Association between patient survival following reoperation after total hip replacement and the reason for reoperation: an analysis of 9,926 patients in the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register

Femoral revision in total hip arthroplasty using a cementless modular stem: clinical and radiological results with a 8-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Modular femoral components allow for patient-specific restoration of hip joint geometry and the reconstruction of extensive bone defects in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA); however, potential problems of modular implants such as taper corrosion and the risk of implant fracture continue to be of concern. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a cementless modular revision stem following revision surgery due to aseptic loosening and periprosthetic fracture and to assess patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in these patients at mid-term follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, a consecutive cohort of 75 patients who underwent primary revision THA at our institution using a modular cementless stem design (MRP-TITAN stem) was retrospectively evaluated at a mean follow-up of 7.7 years. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analyses were performed with revision of the femoral component for any reason as the end point. The Harris-Hip Score, the UCLA Activity Score, the Forgotten Joint Score and the SF-12 Score were used for clinical assessment. We used the Wilcoxon signed rank test to compare pre- and postoperative clinical scores.

RESULTS

Overall stem survival with the endpoint stem re-revision for any reason was 85.4% at a mean follow-up of 7.7 years (range 2.4-14 years). Stem survival was 89.5% in the aseptic loosening group and 78.3% in the periprosthetic fracture group with no statistically significant difference between both groups (p = 0.107). One patient had to be revised due to taper fracture. PROMs improved significantly up to the latest follow-up, and radiographic evaluation showed full osseointegration of all stems in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Revision THA using a modular cementless titanium revision stem demonstrated adequate clinical and radiological results at mid- to long-term follow-up in this cohort. Cementless revision stems are a useful treatment option to restore the anatomy, especially in deformed hips and in complex revision hip arthroplasty. However, there are some significant disadvantages related to an increased risk of mechanical failure such as corrosion/fretting damage and implant fracture. Future high-quality prospective studies with longer follow-up are necessary to confirm the supposed advantages.

The impact of retaining the femoral stem in revision total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

INTRODUCTION

The management of well-fixed femoral stems in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) remains a subject of debate, with concerns over potential complications arising from stem retention. This study aimed to investigate the re-revision rates due to aseptic loosening of the stem, overall re-revision rates, dislocation rates, and factors influencing these outcomes in rTHA with a retained well-fixed femoral stem.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search was conducted across several databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL to identify pertinent publications from their inception through 2023. We specifically focused on studies that reported outcomes of rTHA with retained well-fixed femoral stems. The study designs incorporated in our research encompassed both cohort studies and case series studies. Thirty-five studies involving isolated acetabular revision and retaining the stem were included, representing a total of 3497 patients. Data extraction was tailored to the study questions. Meta-analyses, meta-regression, and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the outcomes and their relationship with various factors. Pooled results, meta-regression, and subgroup analyses were performed using random-effects models. To assess and reduce bias, we employed Egger's test and the trim and fill method.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 3497 patients with a mean follow-up of 9.28 years. The 10-year risk of re-revision after retaining femoral stem using highly cross-linked polyethylene was 1.7% (95% CI 1.1%-2.3%; I2: 60%) for stem aseptic loosening and 8.8% (95% CI 6.2%-11.4%; I2: 78%) overall re-revision. Dislocation risk was 5.7% (95% CI 4.1-7.0%; I2: 61%). Ceramic heads showed lower stem failure risk than metal heads in long-term follow-ups (P < 0.001). The posterolateral approach in revision surgery resulted in better long-term outcomes compared to the direct lateral approach (P < 0.001). Follow-up duration, timeline of study, Harris Hip Score, type of stem fixation, femoral head material, BMI, age, stem age, and surgical approach were evaluated as influential factors on these outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The re-revision rate due to aseptic loosening of the retained stem during rTHA was found to be significantly low, supporting the idea of retaining well-fixed stems during rTHA. The overall re-revision and dislocation rates also presented comparable or better outcomes to prior studies. A range of factors, including the use of highly cross-linked polyethylene and ceramic femoral heads, was found to influence these outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022351157.

