Effects of various types of ultrasound therapy in hip osteoarthritis - a double-blind, randomized, controlled, follow-up study.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of various types of ultrasound therapy (UST) on pain, function, and quality of life in patients with hip osteoarthritis. METHODS: Seventy-one patients receiving conventional physiotherapy (exercise, massage, and balneotherapy), were randomly allocated into four treatment groups: (1) continuous UST, (2) pulsed UST, (3) UST combined with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), (4) placebo UST. We evaluated the hip pain (Visual Analog Scale), medication use, functional impairment (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index; 6-minute walking test) and quality of life (SF-36) before, right after the treatments, and at 3 months follow-up. RESULTS: Resting pain improved significantly in all treatment groups at the follow-up visit compared to baseline (p (group1-4) ≤0.002). The proportion of patients achieving Minimal Clinically Important Improvement (MCII) in function at month 3 was the highest in group 3 (73%). The 6-minute walking test significantly improved in each group during the follow-up period (p (group1-4) ≤ 0.025). Pain (p (group1-4) ≤ 0.014) and general health domains of the SF-36 showed the greatest improvement (p (group 2-4) ≤ 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference among the effects of various types of UST on pain, function, and quality of life in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis. Additional ultrasound treatment is not likely to increase the effect of the conventional therapy on pain and function in hip osteoarthritis.

Result of cementless total hip arthroplasty in a patient with osteopoikilosis, hip dysplasia and advanced osteoarthritis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Osteopoikilosis (OPK) is a rare benign sclerosing bone dysplasia and is often incidentally found on plain radiography. OPK generally does not require treatment. Nevertheless, osteonecrosis or degenerative joint disease can occur in the setting of OPK, and little is known with regard to the longevity of arthroplasty prostheses implanted into OPK-bearing bones. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old male presented with progressive right hip pain in 2012. He was diagnosed with coexisting osteopoikilosis and developmental dysplasia of the right hip with advanced osteoarthritis after a series of imaging studies including radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and bone scan. A cementless total hip arthroplasty was performed to treat his right hip pain. Radiographs at eight-year follow-up showed the prosthetic components were well-fixed. Harris hip score of the patient's right hip was 93. The patient can walk without assistance and work as a construction worker. CONCLUSION: Cementless arthroplasty can be considered in patients with hip arthropathies and co-existing osteopoikilosis. Continued follow-up is required to establish the long-term results.

Tratamiento conservador de la artrosis de cadera / Conservative treatment of hip osteoarthritis

Ante un escenario clínico de coxalgia por artrosis de cadera se planteó la necesidad de conocer los tratamientos con-servadores más seguros y efectivos para el manejo del dolor. El tratamiento de la artrosis requiere un enfoque integral e individualizado en función de las preferencias del paciente para lograr el máximo beneficio clínico. Existen numerosas estrategias útiles para el manejo del dolor en pacientes con artrosis de cadera siendo fuertemente recomendados de inicio la actividad física, los antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINE) orales y en ciertos casos los corticoides intraarticulares, tramadol o duloxetina, siempre asociado con la actividad física. Los ejercicios más recomendados son los aeróbicos y el Tai Chi o yoga. (AU)

Faced with a clinical scenario of coxalgia due to hip osteoarthritis, the need to know the safest and most effective conservative treatments for pain management arose. The treatment of osteoarthritis requires a comprehensive and individualised approach based on the patient's preferences to achieve maximum clinical benefit. There are numerous useful strategies for pain management in patients with hip osteoarthritis being strongly recommended from the beginning such as physical activity, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and in certain cases intra-articular corticosteroids, tramadol or duloxetine, always associated with physical activity. The most recommended exercises are aerobics and Tai Chi or yoga. (AU)

Analgesic Effect of Duloxetine on an Animal Model of Monosodium Iodoacetate-Induced Hip Osteoarthritis.

