Current concepts in total femoral replacement

Single-Institution Experience With Nononcologic Total Femoral Replacement

Background

Revision hip and knee arthroplasty volume continues to rise, and total femur replacement (TFR) remains a key salvage option in patients with extensive bone loss. Prior research has demonstrated mixed results of this procedure, and this study aimed to characterize the outcomes of nononcologic TFR in one of the largest single-center modern series.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 23 nononcologic TFR procedures performed on 22 patients between 2012 and 2021. Primary outcomes included TFR revision rate and indication for revision, while secondary outcomes included overall reoperation rate, complications, patient ambulatory status, and assistive device requirements.

Results

The average age at time of TFR was 65.7 years, with periprosthetic fracture (65.2%) and periprosthetic joint infection (34.8%) as predominant indications. More than half of patients (52.2%) required TFR revision, primarily due to periprosthetic joint infection (75.0%). Despite a high complication profile, only 1 patient underwent limb amputation and there was only 1 mortality during the study period. Overall, 63.6% of patients were ambulating (assisted or unassisted) at final follow-up.

Conclusions

Nononcologic TFR remains a viable limb-salvage option for patients undergoing revision arthroplasty with extensive bone loss. Despite a notable revision rate and infection risk, the majority of patients maintain or regain ambulatory function, emphasizing the procedure's role in preserving limb function. Clinicians should weigh potential complications when considering TFR, emphasizing patient counseling and risk mitigation strategies.

Intramedullary Total Femur via a Direct Anterior Approach for Complex Revision Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Total femur replacement is a well-recognized salvage procedure and an alternative to hip disarticulation in patients with massive femoral bone loss. Compared to conventional total femur replacement, intramedullary total femur (IMTF) requires less soft tissue dissection and preserves femoral bone stock and soft-tissue attachments. Despite these advantages, patients can still anticipate compromised functional outcomes and high complication rates following IMTF. Prior studies describe IMTF with the patient positioned laterally and utilizing posterior or anterolateral approaches to the hip. We describe our IMTF technique performed via the direct anterior approach in the supine position. In our experience, this is an effective method, with potential benefits including intraoperative limb length and rotational assessment, use of fluoroscopy, more convenient exposure of the knee, and potential lower rates of hip instability.

Comparative Outcomes and Failure Rates of Total Femur Replacement in Oncologic and Nononcologic Indications: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Total femur replacement (TFR) has become increasingly significant as a salvage procedure for both oncologic reconstruction and complex nononcologic conditions such as revision arthroplasty. Despite its effectiveness in limb salvage, TFR is associated with high complication and failure rates, which vary depending on the underlying indication.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases was conducted, focusing on studies that reported outcomes of TFR in oncologic and nononcologic cases. Primary outcomes included failure mode and rates according to the Henderson classification, functional outcomes scores, and mobility status. Data were analyzed using random-effects models and generalized linear mixed models.

RESULTS

A total of 35 studies involving 1,002 patients were included. The majority of TFRs were performed for oncologic reasons (63.7%). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 66%, with a limb salvage rate of 89%. The meta-analysis revealed a combined failure rate of 34%. For type 4 failures (infection), nononcologic patients exhibited a significantly higher rate at 18% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12%-26%, I2 = 46%, p < 0.01) compared with 8% in oncologic patients (95% CI, 6%-12%, I2 = 0%). Regarding combined types 1 to 4 failures, oncologic patients had a rate of 20% (95% CI, 25%-52%, I2 = 60%), whereas nononcologic patients faced a higher rate of 37% (95% CI, 12%-26%, I2 = 63%) (p < 0.05), indicating a significant difference. There were no significant differences in the MSTS score. In addition, there were no notable differences when comparing failure modes 1, 2, and 3 independently. Mobility analysis showed that approximately 70% of patients required walking aids after surgery.

CONCLUSION

TFR offers a valuable limb salvage option in both oncologic and nononcologic scenarios, despite its high failure rates. Although functional outcomes were similar between groups, the higher failure rate in nononcologic cases and the poor overall quality of evidence warrant further comprehensive assessments into predictors of outcomes to optimize results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Clinical outcomes of total femoral replacement. First Latin American experience

INTRODUCTION

The femur is frequently affected by primary and metastatic bone tumors. In cases with substantial bone loss, Total Femur Replacement (TFR) remains the only viable limb preservation option. This study investigates the clinical outcomes of TFR patients in a Latin American setting, with a minimum 3-year follow-up.

