Clinical and radiographic outcomes of acetabular impaction grafting without cage reinforcement for revision hip replacement: a minimum ten-year follow-up study

Can a reconstruction algorithm in major acetabular bone loss be successful in revision hip arthroplasty?

Aims

The aims of this study were to determine the success of a reconstruction algorithm used in major acetabular bone loss, and to further define the indications for custom-made implants in major acetabular bone loss.

Methods

We reviewed a consecutive series of Paprosky type III acetabular defects treated according to a reconstruction algorithm. IIIA defects were planned to use a superior augment and hemispherical acetabular component. IIIB defects were planned to receive either a hemispherical acetabular component plus augments, a cup-cage reconstruction, or a custom-made implant. We used national digital health records and registry reports to identify any reoperation or re-revision procedure and Oxford Hip Score (OHS) for patient-reported outcomes. Implant survival was determined via Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results

A total of 105 procedures were carried out in 100 patients (five bilateral) with a mean age of 73 years (42 to 94). In the IIIA defects treated, 72.0% (36 of 50) required a porous metal augment; the remaining 14 patients were treated with a hemispherical acetabular component alone. In the IIIB defects, 63.6% (35 of 55) underwent reconstruction as planned with 20 patients who actually required a hemispherical acetabular component alone. At mean follow-up of 7.6 years, survival was 94.3% (95% confidence interval 97.4 to 88.1) for all-cause revision and the overall dislocation rate was 3.8% (4 of 105). There was no difference observed in survival between type IIIA and type IIIB defects and whether a hemispherical implant alone was used for the reconstruction or not. The mean gain in OHS was 16 points. Custom-made implants were only used in six cases, in patients with either a mega-defect in which the anteroposterior diameter > 80 mm, complex pelvic discontinuity, and massive bone loss in a small pelvis.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that a reconstruction algorithm can provide a successful approach to reconstruction in major acetabular bone loss. The use of custom implants has been defined in this series and accounts for < 5% of cases.

Uncemented hip revision cup as an alternative for T-type acetabular fractures: A cadaveric study

BACKGROUND

The current rise in elderly patients with compromised bone quality complicates the surgical treatment of acetabular T-type fractures (AO type 62B2 fractures). There is on ongoing discussion about the treatment options, mostly consisting of an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with or without primary or secondary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Yet, these patients are oftentimes unable to fulfil weight-bearing restrictions and mostly present with an unavailability of a stable anchor site. Consequently, this study investigates the feasibility of a cementless hip revision cup for acetabular T-type fractures and compares its biomechanical properties to ORIF.

HYPOTHESIS

The cementless hip revision cup provides sufficient biomechanical stability under the simulation of full weight-bearing.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study compared two groups of human cadaveric hip bones with T-type fractures, of whom 6 subjects were treated with ORIF (6 male; mean age: 62±17years; mean body weight: 75±15) versus 6 subjects treated with a cementless hip revision cup (2 male; 69±12 years; 73±15kg). The group-assignment was controlled for comparable BMD results (mean BMD: ORIF 110±37 mg Ca-Ha/mL versus hip revision cup 134±32 mg Ca-Ha/mL). To compare for biomechanical stability cyclic loading was applied measuring the force and dislocation of the fracture gap at standardized bone loci using an all-electric testing machine and a 3D-ultrasound measuring system.

RESULTS

Comparing superior pubic ramus versus iliac wing (cementless hip revision cup versus ORIF [mean±standard deviation]: 5.8±2.0 versus 7.0±3.2; p=0.032) as well as sacral ala versus iliac wing (4.6±2.2 versus 6.4±3.7; p=0.002), the cementless revision cup achieved a significantly higher stability than the plate osteosynthesis.

CONCLUSION

Revision cup and ORIF withstood biomechanical loading forces exceeding full weight-bearing in this biomechanical study. The results of our study suggest that the cementless hip revision cup might be promising alternative to the current standard care of ORIF with or without primary THA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III; case control experimental study.

Outcome of different reconstruction options using allografts in revision total hip arthroplasty for severe acetabular bone loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Several studies have reported good to excellent outcomes of revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) using allografts for treating severe acetabular bone defects. However, precise information on the impact of allograft type and reconstruction method is not available.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Systematic literature search was performed in Medline and Web of Science including patients with acetabular bone loss classified according to the Paprosky classification who underwent rTHA involving the use of allografts. Studies with a minimum follow-up of 2 years published between 1990 and 2021 were included. Kendall correlation was applied to determine the relationship between Paprosky grade and allograft type use. Proportion meta-analyses with 95% confidence interval (CI) were performed to summarize the success of various reconstruction options, including allograft type, fixation method, and reconstruction system.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria encompassing 1561 cases from 1491 patients with an average age of 64 years (range 22-95). The average follow-up period was 7.9 years (range 2-22). Structural bulk and morselized grafts were used in equal proportions for all Paprosky acetabular defect types. Their use increased significantly with the type of acetabular defect (r = 0.69, p = 0.049). The overall success rate ranged from 61.3 to 98.3% with a random effect pooled estimate of 90% [95% CI 87-93]. Trabecular metal augments (93% [76-98]) and shells (97% [84-99]) provided the highest success rates. However, no significant differences between reconstruction systems, allograft types and fixation methods were observed (p > 0.05 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the use of bulk or morselized allograft for massive bone loss independent of Paprosky classification type and indicate similar good mid- to long-term outcomes of the different acetabular reconstruction options using allografts.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO: CRD42020223093.

