Late instability of bilateral metal on metal hip resurfacings due to progressive local tissue effects

Minimum 15-year results of metasul 28-mm metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty in patients younger than 50 years of age

Background

Some propitious mid- and long-term studies had been reported for MoM bearings; however, most studies have addressed specific patient groups rather than younger, active patients, who probably represent the most suitable population for investigations on wear and osteolysis. The purpose of this study to evaluate the long-term results of second-generation metal-on-metal cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients aged <50 years.

Methods

From December 1997 to January 2004, primary THA using a metal-on-metal bearing cementless implant was performed in 63 patients (72 hips) aged <50 years. The mean follow-up duration was 18.6 (range, 15.9–22.1) years, and the mean age at initial operation was 39 (range, 22–49) years. Clinical results, complications, survivorship, osteolysis, and aseptic loosening were evaluated.

Results

The mean Harris hip score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index scores were improved from 57.8 (range, 28–69) points and 73.4 (range, 63–94) points preoperatively to 91.7 (range, 80–100) points and 25.5 points (range, 17–38) points, respectively, at the last follow-up. Osteolysis lesions were found in 12 hips (acetabulum, 6 and femur, 6). The notching occurred on the femoral stem neck occurred in 12 hips. The mean serum cobalt and chromium concentrations were 2.3 (range, 0.2–10.6) μg/L and 1.7 (range, 0.4–8.1) μg/L, respectively, at a mean follow-up of 12.7 years in 32 patients (50.1%). The Kaplan-Meier survivorship curve analysis with revision for any reason as the endpoint revealed that 93.1% survived at 18.6 years’ follow-up.

Conclusions

Second-generation metal-on-metal cementless THA was found to produce satisfactory clinical and radiographic results with a low revision rate for osteolysis and aseptic loosening in patients aged less than 50 years.

Gluteus Maximus Transfer as an Augmentation Technique for Patients With Severe Abductor Deficiency of the Hip

Impaired abductor function of the hip following severe abductor deficiencies can be devastating for functionality and quality of life. Recently, gluteus maximus transfer has been proposed as a solution to these difficult problems. However, outcome results are sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of gluteus maximus transfer on improvement of pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with severe hip abductor deficiencies. Gluteus maximus transfer was performed in 16 patients with severe disruption of the abductor muscles of the hip. Data were collected preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and 1 to 2 years after surgery. The measurements pertained to complications, healing of the flap based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings (in 10 patients), evaluation of Trendelenburg gait and sign, and patient-reported outcome measures of pain, disability, and quality of life. Preoperatively, all patients had a positive Trendelenburg sign and reported severe pain at the level of the greater trochanter. At a mean follow-up of 20 months, the Trendelenburg sign was negative in 7 patients and the Trendelenburg gait had disappeared in 7 patients. There was an improvement in patient-reported outcome measures but not to a significant level except for the pain subscores. Two patients had a postoperative seroma that resulted in a visible bump on the lateral side. Seven of 10 repairs with MRI follow-up showed perfect ingrowth on MRI without signs of rerupture. Gluteus maximus transfer for abductor deficiency of the hip may be effective for pain relief and functional improvements. Most patients showed an improved quality of life but were not completely pain free. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(4):e299-e305.].

Surgical repair for abductor lesion after revision total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Abductor mechanism lesions represent a severe complication after revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). The resulting abductor insufficiency can cause limping, pain, instability, and a higher rate of failure, thus requiring further revision surgery. In case of severe degeneration and retraction of the abductor mechanism, several different surgical treatments are needed.

AIM

To systematically review all studies reporting on surgical treatment of severe abductor lesion after rTHA, focusing on surgical techniques, and clinical and functional results.

METHOD

Scientific databases were accessed in December 2018 to identify studies addressing the surgical management of severe abductor disruption after rTHA. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Data were extracted from the identified articles and summarised. Only data about patients with symptoms of abductor insufficiency after rTHA were included in the database.

RESULTS

9 retrospective studies were included, all being retrospective case series reporting on a total of 92 patients. Several surgical strategies have been described and performed: a repair using a synthetic mesh was reported in 1 study; 2 studies reported on local muscle transfer (gluteus maximus transfer or advancement); vastus lateralis advancement was described in 4 studies while in 2 studies the injury was repaired with the use of an allograft. Overall positive results have been reported in terms of pain reduction, while poor to mild functional scores with persistent limping have often been observed in the postoperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

The short follow-up time of the reviewed studies is inadequate to uncover any late dislocation, implant failure or different complications related to abductor mechanism reconstruction.

