Pelvic discontinuity

Reconstruction of Paprosky IIIB acetabular defects with porous tantalum shells and augments using the footing technique

Aims

The use of a porous metal shell supported by two augments with the 'footing' technique is one solution to manage Paprosky IIIB acetabular defects in revision total hip arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to assess the medium-term implant survival and radiological and clinical outcomes of this technique.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective, two-centre series of 39 hips in 39 patients (15 male, 24 female) treated with the 'footing' technique for Paprosky IIIB acetabular defects between 2007 and 2020. The median age at the time of surgery was 64.4 years (interquartile range (IQR) 54.4 to 71.0). The median follow-up was 3.9 years (IQR 3.1 to 7.0).

Results

The cumulative medium-term survival of the acetabular construct was 89%. Two hips (5.1%) required further revision due to shell loosening, one hip (2.6%) due to shell dislocation, and one hip (2.6%) due to infection. The median Harris Hip Score improved significantly from 47 points (IQR 41.5 to 54.9) preoperatively to 80 points (IQR 73.5 to 88.6) at the latest follow-up (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The reconstruction of Paprosky IIIB acetabular defects with porous tantalum shells and two augments using the 'footing' technique showed excellent medium-term results. It is a viable option for treating these challenging defects.

Acetabular revision using trabecular titanium (Delta TT) revision cups: A retrospective case series

BACKGROUND

The annual rate of primary THA has been increasing with new designs promoting THA in the younger population, therefore increasing rates and complexity of hip revision surgeries. Different types of acetabular defects in hip revisions, usually make the use of primary cementless cups quite difficult. In complex defects, using cages with cemented cups or combining cementless cups with metal augments, are possible reconstruction solutions. The Delta TT acetabular revision system provides a solution to complex defects combining the advantages of both cage construct and primary implants, with modularity that helps restore anatomical hip centre and biomechanics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short-term results of the use of the Delta TT revision system in acetabular revision surgeries.

TYPE OF THE STUDY

A retrospective case series.

METHODS

24 patients underwent acetabular revision using (Delta TT) revision system, from 2018 to 2021. The mean follow-up was 20.75 months. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed using Harris Hip Score.

RESULTS

The use of the Delta TT revision system in acetabular revision surgery provided adequate pain relief, and early patient mobilization. The preoperative HHS mean of 29.88 improved to a mean of 85.21, at the last, follow-up. None of the patients developed periprosthetic infection or loosening or nerve palsy during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Short-term clinical outcomes for the use of the Delta TT revision cup system in acetabular revision are encouraging with good functional outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Custom-made triflanged implants in reconstruction of severe acetabular bone loss with pelvic discontinuity after total hip arthroplasty consecutive cohort study

Aims

Pelvic discontinuity is a rare but increasingly common complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). This single-centre study evaluated the performance of custom-made triflange acetabular components in acetabular reconstruction with pelvic discontinuity by determining: 1) revision and overall implant survival rates; 2) discontinuity healing rate; and 3) Harris Hip Score (HHS).

Methods

Retrospectively collected data of 38 patients (39 hips) with pelvic discontinuity treated with revision THA using a custom-made triflange acetabular component were analyzed. Minimum follow-up was two years (mean 5.1 years (2 to 11)).

Results

There were eight subsequent surgical interventions. Two failures (5%) of the triflange acetabular components were both revised because of deep infection. There were seven (18%) patients with dislocation, and five (13%) of these were treated with a constraint liner. One patient had a debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) procedure. In 34 (92%) hips the custom-made triflange component was considered stable, with a healed pelvic discontinuity with no aseptic loosening at midterm follow-up. Mean HHS was 80.5 (48 to 96).

Conclusion

The performance of the custom triflange implant in this study is encouraging, with high rates of discontinuity healing and osteointegration of the acetabular implant with no aseptic loosening at midterm follow-up. However, complications are not uncommon, particularly instability which we successfully addressed with constrained liners. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):867–876.