We investigated the efficacy of duloxetine on hyperalgesia, histopathological and radiographic findings, pain-related sensory innervation of dorsal-root ganglia (DRG), and spinal changes in a rat model of induced hip osteoarthritis (OA). The right hip joints of male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6 rats/group) in the Sham group were injected with 25 µl of sterile saline and 25 µl of sterile saline with 2 mg of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) were injected to the MIA + Vehicle and MIA + Duloxetine groups. We injected duloxetine 20 mg/kg intraperitoneally in the MIA + Duloxetine group 28 days after injection, whereas rats in the MIA + Vehicle group were injected with 0.5 ml of 20% dimethyl sulfoxide. We assessed hyperalgesia, histopathological changes, immunoreactive (-ir) neurons for calcitonin gene-related peptide and activating transcription factor 3 in DRG, and immunoreactive neurons for ionized-calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. MIA administration into the hip joint let to mechanical hyperalgesia of the ipsilateral hind paw (p < 0.05). A single injection of duloxetine significantly attenuated it in induced hip OA (p < 0.05) and suppressed the number of Iba1-ir microglia of the ipsilateral dorsal horn (p < 0.05). These results suggest that a single injection of duloxetine suppressed mechanical hyperalgesia and may influence the expression of Iba1 in the microglia of the ipsilateral dorsal horn in the MIA-induced hip OA. This finding implies the inhibitory effects of duloxetine against neuropathic pain, which may lead to a change of microglial activities. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:422-430, 2020.

Unpicking observational relationships between hip shape and osteoarthritis: hype or hope?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review recent findings concerning the observational relationship between hip shape and hip osteoarthritis (HOA) and their shared genetic influences, and the potential for clinical application. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent observational studies have strengthened the evidence that specific shape deformities, such as cam and acetabular dysplasia, are related to HOA. Statistical shape modelling has emerged as a method to measure hip shape holistically, with the added advantage that this can be applied to dual X-ray absorptiometry scan images. This has led to several additional aspects of hip shape variation being identified, such as a wider femoral neck and larger lesser trochanter, in association with HOA. Furthermore, this method has formed the basis of genetic studies identifying novel genetic influences on hip shape, several of which are shared with known genetic risk factors for HOA. SUMMARY: Shared genetic influences of hip shape and HOA raise the possibility that hip shape plays a casual role in the development of HOA, justifying preventive approaches aiming to combat these adverse consequences.

Magnetic resonance imaging T1 and T2 mapping provide complementary information on the bone mineral density regarding cancellous bone strength in the femoral head of postmenopausal women with osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Since bone mass is not the only determinant of bone strength, there has been increasing interest in incorporating the bone quality into fracture risk assessments. We aimed to examine whether the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T1 or T2 mapping value could provide information that is complementary to bone mineral density for more accurate prediction of cancellous bone strength. METHODS: Four postmenopausal women with hip osteoarthritis underwent 3.0-T MRI to acquire the T1 and T2 values of the cancellous bone of the femoral head before total hip arthroplasty. After the surgery, the excised femoral head was portioned into multiple cubic cancellous bone specimens with side of 5 mm, and the specimens were then subjected to microcomputed tomography followed by biomechanical testing. FINDINGS: The T1 value positively correlated with the yield stress (σy) and collapsed stress (σc). The T2 value did not correlate with the yield stress, but it correlated with the collapsed stress and strength reduction ratio (σc/σy), which reflects the progressive re-fracture risk. Partial correlation coefficient analyses, after adjusting for the bone mineral density, showed a statistically significant correlation between T1 value and yield stress. The use of multiple coefficients of determination by least squares analysis emphasizes the superiority of combining the bone mineral density and the MRI mapping values in predicting the cancellous bone strength compared with the bone mineral density-based prediction alone. INTERPRETATION: The MRI T1 and T2 values predict cancellous bone strength including the change in bone quality.

Rehabilitation of Patients with Hip Joint Arthroplasty (Late Post-surgery Period - Hospital Rehabilitation).