Outcome of patients with osteoarthritis aged 90 to 101 years after cemented total hip arthroplasty: 1,385 patients from the Swedish Arthroplasty Register

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Few studies have focused on nonagenarians treated with total hip arthroplasty (THA). We investigated 30- and 90-day postoperative mortality, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), reoperation rate, risk factors for reoperation, and relative patient survival in nonagenarians or older.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

167,091 patients with primary cemented THA performed for osteoarthritis between 1992 and 2019 were identified in the Swedish Arthroplasty Register. Patients were divided into age groups based on age at time of surgery: 60-74 (n = 90,285), 75-89 (n = 75,421), and > 90 years (n = 1,385). Mortality rate, PROMs (pain-Likert scale, satisfaction-Likert scale, EQ-VAS, n = 67,553), reoperation rate, risk factors for reoperation, and relative patient survival were studied.

RESULTS

The nonagenarians had the highest postoperative mortality rate, 1.7% and 2.6% at 30 and 90 days, respectively. Nonagenarian females reported significantly lower pre- and postoperative EQ-VAS compared with patients aged 60-89 years but reported least pain and highest patient satisfaction 1 year after surgery. At 2 years the nonagenarians had highest reoperation frequency-2.7%-due to infection (1.5%), dislocation (0.8%), and periprosthetic fracture (0.4%). Increasing age, male sex, and polished stem were associated with higher risk of reoperation within 2 years. 8-year age- and sex-matched relative survival was highest among nonagenarians (study group/matched population: ≥ 90 years 3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0-3.8; 75-89 years: 1.4, CI 1.4-1.4, and 60-74 years: 1.1, CI 1.1-1.1).

CONCLUSION

30- and 90-day postoperative mortality and reoperation rates were higher in nonagenarians but PROM data showed least pain and highest patient satisfaction 1 year after surgery with THA among female nonagenarians with primary osteoarthritis.

Fracture pattern and risk factors for reoperation after treatment of 156 periprosthetic fractures around an anatomic cemented hip stem

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Lubinus SP2 stem has been associated with a very low risk of periprosthetic femoral fractures (PPFFs). We aimed, primarily, to study the radiographic morphology of PPFFs close to a Lubinus SP2 stem. Secondarily, we analyzed whether higher reoperation rate was correlated to the revision method chosen or to the characteristics of the fracture and of the bone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 156 femoral fractures close to a Lubinus cemented stem. These fractures were treated in 40 hospitals in Sweden between 2006 and 2011 and were followed up until 2019. Data from the Swedish Arthroplasty Register was used. Medical records and radiographs were studied. The fractures were classified according to the Vancouver classification. The fracture location and anatomy were delineated. We also measured the remaining attachment index (RAI) and the canal thickness ratio.

RESULTS

Vancouver type C (n = 101) and spiral fractures (n = 67, 41 in Vancouver C and 26 in Vancouver B) were the most common fracture types. 4 fractures were avulsion of the greater trochanter. The remaining 51 fractures occurred around the stem (B1: 25, B2: 16, and B3: 10). B fractures were more commonly reoperated on (18 of 51, 35%) than type C fractures (11 of 101, 11%, P = 0.001). In most femurs with type B3 fracture, the fracture line covered an area only around the stem, but in all B1 and in 11 of 16 B2 fractures, it was extended even distal to the stem. ORIF instead of stem revision in B2 fractures, use of short stems or plates, and inadequate reduction of the fractures were risk factors for subsequent reoperations.

CONCLUSION

The higher reoperation rate in type B fractures, compared with fractures distal to the stem, could be caused by their higher degree of complexity and reduced capacity for healing in the region around the stem.

Contemporary mortality rate and outcomes in nonagenarians after aseptic revision hip and knee arthroplasty

Aims

Nonagenarians (aged 90 to 99 years) have experienced the fastest percent decile population growth in the USA recently, with a consequent increase in the prevalence of nonagenarians living with joint arthroplasties. As such, the number of revision total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in nonagenarians is expected to increase. We aimed to determine the mortality rate, implant survivorship, and complications of nonagenarians undergoing aseptic revision THAs and revision TKAs.

Methods

Our institutional total joint registry was used to identify 96 nonagenarians who underwent 97 aseptic revisions (78 hips and 19 knees) between 1997 and 2018. The most common indications were aseptic loosening and periprosthetic fracture for both revision THAs and revision TKAs. Mean age at revision was 92 years (90 to 98), mean BMI was 27 kg/m² (16 to 47), and 67% (n = 65) were female. Mean time between primary and revision was 18 years (SD 9). Kaplan-Meier survival was used for patient mortality, and compared to age- and sex-matched control populations. Reoperation risk was assessed using cumulative incidence with death as a competing risk. Mean follow-up was five years.