Three-dimensional-printed titanium implants for severe acetabular bone defects in revision hip arthroplasty: short- and mid-term results

PURPOSE

Severe acetabular bone defect is challenging in revision hip arthroplasty. In the present study, we aimed to present new treatment options with the 3D printing technique and analyze the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 3D-printed titanium implants for the treatment of severe acetabular bone defects in revision hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

A total of 35 patients with Paprosky type 3 bone defect and pelvic discontinuity (PD), who underwent hip revisions using 3D-printed titanium implants between 2016 and 2019 at our institution, were retrospectively reviewed. Patient-specific 3D-printed titanium augments and shells (strategy A) were used in 22 type 3A and two type 3B patients. Custom 3D-printed flanged components (strategy B) were used in 11 type 3B patients, including five PD. The clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Harris hip score (HHS). In addition, radiographic results were analyzed by the hip centre of rotation (V-COR and H-COR), implant failure, and survivorship.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 41.5 months (range, 16-62). The HHS was improved from 47.8 ± 8.2 pre-operatively to 78.1 ± 10.1 at one year follow-up and 86.4 ± 5.1 at the last follow-up (p < 0.01). Post-operative V-COR and H-COR of the operated side were 20.8 ± 2.0 mm and 30.2 ± 1.6 mm compared with 51.4 ± 4.1 mm and 33.9 ± 9.0 mm pre-operatively (p < 0.01). The complications included one dislocation and one partial palsy of the sciatic nerve. At the latest follow-up, no radiological component loosening or screw breakage was present.

CONCLUSIONS

3D-printed titanium implants showed satisfactory short- and mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes. It was an effective therapeutic regimen with a low rate of complications, providing a patient-specific and reliable strategy for the severe acetabular bone defect in revision hip arthroplasty.

Acetabular reconstruction using a composite layer of impacted cancellous allograft bone and cement: minimum 5-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) is often complex and has a less reliable outcome than primary total hip arthroplasty. Acetabular reconstruction remains a challenge because of the variable amount of bone loss. This study describes and evaluates a novel technique of acetabular reconstruction using composite bone grafting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between June 2005 and January 2012, 108 consecutive patients underwent revision hip arthroplasty in which the acetabular component was revised using composite bone grafting. Of these, 24 were lost to follow-up leaving 84 in the study with a minimum 5-year follow-up. There were 54 women and 30 men with a mean age of 70.1 (31-91) years. All patients were assessed clinically and radiologically after a minimum of 5 years. The primary outcome measures were rate of re-revision, patient-reported outcomes and radiological evidence of loosening.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up after revision surgery was 6.9 years (5-10). At operation, 60 patients had an acetabular defect of AAOS stage 3 or more. There was no evidence of loosening in 69 revision acetabular components; 12 showed evidence of non-progressive loosening and 3 patients underwent a re-revision procedure (2 for infection, 1 recurrent dislocation).The mean postoperative Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) was 89.11/100 (95% CI, 87.8-90.5). Scores were significantly improved in patients with a more extensive preoperative defect (p = 0.006). The overall patient satisfaction rate at final follow-up was very high.

CONCLUSIONS

Composite impaction grafting using a layered cement and bone graft technique can give satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes in the medium- to long-term.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Acetabular Bone Loss in Revision Hip Arthroplasty: An International Consensus Symposium

Despite growing evidence supporting the evaluation, classification, and treatment of acetabular bone loss in revision hip replacement, advancements have not been systematically incorporated into a single document, and therefore, a comprehensive review of the treatment of severe acetabular bone loss is needed. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Complex Joint Reconstruction Center at Hospital for Special Surgery held an Acetabular Bone Loss Symposium on June 21, 2019, to answer the following questions: What are the trends, emerging technologies, and areas of future research related to the evaluation and management of acetabular bone loss in revision hip replacement? What constitutes the optimal workup and management strategies for acetabular bone loss? The 36 international experts convened were divided into groups, each assigned to discuss 1 of 4 topics: (1) preoperative planning and postoperative assessment; (2) implant selection, management of osteolysis, and management of massive bone loss; (3) the treatment challenges of pelvic discontinuity, periprosthetic joint infection, instability, and poor bone biology; and (4) the principles of reconstruction and classification of acetabular bone loss. Each group came to consensus, when possible, based on an extensive literature review. This document provides an overview of these 4 areas, the consensus each group arrived at, and directions for future research.

Periprosthetic hip fractures: an update into their management and clinical outcomes

The Vancouver classification is still a useful tool of communication and stratification of periprosthetic fractures, but besides the three parameters it considers, clinicians should also assess additional factors.

Combined advanced trauma and arthroplasty skills must be available in departments managing these complex injuries.

Preoperative confirmation of the THA (total hip arthroplasty) stability is sometimes challenging. The most reliable method remains intraoperative assessment during surgical exploration of the hip joint.

