to allow cement-bone interdigitation were used. A validated in-vitro biomechanical cyclic test replicating long-term physiological loading was applied to femurs where the same stem was implanted with the Standard-mantle (optimal stem size) and Line-to-line (same rasp, one-size larger stem). Implant-bone motions were measured during the test. Inducible micromotions never exceeded 10 μm for both implant types (differences statistically not-significant). Permanent migrations ranged 50-300 μm for both implant types (differences statistically not-significant). While in the standard-mantle specimens there was a pronounced trend toward stabilization, line-to-line had less tendency to stabilize. The cement cracks were observed after the test by means of dye penetrants: The line-to-line specimens included the same cracks of the standard-mantle (but in the line-to-line specimens they were longer), and some additional cracks. The micromotions and cement damage were consistent with those observed in-vitro and clinically for stable stems, confirming that none of the specimens became dramatically loose. However, it seems that for this relatively short polished stem, standard-mantle cementation is preferable, as it results in less micromotion and less cement cracking. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2736-2744, 2018.

Primary hybrid THA using a polymethyl methacrylate-precoated stem: A single-center experience with a 10-year minimum follow-up

The high failure rate of cemented femoral components in the 1970s facilitated the improvement of the cementing technique and surface finishes such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-precoated stems, reporting a survival rate of >95% at 10 years from some studies. However, controversy persists regarding whether precoated femoral stems are associated with a longer revision-free prosthesis survival. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of PMMA-precoated femoral stems, and analyze factors associated with implant survival. We retrospectively reviewed 73 primary hybrid total hip arthroplasties performed using PMMA-precoated femoral stems. The mean age of the patients was 61 years. During the mean follow-up period of 13 years, 18 hips (24.7%) underwent aseptic loosening, and all of the loosened stems were subjected to revision surgery 8.8 years (range 4.6-15.5 years) from the index surgery. Younger age and poor cementing were significantly associated with aseptic loosening (P = 0.013 and P < 0.001, respectively). However, the aseptic loosening rate was also high at 13.1% even with a good cementing technique. In conclusion, the PMMA-precoated stem failed to show expected advantages and needs to be replaced with other surface finish stem designs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1300-1306, 2017.

A comparison of subsidence of Exeter standard and long stems

The survivorship of the polished, double taper Exeter stem is related to subsidence within the cement mantle. Long Exeter stems have altered geometry which may influence subsidence characteristics. Using digitised x-rays and appropriate computer software we measured the subsidence of 35 standard and 40 long stem Exeter implants. Measurements were taken from initial postoperative radiographs and repeated at intervals up to 5 years. Long stem implants were used in cemented revisions without the use of impaction bone grafting. Subsidence rates of the standard length stems in our study were comparable to that in published literature. Long stems did not replicate this subsidence pattern and had subsided less at 6, 12 and 24 months. However, the 205mm long stem, which has a fully tapered design, did follow the subsidence characteristics of the standard stem. Subsidence of long stem Exeter implants does not mirror that of the standard length stem. Loss of the fully tapered geometry of the longer stem implants may account for this finding. We suggest that whenever possible, the 205mm long stem should be used if the biomechanical principles of the standard Exeter stem are to be utilised.

Initial evaluation on subsidence of cemented collarless polished tapered stem applied to the patients with narrow femoral medullar canal

Purpose:

The geometry of the proximal femur is one of the important factors for choosing the suitable stem. We have been applied cemented collarless polished tapered (CPT) stem to the patients with small femur. Radiographic evaluation was performed to access the clinical feature of the stem in early stage of the follow-up.

Methods:

One hundred total hip arthroplasties with CPT system were performed between October 2004 to February 2006. This study focused on the 53 cases to whom size 1 or smaller sized stem were implanted, and its post-operative period was 41 months (30-46 months). Morphologic classification of preoperative proximal femur, stem alignment, thickness of the cement mantle, cementing technique, subsidence of the stem, improvement in the bone-cement interface, and stress shielding were assessed.