METHODS

Retrospective review identifying cases of TFR at a single center from 2009 to 2020. Patients who had TFR either due to oncological indications or complications arising from oncology-related surgeries were included. Data on the indications for surgery and post-operative complications were recorded. To assess functional status, the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) were used.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients met the inclusion criteria. Diagnoses included eight osteosarcomas, four chondrosarcomas, one Ewing sarcoma, and one giant cell tumor. Ten patients had undergone prior surgeries. Indication for TFR was a complication of a previous surgery in 78.6 % of cases. Post-TFR complications were experienced by 35.7 % of patients, requiring further surgeries. At the 3-year mark, average MSTS and TESS scores were 67.4 % and 70.8 %, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Total femur replacement serves as a valuable limb salvage solution for patients with significant femoral defects in oncological scenarios, however, there is a significant risk of complications. Given its potential benefits, it is essential for developing countries to consider incorporating TFR into their healthcare systems.

A Review of Phage Therapy for Bone and Joint Infections

There is a strong rationale for using phages in patients with bone and joint infections (BJIs). Indeed, specific phages can infect and replicate in bacterial pathogens and have also demonstrated their activity in vitro against biofilm produced by different bacteria. However, there is a high variability of the different clinical forms of BJI, and their management is complex and frequently includes surgery followed by the administration of antibiotics. Regardless of the availability of active phages, optimal ways of phage administration in patients with BJIs are unknown. Otherwise, all BJIs are not relevant for phage therapy. Except for diabetic foot infection, a BJI with bone exposure is potentially not a relevant indication for phage therapy. On the counterpart, prosthetic joint infections in patients for whom a multidisciplinary expert team judges a conservative approach as the best option to keep the patient's function seem to be a relevant indication with the hypothesis that phage therapy could increase the rate of infection control. The ESCMID Study Group for Non-traditional Antibacterial Therapy (ESGNTA) was created in 2022. One century after the first use of phages as a therapy, the phage therapy 2.0 era, with the possibility to evaluate personalized phage therapy in modern medicine and orthopedic surgery, is just open.

Intussusception Allograft Prosthetic Composites in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Salvage Operation for Extensive Femoral Bone Loss

BACKGROUND

Allograft prosthetic composites (APCs) have been used to perform revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) for massive femoral bone loss or deformity. Intussusception, or "telescoping", APC techniques have been proposed to enhance the contact area of this interface and provide superior mechanical fixation over conventional methods. The purpose of this study is to present to our knowledge, the largest series of telescoping APC THAs, along with surgical technique details and midterm (average 5-10 years) clinical results.

METHODS

Between 1994 and 2015, 46 revision THAs performed with proximal femoral telescoping APCs were retrospectively reviewed at a single institution. Overall survival, reoperation-free survival, and construct survival rates were calculated via Kaplan-Meier methods. In addition, radiographic analyses were performed to evaluate for component loosening, union at the APC-host interface, and resorption of the allograft.

RESULTS

At 10 years, the overall patient survival was 58%, reoperation-free survival was 76%, and construct survival was 95%. Reoperation was performed in 20% (n = 9) and only 2 constructs required resection. Radiographic analyses performed at latest follow-up revealed no instances of radiographic femoral stem loosening, an 86% union rate at the APC-host site, 23% with signs of some allograft resorption, and a 54% trochanteric union. The mean postoperative Harris hip score was 71 points (range, 46-100).

CONCLUSION

Telescoping APCs are technically demanding, but provide reliable mechanical fixation for the reconstructing of large proximal femoral bone deficits in revision THA with excellent construct survivorship, acceptable reoperation rates, and good clinical outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Revision Distal Femoral Replacement Using Custom-made Stem and Cone to Augment Proximal Fixation

Achieving bone fixation during megaprosthesis revision presents a formidable challenge in view of the substantial bone loss. We report treatment of a failed revision distal femoral replacement in an active 36-year-old male mechanic remotely treated for osteosarcoma. A custom stem and cone were manufactured to augment fixation and preserve bone stock within a short segment of the remaining proximal femur. The patient returned to regular function without the need for assistive devices. Follow-up imaging demonstrated stable implant fixation at 1-year follow-up. While cones and sleeves have vastly improved fixation in revision knee arthroplasty, a custom-made cone for the proximal femur was used to augment fixation of a revision megaprosthesis and obviate the use of a total femoral replacement.

