Retrospective clinical and X-ray-based outcome analysis of a short-stem hip arthroplasty taking into account the operative learning curve over 7 years in the 3-year control course.

INTRODUCTION: Self-monitoring is crucial to work progressively with a high-quality standard. A retrospective analysis is a valuable tool for studying the postoperative outcome of a prosthesis and for evaluating the learning process for the surgeon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The learning process of one surgeon was analysed in 133 cases of hip arthroplasty. These were divided into seven groups representing the surgical years 2008-2014. Over the course of 3 postoperative years, a total of 655 radiographs were analysed at regarding three radiological quality parameters (centrum-collum-diaphyseal angle (CCD angle), intramedullary fit&fill ratio (FFR), and migration) and ancillary outcome parameters (Harris Hip Score (HHS), blood loss, operating time, and complications). This period was divided into five times: 1st-day post-op, 6 M, 12 M, 24 M, and 36 M. Bivariate Spearman's correlation analysis and pairwise comparisons were performed. RESULTS: The total collective achieved a proximal FFR of over 0.8. The distal prosthesis tip migrated and was located on the lateral cortex within the first months. The CCD angle initially showed a variation with a subsequent constant course. The HHS showed a significant increase (p < 0.001) to over 90 points postoperatively. Over time, the operating time and blood loss decreased. Intraoperative complications existed only at the beginning of the learning phase. A learning curve effect can be determined for almost all parameters by comparing the subject groups. CONCLUSIONS: Operative expertise was shown to gain through a learning curve, whereby postoperative results corresponded to the system philosophy of the short hip stem prosthesis. The distal FFR and the distal lateral distance could represent the principle of the prosthesis, which overall could be an interesting approach for verification of a new parameter.

Comparison of Short Stems Versus Straight Hip Stems: A Biomechanical Analysis of the Primary Torsional Stability.

Cementless straight stems show very good survival rates. However, the more distal force application of straight stems may lead to release-related proximal stress-shielding. Nevertheless, this technical brief had the objective of conducting a biomechanical in vitro analysis comparing short stems with established straight stems with respect to their primary torsional stability. Two cementless short hip stems and three cementless straight hip stems were implanted in n = 5 synthetic femora each. Torsional torques were applied into the hip stems at a continuous interval of ±7 Nm. Micromotions were measured by six inductive extensometers on four different measurement levels. At the proximal measuring point, significantly smaller relative micromotions of the CLS® prosthesis could be detected compared to all other stem models (p < 0.05). In all stem models, smallest relative micromotions were found at the metaphyseal/diaphyseal measuring point. Only at the measuring point of the distal tips of the straight stems, statistically significantly lower relative micromotion of the CLS® stem compared to the Trendhip® stem could be found (p < 0.01). All the investigated stems generally display a rather comparable anchoring pattern and an almost physiological force application. Since the comparatively long straight stems present an anchoring pattern nearly identical to that of the examined short stems, a shortening of the established straight stems could be taken into consideration. This would offer the advantage of minimally invasive surgery and bone-saving resection as well as preservation of cancellous bone in case a revision would become necessary.

Influence of muscle traction on the primary stability of a reverse humeral prosthesis.

Background: Currently, the influence of muscle traction on the postoperative stability of humeral prostheses is not adequately researched. This study analyzed the prosthesis' stability in vitro during muscle traction considering different bone defect sizes. Methods: The reverse humeral prosthesis "AEQUALIS™ ADJUSTABLE REVERSED" (Stryker) was implanted using press-fit into ten bones with a length of 200 mm and 160 mm. Subsequently, the models were torqued in 30 cycles using a universal testing machine (2 Nm - 6 Nm) and loaded axially to simulate muscle traction. The axial weight increased from 7.7 kg (pure muscle traction) over 40 kg (45-degree abduction) to 69.3 kg (90-degree abduction). The prosthesis' relative micromotion was simultaneously measured at three different measurement heights using high-sensitivity displacement transducers and compared to the relative micromotion without axial load. Results: It was found that a larger torsional moment was associated with a larger relative micromotion in both bone defects studied. However, the influence became significant (P < 0.014) in bone models with predominantly larger defect.Furthermore, no significant influence of muscle traction on relative micromotion could be detected for the larger bone models at any of the measurement levels (P = 1.000). In contrast, smaller bones showed no significant differences in muscle traction until a torsional moment of 6 Nm (P < 0.028). Conclusion: In conclusion, a larger torsional moment is associated with a higher relative micromotion and muscle traction, conclusively, has no effect on the primary stability of the reverse prosthesis for a 200 mm bone in vitro.