Certain B1 fractures will benefit from revision surgery, whilst some B2 fractures can be effectively managed with osteosynthesis, especially in frail patients.

Less invasive osteosynthesis, balanced plate–bone constructs, composite implant solutions, together with an appropriate reduction of the limb axis, rotation and length are critical for a successful fixation and uneventful fracture healing.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:75-92. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200050

Surgical Treatment of Pelvic Discontinuity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Pelvic discontinuity is a rare condition that is treated with a range of implant constructs. However, surgical failure rates are high, and outcome data are inconsistent. It is therefore difficult to gain a clear picture of whether recently developed constructs (antiprotrusio cage [APC], cup-cage, custom triflange, and porous metal) provide better outcomes in terms of mechanical failure and complications in the short to long terms. This study investigated the failure and complication rates associated with cage constructs and porous metal technologies.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines to evaluate the studies showing pelvic discontinuity in revision total hip arthroplasty. Data retrieved included the intervention performed, length of follow-up, mechanical failure, and other complication rates (dislocation, infection, neurological, loosening, migration). Study quality was assessed with the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) instrument. Pooled mechanical failure and complication rates were calculated using MetaXL 5.3.

RESULTS

None of the included 30 articles (n = 585 hips) were of high quality. The meta-analyses revealed a mechanical failure rate of 14% for all constructs combined. Custom triflange (5%) and cup-cage (7%) had the lowest mechanical failure rates compared with the commonly used APC (25%) and porous metal (12%). The overall other complication rate was 28%, with cup-cage lower at 21% compared with APC (34%) and custom triflange (28%). Long-term evidence investigating both interventions and porous metal technology is limited.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical failure rates for cup-cage and custom triflange were lowest. The other complication rate for cup-cage was lower than the pooled average. The study quality was limited, indicating a need for better studies and/or a registry.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Custom triflange revision acetabular components for significant bone defects and pelvic discontinuity: Early UK experience

Aims

We report our early experience in acetabular reconstruction for significant bone loss and pelvic discontinuity using custom triflange acetabular components.

Patients and methods

Retrospective consecutive review of all patients treated at our specialist tertiary unit with significant acetabular defects (Paprosky 3A/3B) and pelvic discontinuity who were reconstructed with custom triflange implants. The primary outcomes were radiographic failure and complications.

Results

17 patients (17 hips) were included; 3 males/14 females with a mean age of 72 years (range 61-83). The average follow-up was 3.6 years (2-7 years). Bony defects were Paprosky 3B in 13/17 hips (76%) with pelvic discontinuity encountered in the majority of cases 15/17 hips (88%) and intra-pelvic failed components in 11/17 (64%). At final follow up, no radiographic failures were observed although three patients developed complications (17.6%); haematoma requiring washout out; intra-operative ilium fracture; and recurrent dislocation in one patient.

Conclusions

Our experience suggest that acceptable outcomes can be achieved with custom implants for this group of challenging patients, although longer follow up is needed to monitor future implants' failure.

Acetabular Reconstruction Using a Trabecular Metal Cup with a Novel Pelvic Osteotomy Technique for Severe Acetabular Bone Defect

Case

A 79-year-old woman with an extreme bone defect after failed cementless total hip arthroplasty underwent revision arthroplasty with a novel technique that involved cutting the anterior iliac bone and sliding it distally to reconstruct the anterior acetabular wall. A three-dimensional printed bone model enabled understanding the details of the bone defect. The clinical outcome at 3 years after surgery was favorable.

Conclusion

The advantages of this technique are twofold, namely, stable fixation of the cup sandwiched between the anterior and posterior walls and reconstruction of the anterior wall using living bone, which allows bone ingrowth into the cup.

Results of trabecular metal augments in Paprosky IIIA and IIIB defects

Aims

The advent of trabecular metal (TM) augments has revolutionized the management of severe bone defects during acetabular reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients undergoing revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) with the use of TM augments for reconstruction of Paprosky IIIA and IIIB defects.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at four centres between August 2008 and January 2015. Patients treated with TM augments and TM shell for a Paprosky grade IIIA or IIIB defect, in the absence of pelvic discontinuity, and who underwent revision hip arthroplasty with the use of TM augments were included in the study. A total of 41 patients with minimum follow-up of two years were included and evaluated using intention-to-treat analysis.