Total femoral arthroplasty for non-oncological indications

Aims

Total femoral arthroplasty (TFA) is a rare procedure used in cases of significant femoral bone loss, commonly from cancer, infection, and trauma. Low patient numbers have resulted in limited published work on long-term outcomes, and even less regarding TFA undertaken for non-oncological indications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of all TFAs in our unit.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively from a large tertiary referral revision arthroplasty unit's database. Inclusion criteria included all patients who underwent TFA in our unit. Preoperative demographics, operative factors, and short- and long-term outcomes were collected for analysis. Outcome was defined using the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) outcome reporting tool.

Results

Overall, 38 TFAs were identified. The mean age was 73 years (42 to 80). All patients underwent TFA for non-oncological indications, most commonly as a consequence of infection (53%) and periprosthetic fracture (26%). The mean follow-up time was ten years (0 to 26); 63% of TFAs were considered a success based upon the MSIS outcome reporting tool. The mean time between TFA and death was 8.5 years (0.2 to 19.2), with two patients dying within one year of surgery. Within the cohort, 66% suffered at least one complication, dislocation being most common (37%); 55% of the total cohort required at least one subsequent operation. In total, 70% of TFAs undertaken for infection were considered infection-free at time of final follow-up. The percentage of mobile patients improved from 52% to 65% between pre- and postoperation, with all patients being able to at least transfer from bed to chair at time of final review.

Conclusion

This study is the largest in the UK assessing the use of TFA in patients with bone loss secondary to non-oncological conditions. It demonstrates that TFA has a significant complication profile, however it is favourable in terms of mortality and rehabilitation when compared to amputation and disarticulation.

Non-oncologic Total Femoral Arthroplasty: A Case Report

As patient longevity continues to improve, the rate of lower limb revision arthroplasties will continue to increase as patients outlive the expiration of their implants. With continued bone loss and reduced stability, there is a limit to the number of revision operations that can be performed. Total femoral arthroplasty (TFA) is an increasingly popular limb-salvaging alternative that can restore some degree of daily function to patients. This report presents a 73-year-old male with multiple right lower-limb operations following two extreme motorcycle accidents in the last 22 years. Due to continued pain and poor femoral bone stock following multiple total knee arthroplasty (TKA) revisions, a TFA was performed. The procedure was successful and post-operative expectations were met despite setbacks in immediate rehabilitation. Overall, TFA is an effective alternative to lower limb amputation in the setting of aseptic, non-oncologic bone loss following multiple knee revisions. However, careful management is necessary to reduce the risk of infection and other complications.

Proximal femoral replacement for non-neoplastic conditions: a systematic review on current outcomes

Proximal femoral replacement (PFR) is a well-established treatment for neoplasia of the proximal femur. The use of this surgical technique for non-neoplastic conditions has increased over the years. We carried out a systematic review of the literature to study the indications, complications, and functional results when PFR is used for non-neoplastic conditions. Twenty-seven studies were included in the review with a total of 828 PFRs with a mean follow-up of 50 months (range 1-225 months). The main indications were infection (28%), periprosthetic fracture (27%), aseptic loosening (22%), and fracture (16%). The rate of reoperation was 20.3% overall. The overall revision rate was 15.4%. The main complications were dislocation (10.2%) and infection (7.3%). After 2010, the rates of reoperation (25.5% versus 18.2%), loosening (9.4% versus 3.2%), and dislocation (15.7% versus 7.9%) were lower than before 2010. The 30-day mortality ranged from 0% to 9%. The hip function scores improved post-surgery. In conclusion, the use of PFR in non-neoplastic conditions remains a marginal tool, associated with low direct mortality and high complication rates, but we expect its use to increase in the near future.

The Use of Megaprostheses in Nononcologic Lower-Extremity Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Critical Analysis Review

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As the number of primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA) procedures continues to rise, megaprostheses have found an emerging role in more complex revision arthroplasty cases that require additional reconstruction, stability, and restoration of function.