Results

Mortality rates were 9%, 18%, 26%, and 62% at 90 days, one year, two years, and five years, respectively, but similar to control populations. There were 43 surgical complications and five reoperations, resulting in a cumulative incidence of reoperation of 4% at five years. Medical complications were common, with a cumulative incidence of 65% at 90 days. Revisions for periprosthetic fractures were associated with higher mortality and higher 90-day risk of medical complications compared to revisions for aseptic loosening.

Conclusion

Contemporary revision THAs and TKAs appeared to be relatively safe in selected nonagenarians managed with multidisciplinary teams. Cause of revision affected morbidity and mortality risks. While early medical and surgical complications were frequent, they seldom resulted in reoperation.

Favorable revision-free survivorship of cemented arthroplasty following failed proximal femoral nail antirotation: a case series with a median follow-up of 10 years

BACKGROUND

Given the ever-increasing rate of failure related to proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA), it is expected that an increasing number of PFNA individuals will undergo conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA). The long-term survivorship of conversion of the initial PFNA to cemented THA is still debated. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the long-term revision-free survivorship of cemented THAs after initial failures of PFNA in geriatric individuals.

METHODS

Consecutive geriatric individuals who underwent secondary cemented THA after initial PFNA fixation from July 2005 to July 2018, were retrospectively identified from three medical centres. The primary outcome was revision-free survivorship estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression with revision for any reason as the endpoint; secondary outcomes were functional outcomes and key THA-related complications. Follow-ups occurred at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and then every 12 months after conversion.

RESULTS

In total, 186 consecutive patients (186 hips) were available for study inclusion. The median follow-up was 120.7 months (60-180 months) in the cohort. Kaplan-Meier survivorship with revision for any reason as the end point showed that the 10-year revision-free survival rate was 0.852 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.771-0.890). Good functional outcomes were seen, and the HHS decreased markedly over the 24th month to the final follow-up interval from 92.2 to 75.1 (each p < 0.05). The overall rate of key THA-related complications was 16.1% (30/186).

CONCLUSION

Cemented THA executed following initial PFNA failure may yield satisfactory revision-free survival and, at least for the initial 10 years after conversion, good functional outcomes and a 16.1% complication rate of key THA-related complications, which supports the trend towards increased use of cemented THA.

Primary total hip arthroplasty failure: aseptic loosening remains the most common cause of revision

OBJECTIVE

Revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) imposes physical and financial burdens on patients and depletes limited medical resources. Causes for revision THAs can change as technology changes. Therefore, understanding contemporary causes is essential for clinical decision-making. We analyzed causes and trends associated with revision THA in the 2010s.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 803 revision cases after primary THAs were performed at our center from January 2011 to December 2020. Causes for revision were reviewed and compared among patients who were grouped by the date of revision and interval between primary and revision THA.

RESULTS

The most common causes were aseptic loosening (66.6%), infection (11.0%), osteolysis (6.0%), periprosthetic fracture (5.5%), and instability (3.5%). The values for incidence of infection, fracture, and instability were higher in the early revision group than in the late revision group (threshold, 2 years after primary surgery, all P<0.05). The proportion of revision THAs increased by 25.6% from 2011-2015 to 2016-2020, and the time between primary and revision THAs increased from 8.8 ± 7.0 years to 10.2 ± 6.8 years (P=0.003). In the last 5 years of the study period, the incidence of aseptic loosening decreased and the rates of osteolysis, acetabular wear by hemiarthroplasty, and instability increased, compared to 2011-2015 (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Aseptic loosening was the most common cause of revision THA. Revisions due to infection, fracture, and instability occurred more frequently during the early post-THA period after primary THA. Revisions due to osteolysis, instability, and acetabular wear have increased in recent years.

A conservative approach to dislocation following total hip arthroplasty: a review of 8606 hips

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We present the data on 8606 total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures carried out in 7818 patients through a posterior approach between 1998 and 2017.