Impaction bone grafting for segmental acetabular defects: a biomechanical study

INTRODUCTION

Implant loosening is the most common indication for revision after total hip arthroplasty and is associated with progressive bone destruction. Contained defects can be treated with impaction bone grafting (IBG). Segmental defects are successfully restored with metal augmentation. Considering the increasing number of hip arthroplasty cases in young patients, it would appear sensible to reconstruct the bone stock for future revisions by biological bone defect reduction. The data on the treatment of segmental defects with IBG without additional stabilization are lacking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Paprosky type IIB defects were milled into 15 porcine hemipelves with segmental defect angles of 40°, 80° and 120°. Contained defects without segmental defects (Paprosky type I) and acetabula without defects served as controls. After IBG, a cemented polyethylene cup (PE) was implanted in each case. Cup migration, rotational stiffness and maximum rupture torque were determined under physiological loading conditions after 2500 cycles.

RESULTS

Compared with the control without defects, IBG cups showed an asymptotic migration of 0.26 mm ± 0.11 mm on average. This seating was not dependent on the size of the defect. The maximum rupture moment was also not dependent on the defect size for cups after IBG. In contrast, the torsional stiffness of cups with an 120° segmental defect angle was significantly lower than in the control group without defects. All other defects did not differ in torsional stiffness from the control without defects.

CONCLUSIONS

IBG did not show inferior biomechanical properties in segmental type IIB defect angles up to 80°, compared to cups without defects.

Uncemented Cups and Impaction Bone Grafting for Acetabular Bone Loss in Revision Hip Arthroplasty: A Review of Rationale, Indications, and Outcomes

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasingly performed in young patients and the number of revisions is estimated to rise over time. Acetabular osteolysis and bone loss are frequently encountered during revision and may be classified and treated in different ways. Impaction bone grafting (IBG) with morselized allograft offers a viable option. IBG was introduced over 40 years ago in combination with cemented cups, and is also used with uncemented cups. The impacted bone chips act as a void filler to restore bone stock; once incorporated they are substituted by host bone. Surgery entails assessment of the defect, acetabular preparation, preparation of the morselized graft, impaction of the graft, and cup implantation. Satisfactory medium- and long-term results have now been reported in most studies. With the advent of high-porosity cups, indications have been extended, enhancing the potential of IBG, in which primary stability of the cup to the host bone is essential for a successful procedure. Synthetic bone substitutes have also been used in combination with allogenic grafts and may extend the original technique for which long-term studies are warranted.

A Review and Description of Acetabular Impaction Bone Grafting: Updating the Traditional Technique

Restoring acetabular bone loss in revision hip arthroplasty is a major challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. This paper discusses the traditional cemented technique of impaction bone grafting as applied to the acetabulum, as well as the evolution of the technique to employ uncemented implants. Some of the recent published literature regarding these techniques is reviewed and the personal experiences of the senior author with these techniques are also reported.

Impaction bone grafting in hip re-revision surgery

AIMS

Bone stock restoration of acetabular bone defects using impaction bone grafting (IBG) in total hip arthroplasty may facilitate future re-revision in the event of failure of the reconstruction. We hypothesized that the acetabular bone defect during re-revision surgery after IBG was smaller than during the previous revision surgery. The clinical and radiological results of re-revisions with repeated use of IBG were also analyzed.

METHODS

In a series of 382 acetabular revisions using IBG and a cemented component, 45 hips (45 patients) that had failed due to aseptic loosening were re-revised between 1992 and 2016. Acetabular bone defects graded according to Paprosky during the first and the re-revision surgery were compared. Clinical and radiological findings were analyzed over time. Survival analysis was performed using a competing risk analysis.

RESULTS

Intraoperative bone defect during the initial revision included 19 Paprosky type IIIA and 29 Paprosky type IIIB hips; at re-revision, seven hips were Paprosky type II, 27 type IIIA and 11 were type IIIB (p = 0.020). The mean preoperative Harris Hip Score was 45.4 (SD 6.4), becoming 80.7 (SD 12.7) at the final follow-up. In all, 12 hips showed radiological migration of the acetabular component, and three required further revision surgery. The nine-year cumulative failure incidence (nine patients at risk) of the acetabular component for further revision surgery was 9.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.9 to 21.0) for any cause, and 7.5% (95% CI 1.9 to 18.5) for aseptic loosening. Hips with a greater hip height had a higher risk for radiological migration (odds ratio 1.09, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.17; p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Bone stock restoration can be obtained using IBG in revision hip surgery. This technique is also useful in re-revision surgery; however, a better surgical technique including a closer distance to hip rotation centre could decrease the risk of radiological migration of the acetabular component. A longer follow-up is required to assess potential fixation deterioration. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):492-499.