Results

There were 36 (87.8%) patients with a Paprosky IIIA defect and five (12.2%) patients with a Paprosky IIIB defect. The mean age was 56.7 years (28 to 94). There were 21 (51.2%) women and 20 (48.8%) men. The mean follow-up was 39.4 months (12 to 96). One (2%) patient died after eight years. No failures were noted in the series. The mean survivorship was 100% at the time of latest follow-up.

Conclusion

The results of this multicentre study showed encouraging short- and mid-term results for the use of TM augments in the management of Paprosky grade IIIA and IIIB defects. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:903–8.

Biomechanical study of pelvic discontinuity in failed total hip arthroplasty. Lessons learnt from the treatment of pelvic fractures

Pelvic discontinuity is a rare but serious problem in orthopedic surgery. Acetabular reconstruction in case of severe bone loss after failed total hip arthroplasty is technically difficult, especially in segmental loss type III (anterior or posterior) or pelvic discontinuity (type IV). Acetabular reinforcement devices are frequently used as load-sharing devices to allow allograft incorporation and in order to serve as support of acetabular implants. This study tries to show, by means of biomechanic work, the efficiency of reinforced plate in anterior column in a segmental pelvic loss, illustrated with a clinical case, which shows the socket stability of hip prosthesis.

The cup-cage reconstruction for pelvic discontinuity has encouraging patient satisfaction and functional outcome at median 6-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to review the clinical, radiological and patient-reported outcomes with the use of cup-cage construct for pelvic discontinuity at our institution.

METHODS

24 patients were identified at median 6-year (minimum 2 year, maximum 10 years) follow-up. 1 patient was converted to excision arthroplasty for infection. A further 3 patients required revision for instability but the cup-cage construct was not revised.

RESULTS

We noted encouraging pain relief (mean WOMAC pain 85.6) and good functional outcome (mean WOMAC function 78.2, mean UCLA 5, mean OHS 78.6). Patient satisfaction with regards pain relief, function and return to recreational activities were noted to be good.

CONCLUSIONS

The cup-cage construct is a viable method of dealing with complex pelvic discontinuity. However, the failure rate due to loosening (4 cases) in this and other reports does prompt the need for further refinement of the technique and technology in this very challenging group of patients, as well as continued evaluation at the mid- and long-term so as to confirm the ongoing success of this method of reconstruction.

Preoperative Evaluation for Pelvic Discontinuity Using a New Reformatted Computed Tomography Scan Protocol

BACKGROUND

The identification of suspected pelvic discontinuity is important for preoperative planning in revision hip arthroplasty. Computed tomography (CT) of the pelvis with reconstructions in the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes has been previously described for the identification of pelvic discontinuity but fails to show some discontinuities. The purpose of this study was to determine whether reformatted 45° oblique CT scans of the pelvis, similar in projection to Judet views on plain films, provide advantages in detecting pelvic discontinuity preoperatively over standard reconstruction CT scans. We describe a new technique of reformatting conventional CT scans to present 45° oblique views of the pelvis.

METHODS

Using an institutional joint registry, we retrospectively identified 22 patients who had intraoperative findings of pelvic discontinuity and also had a preoperative CT scan of the pelvis. The criterion for diagnosis of pelvic discontinuity was a continuous visible fracture line involving the entire width of the anterior and posterior columns.

RESULTS

In this study, standard reconstruction CT scans were 73% sensitive in identifying discontinuity based on these parameters and the addition of reformatted 45° oblique CT scans increased sensitivity to 91%.

CONCLUSION

Unique reconstructive techniques in revision hip arthroplasty can be used, and the operative plan may be modified if pelvic discontinuity is identified preoperatively. CT scans of the pelvis with reconstructions at 45° iliac oblique and obturator oblique views in patients with suspected pelvic discontinuity provide a high level of sensitivity when the diagnosis cannot be firmly established from plain films.

Preoperative Radiographic Evaluation of Patients With Pelvic Discontinuity

BACKGROUND

Pelvic discontinuity (PD) is a rare but devastating mechanism of failure in total hip arthroplasty. Radiographic findings have been described for the identification of PD. However, no study has specifically examined radiographic parameters and the utility of specific views in the preoperative identification of PD.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 133 patients who underwent acetabular revision for PD. Preoperative radiographic studies were reviewed including anteroposterior pelvis (AP; n = 133), true lateral hip (n = 132), Judet (n = 47), false profile (n = 4), and computed tomography scans (n = 14). Radiographs were read by the senior authors to identify the following parameters suggestive of PD: visible fracture line, medial migration of the inferior hemipelvis, and obturator ring asymmetry.