RESULTS

218 hips (2.5%) suffered at least 1 dislocation with dislocation rates declining from 6.2% from 1998 to 2002 to 1.5% from 2003 to 2017. Overall, 92 hips (1.06%) required revision surgery but of these, only 5 (0.06%) had a full revision of both components with the remaining 87 requiring intervention only on the acetabular side. None have had a pseudo-arthrosis; none were left dislocated and all remain stable to date.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who have a second dislocation within 3 months of their primary surgery we recommend a spica or long leg cylinder cast to reduce the need for revision surgery. We propose an algorithm to manage instability with less aggressive operative treatment in this often-elderly patient population with the potential for less physiological insult and significant cost savings.

Cementless, modular, titanium stem in Vancouver B2 and B3 periprosthetic femoral fractures

INTRODUCTION

The periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) is a serious complication after primary total hip arthroplasty. We conducted a retrospective study to determine whether the PRIUS^® system presented similar survival to other existing implants for the treatment of Vancouver B2 or B3 PFFs. Bone consolidation rate, functional results and complications were analysed.

METHOD

This is a bi-centric retrospective study between 2012 and 2017 including 39 patients with (B2/B3) PFFs treated by senior surgeons using a PRIUS^® femoral implant. Implant survival, radiological outcome (fracture healing) and clinical scores (Oxford-OHS, Harris Hip Score-HHS, Postel Merle d'Aubigné-PMA, Devane and Charnley) were analysed. 10 patients had died before data collection and 5 patients were lost to follow-up. A total of 21 patients were able to undergo a clinical and radiological evaluation. The mean follow-up period was 3 years.

RESULTS

The 3-year PRIUS^® stem survival rate was 88.6% [95% CI, 77.2-100]. The consolidation rate was 81% (17/21). The rate of satisfied or very satisfied patients was 85.6% (18/21). Regarding the Devane score, activity level was maintained in 70.6% of cases (12/17) and decreased in 29.4% of cases (5/17), the Charnley score was stable in 94% of cases (16/17) and decreased in 6% of cases (1/17). The mean Oxford score was 28.8/48 (9.3; 16-48), the mean HHS was 67/100 (16.4; 46-91) and the mean PMA score was 12.6/18 (4.5; 2-18).

CONCLUSION

The results in terms of survival rate and bone consolidation are comparable to other literature series. The PRIUS® System can be added to the surgical arsenal in the treatment of (B2/B3) PFF, subject to confirmation of these results in the longer term.

Periprosthetic femoral fractures in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA): a comparison between osteosynthesis and revision in a retrospective cohort study

Background

Periprosthetic femoral fractures are challenging complications of hip arthroplasty. They are supposed to be a rare complication, but their incidence is rapidly increasing. Surgical treatment aims to achieve early mobilization and avoid the complications of prolonged bed rest. Aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of surgical treatment comparing two surgical approaches: revision arthroplasty (RA) versus open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

Methods

Authors retrospectively reviewed a series of 117 patients with total hip arthroplasty treated for periprosthetic femur fractures in the period between January 2013 and March 2018 at a single tertiary referral center. Of these, 70 patients satisfied strict inclusion criteria. Patients were classified according to the Unified Classification System (UCS) and distributed in two groups according to surgical treatment. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Oxford Hip recorded preoperatively and post operatively, Barthel Score, CIRS score (Cumulative illness rating scale), type of fracture and post-operative complications with a minimum follow up of 1 year.

Results

Nominal univariate statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the post and pre-operative Oxford Hip Score (Δ Oxford) and the surgical treatment (p = 0.008) and CIRS score (p = 0.048). Moreover, we observed a significant relationship between type of treatment and type of fracture (p = 0.0001). Multivariate analyses revealed that CIRS score was independently associated with Oxford Score improvement after surgery (p = 0.024).

Conclusions

Data from this case series confirmed that surgical treatment was correlated to type of fracture, according to UCS classification. Patients treated by RA had a better functional outcome than patients treated with ORIF, but these results are strongly influenced from the patients’ age, Barthel index and CIRS score. Also, authors found a correlation between functional outcome and comorbidities evaluated by CIRS score. Based on these data we suggest a multimodal approach to these patients, like those used for proximal femoral fractures.

How do the geometries of the broach handles relate to the distribution of force and moments in a femoral model?