BACKGROUND: Hip joint replacement (endoprosthesis, alloplasty) has become one of the most frequent surgery interventions of the 20th century. AIM: To conduct rehabilitation therapy in the late post-surgery period of hospital rehabilitation (45 days after surgery), to track patients' progress and measure the results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty-two patients with hip joint endoprosthesis were included in the study. All underwent surgery and rehabilitation at the Department of Clinical Rehabilitation of the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic at Doctor G. Stranski University Hospital, Pleven. Kinesitherapy included therapeutic massage, isometric exercises for gluteal and hip muscles, isotonic exercises for the hip and the knee joint, breathing exercises, analytical gymnastics, exercises for balance and posture stability; gait control, exercises with gym equipment; occupational exercises included all activities of daily living (ADL) that were practiced at home; treatment with performed physical factors included applying magnetic field, interferential current therapy, electrostimulation of the m. quadriceps femoris and the gluteal muscles. RESULTS: The scores from the pain visual analog scale (VAS), the muscle strength test and the test for the movement volume of the hip joint were obtained at the beginning and at the end of the rehabilitation process and stored in an individual file for each patient. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that the complex rehabilitation program (kinesitherapy, performed physical factors and occupational therapy) can result in a considerably faster recovery and ensures that patients reach optimal functional results.

A randomised, controlled clinical study on total hip arthroplasty using 4 different bearings: results after 10 years.

PURPOSE: To compare 4 different bearings in total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a randomised controlled clinical study on clinical performance. METHODS: 393 patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or avascular necrosis were included and allocated to 1 of the head-and-cup couples zirconia-on-polyethylene (group A), metal-on-metal (group B), zirconia-on-polyethylene with the liner moulded into the shell (group C), or alumina-on-alumina (group D). In the individual case the surgeon could choose other implants if indicated. RESULTS: 299 patients were operated with the allocated prosthesis. The estimated cumulated prosthesis survival percentages and 95% confidence interval after 10 years were: group A 84.6 (75.8-93.4); group B 95.0 (89.5-100); group C 93.2 (86.7-99.7); group D 66.1 (54.5-77.7). The patients' physical function was significantly improved and remained equally good in all 4 groups, however slightly declining with ageing. The luxation rate was initially high, and equal between the groups, but was reduced by improving the surgical procedure introducing capsule repair by reinsertion of the short external hip rotators. CONCLUSIONS: The metal-on-metal or zirconia-on-polyethylene prostheses had high 10-year survival percentages. The longevity of these bearing couples by themselves was not related to the combination of materials. The zirconia-on-polyethylene prosthesis with the liner mounted peroperatively possibly exhibited cases of backside wear which the corresponding bearing couple with moulded polyethylene (Asian) did not. The alumina-on-alumina bearing performed poorly - it was redesigned after our study initiation and later withdrawn from the market.

3rd generation alumina-on-alumina in modular hip prosthesis: 13 to 18 years follow-up results.

INTRODUCTION: Ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) couplings are alternative bearings surfaces that have been reported to reduce osteolysis, wear debris and aseptic loosening compared to the use of polyethylene. Early experiences with ceramics had poor results, but they have led to many improvements in the manufacture and design of subsequent implants. METHODS: We analysed medical files of 300 CoC total hip arthroplasty (THA) with a modular neck performed during period 1995-2000 by a single surgeon for a minimum follow-up of 13 years, evaluating clinical and radiological outcome. RESULTS: The mean clinical Merle d'Aubigne and Postel hip score at the final follow-up is 17.4, against a preoperative value of 11.4. Overall survivorship with an endpoint of revision is 93.2% (95% CI, 89.0%-97.3%) at 15 years, while considering only prosthesis failures related to aseptic loosening and ceramic breakage, survival rate at 15 years is 97.2% (95% CI, 94.8%-100%). We observed complications that led to revision surgery in 11 patients (4%) (periprosthetic fractures, liner ruptures, septic loosening of the implant, aseptic loosening of the cup, aseptic loosening of the stem). The occurrence of squeaking is low (1.6%, 4 cases) and we analysed the characteristics of these patients. DISCUSSION: Our study shows an excellent long term survivorship of third generation alumina CoC THA. We reiterate the importance to have a stable implant to maximise the advantage of ceramic and to avoid complications.