RESULTS

Using only the AP view, the fracture line was visible in 116 (87%), medial migration of the inferior hemipelvis in 126 (95%), and obturator ring asymmetry in 114 (86%). A fracture line was visualized in 65 of 132 hips (49%) evaluated with laterals, 36 of 47 hips (77%) evaluated with Judet views, 3 of 4 (75%) evaluated with a false profile view, and 10 of 14 (71%) evaluated with computed tomography.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative evaluation with a combination of an AP pelvis radiograph, plus a true lateral radiograph of the hip, plus Judet films in combination with the criteria for discontinuity defined in this article, allowed for identification of PD in a 100% of patients.

Role of Cages in Revision Arthroplasty of the Acetabulum

➤ The outcome of acetabular revision is heavily influenced by the degree of associated bone loss.➤ Uncemented hemispherical acetabular components can be used in the majority of acetabular revisions, although occasionally the degree of bone loss precludes the stability of the hemispherical component at the correct anatomic level or there is minimal bleeding host bone left for biologic fixation.➤ Massive acetabular bone loss resulting in the need for bone grafts or highly porous augments involving more than half of the acetabulum is one of the main indications for the use of cages.➤ The cup-cage reconstruction is based on bone-grafting the deficient acetabulum and securing a hemispherical, highly porous metal component with multiple screws to bridge the discontinuity and off-loading the hemispherical component with a titanium cage spanning from ischium to ilium.➤ In addition to managing pelvic discontinuities, the cup-cage construct can also be used in hips without discontinuity as the hemispherical, highly porous metal component is used to restore bone stock.➤ In situations in which there is not enough bleeding host bone to secure a hemispherical component, a highly porous metal augment can be used to address the osseous deficiency. The augment is also protected with a cage to assist bone ingrowth.

Promising Mid-term Results With a Cup-cage Construct for Large Acetabular Defects and Pelvic Discontinuity

BACKGROUND

Restoring normal anatomy and achieving stable fixation of the acetabular component can be especially challenging when the surgeon must deal with severe acetabular defects and/or pelvic discontinuity. The cup-cage (CC) construct, where an ilioischial cage is cemented within a biologically fixed porous metal cup, has emerged as an excellent option to treat such challenges.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We sought to determine (1) mid-term Kaplan-Meier survival; (2) clinical outcomes based on Merle d'Aubigné-Postel scores; (3) radiological outcomes based primarily on construct migration; and (4) the complication rate for a series of 67 CC procedures performed at our institution.

METHODS

All hip revision procedures between January 2003 and March 2012 where a CC was used (with the exception of tumor cases or acute fracture; four total cases) that had a minimum 2-year followup and that had been seen within the last 2 years were included in this retrospective review. Acetabular bone loss and presence of pelvic discontinuity were assessed according to the Gross classification. Sixty-seven CC procedures with an average followup of 74 months (range, 24-135 months; SD, 34.3) months were identified; 26 of 67 (39%) were Gross Type IV and 41 of 67 (61%) were Gross Type V (pelvic discontinuity). Postoperative clinical and radiological evaluation was done annually. Merle d'Aubigné-Postel scores were recorded and all radiographs were compared with the 6-week postoperative radiographs to evaluate for radiographic loosening or migration. Failure was defined as revision surgery for any cause, including infection.

RESULTS

The 5-year Kaplan-Meier survival rate with revision for any cause representing failure was 93% (95% confidence interval [CI], 83.1-97.4), and the 10-year survival rate was 85% (95% CI, 67.2-93.8). The Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score improved significantly from a mean of 6 preoperatively to 13 postoperatively (p < 0.001). Four CC had nonprogressive radiological migration of the ischial flange and they remain stable.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that the CC construct is a suitable choice to treat chronic pelvic discontinuity; it also remains a reliable option for the treatment of severe acetabular bone defects if stable fixation cannot be obtained through the use of a trabecular metal cup with or without augments.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study.

The role of cages in the management of severe acetabular bone defects at revision arthroplasty

An uncemented hemispherical acetabular component is the mainstay of acetabular revision and gives excellent long-term results.

