A radiological study of 3M Capital femoral hip prostheses: an analysis of factors predisposing to failure

We conducted a radiographic assessment of 180 flanged modular titanium alloy Capital femoral hip replacements. Six significant factors associated with failure are identified. The mean follow-up period was 7.9 years (2.1-16 years) and there were 26 (14%) radiographic failures irrespective of whether these were symptomatic or led to revision. Failure, if it is going to occur, is initiated early, within an average of 1.4 years, and becomes clinically evident very quickly; the remainder appear to sustain more likelihood of stable survival. This is the longest published follow-up and it suggests that the survival is better than indicated in some other series. If the identified prejudicial aspects of surgical technique had not been present, it follows that the results would have been better. Comparison with other published series is attempted.

Outcome after foot and ankle deformity correction using circular external fixation

BACKGROUND

External fixation is the method of choice for correction of chronic severe foot and ankle deformities. We report our experience and outcomes of circular external fixation.

METHODS

Fifty-five patients (60 feet) were treated with circular external fixation. The mean age at surgery was 36 (range 16 to 65) years. The mean followup was 4.4 (range 1 to 10) years. The mean time spent in external fixation was 2.1 (range 1 to 12) months.

RESULTS

There were six excellent, 35 good, eight fair, and six poor results, five of which had below knee amputations. All the patients who had an amputation were treated for infected nonunion of the ankle.

CONCLUSION

Circular external fixation was found to be an effective method for treating a variety of complex foot and ankle problems. The complications were more common in patients with infected nonunions.