Impaired quality of life in adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia and skeletal symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: Adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) may suffer from skeletal symptoms leading to functional disability. No data on their quality of life (QoL) have been reported so far. Our objectives were to evaluate the QoL and its determinants in XLH adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study in XLH adults, who consulted for musculoskeletal symptoms between 2013 and 2014. We assessed their QoL using HAQ, RAPID3 and SF36, and analysed the variables associated with low QoL. We compared their QoL to that of patients affected with axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) (paired on age and gender), a rheumatologic disorder with a known low QoL. RESULTS: Fifty-two XLH adults (37 women (71.1%); mean age 41.8±13.3 years) were included; 44 (84.6%) patients had an altered QoL. Increased age and presence of structural lesions were significantly associated with worse QoL (HAQ, RAPID3) (P<0.05). Presence of enthesopathies was significantly associated with worse RAPID3 (OR=4.45 (1.09-18.29), P=0.038). Treatment with phosphate supplements and vitamin D in XLH adults were significantly associated with a better SF36-mental component score (OR=0.14 (0.03-0.57), P=0.007 and OR=0.26 (0.07-0.98), P=0.047 respectively). QoL was significantly worse in XLH than in ax-SpA adults (VAS pain, SF36-PCS, RAPID3) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study showed i) QoL of XLH adults is altered and significantly worse than that of ax-SpA patients (VAS pain, SF36-PCS and RAPID3), ii) structural lesions and especially enthesopathies are associated with a worse QoL and iii) treatment using phosphate supplements and/or vitamin D is associated with a better mental health score.

Randomised, controlled trial of avocado-soybean unsaponifiable (Piascledine) effect on structure modification in hip osteoarthritis: the ERADIAS study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of avocado-soybean unsaponifiable-Expanscience (ASU-E) to slow radiographic progression in symptomatic hip osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Prospective, randomised, double blind, parallel group, placebo controlled 3 year trial. Patients with symptomatic (painful ≥1 year, Lequesne Index between 3 and 10) hip OA (American College of Rheumatology criteria) and a minimum joint space width (JSW) of the target hip between 1 and 4 mm on a pelvic radiograph were randomly assigned to 300 mg/day ASU-E or placebo. Standing pelvis, target hip anteroposterior (AP) and oblique views were taken annually. The primary outcome was JSW change at year 3, measured at the narrowest point on pelvic or target hip AP view (manual measure using a 0.1 mm graduated magnifying glass). The full analysis dataset (FAS) included all patients having at least two successive radiographs. An analysis of covariance Mixed Model for Repeated Measurements with Missing at Random (for missing data) was performed to compare adjusted 3 year JSW changes (primary outcome) and the percentages of 'progressors' (JSW loss≥0.5 mm) between groups. RESULTS: 399 patients were randomised (345 kept in the FAS), aged 62 (35-84) years, 54% women, mean body mass index 27 (SD 4) kg/m(2), mean symptom duration 4 (SD 5) years, 0-100 normalised Lequesne Index 30 (SD 9) and global pain visual analogue scale 37 (SD 23) mm. Mean baseline JSW was 2.8 (0.9) mm. There was no significant difference on mean JSW loss (-0.638 mm vs -0.672 mm, p=0.72, in the ASU-E and placebo groups, respectively) but there were 20% less progressors in the ASU-E than in the placebo group (40% vs 50%, respectively, p=0.040). No difference was observed on clinical outcomes. Safety was excellent. CONCLUSIONS: 3 year treatment with ASU-E reduces the percentage of JSW progressors, indicating a potential structure modifying effect in hip OA to be confirmed, and the clinical relevance requires further assessment.

Moderate vitamin D deficiency is associated with changes in knee and hip pain in older adults: a 5-year longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is important for bone, cartilage and muscle function but there are few studies on its association with joint pain. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether serum vitamin D predicts change in knee and hip pain in older adults. METHODS: Longitudinal population-based cohort study of randomly selected older adults (n=769) aged 50-80 years (mean 62 years); 50% were male. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) was assessed at baseline by radioimmunoassay, and pain at baseline, 2.6 and/or 5 years using the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire. We used linear regression with adjustment for age, sex, body mass index and season, then further adjusted for potential structural mechanisms (radiographic osteoarthritis, bone marrow lesions, chondral defects and muscle strength). RESULTS: Mean total knee WOMAC score was 3.2 (range 0-39). 4.2% of participants had moderate vitamin D deficiency at baseline (25-OHD 12.5-25 nmol/l). 25-OHD <25 nmol/l predicted change in knee pain (using total WOMAC score) over 5 years (ß=2.41, p=0.002) with a similar effect size for hip pain over 2.4 years (ß=2.20, p=0.083). Results were consistent within pain subscales, and the association was independent of demographic, anthropometric and structural covariates. No association was present when 25-OHD was analysed as a continuous measure. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate vitamin D deficiency independently predicts incident, or worsening of, knee pain over 5 years and, possibly, hip pain over 2.4 years. Therefore correcting moderate vitamin deficiency may attenuate worsening of knee or hip pain in elderly people but giving supplements to those with a higher 25-OHD level is unlikely to be effective.