Occasionally, the degree of acetabular bone loss means that a hemispherical component will be unstable when sited in the correct anatomical location or there is minimal bleeding host bone left for biological fixation. On these occasions an alternative method of reconstruction has to be used.

A major column structural allograft has been shown to restore the deficient bone stock to some degree, but it needs to be off-loaded with a reconstruction cage to prevent collapse of the graft. The use of porous metal augments is a promising method of overcoming some of the problems associated with structural allograft. If the defect is large, the augment needs to be protected by a cage to allow ingrowth to occur. Cup-cage reconstruction is an effective method of treating chronic pelvic discontinuity and large contained or uncontained bone defects.

This paper presents the indications, surgical techniques and outcomes of various methods which use acetabular reconstruction cages for revision total hip arthroplasty.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B(1 Suppl A):73–7.

Treatment algorithm of acetabular periprosthetic fractures

Periprosthetic fractures of the acetabulum represent a rare incident in primary and revision total hip arthroplasty. The management of these fractures can be challenging. At present, there are no reliable guidelines for the treatment of periprosthetic acetabular fractures. Periprosthetic acetabular fractures can occur intra-operatively, in particular during insertion of non-cemented cups or in the context of revision surgery. Post-operative causes for periprosthetic acetabular fractures are traumatic events or, more commonly, pelvic discontinuity due to severe bone loss related to osteolysis. Despite their aetiology, the main objective of surgery is to achieve a stable acetabular component and fracture. While stable fractures and implants could be treated non-operatively, unstable fractures require surgery to achieve component stability and allow appropriate biological fixation of the revision cup. Assessment of the stability plays a crucial role before determining the treatment strategy. There is a large variety of surgical techniques available for the management of these fractures. This review article outlines the epidemiology, aetiology and current classification systems, and provides a distinct diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for the treatment of periprosthetic acetabular fractures.

Preliminary biomechanical study of different acetabular reinforcement devices for acetabular reconstruction

Background

Acetabular reinforcement devices (ARDs) are frequently used as load-sharing devices to allow allograft incorporation in revision hip arthroplasty with massive acetabular bone loss. The key to a successful reconstruction is robust fixation of the device to the host acetabulum. Interlocking fixation is expected to improve the initial stability of the postoperative construct. However, all commercially available ARDs are designed with non-locking fixation. This study investigates the efficacy of standard ARDs modified with locking screw mechanisms for improving stability in acetabular reconstruction.

Methods

Three types of ARDs were examined to evaluate the postoperative compression and angular stability: i) standard commercial ARDs, ii) standard ARDs modified with monoaxial and iii) standard ARDs modified with polyaxial locking screw mechanisms. All ARDs were implanted into osteomized synthetic pelvis with pelvic discontinuity. Axial compression and torsion tests were then performed using a servohydraulic material testing machine that measured load (angle) versus displacement (torque). Initial stability was compared among the groups.

Results

Equipping ARDs with interlocking mechanisms effectively improved the initial stability at the device/bone interface compared to standard non-locked ARDs. In both compression and torsion experiments, the monoaxial interlocking construct demonstrated the highest construct stiffness (672.6 ± 84.1 N/mm in compression and 13.3 ± 1.0 N·m/degree in torsion), whereas the non-locked construct had the lowest construct stiffness (381.4 ± 117.2 N/mm in compression and 6.9 ± 2.1 N·m/degree in torsion) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the potential benefit of adding a locking mechanism to an ARD. Polyaxial ARDs provide the surgeon with more flexibility in placing the screws at the cost of reduced mechanical performance. This in vitro study provides a preliminary evaluation of biomechanical performance for ARDs with or without interlocking mechanisms, actual clinical trial deserves to be further investigated in future studies.

Outcomes of post-operative periprosthetic acetabular fracture around total hip arthroplasty

Post-operative periprosthetic acetabular fractures are rare, but serious complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA). As the number of THA performed each year increases so will the expected number of periprosthetic fractures, thus making the treatment of these fractures an important topic for discussion. The purpose of this review is to analyze the recent evidence on risk factors, fracture classification schemes and treatment strategies that have been used for periprosthetic acetabular fractures around THA. The modified Paprosky classification is the most widely used and is a useful guide for management strategies. This classification system provides the guidelines for developing multiple treatment algorithms for decision making. Treatment options for surgical management include open reduction and internal fixation with plating, use of reconstruction cages, trabecular metal augments and bone grafting as needed. Treatment decisions are still an area of controversy and current research.