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Megaprosthesis options have evolved: in addition to cemented prostheses, cementless and even hybrid fixation designs optimize longevity. Proximal femoral replacement (PFR), distal femoral replacement (DFR), proximal tibial replacement (PTR), and total femoral replacement (TFR) are all limb salvage options in the setting of substantial bone loss, poor bone quality, and soft-tissue compromise.

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Dislocation is one of the most common complications after PFR, likely due to the loss of soft-tissue integrity, most notably the hip abductor musculature from the greater trochanter. The utilization of dual-mobility constructs, larger femoral heads, elevated acetabular liners, and constrained acetabular liners may reduce the risk of instability and improve overall hip function.

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Patients with megaprostheses may be more prone to periprosthetic joint infection and surgical site infection given multiple variables, such as the lengthy nature of the surgical procedure, prolonged wound exposure, extensive soft-tissue dissection and resection, poor soft-tissue coverage, and poorer host status.

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Despite advances in technology, complication and revision rates remain high after megaprosthesis reconstruction. Therefore, thorough attention to patient-specific factors must be considered for appropriate use of these constructs.

Total Femoral Replacement for Complicated Echinococcus Infection: Sixteen-Year Follow-up

CASE

Osseous hydatidosis caused by Echinococcus is rare, especially in long bones. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third femoral hydatidosis case with successful osseous eradication through total femoral resection and total femoral megaprosthesis. Unlike the previous 2 cases, we uniquely illustrate recurrent soft-tissue hydatidosis episodes requiring additional hydatid resections for local control with no evidence of disease at final 16-year follow-up, the longest follow-up period of the 3 reported cases.

CONCLUSION

Despite radical bone resection for osseous hydatidosis eradication, additional complex surgical interventions may be needed to locally control soft-tissue disease.

Total Femoral Replacement- A Case Report

Total femoral replacement(TFR) is a well-recognized salvage procedure performed after multiple failed endoprosthetic replacements, which result in severely compromised bone stock and damaged structural integrity. TFR is performed as an alternative to lower limb amputation, restoring femoral integrity and enabling patients to resume ambulation. TFR is expected to be performed more frequently as the worldwide rate of revision arthroplasty increases due to improved patient survival rates and their underlying diseases, exceeding the functional life of endoprosthetic arthroplasty. We present a 74-year-old, overweight woman with an extensive surgical history with respect to her right knee. Her right lower extremity x-rays showed a long-cemented stem knee tumour prosthesis and a Garden 4 subcapital fracture of the ipsilateral hip. Due to multiple surgeries of the knee and femur in the past, a total femoral replacement was required to be performed. The procedure was successful, and the expected outcome was met. A successful procedure performed by a skilled and experienced surgical team, a thorough rehabilitation program, and prompt post-operative management of complications, can overcome the high incidence of infection and dislocation to preserve the limb with improved functionality and reduce pain. TFR is a drastic operative intervention that can preserve the quality of life for most patients.

Total femur replacement in a patient with chronic persistence osteomyelitis - A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Total femoral replacement (TFR) is a salvage surgical procedure that has been indicated mainly for oncologic indication to avoid lower limb amputation but has recently been indicated for non-oncological disorders.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of a 63-year-old male with chronic osteomyelitis of the left femur, severe pain and bone deformation, the risk of amputation in this patient was very high. The patient underwent total femur replacement (TFR) with a modular mega-prosthesis. TFR was conducted in two phases. The first one consists of femur resection followed by placement of antibiotic cement; and the second operation was performed after 7 weeks, in which a modular mega-prosthesis was implanted. After a 2-month rehabilitation period, the patient recovered basic ambulation without any complaint of pain or detectable residual infection. The 1-year follow-up was uneventful, with no residual pain or infection. The patient retains normal ambulation and daily function.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Chronic persistent osteomyelitis is a hard to manage non-neoplastic disorder that leads to amputation in severe cases. In such patients, TFR would be considered as a salvage therapy that could preserve the patient's anatomical integrity and ambulation.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of TFR for treatment of chronic persistent osteomyelitis in Vietnam. While TFR are still mainly indicated for oncology patients, TFR is anticipated to be performed more frequently for non-oncological disorders where there are extensive femoral bone loss and risk of amputation.