Results:

The size of the inserted stem was X-SMALL in one case, SMALL in two cases, SIZE 0 in 12 cases, and SIZE 1 in 38 cases. Canal shape of proximal femur was stovepipe type in five cases, normal type in 43 cases, and champagne-flute type in five cases. There was no subsidence in eight cases. 44 stems subsided within 1 mm, one stem subsided 1 to 2 mm, and no stem subsided over 2 mm. In 39 of 45 cases, subsidence was appeared within six months after operation. Marked progressive and excessive subsidence was not seen after the two years of follow-up.

Conclusions:

Short term radiographic results of THA with CPT stem to small femur were satisfactory with less unfavorable radiographic findings, which imply contribution to longer survivorship of the stem.

Stem subsidence of polished and rough double-taper stems: in vitro mechanical effects on the cement-bone interface

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Many clinical reports have indicated that polished hip stems show better clinical results than rough stems of the same geometry. It is still unknown, however, what the mechanical effects are of different surface finishes on the cement at the cement-bone interface. We compared mechanical effects in an in vitro cemented hip arthroplasty model.

METHODS

Two sizes of double-taper polished stems and matt-processed polished stems (rough stems) were fixed into composite femurs. A 1-Hz dynamic load was applied to the stems for 1 million cycles. An 8-h no-load period was set after every 16 h of load. Stem subsidence within the cement, and compressive force and horizontal cement creep at the cement-bone interface, were measured.

RESULTS

Compared to rough stems, stem subsidence, compressive force and cement creep for polished stems were a maximum of 4, 12, and 7-fold greater, respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between stem subsidence and compressive force for polished stems. In contrast, a strong negative correlation was found between stem subsidence and compressive force for rough stems. There was also a statistically significant relationship between compressive force on the cement and cement creep for the polished stems, but no significant relationship was found for rough stems.

INTERPRETATION

This is the first evidence that different surface finishes of stems can have different mechanical effects on the cement at the cement-bone interface. Stem subsidence in polished stems resulted in compressive force on the cement and cement creep. The mechanical effects that polished taper stems impart on cement at the cement-bone interface probably contribute to their good long-term fixation and excellent clinical outcome.

Survival of polished compared with precoated roughened cemented femoral components. A prospective, randomized study

BACKGROUND

The optimal surface finish for cemented femoral components remains controversial. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the survival of two femoral components with similar geometry but substantially different surface finishes.

METHODS

During a five-year period, 201 patients (219 hips) were prospectively randomized to be treated with a total hip arthroplasty with either a polished (Ra, 0.18 to 0.3 microm) or a precoated roughened (Ra, 1.8 to 2.3 microm) cemented femoral component with similar geometry. There were no significant differences between the patient groups in terms of age, sex, weight, preoperative diagnosis, component size, or cement grade. So-called third-generation cementing techniques were used. One hundred and thirteen polished components and 106 precoated roughened components were followed for a mean of 5.3 years. Complete clinical and radiographic data were available for 134 hips at a minimum of five years (mean, 6.1 years; range, five to ten years) postoperatively.

RESULTS

In the entire cohort of 219 hips, there was no significant difference (log rank p = 0.66) in survival, with the end point defined as component removal for any reason or definite radiographic loosening, between the precoated components (96.2%; 95% confidence interval, 90.9% to 100%) and the polished components (97.1%; 95% confidence interval, 93.8% to 100%). There was a periprosthetic fracture in three hips with a polished component. Two precoated roughened components were revised because of loosening, and two polished components were revised: one because of loosening and one because of a nonunion of a periprosthetic fracture. There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to the Harris hip scores or the clinical results. There was also no significant difference with regard to the presence or number of bone-cement radiolucent lines.

CONCLUSIONS

Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed no significant differences between two types of cemented femoral components with similar geometry but substantially different surface finishes at seven years. In the patient population selected for treatment with a cemented femoral component, the surface finish may not be a crucial factor affecting component survival at a minimum of five years, provided that good cement technique is used.