Custom-made 3D-printed cup-cage implants for complex acetabular revisions: evaluation of pre-planned versus achieved positioning and 1-year migration data in 10 patients

Background and purpose - The use of custom-made 3D-printed titanium implants for the reconstruction of large acetabular defects has been successively introduced in the last decade. In an observational cohort study we evaluated the agreement between preoperatively planned and actually achieved cup-cage position as well as 1-year follow-up migration of the cup-cage component.Patients and methods - 10 patients with Paprosky III defects underwent revision surgery using a custom-made 3D-printed cup-cage. The position of the implant on postoperative CT scan was compared with the preoperative plan and the postoperative CT scan was compared with the 1-year follow-up CT scan.Results - There was a median deviation in postoperative position versus planned in inclination of 3.6° (IQR 1.0-5.4), in anteversion of -2.8° (IQR -7.5 to 1.2), and in rotation of -1.2° (IQR -3.3 to 0.0). The median deviation in position of the center of rotation (COR) was -0.5 mm (IQR 2.9 to 0.7) in the anteroposterior (AP) plane, -0.6 mm (IQR -1.8 to -0.1) in the mediolateral (ML) plane, and 1.1 mm (IQR -1.6 to 2.8) in the superoinferior (SI) plane. The migration between postoperative and 1-year follow-up caused a mean change in inclination of 0.04° (IQR -0.06 to 0.09), in anteversion of -0.13° (IQR -0.23 to -0.06), and in rotation of 0.05° (IQR -0.46 to 1.4). The migration of COR was -0.08 mm (IQR -0.18 to -0.04) in the AP plane, 0.14 mm (IQR -0.08 to 0.22) in the ML plane, and 0.06 mm (IQR -0.02 to 0.35) in the SI plane. There was no re-revision.Interpretation - The early results show good agreement between planned and achieved cup-cage position and small measured migration values of the cup-cage component at the 1-year follow-up.

What Are the Long-term Results of Cemented Revision THA with Use of Both Acetabular and Femoral Impaction Bone Grafting in Patients Younger Than 55 Years?

BACKGROUND

The increasing number of THAs in younger patients will inevitably result in an increase of revision procedures. However, there is little evidence about the outcome of revision procedures in this patient group. Therefore, we updated a previous study conducted 5 years ago about the outcome of revision procedures in patients younger than 55 years.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We sought to provide a concise update on the previously reported (1) long-term failure rate as defined by repeat revision, (2) clinical outcome as defined by the Oxford Hip score and the Harris Hip score, and (3) radiographic outcome of cemented revision THA performed with impaction bone grafting on both the acetabular and femoral sides in one surgery in patients younger than 55 years old.

METHODS

Between 1991 and 2007, we performed 86 complete THA revisions in patients younger than 55 years. In 38% (33 of 86) of revisions, bone impaction grafting was used on both the acetabular and femoral side because of acetabular and femoral bone stock loss. Mean age at time of revision was 46 ± 8 years. No patient was lost to follow-up, but six patients died during follow-up, including three since 2015. Still, the hips of all 33 patients were included in analysis at a mean of 17 ± 5 years. Failure was calculated using competing risk analysis. For clinical outcome, we assessed the Harris Hip score and the Oxford Hip score from our longitudinally maintained institutional database. Radiographic analysis was performed to evaluate radiographic loosening, defined as radiolucencies ≥ 2 mm in all zones or ≥ 5 mm migration for both components. The acetabular component was also considered loose with tilting ≥ 5°.

RESULTS

The 15-year failure rate of revision THA was 27% (95% CI 13 to 44) for re-revision of any component for any reason and 10% (95% CI 3 to 25) for re-revision of any component for aseptic loosening. The mean Harris Hip score increased from 55 ± 18 preoperatively to 74 ± 22 at latest follow-up. Eight cups were considered radiographically loose, seven of which were re-revised. No stems were considered radiographically loose. Failure rate with endpoint radiographic loosening at 15 years was 23% (95% CI 10 to 39).

CONCLUSION

We found that impaction bone grafting with a cemented cup and a cemented stem is a valuable biological revision technique that results in a stable and durable solution, after one or even multiple previous revision THAs. Although current implants may prove sufficient in most cases, they do not promote bone stock preservation. We believe that in young patients with bone stock loss, impaction bone grafting can be used as long as the defect can be contained adequately with a metal mesh and viable bone bed is available for revascularization.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study.

Clinical and radiological survivorship of the Thackray cross plate with rim reinforcement ring for cemented acetabular revision

INTRODUCTION

Acetabular component revision surgery can be a challenging task due to the encountered bone defects. Both cemented and uncemented techniques are described. We report on the survivorship of the Thackray cross plate with rim reinforcement ring for cemented acetabular revision.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective case series of all patients treated with the implant with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Acetabular defects were characterized according to the Paprosky classification. Data on potential risk factors for failure of the construct as well as the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) were collected. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with radiographic aseptic loosening or revision for aseptic loosening as the end point was performed.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2017, 35 revisions in 18 male and 17 female patients with an average age of 72 years were included. Bone allograft was used in 26 cases and additional implants (medial or supero-lateral mesh) in 13. Seven patients have deceased and the fate of all revisions is known. At an average clinical follow-up of 9.7 (2.6 to 19.6) years, there were no further re-revisions for construct failure. Five hips have demonstrated radiological evidence of aseptic loosening. Radiologically loose components were associated with more severe grades of acetabular bone defects (Paprosky Type 3) (60% vs 3%, p = 0.006). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrates 79.8% overall survivorship at 7 years. Survivorship for Type 2 defects was significantly higher compared to Type 3 (90% vs 0% at 7 years, Logrank test p = 0.002, Cox proportional hazards p = 0.03). The final median OHS was 38 (12-48) and was not affected by component loosening.