Development and validation of an algorithm to determine the minimal factors needed for non-invasive measurement of the in vivo primary stability of cementless hip implants.

Aseptic loosening is a frequent cause for revision of endoprosthesis. X-ray examinations like Radio-Stereometry-Analysis (RSA) are among the most widely used in vivo methods for its detection. Nevertheless, this method is not used routinely because of bone marker and related radiation exposure. This work aims at creating a new in vivo concept to detect implant stability measuring micromotions without x-ray and to develop a corresponding algorithm. Based on the assumption of contactless measurement, the input parameters for the algorithm are the distances of each ultrasound sensor to the object (prosthesis and bone) and its position. First, the number of parameters necessary for a precise reconstruction and measurement of micromotions between objects had to be defined. Therefore, the algorithm has been tested with simulations of these parameters. Two experimental measurements, either using contact sensors or ultrasound, were used to prove the accuracy of the algorithm. Simulations indicate a high accuracy with three distances as initial parameters for each object. Contact measurements show precise representation of micromotion, and the contactless measurements show the possibility of detecting various materials with a high resolution. This work lays the foundations for non-invasive detection of micromotions between the implant-bone interface.

Acoustical determination of primary stability of femoral short stem during uncemented hip implantation.

BACKGROUND: Preparing the medullary space of the femur aims to create an ideal form-fitting of cementless implants to provide sufficient initial stability, which is crucial for osseous integration, ensuring good long-term results. Hammering the implant into the proximal femur creates a press-fit anchoring of the endoprosthesis in the medullary space. Implanting the optimal size of the shaft for best fitting should avoid damage to the bone. Modified acoustic signals in connection with implantation are being detected by surgeons and might be related to the primary stability of the implant. METHODS: This study aims to explore the relationship between frequency sound patterns and the change in stem stability. For this purpose, n = 32 Metha® short stems were implanted in a clinical setting by the same surgeon. During implantation, the sounds were recorded. To define a change in the acoustic system response during the operation, the individual blows of the implantation sequence were correlated with one another. FINDINGS: An algorithm was able to subdivide through sound analysis two groups of hammer blows (area 1 and area 2) since the characteristics of these groups showed significant differences within the frequency range of 100 Hz to 24 kHz. The edge between both groups, detected by the algorithm, was validated with expert surgeons' classifications of the same data. INTERPRETATION: In conclusion, monitoring, the hammer blows sound might allow quantification of the primary stability of the implant. Sound analysis including patient parameters and a classification algorithm could provide a precise characterization of implant stability.

Press-fit reverse shoulder arthroplasty in case of advanced humeral bone loss - Is additional distal fixation necessary for primary stability?

BACKGROUND: Revision reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) poses considerable surgical challenges. We hypothesized that a newly developed press-fit stem, which is modeled on the medullary canal of the supracondylar region of the distal humerus by a slight distal bend, achieve both correct fit and sufficient primary stability and that additional distal fixation by interlocking screws is favorable in case of advanced humeral bone loss. METHODS: A modular tapered press-fit stem was implanted in 16 Sawbone humeri in three consecutively created defect situations (200 mm (experimental group type 3°), 160 mm (type 4°) and 120 mm (type 5°) bone length above the epicondylar line. In experimental groups type 4° and 5°, additional distal interlocking screw fixation with one to three screws was tested. Primary stability was investigated by measuring micromotions with a high-precision rotational setup. FINDINGS: Highest relative micromotions were noted at the proximal end in experimental groups type 3° and type 4°, whereas in type 5° highest micromotions could be seen at the distal end. Overall micromotions were significantly lower in type 3° and increased with extended defect size. In experimental group type 5°, micromotions increased with reduced additional distal screw fixation. INTERPRETATION: The examined press-fit stem did not provide sufficient primary rotational stability in all constructs without additional support. Advanced distal humeral bone loss had a strong impact on primary fixation. In experimental group type 5° with 120 mm bone remaining, it might be beneficial to use three distal interlocking screws in the supracondylar region in order to neutralize torque and to avoid early loosening.