Equivalent Mid-Term Results of Open vs Endoscopic Gluteal Tendon Tear Repair Using Suture Anchors in Forty-Five Patients

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the relative efficacy of open (OGR) vs endoscopic (EGR) gluteal tendon repair of gluteal tendon tears in minimizing pain and restoring function. Our aim is to compare these 2 surgical techniques and quantify their impact on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

All patients undergoing gluteal tendon tear repair at our institution between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Pain scores, limp, hip abduction strength, and the use of analgesics were recorded preoperatively and at last follow-up. The Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Junior and Harris Hip Score Section1 were obtained at last follow-up. Fatty degeneration was quantified using the Goutallier-Fuchs Classification (GFC). Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance and t-tests.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients (mean age 66, 87% females) met inclusion criteria. Average follow-up was 20.3 months. None of the 10 patients (22%) undergoing EGR had prior surgery. Of 35 patients (78%) undergoing OGR, 12 (27%) had prior hip replacement (75% via lateral approach). The OGRs had more patients with GFC ≥2 (50% vs 11%, P = .02) and used more anchors (P = .03). Both groups showed statistical improvement (P ≤ .01) for all outcomes measured. GFC >2 was independently associated with a worst limp and Harris Hip Score Section 1 score (P = .05). EGR had a statistically higher opioid use reduction (P < .05) than OGR. Other comparisons between EGR and OGR did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

In this series, open vs endoscopic operative approach did not impact clinical outcomes. More complex tears were treated open and with more anchors. Fatty degeneration adversely impacted outcomes. Although further evaluation of the efficacy of EGR in complex tears is indicated, both approaches can be used successfully.

Risk factors for failure of the 36 mm metal-on-metal Pinnacle total hip arthroplasty system: a retrospective single-centre cohort study

Aims

To determine ten-year failure rates following 36 mm metal-on-metal (MoM) Pinnacle total hip arthroplasty (THA), and identify predictors of failure.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively assessed a single-centre cohort of 569 primary 36 mm MoM Pinnacle THAs (all Corail stems) followed up since 2012 according to Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulation Agency recommendations. All-cause failure rates (all-cause revision, and non-revised cross-sectional imaging failures) were calculated, with predictors for failure identified using multivariable Cox regression.

Results

Failure occurred in 97 hips (17.0%). The ten-year cumulative failure rate was 27.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 21.6 to 33.7). Primary implantation from 2006 onwards (hazard ratio (HR) 4.30; 95% CI 1.82 to 10.1; p = 0.001) and bilateral MoM hip arthroplasty (HR 1.59; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.46; p = 0.037) predicted failure. The effect of implantation year on failure varied over time. From four years onwards following surgery, hips implanted since 2006 had significantly higher failure rates (eight years 28.3%; 95% CI 23.1 to 34.5) compared with hips implanted before 2006 (eight years 6.3%; 95% CI 2.4 to 15.8) (HR 15.2; 95% CI 2.11 to 110.4; p = 0.007).

Conclusion

We observed that 36 mm MoM Pinnacle THAs have an unacceptably high ten-year failure rate, especially if implanted from 2006 onwards or in bilateral MoM hip patients. Our findings regarding implantation year and failure support recent concerns about the device manufacturing process. We recommend all patients undergoing implantation since 2006 and those with bilateral MoM hips undergo regular investigation, regardless of symptoms.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:592–600.

Lesion of the hip abductor mechanism

Introduction: The disruption of the abductor muscles of the hip after hip revision surgery often causes limping, pain, and instability of the implant. The purpose of our paper is to describe a mesh technique to repair hip abductor mechanism injuries after hip revision.

Patients and methods: Forty-six patients with hip abductor damage after prosthetic revision were treated. Inclusion criteria were: patients presenting with prosthetic loosening, complaint of pain, and with a positive Trendelenburg sign due to deficient abductor muscle mechanisms. Thirty-one were women (67.39%) with an average age of 64 years (34–82 years). The number of previous revision surgeries was three (two to seven). The Merle d’Aubigné score and variants before and after treatment were also reported.

Results: In the postoperative follow-up after hip revision with the mesh technique, the Merle d’Aubigné score improved and the Trendelenburg sign was negative in 78.3% of the patients (p < 0.001). Also, the Trendelenburg test with the knee flexed was negative in 60.9% (p < 0.001) and the stair-climbing test was negative in 60.9% of cases (p < 0.001). The gluteus medius test in the lateral position was negative in 52.2% of patients, and in the lateral position with the knee flexed it was negative in 47.8% of patients (p < 0.001).

Discussion: Repair of the abductor mechanism with the mesh technique has proven effective for both partial and total lesions.