Interlocking reconstruction-mode stem-sideplates preserve at-risk hips with short residual proximal femora

AIMS

We have evaluated the survivorship, outcomes, and failures of an interlocking, reconstruction-mode stem-sideplate implant used to preserve the native hip joint and achieve proximal fixation when there is little residual femur during large endoprosthetic reconstruction of the distal femur.

METHODS

A total of 14 patients underwent primary or revision reconstruction of a large femoral defect with a short remaining proximal femur using an interlocking, reconstruction-mode stem-sideplate for fixation after oncological distal femoral and diaphyseal resections. The implant was attached to a standard endoprosthetic reconstruction system. The implant was attached to a standard endoprosthetic reconstruction system. None of the femoral revisions were amenable to standard cemented or uncemented stem fixation. Patient and disease characteristics, surgical history, final ambulatory status, and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score were recorded. The percentage of proximal femur remaining was calculated from follow-up radiographs.

RESULTS

All 14 at-risk native hip joints were preserved at a mean final follow-up of 6.0 years (SD 3.7), despite a short residual femur, often after proximal osteotomies through the lesser trochanter. Overall, 13 of 14 stems had long-term successful fixation. Eight patients required no reoperation. Three patients required reoperation due to implant-related issues, and three patients required reoperation for wound healing problems or infection. There were no dislocations or fractures. At final follow-up the mean MSTS score was 24.9 (SD 4.1). Nine patients required no ambulation aids, and only one had a Trendelenburg gait.

CONCLUSION

This interlocking, reconstruction-mode stem-sideplate reliably preserves native hip joint anatomy and function after large femoral resection with a short remaining proximal femur, both in the primary and revision setting. This is particularly important for preventing or delaying total femoral arthroplasty in young patients after oncological reconstruction. Hip abductor strength and function could be maintained by this method, and the risk of dislocation eliminated. The success of this technique in this modest series should be verified in a larger collaborative study and will be of interest to revision surgeons and oncologists. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):398-404.

Nonmechanical Revision Indications Portend Repeat Limb-Salvage Failure Following Total Femoral Replacement

BACKGROUND

There is scant evidence to guide decision-making for patients considering total femoral replacement (TFR). We aimed to identify the indication, patient, disease, and surgical technique-related factors associated with failure. We hypothesized that failure occurs more frequently in the setting of revision surgical procedures, with infection as the predominant failure mode.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients receiving total femoral endoprostheses for oncological and revision arthroplasty indications; 166 patients met these criteria. Our primary independent variable of interest was TFR for a revision indication (arthroplasty or limb salvage); the primary outcome was failure. Analyses were performed for patient variables (age, sex, diagnosis group, indication), implant variables (model, decade, length, materials), and treatment variables. We analyzed TFR failures with respect to patient factors, operative technique, and time to failure. We conducted bivariate logistic regressions predicting failure and used a multivariate model containing variables showing bivariate associations with failure.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients (27%) had treatment failure. Failure occurred in 24 (23%) of 105 primary TFRs and in 20 (33%) of 61 revision TFRs; the difference was not significant (p = 0.134) in bivariate analysis but was significant (p = 0.044) in multivariate analysis. The mean age at the time of TFR was 37 years in the primary group and 51 years in the revision group (p = 0.0006). Of the patients who had mechanical failure, none had reoccurrence of their original failure mode, whereas all 8 patients from the nonmechanical cohort had reoccurrence of the original failure mode; this difference was significant (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

TFR has a high failure rate and a propensity for deep infection, especially in the setting of revision indications and prior infection. All failed TFRs performed for revision indications for infection or local recurrence failed by reoccurrence of the original failure mode and resulted in amputation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

High complication and revision rates after total femoral replacement: a retrospective single center analysis of indication, function, and complication

INTRODUCTION

Total femoral replacement (TFR) is a limb salvage procedure performed for large bony defects. However, it is often associated with major complications and reduced function. Data on limb preservation rates and functional outcomes after TFR are limited. The primary objective of this study is to assess indications, functional outcomes, and complications after TFR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed all patients after TFR between 2006 and 2016. All patients received a modular mega endoprosthesis (MUTARS^®). Patients were grouped according to their initial indication for TFR: (1) fracture, (2) tumor, or (3) infection. We evaluated (i) patient survival, (ii) postoperative function with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS), knee strength, range of motion, and (iii) complications.