Fractures of modern high nitrogen stainless steel cemented stems: cause, mechanism, and avoidance in 14 cases

We present 14 cases of fracture of modern, high-nitrogen, stainless steel stems. Our clinical and radiological data suggest that heavy patients with small stems and poor proximal support are at risk for fracturing their implants. "Champagne-glass" canals can lead to the use of smaller stems often placed in varus, which can lead to cantilever bending and fatigue failure in the distal half of the stem. Metallurgical assessment of the retrieved high-nitrogen, stainless steel stems reveals microstructural inconsistencies that may contribute to their failure. Based on our findings, careful consideration and attention to technique is required when using stainless steel stems in patients with high body mass index or high weight. Technique is particularly important in femurs with champagne-glass canals.

Revision total hip replacement using cemented collarless double-taper femoral components

We investigated 219 revisions of total hip replacement (THR) in 211 patients using a collarless double-taper cemented femoral component. The mean age of the patients was 72 years (30 to 90). The 137 long and 82 standard length stems were analysed separately. The mean follow-up was six years (2 to 18), and no patient was lost to follow-up. Survival of the long stems to re-revision for aseptic loosening at nine years was 98% (95% confidence interval (CI) 94 to 100), and for the standard stems was 93% (95% CI 85 to 100). At five years, one long stem was definitely loose radiologically and one standard stem was probably loose. Pre-operative femoral bone deficiency did not influence the results for the long stems, and corrective femoral osteotomy was avoided, as were significant subsidence, major stress shielding and persistent thigh pain. Because of these reliable results, cemented long collarless double-taper femoral components are recommended for routine revision THR in older patients.

Cement-within-cement stem exchange using the collarless polished double-taper stem

The clinical and radiographic outcomes of the cement-within-cement femoral stem exchange technique at revision hip arthroplasty were determined. Twenty-three revisions with a collarless polished double-taper stem design were prospectively monitored at up to 12 years. The most common indications for revision were recurrent dislocation and acetabular revision. Radiographic stem subsidence was measured by the Ein Bild Röentgen Analyse method. There was no stem re-revision and no radiographic loosening. Stem within cement subsidence, an intentional design feature of this stem, averaged 0.8 mm (range, 0-2 mm). The average subsidence was similar to that in primary hip arthroplasty. The excellent long-term results of cemented collarless polished taper stems for primary and revision hip arthroplasty can be extended even further by cement-within-cement exchange, which preserves the femur.

The Exeter Universal stem: a minimum ten-year review from an independent centre

We reviewed 142 consecutive primary total hip replacements implanted into 123 patients between 1988 and 1993 using the Exeter Universal femoral stem. A total of 74 patients (88 hips) had survived for ten years or more and were reviewed at a mean of 12.7 years (10 to 17). There was no loss to follow-up. The rate of revision of the femoral component for aseptic loosening and osteolysis was 1.1% (1 stem), that for revision for any cause was 2.2% (2 stems), and for re-operation for any cause was 21.6% (19 hips). Re-operation was because of failure of the acetabular component in all but two hips. All but one femoral component subsided within the cement mantle to a mean of 1.52 mm (0 to 8.3) at the final follow-up. One further stem had subsided excessively (8 mm) and had lucent lines at the cement-stem and cement-bone interfaces. This was classified as a radiological failure and is awaiting revision. One stem was revised for deep infection and one for excessive peri-articular osteolysis. Defects of the cement mantle (Barrack grade C and D) were found in 28% of stems (25 hips), associated with increased subsidence (p = 0.01), but were not associated with endosteal lysis or failure. Peri-articular osteolysis was significantly related to the degree of polyethylene wear (p < 0.001), which was in turn associated with a younger age (p = 0.01) and male gender (p < 0.001). The use of the Exeter metal-backed acetabular component was a notable failure with 12 of 32 hips (37.5%) revised for loosening. The Harris-Galante components failed with excessive wear, osteolysis and dislocation with 15% revised (5 of 33 hips). Only one of 23 hips with a cemented Elite component (4%) was revised for loosening and osteolysis. Our findings show that the Exeter Universal stem implanted outside the originating centre has excellent medium-term results.