Coexistence of osteopoikilosis with seronegative spondyloarthritis and Raynaud's phenomenon: first case report with evaluation of the nailfold capillary bed and literature review.

Osteopoikilosis (OPK) is a rare autosomal dominant bone disorder characterized by numerous hyperostotic areas that tend to localize in periarticular osseous regions. It is usually asymptomatic and is often diagnosed incidentally during X-rays. OPK may be an isolated finding or associated with other pathologies, e.g. skin manifestations, rheumatic and/or skeletal disorders. We report a literature review and, for the first time, the coexistence of OPK with seronegative spondyloarthritis and Raynaud's phenomenon in a 48-year old female. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of OPK studied by videocapillaroscopy, demonstrating the absence of specific microvascular abnormalities of nailfold capillaries.

Prevalence of hip osteoarthritis in chiropractic practice in Denmark: a descriptive cross-sectional and prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to measure the prevalence of clinical and radiographic hip osteoarthritis (OA) and first-time diagnosis of hip OA in consecutive patients presenting to chiropractic practices in Denmark and to report the components of the initial treatment rendered by the chiropractic practitioner. METHODS: A total of 2000 patient records and 1000 radiographs were reviewed retrospectively in 20 chiropractic clinics throughout Denmark. Information obtained included patients' primary complaint, physical examination and radiographic findings of hip OA, and treatment. Subsequently, the 20 clinics participated in a prospective survey where they collected equivalent information over a 2-week period. RESULTS: Retrospective review of records revealed that 1.4% of patients in Danish chiropractic practice had signs of clinical hip OA. Of these, 59% demonstrated radiographic signs of hip OA. Prospective data collection revealed that 3.4% of new patients had signs of clinical hip OA. Fifty-four percent of these demonstrated radiographic signs of hip OA, and of these 70% were diagnosed as having OA of the hip for the first time. Initial treatment involved manual treatment and advice on over-the-counter pain medication and/or supplements. Of all 1000 retrospectively reviewed radiographs in patients 40 years or older, 19.2% demonstrated radiographic signs of hip OA. CONCLUSION: Osteoarthritis of the hip is diagnosed and managed in primary care chiropractic practice in Denmark; however, it is likely underdiagnosed. In those newly presenting to chiropractic practitioners, first-time diagnosis with clinical and radiographic signs of hip OA appears to be common.

Dietary garlic and hip osteoarthritis: evidence of a protective effect and putative mechanism of action.

BACKGROUND: Patterns of food intake and prevalent osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee were studied using the twin design to limit the effect of confounding factors. Compounds found in associated food groups were further studied in vitro. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in a large population-based volunteer cohort of twins. Food intake was evaluated using the Food Frequency Questionnaire; OA was determined using plain radiographs. Analyses were adjusted for age, BMI and physical activity. Subsequent in vitro studies examined the effects of allium-derived compounds on the expression of matrix-degrading proteases in SW1353 chondrosarcoma cells. RESULTS: Data were available, depending on phenotype, for 654-1082 of 1086 female twins (median age 58.9 years; range 46-77). Trends in dietary analysis revealed a specific pattern of dietary intake, that high in fruit and vegetables, showed an inverse association with hip OA (p = 0.022). Consumption of 'non-citrus fruit' (p = 0.015) and 'alliums' (p = 0.029) had the strongest protective effect. Alliums contain diallyl disulphide which was shown to abrogate cytokine-induced matrix metalloproteinase expression. CONCLUSIONS: Studies of diet are notorious for their confounding by lifestyle effects. While taking account of BMI, the data show an independent effect of a diet high in fruit and vegetables, suggesting it to be protective against radiographic hip OA. Furthermore, diallyl disulphide, a compound found in garlic and other alliums, represses the expression of matrix-degrading proteases in chondrocyte-like cells, providing a potential mechanism of action.