CONCLUSION

This is a cost-effective device that protects the underlying bone graft (81% complete remodeling) and prevents subsidence of the cemented cup (2 mm on average). It should be used with caution in high-grade defects and perhaps not advised.

Bone impaction grafting with trabecular metal augments in large defects in young patients: unravelling a new perspective in surgical technique

Background

Acetabular reconstruction with bone impaction grafting in large defects has yielded conflicting results.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of a case series of five patients with a young age (≤50 years) at the time of surgery who had large acetabular defects reconstructed by bone impaction grafting and trabecular metal augments. The mean follow-up was 79 months. We describe the surgical technique in detail.

Results

Improvement was significant on the WOMAC and SF-36 scales (p < 0.05). The radiographs taken at the last follow-up examination showed no migration of the polyethylene cup (p = 0.31) or differences in the abduction angle (p = 0.27) compared to the radiographs from the immediate postoperative period. One patient presented two dislocation episodes as a complication.

Conclusion

The combination of trabecular metal augments with the bone impaction grafting technique in young patients with large acetabular defects provides satisfactory results in the long term and restores the bone stock.

Mid-term results of revision surgery using double-trabecular metal cups alone or combined with impaction bone grafting for complex acetabular defects

BACKGROUND

Revision surgery for complex acetabular defects is still technically challenging. In this study, we discussed and compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of revision surgery between two methods using double-trabecular metal (TM) cups alone or combined with impacting bone grafting (IBG).

METHODS

The records of 18 patients (18 hips) who underwent revision surgery using double-trabecular metal (double-TM) cups between 2008 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. All the patients were diagnosed with Paprosky III acetabular defects. The acetabular defects were reconstructed by double-TM cups alone or in combination with IBG. We used the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Short Form 36 (SF-36) to evaluate the clinical outcomes. Pelvis plain X-ray was used to assess hip center of rotation (COR), abduction angle and anteversion angle of acetabular cup, and incorporation of the bone graft to host bone.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 61.0 (IQR 56.0 to 65.8) months. No patients underwent re-revision for loosening or any other reasons. Complications included 3 patients (16.7%) with early dislocation and 3 patients (16.7%) with delayed wound healing. The average mHHS and UCLA preoperatively were 44.1 ± 4.0 (range 35 to 50) and 2.6 ± 0.7 (range 2 to 4), respectively and at the last follow-up were 73.7 ± 4.2 (range 68 to 85) and 7.3 ± 0.5 (range 7 to 8), respectively. The mean SF-36 scores at the last follow-up were improved significantly than preoperative scores, especially in bodily pain category (P < 0.05). The average limb-length discrepancy (LLD) decreased significantly from 24.2 ± 2.6 (range 20 to 32) mm preoperatively to 5.8 ± 1.8 (range 3 to 9) mm at the last follow-up, respectively. However, there was no significant difference between two methods at the last follow-up in terms of mHHS, UCLA, SF-36, LLD, and hip COR (P > 0.05). Radiographic evaluation demonstrated bone graft incorporation in all hips in the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Defect reconstruction using double-TM cups alone or combined with IBG are practical and reliable treatment options for Paprosky III acetabular defects without pelvic discontinuity. Nevertheless, high postoperative complication rate, especially in terms of dislocation, remains a challenge.

Mid-Term Results of Graft Augmentation Prosthesis II Cage and Impacted Allograft Bone in Revision Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Several techniques have been described for management of severe acetabular bone defects during revision hip surgery including reconstructive cages. The purpose of this study is to analyze the survival and the mid-term clinical and radiological outcome using the Graft Augmentation Prosthesis (GAP II cage) (Stryker Orthopaedics, Mahwah, NJ) in addition to impaction grafting for acetabular defects in revision hip surgery.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of all patients who underwent acetabular revision hip replacement using GAP II cage and impaction bone grafting between 2009 and 2013 at our institution. Twenty-six patients were included with a mean age of 71 years (49-91). According to Paprosky classification, 2 patients had type IIB defect, 4 had type IIC, and 12 had type IIIA, while 8 suffered from type IIIB defect. The clinical outcome was assessed using Oxford Hip Score. Plain radiographs were used to assess preoperative bone loss, postoperative implant migration, and the incorporation of the bone graft to host bone.

RESULTS

The average Oxford Hip Score improved from 11.3 (2-22) preoperatively to 32.2 (20-48) postoperatively. The revision free survivorship of this construct was 100% at mean follow-up of 49 months (30-78). Three hips had radiological failure of the implant with no clinical consequences.

CONCLUSION

The use of GAP II cage with impaction bone grafting to reconstruct severe acetabular defects had encouraging mid-term results with low failure rate. Graft incorporation with restoration of bone stock may be beneficial should further revision surgery be needed.

Midterm survival analysis of a cemented dual-mobility cup combined with bone impaction grafting in 102 revision hip arthroplasties

INTRODUCTION

Revision hip arthroplasty is associated with higher dislocation rates than primary hip arthroplasty. A dual-mobility cup (DMC) can reduce this risk. Another problem is destruction of the acetabulum, induced by aseptic loosening of the prosthesis. Bone impaction grafting (BIG) can be used to reconstruct these defects, but is usually performed with cemented all polyethylene cups. The purpose of this study is to evaluate midterm cup survival and dislocation rate for the combination of BIG and DMC.