How do the geometries of the broach handles relate to the distribution of force and moments in a femoral model?

The continuous improvement of minimally invasive hip endoprostheses surgery comes with a change in geometries of surgery instruments like the broach handles. Consequently, depending on the handles' curvature this results in a deviation between handle and femoral axis. Therefore, this study aimed to prove the influence of different handles' curvatures on the preparation of implant site and acting forces and moments in this process. Five femoral models attached to different handles (double-curved, single-curved, straight) were locked in a drop-weight device with standardize implantation forces and moments and five strokes were measured for each possible combination. Distribution of force and moment components was dependent on the handle's curvature, where the lowest variation from the standard force values was by the straight one (av:15.2% ± 0.5%) and the strongest discrepancies were exhibit by the double-curved one (av:54.3% ± 0.1%.). Moment values have also shown this trend with the lowest variation (12.4%-23.3%) by the straight one and the highest discrepancies (56,6%-90.9%) by the double-curved one. Results show that unguided axial impact introduces unwanted transverse forces and moments into the femur. Therefore, broach handles should be modified accordingly so that minimally invasive surgery remains feasible but unwanted forces or moments can still be compensated.

Effect of bearing friction torques on the primary stability of press-fit acetabular cups: A novel in vitro method.

Aseptic loosening is the main reason for revision of total hip arthroplasty, and relative micromotions between cementless acetabular cups and bone play an important role regarding their comparatively high loosening rate. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of resulting frictional torques on the primary stability of press-fit acetabular cups subjected to two different bearing partners. A cementless press-fit cup was implanted in bone-like foam. Primary stability of the cup was analyzed by determining spatial total, translational, and rotational interface micromotions by means of an eddy current sensor measuring system. Torque transmission into the cup was realized by three synchronous servomotors considering resultant friction torques based on constant friction for ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC: µ = 0.044; max. resultant torque: 1.5 Nm) and for ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP: µ = 0.063; max. resultant torque: 1.9 Nm) bearing partners. Rotational micromotion of CoC was 8.99 ± 0.85 µm and of CoP 13.39 ± 1.43 µm. Translational micromotion of CoC was 29.93 ± 1.44 µm and of CoP 39.91 ± 2.25 µm. Maximum total relative micromotions were 37.10 ± 1.07 µm for CoC and 51.64 ± 2.18 µm for CoP. Micromotions resulting from CoC were statistically lower than those resulting from CoP (p < 0.05). The described 3D-measuring set-up offers a novel in vitro method of measuring primary stability of acetabular cups. We can therefore conclude, that primary stability of acetabular cup systems can be observed using either the lower friction curve (CoC) or the higher friction curve (CoP). In future studies different cup designs or cup fixation mechanisms may be tested and compared in vitro and assessed prior to implantation. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2745-2753, 2018.

Analysis of the elastic bending characteristics of cementless short hip stems considering the valgus alignment of the prosthetic stem.

BACKGROUND: The resultant hip force causes a varus torque which must be compensated by a shear force couple depending on the stem alignment of the prosthesis. Since the prosthesis is substantially less flexible than the bone, the interior of the femur is stiffened over the entire prosthesis length. The present study thus aims at analyzing short-stem prostheses for its elastic bending characteristics, considering inappropriate valgus alignment of the prosthetic stem. METHODS: Five short stem prostheses were implanted each in synthetic femora in a standardized manner - in neutral and valgus stem alignments. Bending movements were recorded applying a tilting torque MX of ±3.5 Nm in medio-lateral direction. Variance analyses and Friedman tests were used. A P-value <.05 was considered statistically significant. FINDINGS: Bending movements b1-b6 showed significant differences (P < .05). It could be shown that different stem alignments (P < .05) and different measuring points had a highly significant influence (P < .001) on the relative movements. Compared to the AIDA®, the MiniHip™ as well as the Metha® stiffened the femur to a higher degree (P < .001). INTERPRETATION: Regarding the elastic bending behavior we see a relevant influence of the stems´ design. We conclude that the short-stem principle does not necessarily require the shortest possible prosthesis but rather a long and thin extending stem tip to optimize the lever ratios, ensuring a more physiological bending behavior of the femur. In addition, without sufficient anchoring of the prosthesis, the valgus stem alignment could favor tilting of the implant and should therefore be avoided.