The continuous improvement of minimally invasive hip endoprostheses surgery comes with a change in geometries of surgery instruments like the broach handles. Consequently, depending on the handles' curvature this results in a deviation between handle and femoral axis. Therefore, this study aimed to prove the influence of different handles' curvatures on the preparation of implant site and acting forces and moments in this process. Five femoral models attached to different handles (double-curved, single-curved, straight) were locked in a drop-weight device with standardize implantation forces and moments and five strokes were measured for each possible combination. Distribution of force and moment components was dependent on the handle's curvature, where the lowest variation from the standard force values was by the straight one (av:15.2% ± 0.5%) and the strongest discrepancies were exhibit by the double-curved one (av:54.3% ± 0.1%.). Moment values have also shown this trend with the lowest variation (12.4%-23.3%) by the straight one and the highest discrepancies (56,6%-90.9%) by the double-curved one. Results show that unguided axial impact introduces unwanted transverse forces and moments into the femur. Therefore, broach handles should be modified accordingly so that minimally invasive surgery remains feasible but unwanted forces or moments can still be compensated.

Perioperative, short-, and long-term mortality related to fixation in primary total hip arthroplasty: a study on 79,557 patients in the -Norwegian Arthroplasty Register

Background and purpose - There are reports on perioperative deaths in cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA), and THA revisions are associated with increased mortality. We compared perioperative (intraoperatively or within 3 days of surgery), short-term and long-term mortality after all-cemented, all-uncemented, reverse hybrid (cemented cup and uncemented stem), and hybrid (uncemented cup and cemented stem) THAs.Patients and methods - We studied THA patients in the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register from 2005 to 2018, and performed Kaplan-Meier and Cox survival analyses with time of death as end-point. Mortality was calculated for all patients, and in 3 defined risk groups: high-risk patients (age ≥ 75 years and ASA > 2), intermediate-risk patients (age ≥ 75 years or ASA > 2), low-risk patients (age < 75 years and ASA ≤ 2). We also calculated mortality in patients with THA due to a hip fracture, and in patients with commonly used, contemporary, well-documented THAs. Adjustement was made for age, sex, ASA class, indication, and year of surgery.Results - Among the 79,557 included primary THA patients, 11,693 (15%) died after 5.8 (0-14) years' follow-up. Perioperative deaths were rare (30/10⁵) and found in all fixation groups. Perioperative mortality after THA was 4/10⁵ in low-risk patients, 34/10⁵ in intermediate-risk patients, and 190/10⁵ in high-risk patients. High-risk patients had 9 (CI 1.3-58) times adjusted risk of perioperative death compared with low-risk patients. All 4 modes of fixation had similar adjusted 3-day, 30-day, 90-day, 3-30 day, 30-90 day, 90-day-10-year, and 10-year mortality risk.Interpretation - Perioperative, short-term, and long-term mortality after primary THA were similar, regardless of fixation type. Perioperative deaths were rare and associated with age and comorbidity, and not type of fixation.

Lower reoperation rate with locking plates compared with conventional plates in Vancouver type C periprosthetic femoral fractures: A register study of 639 cases in Sweden

AIM

To investigate demographics and outcomes of Vancouver type C periprosthetic femoral fractures (PPFF) treated with open reduction and internal fixation.

METHODS

Patient data were obtained from medical charts of cases reported to the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register and/or from the National Patient Register. Vancouver type C fractures undergoing surgery between 2001 and 2011, in patients who had received their primary THR between 1979 and 2011, were included. Any further reoperation performed between 2001 and 2013 and related to the PPFF constituted the primary outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 632 patients with 639 Vancouver type C fractures were identified. The majority of the patients were women (84%) and they had a fracture distal to a cemented stem (95%). The mean age at the time of fracture was 72 years. Treatment was performed with a locking plate (363 cases), a conventional plate (184 cases), an intramedullary nail (62 cases), or with double plating (30 cases). The overall reoperation rate was 17%, and mortality within one year of the operation was 16%. Locking plates had a significantly lower reoperation rate than conventional plates (p<0.001) and intramedullary nailing (p = 0.005). Interprosthetic femoral fractures did not have a statistically different outcome compared with non-IPFFs.

CONCLUSIONS

The lowest reoperation rate was observed using locking plates in Vancouver type C fractures when compared with conventional plates or intramedullary nailing. The presence of an ipsilateral knee prosthesis did not influence the outcome of the surgical treatment.