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2013, 96 patients received 102 DMCs combined with BIG of the acetabulum during revision surgery. These data were first compared with a control group, consisting of 59 cases from the same hospital receiving a cemented all polyethylene cup combined with BIG. In addition, the control group was expanded with 41 cases operated on in 2007 in 'an orthopaedic centre of excellence', resulting in a 'combined control group' of 100 patients. Log-rank tests and chi-square tests were used to compare survival and dislocation rates, respectively.

RESULTS

Cumulative survival of the DMC was 95.8% (range 3 months-7 years). This was comparable to the survival in the control groups (96.5% and 94.7%). The dislocation rate of 2.9% (3/102) in the dual-mobility group was lower (p = 0.02) compared to the dislocation rate of 11.8% (7/59) in the control group, but not (p = 0.12) compared to 8% in the combined control group (8/100).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that combining a DMC with BIG does not compromise outcome in terms of midterm survival of the cup.

A 2- to 16-Year Clinical Follow-Up of Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a New Acetabular Implant Combined With Impacted Bone Allografts and a Cemented Cup

BACKGROUND

Treatment of acetabular bone loss with impaction bone grafting (IBG) at revision total hip arthroplasty is highly dependent on mechanical stability and graft compression for clinical success. Here, we describe a new technique to further compress and stabilize the acetabular graft bed with a thin, perforated titanium shell.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 170 cases of acetabular revision arthroplasty 7 years (standard deviation 2.8) after IBG combined with a graft-compressing titanium shell implant. The patients were reviewed by clinical score and radiography. Three patients were lost to follow-up. The medical journals of the 33 deceased cases were reviewed for any reoperation. Of the 170 cases, 74 had a cavitary acetabular bone defect, 93 had combined segmental and cavitary bone defects, and 3 had a pelvic dissociation. Bone graft incorporation was assessed and correction of the hip center of rotation was calculated.

RESULTS

Five cases (3%) were reoperated for mechanical loosening. One more was assessed as loose but asymptomatic and was not planned for revision. There were 3 reoperations for recurrent dislocation, 2 for deep infection and 1 for technical error. Reoperation for any reason, as the end point of survivorship, showed a survival rate of 92% after 10 years. Hip score according to Merle, d'Aubigne, and Postel increased from 10.8 (preoperatively) to 16.4 at follow-up. The clinical and radiological results were excellent.

CONCLUSION

IBG combined with the compressing shell results in excellent results for this challenging condition.

The Use of Porous Tantalum Augments for the Reconstruction of Acetabular Defect in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Given the lack of studies of acetabular defect reconstruction in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) using tantalum augments, this study aims to evaluate clinical and radiographic results for treatment with tantalum augments to reconstruct acetabular defects in primary THA.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 19 patients (19 hips) with acetabular defects who underwent primary THA using tantalum augments, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical, radiographic, and surgical data were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 5.1 years (range 2.5-7.6). Harris Hip Score improved from 35.8 (range 19-56) preoperatively to 85.3 (63-98) at last follow-up (P < .01). Oxford Hip Score, University of California Los Angeles activity scale, and Short Form-12 score also improved significantly from presurgery to last follow-up. Mean operation time and blood loss were 124.7 minutes and 530 mL, respectively. Mean hip center position was 2.97 cm (range 2.35-3.58) horizontally and 2.06 cm (1.29-2.92) vertically, and mean acetabular inclination was 38.9° (range 27°-47°) at last follow-up. These parameters were not significantly different from those recorded immediately postoperatively (P > .05). There was no aseptic loosening, cup and augment migration, screw breakage, or presence of hip infection at last follow-up. All hips were radiographically stable.

CONCLUSION

Porous tantalum augments combined with titanium shells lead to satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes for the reconstruction of acetabular defect in primary THA at a mean 5.1 years of follow-up. This approach confers anatomical cup placement, simple operation, and a high rate of stable fixation.

Impaction Grafting Made Easy

BACKGROUND

Impaction bone grafting is an established reconstruction technique to address bone loss in revision total hip arthroplasty. Intuitively, it would seem to be a very attractive method as "missing bone is replaced with bone." The potential restoration of bone stock is of particular value in the younger patient who may be facing future revision procedures.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Although undoubtedly some units have published good results with this method, more recent long-term data have revealed some of the limitations of this reconstruction technique. The aim of this review is to highlight these most recent data on impaction bone grafting and provide the author's opinion on the current role for this technique, as well as reviewing some technical considerations.

CONCLUSION

Impaction bone grafting remains an important technique in the armamentarium of the revision hip surgeon. More recent long-term data have allowed refinement of the indications and on the acetabular side, and it should be used with caution in association with severe bone defects.

Bone Remodeling in Acetabular Reconstruction Using a Kerboull-Type Reinforcement Device and Structural Bone-Grafting in Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to identify the long-term durability of the Kerboull-type reinforcement device (KT plate) in acetabular reconstruction for massive bone defects, assessing the remodeling of structural bone grafts.