RESULTS

Between 2006 and 2016, TFR was performed in 22 patients with a mean age of 64 +/-17 years. Indications for TFR were tumor (n = 6), infection (n = 8) and fracture (n = 8). The mean follow-up (f/up) was 18 months. At final follow-up, mean MSTS was 24%. Mean knee flexion strength was reduced 63% compared to the contralateral leg (p = 0.004). At time of final f/up, 5 patients (22%) died, 5 (22%) underwent secondary hip exarticulation, and 12 (54%) suffered a major complication. At f/up, 11 patients had infections. Of these 11 patients, 5 died, 4 were treated with debridement, and 5 were treated with hip exarticulation. Fifteen patients survived with preserved limbs at f/up.

CONCLUSION

TFR is a salvage procedure with limited functional outcome and high complication rates. Nevertheless, the majority of our cohort could be treated successfully with limb salvage.

[Total endoprosthetic replacement of femur, humerus and tibia]

Improvements in diagnostics and effectiveness of chemotherapy have resulted in most patients with primary malignant bone tumours being candidates for limb salvage surgery. Herewith, the use of modern modular tumour endoprostheses allows for the replacement of all big joints and even entire long bones such as the femur, humerus and tibia. In this article, we focus on individual prerequisites for and challenges with performing a total endoprosthetic reconstruction of the above-mentioned anatomic structures. Additionally, data from the literature with regards to functional outcome, problems and complications are presented.

Mechanisms of failure and survival of total femoral endoprosthetic replacements

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prosthesis characteristics and associated conditions that may modify the survival of total femoral endoprosthetic replacements (TFEPR).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 81 patients treated with TFEPR from 1976 to 2017 were retrospectively evaluated and failures were categorized according to the Henderson classification. There were 38 female patients (47%) and 43 male patients (53%) with a mean age at diagnosis of 43 years (12 to 86). The mean follow-up time was 10.3 years (0 to 31.7). A survival analysis was performed followed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression to identify independent implant survival factors.

RESULTS

The revision-free survival of the implant was 71% at five years and 63.3% at ten years. Three prostheses reached 15 years without revision. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score in the group was 26 (23 to 28). The mechanisms of failure were infection in 18%, structural failures in 6%, tumour progression in 5%, aseptic loosening in 2%, and soft-tissue failures in 1%. Prostheses used for primary reconstruction after oncological resections had lower infection rates than revision implants (8% vs 25%; p = 0.001). The rates of infection in silver-coated and non-silver-coated prosthesis were similar (17.4% vs 19.%; p = 0.869). The incidence of hip dislocation was 10%. Rotating hinge prosthesis had a lower failure rate than fixed hinge prosthesis (5.3% vs 11%). After Cox regression, the independent factors associated with failures were the history of previous operations (hazard ratio (HR) 3.7; p = 0.041), and the associated arthroplasty of the proximal tibia (HR 3.8; p = 0.034). At last follow-up, 11 patients (13%) required amputation.

CONCLUSION

TFEPR offers a reliable reconstruction option for massive bone loss of the femur, with a good survival when the prosthesis is used as a primary implant. The use of a rotating hinge at the knee and dual mobility bearing at the hip may be adequate to reduce the risk of mechanical and soft-tissue failures. Infection remains the main concern and there is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of silver-coated endoprosthesis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:522-528.

Daptomycin Plus Fosfomycin as Salvage Therapy in a Difficult-to-Treat Total Femoral Replacement Infection

The highly active anti-biofilm combination of daptomycin plus fosfomycin was successfully used in a difficult-to-treat infection of a total femoral replacement caused by multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis in a 79-year-old woman. There was no need to remove the orthopedic hardware, and the patient is currently pain free and able to walk.

Head salvage of an infected neck of femur fracture in an adult: a case report

Head preservation of an infected neck of femur fracture appears to be extremely rare with no described cases in literature till date. We present the outcome of head salvage in a young adult with an infected neck of femur nonunion who in addition had chronic osteomyelitic sequelae of his entire femur with reactivation of latent infection in the distal femoral diaphysis. Osteosynthesis was performed by means of cancellous screw fixation augmented with bone substitute following a failed attempt at salvage with a valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy. The patient had an excellent functional outcome with near normal hip range of movements at a follow-up of 5 years after union.