The relationship between stem subsidence and improvement in the radiolucency in polished tapered stems

We studied the relationship between stem subsidence and improvement in the initial radiolucency at the bone-cement interface in polished- and rough-surface stems. Stem subsidence was seen in 34 of 42 hips (81.0%), and improvement in the initial radiolucency was seen in 15 hips (35.7%) in collarless polished tapered stems at 1 year after operation. In polished stems, stem subsidence in cases with improvement in the initial radiolucency was significantly greater than in those with no change (average 1.12 mm and 0.48 mm, P<0.005). In rough-surface stems partially coated with polymethylmethacrylate (VerSys Cemented Plus), no stem subsidence and no improvement in the initial radiolucency was seen. In polished stems, stem subsidence leads to cement creep and compressive force on the bone-cement interface and can improve the initial radiolucency.

Favourable mid-term results of the VerSys CT polished cemented femoral stem for total hip arthroplasty

We evaluated the mid-term clinical and radiographical performance of a cohort of patients who underwent primary total hip replacement with a modern, forged cobalt-chrome, polished cemented femoral stem with proximal and distal centralisation. Sixty-seven patients with 73 hybrid total hip replacements were followed up clinically and radiographically for an average of 6.1 years (4-8.5). No patient was lost. No hips required revision, and all stems are radiographically well-fixed. Four hips developed localised osteolysis: one at the site of a proximal periprosthetic fracture, another at the level of a lateral femoral window of a previous core decompression, the third at the mid third of the femoral component, and the fourth on the greater trochanter, associated with accelerated polyethylene wear. This modern polished stem yielded excellent, predictable clinical and radiographic results at an intermediate follow-up.

Total hip arthroplasty with satin finish, tapered stems

Subsidence of femoral hip prostheses with a rough surface has been associated with osteolysis and loosening. However, recent evidence has suggested that smooth-finish tapered stems may not incur these problems. An experimental monobloc satin finish, tapered femoral component was designed to subside within the cement. There were 49 femoral components implanted, and patients averaged a 1.8-mm subsidence at the prosthesis-cement interface with a follow-up of 6.76 years. There were no failures attributable to aseptic loosening at the cement-bone interface. This study supports the use of a satin finish, tapered femoral component in cemented total hip arthroplasty.

Comparison between triple-tapered and double-tapered cemented femoral stems in total hip arthroplasty: a prospective study comparing the C-Stem versus the Exeter Universal early results after 5 years of clinical experience

A prospective study was conducted comparing the early clinical and radiological results between the triple-tapered C-Stem (DePuy International, Leeds, UK) and the double-tapered Exeter Universal (Stryker Howmedica Osteonics, Mahwah, NJ) in cemented total hip arthroplasty. A total of 192 patients (200 hips) received the C-Stem and 189 patients (205 hips) received the Exeter Universal. Average follow-up was 29 and 31 months in the C-Stem and Exeter groups, respectively. From the short-term results, we found similar mean improvements in clinical scores and no difference was noted in the incidence of complications. Average subsidence was comparable (C-Stem, 0.77 mm +/- 0.56; Exeter, 0.82 +/- 0.63). Radiolucencies in the cement-stem and cement-bone interfaces were seen primarily in the proximal zones in both groups. No stems were considered at risk of aseptic loosening and the extent of proximal femoral resorption was comparable.

Small stem Exeter total hip replacement: clinical and radiological follow-up over a minimum of 2.5 years

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome in patients undergoing small stem Exeter total hip replacement.

METHODS

A total of 46 small stem Exeter total hip replacements were performed on 44 consecutive patients (18 men and 26 women) attending the University of Malaya Medical Centre. The mean age at the time of operation was 58 years (range, 24-81 years). Of the 46 procedures performed, 35 were primary total hip replacements and 11 were revision operations, with aseptic loosening of the original implant being the main indication for revision. The main indications for surgery in primary cases were avascular necrosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed at 6 weeks', 12 weeks', 6 months' follow-up, and annually thereafter. Postoperative cementing technique was also assessed.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 4 years. The mean Oxford Hip Score improved from 46 points preoperatively to 17 points at the final follow-up examination. There were no revision operations, no implant breakages, and no excessive migration of the implants. The potential complications of implant failure due to smaller implant size and increased patient activity were not observed.

CONCLUSION

Due to the smaller size of Asian femora, the small stem Exeter implant is a very useful development. This study suggests that it will perform as well as its larger counterparts.