Predictors of time to revision and clinical outcomes following revision of metal-on-metal hip replacements for adverse reaction to metal debris

We undertook a retrospective cohort study to determine clinical outcomes following the revision of metal-on-metal (MoM) hip replacements for adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD), and to identify predictors of time to revision and outcomes following revision. Between 1998 and 2012 a total of 64 MoM hips (mean age at revision of 57.8 years; 46 (72%) female; 46 (72%) hip resurfacings and 18 (28%) total hip replacements) were revised for ARMD at one specialist centre. At a mean follow-up of 4.5 years (1.0 to 14.6) from revision for ARMD there were 13 hips (20.3%) with post-operative complications and eight (12.5%) requiring re-revision. The Kaplan-Meier five-year survival rate for ARMD revision was 87.9% (95% confidence interval 78.9 to 98.0; 19 hips at risk). Excluding re-revisions, the median absolute Oxford hip score (OHS) following ARMD revision using the percentage method (0% best outcome and 100% worst outcome) was 18.8% (interquartile range (IQR) 7.8% to 48.3%), which is equivalent to 39/48 (IQR 24.8/48 to 44.3/48) when using the modified OHS. Histopathological response did not affect time to revision for ARMD (p = 0.334) or the subsequent risk of re-revision (p = 0.879). Similarly, the presence or absence of a contralateral MoM hip bearing did not affect time to revision for ARMD (p = 0.066) or the subsequent risk of re-revision (p = 0.178). Patients revised to MoM bearings had higher rates of re-revision (five of 16 MoM hips re-revised; p = 0.046), but those not requiring re-revision had good functional results (median absolute OHS 14.6% or 41.0/48). Short-term morbidity following revision for ARMD was comparable with previous reports. Caution should be exercised when choosing bearing surfaces for ARMD revisions.

The local effects of metal corrosion in total hip arthroplasty

Corrosion has long been recognized to occur in total hip arthroplasty, but the local effects of this process have only recently become better understood. This article provides an overview of corrosion at modular junctions, and discusses the various etiologic factors for corrosion and the biologic response to metal debris released from this junction. Algorithms are provided for diagnosis and treatment, in accordance with the best available data.

Corrosion at the head-neck taper as a cause for adverse local tissue reactions after total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Corrosion at the modular head-neck junction of the femoral component in total hip arthroplasty has been identified as a potential concern, although symptomatic adverse local tissue reactions secondary to corrosion have rarely been described.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of ten patients with a metal-on-polyethylene total hip prosthesis, from three different manufacturers, who underwent revision surgery for corrosion at the modular head-neck junction.

RESULTS

All patients presented with pain or swelling around the hip, and two patients presented with recurrent instability. Serum cobalt levels were elevated prior to the revision arthroplasty and were typically more elevated than were serum chromium levels. Surgical findings included large soft-tissue masses and surrounding tissue damage with visible corrosion at the femoral head-neck junction; the two patients who presented with instability had severe damage to the hip abductor musculature. Pathology specimens consistently demonstrated areas of tissue necrosis. The patients were treated with debridement and a femoral head and liner exchange, with use of a ceramic femoral head with a titanium sleeve in eight cases. The mean Harris hip score improved from 58.1 points preoperatively to 89.7 points at a mean of 13.0 months after the revision surgery (p=0.01). Repeat serum cobalt levels, measured in six patients at a mean of 8.0 months following revision, decreased to a mean of 1.61 ng/mL, and chromium levels were similar to prerevision levels. One patient with moderate hip abductor muscle necrosis developed recurrent instability after revision and required a second revision arthroplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse local tissue reactions can occur in patients with a metal-on-polyethylene bearing secondary to corrosion at the modular femoral head-neck taper, and their presentation is similar to the adverse local tissue reactions seen in patients with a metal-on-metal bearing. Elevated serum metal levels, particularly a differential elevation of serum cobalt levels with respect to chromium levels, can be helpful in establishing this diagnosis.

Surgical technique: Transfer of the anterior portion of the gluteus maximus muscle for abductor deficiency of the hip

BACKGROUND

Loss of the abductor portions of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles due to THA causes severe limp and often instability.

DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE

To minimize the symptoms of limp and instability, the anterior ½ of the gluteus maximus was transferred to the greater trochanter and sutured under the vastus lateralis. A separate posterior flap was transferred under the primary flap to substitute for the gluteus minimus and capsule. To ensure tight repair, the flaps were attached and tensioned in abduction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The technique was performed in 11 patients (11 hips) with complete loss of abductor attachment; the procedure was performed in nine patients during THA and in two later as a secondary procedure. Preoperatively, all patients had abductor lurch, positive Trendelenburg sign, and no abduction of the hip against gravity. Minimum followup was 16 months (mean, 33 months; range, 16-42 months).

RESULTS

Postoperatively, nine patients had strong abduction of the hip against gravity, no abductor lurch, and negative Trendelenburg sign. One patient had weak abduction against gravity, negative Trendelenburg sign, and slight abductor lurch. One patient failed to achieve strong abduction, had severe limp after 6 months of protection and physical therapy, and was lost to followup.

CONCLUSIONS

Gluteus maximus transfer can restore abductor function in THA with a high success rate.