Ewing Sarcoma of the Femur

A 26-year-old active woman with knee pain was seen by her primary care physician and diagnosed with patellofemoral pain (PFP). Radiographs of the knee were interpreted as noncontributory. Her knee symptoms continued, and 8 weeks later she was referred to a physiatrist, who confirmed the PFP diagnosis and referred her to physical therapy. Repeat radiographs revealed a destructive mass involving the diaphysis of the femur and surrounding soft tissue. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging further characterized the mass as an aggressive bone lesion, and biopsy confirmed that it was Ewing sarcoma. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(7):594. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.7835.

Is total femoral replacement for non-oncologic and oncologic indications a safe procedure in limb preservation surgery? A single center experience of 22 cases

Background

Several surgical options for the reconstruction of massive bone defects have been described and include biologic methods with autografts and allografts, and the use of tumor endoprostheses (total femoral replacement, TFR). Several types of modular TFR are available, but nevertheless unpredictable outcomes and high complication rates have been described from most authors. The present study aims to compare results after TFR performed with modular total femur prosthesis MML (Fa. ESKA/Orthodynamics) in patients with and without malignant disease.

Methods

Retrospective chart review and functional investigation (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, Harris Hip Score (HHS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), SF-12 Health Survey, and failure classification according to Henderson) of TFR cases from 1995 to 2011. Indications for TFR were malignant tumor resection from the femur (n = 9, Group A) or failure of a revision arthroplasty without history of malignant disease (n = 13, Group B).

Results

Thirty-six patients were treated during the study period, of whom 22 could be investigated clinically after a mean follow-up of 63 months. Overall failure rate for TFR was 59.1%, leading to 38 surgical revisions. The most common failure mechanisms were Type I (soft tissue), followed by Type IV (infection) and Type III (mechanical failure). Mean MSTS score out of 30 was 13 (range 1–25), with significantly higher scores in Group A (mean 19, range 3–25) than Group B (mean 9, range 1–15).

Conclusion

TFR is an established procedure to restore femoral integrity. However, complication rates are considerably high, and depend mainly on the age at initial reconstruction.

Short- to long-term follow-up of total femoral replacement in non-oncologic patients

BACKGROUND

Compromised bone stock and heavily impaired structural integrity after multiple endoprosthetic revision surgeries can lead to a comparable condition as encountered in musculoskeletal tumor surgery. Total femoral replacement (TFR) can restore femoral integrity and allow patients to resume ambulation. Even though several authors reported their results of TFR, so far many questions are still on debate: Which patients are at risk to experience low functional outcome? Do complications and clinical outcome after TFR depend on the indication for the surgery (e.g. periprosthetic fractures or aseptic loosening) or the age of the patients? The purpose of the present study was to compare complication rates after TFR performed with modular total femur prosthesis MML (Fa. ESKA/Orthodynamics) in patients without malignant disease.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review and functional investigation of patients treated with a TFR for non-oncologic conditions from 1995 to 2015 and a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Complications were recorded according to the Henderson-Classification; outcome was evaluated with established clinical scores. The indication for TFR was periprosthetic fracture (Group A, n = 11) or aseptic loosening (Group B, n = 7) with massive bone defect of the femur deemed unsuitable for conventional arthroplastic or biologic reconstruction.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients matched the inclusion criteria and could be investigated clinically after a mean follow-up of 80 months (range: 28-132). Before TFA, all patients had previously undergone multiple operations (range: 1-8). The overall failure rate for any reason was 72% (n = 13/18), leading to a total of 37 surgical revisions with total exchange of TFR in 22% (n = 4/18). Most common failure mechanism was Type I (soft tissue), followed by Type IV (infection) and Type III (mechanical failure). According to Enneking's functional evaluation method (MSTS-Score), the function ranged from 1 to 15 with a mean of 10 ± 4 out of 30.

CONCLUSION

TFR is a salvage procedure to restore mechanical integrity and regain functional ability after extensive femoral bone loss. Outcome of the patients in the present study did mainly depend on the age at reconstruction and not on the indication for TFR.