METHODS

This study retrospectively evaluated 106 hips that underwent acetabular reconstruction using a KT plate between November 2000 and December 2010. Thirty-eight primary total hip arthoplasties (THAs) and 68 revised THAs were performed, and the mean duration of clinical follow-up was 8 years (5-14 years). Regarding reconstructing the acetabular bone defects, autografts were used in 37 hips, allografts in 68 hips, and A-W glass ceramics in 2 hips.

RESULTS

One hip exhibited radiological migration and no revision for aseptic loosening. The mean Merle d'Aubigné Clinical Score improved from 7.5 points (4-12 points) preoperatively to 10.9 points (9-18 points) at the last follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier survival rate for radiological migration of primary and revised THAs at 10 years was 100% and 97% (95% confidence interval: 96%-100%), respectively. Bone remodeling was evaluated using the radiological demarcation at the bone-to-bone interface, and an improvement of 100% in primary THAs and 94% in revised THAs was observed.

CONCLUSION

For massive bone defects, acetabular reconstruction using the KT plate with a structural bone grafting can yield successful results.

Use of porous tantalum components in Paprosky two and three acetabular revision. A minimum five-year follow-up of fifty one hips

INTRODUCTION

Recent studies have reported short-term favourable results of tantalum-made components in acetabular revisions with bone loss. However, there is a lack of information regarding the mid to long-term results of such components.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to analyse the outcome and survivorship of acetabular revision hip arthroplasty using tantalum components for loosening associated with bone loss at a minimum of five-year follow-up.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 51 consecutive patients (51 hips) who had an acetabular revision using porous tantalum components at a minimum follow-up of five years. The mean age was 64 years (range, 31-87). There were 27 males and 24 females, 47 right hips and four left hips. Twenty-five (49 %) included a femoral revision. According to Paprosky's classification 18 hips were classified type 2A, 11 type 2B, ten type 2C, seven type 3A and five type 3B. No bone grafting was performed. Sixteen hips (31.3 %) required the use of additional tantalum-made augments stabilized by screws and cement at the cup-augment interface.

RESULTS

At a mean followup of 6.8 years (range, 5.1-10 years), the Harris hip score improved from 44 pre- operatively (range, 23-72) to 84 post-operatively (range, 33-98). The mean post-operative hip centre position in relation to the teardrop was 29 mm (range, 20-43 mm) horizontally and 21 mm (range, 8-36 mm) vertically. The mean acetabular inclination was 42° (range, 17-60°). Six hips (11.7 %) required a re-operation without component revision (two for chronic instability, one ossification removal, one haematoma, one deep infection and one periprosthetic femoral fracture). One patient required a cup re-revision for septic loosening. No aseptic loosening occurred. At last followup the radiological analysis showed one evolutive osteolysis and one screw breakage. The global survivorship was 92.3 % at 64 months. If only aseptic loosening was defined as the end-point the survivorship was 100 % at 64 months.

CONCLUSIONS

When facing an acetabular revision with severe bone loss, tantalum-made components can provide a stable fixation. This study at a minimum five-year follow-up compares favourably with other reconstruction techniques, but longer follow-up is still required.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Hip Resurfacing Revision: A Cohort Study Into the Second Decade After the Operation

BACKGROUND

Most metal-on-metal hip resurfacing (MoMHR) designs have experienced high short-term failure rates because of pseudotumors. The impact of this complication into the second decade after the procedure is unknown. We investigated (1) the prevalence of, and risk factors for, all-cause and pseudotumor-related revision at up to 15 years following MoMHR and (2) whether risk factors were sex-specific.

METHODS

This single-center prospective cohort study included 1,429 MoMHRs (1216 patients; 40% female) implanted between 1999 and 2009. Patients were contacted in 2010 and 2012 as per national recommendations. Patients with symptoms related to the hip and/or suboptimal Oxford Hip Scores (≤41 of 48 points) underwent cross-sectional imaging and blood metal-ion sampling. Revision diagnoses were established using operative and histopathological findings. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association of predictor variables with the time to all-cause and pseudotumor-related revisions.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty MoMHRs (12.6%) were revised for all causes, and 111 (7.8% of the series and 61.7 % of all revisions) were revised because of pseudotumor. Survival analysis showed the 15-year cumulative revision rate for all causes to be 19.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.2% to 23.2%) and the 15-year rate of revision due to pseudotumor to be 14.0% (95% CI = 11.0% to 17.7%). Small femoral head size (hazard ratio [HR] per 2 mm = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.88 to 0.97; p = 0.003) and certain implant designs (HR = 1.55 to 3.01; p ≤ 0.029) significantly increased the all-cause revision risk. Female sex (HR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.19 to 3.44; p = 0.009) and young age (HR per year = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96 to 1.00; p = 0.020) significantly increased the pseudotumor-related revision risk but not the all-cause revision risk. Risk factors for all-cause and pseudotumor-related revision were sex-specific. In females, small femoral head size (p = 0.014) increased the all-cause revision risk, and young age was the only predictor of pseudotumor-related revision (p = 0.019). In males, implant design was the only predictor of all-cause revision (p ≤ 0.015) and pseudotumor-related revision (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence and rates of revision for all causes and pseudotumor were high at up to 15 years following MoMHR. Predictors of revision differed between all-cause and pseudotumor-related revisions and were sex-specific. These factors must be appropriately weighted when risk-stratifying patients with MoMHRs for surveillance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Effect of thermodisinfection on mechanic parameters of cancellous bone

