Retrospective survival analysis of the use of uncemented modular tapered stems for revision in periprosthetic Vancouver B-type fractures. Is instability a threat to survival?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Periprosthetic hip fractures show increasing incidence and complexity, representing a challenge for the surgeon. We aimed to evaluate the survival of uncemented modular tapered stems in the treatment of periprosthetic Vancouver B2 and B3 type fractures and review the main complications and factors associated with decreased survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of patients submitted to revision arthroplasty for treatment of periprosthetic femoral stem Vancouver B2 and B3 type fractures with an uncemented modular fluted tapered stem (MRP-Titan). Demographic and radiographic parameters were analyzed. The survival rate (free of reoperation) was calculated at 2- and 5-years using the Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients were included with a mean age of 73.5 years and a mean follow-up of 5 years. Arthroplasty survivorship at 2 years was 73.7% and at 5 years was 67.5% (mean 8.4 years; range 6.7-10.2). Survivorship was inferior in the patients with episodes of instability (mean 2.5 years; range 0-5.42) (p<0.001). At least one episode of instability occurred in 26.3% of patients and 60% of these patients had a femoral head size 32mm or lower. At least one episode of instability occurred in 71.4% of patients with a greater trochanter fracture (p=0.008). The consolidation rate was 90.6% and the mortality rate was 23.7%. In the group of patients that died, 55.6% were submitted to at least one revision surgery (p=0.044).

CONCLUSION

Survivorship of an uncemented modular stem (MRP-Titan) in revision for PHF is significantly reduced by episodes of instability.

Revision shoulder arthroplasty from resurfacing to non-cemented short-stem reverse prosthesis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the surgical parameters and the clinical and radiological outcomes of revisions of resurfacing shoulder arthroplasty to non-cemented short-stem reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 23 revisions from resurfacing shoulder arthroplasty to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty were performed. The mean age was 70.3±11.95 years. The patients included 82.6% (19/23) revised for cuff failure; 13.04% (3/23) cuff failure and aseptic loosening, and 4.35% (1/23) peri-prosthetic fracture. The need for humeral osteotomy or structural allograft, operation length, blood loss, blood transfusions and intraoperative fractures were recorded. Minimum follow-up 25 months.

RESULTS

No humeral osteotomy or humeral structural allograft was required, and 2/23 (8.69%) required allograft for glenoid reconstruction. The mean operation time was 113.35±21.30minutes. Intra-operative blood loss was 374±245.09 mls. Blood transfusion was required in one case. Intra-operative fracture occurred in 1 case. The Constant score improved from 17.32 to 59.78 (age/sex adjusted, 84). Overall satisfaction improved from 1.37 to 8.04. The range of motion increased 79.57° in forward elevation; 72.88° in abduction; 38.06° in internal rotation; and 13.57° in external rotation. There was no evidence of radiolucency, subsidence, or bone resorption.

CONCLUSION

Revisions of resurfacing implants to non-cemented short-stem reverse prosthesis show good clinical and radiological outcomes, with minimal intra-operative complexities.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, case series.