Revision surgery of joint replacements is increasing and raises the demand for allograft bone since restoration of bone stock is crucial for longevity of implants. Proceedings of bone grafts influence the biological and mechanic properties differently. This study examines the effect of thermodisinfection on mechanic properties of cancellous bone. Bone cylinders from both femoral heads with length 45 mm were taken from twenty-three 6-8 months-old piglets, thermodisinfected at 82.5 °C according to bone bank guidelines and control remained native. The specimens were stored at -20 °C immediately and were put into 21 °C Ringer's solution for 3 h before testing. Shear and pressure modulus were tested since three point bending force was examined until destruction. Statistical analysis was done with non-parametric Wilcoxon, t test and SPSS since p < 0.05 was significant. Shear modulus was significantly reduced by thermodisinfection to 1.02 ± 0.31 GPa from 1.28 ± 0.68 GPa for unprocessed cancellous bone (p = 0.029) since thermodisinfection reduced pressure modulus not significantly from 6.30 ± 4.72 GPa for native specimens to 4.97 ± 2.23 GPa and maximum bending force was 270.03 ± 116.68 N for native and 228.80 ± 70.49 N for thermodisinfected cancellous bone. Shear and pressure modulus were reduced by thermodisinfection around 20 % and maximum bending force was impaired by about 15 % compared with native cancellous bone since only the reduction of shear modulus reached significance. The results suggest that thermodisinfection similarly affects different mechanic properties of cancellous bone and the reduction of mechanic properties should not relevantly impair clinical use of thermodisinfected cancellous bone.

Trabecular Metal Use in Paprosky Type 2 and 3 Acetabular Defects: 5-Year Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

The reconstructive challenge of achieving a stable acetabulum in revision total hip arthroplasties in the presence of major osteolytic lesions has led to debate about the most appropriate surgical strategy to minimize implant-related failures. Trabecular metal (TM) implants have become popular but ongoing surveillance of their performance is required.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical and radiological outcome of a consecutive series of 52 patients (55 hips) who had undergone revision total hip arthroplasty for Paprosky type 2 or 3 acetabular defects with TM revision acetabular shells between 2002 and 2008.

RESULTS

Four implant failures occurred (2 infections and 2 dislocations). Eleven patients from this cohort died (representing 12 hips) before the 5-year follow-up period giving us a follow-up of 78.2%. Implant survival at 5 years was 92% (95% confidence interval: 80.2%-96.9%). There were no cases of radiological loosening. The mean Oxford hip score was 34 (range, 5-48) at a mean follow-up of 63 months (range, 34-105 months).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the use of TM revision shells for complex acetabular reconstruction yields satisfactory results.

Satisfying outcomes scores and survivorship achieved with impaction grafting for revision THA in young patients

BACKGROUND

The increasing number of total hip arthroplasties (THAs) performed in younger patients will inevitably generate larger numbers of revision procedures for this specific group of patients. Unfortunately, no satisfying revision method with acceptable survivorship 10 years after revision has been described for these patients so far.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purposes of this study were to (1) analyze the clinical outcome; (2) complication rate; (3) survivorship; and (4) radiographic outcome of cemented revision THA performed with impaction bone grafting (IBG) on both the acetabular and femoral sides in one surgery in patients younger than 55 years old.

METHODS

During the period 1991 to 2007, 86 complete THA revisions were performed at our institution in patients younger than 55 years. In 34 of these 86 revisions (40%), IBG was used on both the acetabular and femoral sides in 33 patients. Mean patient age at revision surgery was 46.4 years (SD 7.6). No patient was lost to followup, but three patients died during followup. None of the deaths were related to the revision surgery. The mean followup for the surviving hips was 11.7 years (SD 4.6). We also analyzed complication rate.

RESULTS

The mean Harris hip score improved from 55 (SD 18) preoperatively to 80 points (SD 16) at latest followup (p = 0.009). Six hips underwent a rerevision (18%): in four patients, both components were rerevised; and in two hips, only the cup was revised. Patient 10-year survival rate with the endpoint of rerevision for any component for any reason was 87% (95% confidence interval [CI], 67%-95%) and with the endpoint of rerevision for aseptic loosening, the survival rate was 97% (95% CI, 80%-100%). In total six cups were considered radiographically loose, of which four were rerevised. Three stems were radiographically loose, of which none was rerevised.

CONCLUSIONS

IBG is a valuable biological revision technique that may restore bone stock in younger patients. Bone stock reconstruction is important, because these patients likely will outlive their revision implants. Bone reconstruction with impaction grafting may facilitate future revisions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study.

THA revisions using impaction allografting with mesh is durable for medial but not lateral acetabular defects

BACKGROUND

Most acetabular revisions are managed with cementless hemispherical or elliptical metal implants relying on bone ingrowth. Nonetheless, loss of acetabular bone stock and inability to achieve secure component fixation represent challenges in the setting of revision total hip arthroplasty. Impaction bone grafting (IBG) using allograft represents one option for treatment of this problem. However, cup migration and bone graft resorption are limitations when IBG is used for large segmental defects, and the precise role of IBG as well as the use of mesh (and the kinds of defects for which mesh does not work well) in this setting remains unknown.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We therefore evaluated patients undergoing acetabular revision surgery using IBG and a cemented cup in large bone defects to determine (1) the frequency with which the hip center could be restored in hips with Paprosky 3A and 3B defects and in hips with or without the use of metallic mesh during surgery; (2) survivorship of IBG acetabular-revision reconstructions in patients with severe Paprosky 3A and 3B defects; and (3) risk factors for failure of the reconstruction, including the use of mesh and defect severity (3A versus 3B).

METHODS

Between 1997 and 2009, we performed 226 acetabular revisions using IBG. During that time, indications for using IBG in this setting included Paprosky 3A and 3B defects without pelvic discontinuity. Of these, 204 (90.2%) were available for followup at a minimum of 5 years (mean, 10 years; range, 5-17 years). There were 100 hips with an intraoperative bone defect of Paprosky 3A and 104 with a 3B. Medial or rim acetabular uncontained defects were treated with medial and/or lateral metallic mesh in 142 hips. We determined the postoperative radiological cup position and acetabular reconstruction of the hip center according to Ranawat in both groups. We assessed the appearance of cup loosening and the possible risk factors with regression analysis.

RESULTS

Mean postoperative acetabular abduction angle and vertical, horizontal, and hip rotation center distances improved (p < 0.001 in all parameters). Nine hips showed radiological loosening in the group with bone defect 3A and 16 in Group 3B. The survival rate for loosening at 15 years was 83% (95% confidence interval [CI], 71%-95%) for Group 3A and 73% (95% CI, 60%-84%) for Group 3B (p = 0.04). The survivorship for loosening when using mesh or not at 15 years was: no mesh 89% (95% CI, 74%-99%), medial mesh 85% (95% CI, 72%-97%), lateral mesh 80% (95% CI, 67%-91%), and medial and lateral meshes 54% (95% CI, 31%-76%) (p = 0.008). After controlling the most relevant confounding variables we found that the most important factor associated with loosening was lateral mesh use (p = 0.008; hazard ratio, 2.942; 95% CI, 1.328-6.516).

CONCLUSIONS

IBG provides an improvement in reconstruction of the hip rotation center in acetabular revision surgery. Although results are good for contained or medial large defects, hips with a rim or lateral segmental defect may need other options for reconstruction of these challenging surgeries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Acetabular revision with impaction bone grafting and a cemented polyethylene acetabular component

We present the results of 62 consecutive acetabular revisions using impaction bone grafting and a cemented polyethylene acetabular component in 58 patients (13 men and 45 women) after a mean follow-up of 27 years (25 to 30). All patients were prospectively followed. The mean age at revision was 59.2 years (23 to 82).

We performed Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis and also a Competing Risk (CR) analysis because with long-term follow-up, the presence of a competing event (i.e. death) prevents the occurrence of the endpoint of re-revision.

A total of 48 patients (52 hips) had died or had been re-revised at final review in March 2011. None of the deaths were related to the surgery. The mean Harris hip score of the ten surviving hips in ten patients was 76 points (45 to 99).

The KM survivorship at 25 years for the endpoint ‘re-revision for any reason’ was 58.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 38 to 73) and for ‘re-revision for aseptic loosening’ 72.1% (95% CI 51 to 85). With the CR analysis we calculated the KM analysis overestimates the failure rate with respectively 74% and 93% for these endpoints. The current study shows that acetabular impaction bone grafting revisions provide good clinical results at over 25 years.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1338–44.

The accuracy of positioning of a custom-made implant within a large acetabular defect at revision arthroplasty of the hip

We evaluated the accuracy with which a custom-made acetabular component could be positioned at revision arthroplasty of the hip in patients with a Paprosky type 3 acetabular defect.

A total of 16 patients with a Paprosky type 3 defect underwent revision surgery using a custom-made trabecular titanium implant. There were four men and 12 women with a median age of 67 years (48 to 79). The planned inclination (INCL), anteversion (AV), rotation and centre of rotation (COR) of the implant were compared with the post-operative position using CT scans.

A total of seven implants were malpositioned in one or more parameters: one with respect to INCL, three with respect to AV, four with respect to rotation and five with respect to the COR.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in which CT data acquired for the pre-operative planning of a custom-made revision acetabular implant have been compared with CT data on the post-operative position. The results are encouraging.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:780–5.

A positive bacterial culture from allograft bone at implantation does not correlate with subsequent surgical site infection

Fresh-frozen allograft bone is frequently used in orthopaedic surgery. We investigated the incidence of allograft-related infection and analysed the outcomes of recipients of bacterial culture-positive allografts from our single-institute bone bank during bone transplantation. The fresh-frozen allografts were harvested in a strict sterile environment during total joint arthroplasty surgery and immediately stored in a freezer at -78º to -68º C after packing. Between January 2007 and December 2012, 2024 patients received 2083 allografts with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. The overall allograft-associated infection rate was 1.2% (24/2024). Swab cultures of 2083 allografts taken before implantation revealed 21 (1.0%) positive findings. The 21 recipients were given various antibiotics at the individual orthopaedic surgeon’s discretion. At the latest follow-up, none of these 21 recipients displayed clinical signs of infection following treatment. Based on these findings, we conclude that an incidental positive culture finding for allografts does not correlate with subsequent surgical site infection. Additional prolonged post-operative antibiotic therapy may not be necessary for recipients of fresh-frozen bone allograft with positive culture findings.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:427–31.