Conservative management of a young adult with hip arthrosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines regarding the conservative management of degenerative hip conditions in older adults routinely incorporate therapeutic exercise and manual therapy. However, the application of these recommendations to young, active adults is less clear. The purpose of this case report is to describe the management of a young adult with advanced hip arthrosis using a multifaceted rehabilitation program. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 28-year-old female with severe left hip degeneration, as identified with diagnostic imaging, was referred to physical therapy. Reduced hip range of motion and strength, sacroiliac joint asymmetries, and a modified Harris Hip Score of 76 were observed. She was seen for 12 visits over a 3-month period and treated with an individualized program including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and neuromuscular re-education. OUTCOME: Substantial improvements were noted in pain, hip range of motion, and strength and function (modified Harris Hip Score of 97). In addition, she discontinued the use of anti-inflammatory medications and returned to her prior level of activity. Improvements were maintained at a 3-month follow-up, with symptom recurrence managed using a self-mobilization technique to the left hip and massage to the left iliopsoas. DISCUSSION: Degenerative hip conditions are common among older adults but are relatively rare in the younger population. Although it is likely that this patient will experience a return of her symptoms and functional limitations as her hip disease progresses, the immediate improvements may delay the need for eventual surgical management. These outcomes suggest that physical therapy management should be considered in those with an early onset of degenerative hip disease and are consistent with results previously reported in the older population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, level 4.

Effect of glucosamine sulphate on joint space narrowing, pain and function in patients with hip osteoarthritis; subgroup analyses of a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Recently we reported that glucosamine sulphate (GS) did not have an effect on the symptoms and progression of primary care patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this present study was to investigate whether there are subgroups of patients with hip OA for whom GS might be an effective therapy. METHOD: We randomized 222 patients with hip OA that met one of the American College of Rheumatology criteria to either 1500 mg of oral GS or placebo once daily for 2 years. Subgroup analyses were predefined for radiographic severity (Kellgren & Lawrence (KL)=1 vs >or=2) and for type of OA (localised vs generalised). Additional exploratory subgroup analyses focused on groups based on pain level, pain medication use, baseline joint space width (JSW), and concomitant knee OA at baseline. Primary outcome measures were Western Ontario MacMaster Universities (WOMAC) pain and function scores over 24 months, and joint space narrowing (JSN) after 24 months. RESULTS: In the predefined subgroups based on radiographic severity and type of OA, the outcomes WOMAC pain, function and JSN were similar for the GS and placebo group. CONCLUSION: GS was not significantly better than placebo in reducing symptoms and progression of hip OA in subgroups of patients.

Alumina-on-alumina in THA: a multicenter prospective study.

UNLABELLED: Different bearing surfaces, including alumina-on-alumina, have been used to avoid osteolysis. We prospectively followed 288 patients (319 hips) in which an alumina-on-alumina cup was used with a hydroxyapatite stem. The patients' mean age was 52.7 (range, 14-70 years), and the minimum followup was 3 years (mean, 4.7 years; range, 3-8 years). At final followup, five cups (including one with an alumina liner fracture) and two stems underwent revision. The cumulative probability of not having a revision of one or both components for any cause was 97% (95% confidence interval, 94.7%-99.1%). No patient spontaneously reported any noises from the hip and none reported noises when specifically questioned. All patients who had not undergone revision had good clinical results, but five of these patients had radiographic cup loosening at last followup. These data suggest alumina-on-alumina prostheses had reasonable outcomes after 5 years. One acetabular component fractured from trauma. We observed no linear femoral head penetration. Continued followup will be required to determine if reduction in wear between the alumina-on-alumina bearings results in less osteolysis and loosening. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Third-generation alumina-on-alumina ceramic bearings in cementless total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Wear debris has been implicated in the pathogenesis of osteolysis. Alumina-on-alumina ceramic bearings have a low wear rate, which may reduce the prevalence of osteolysis. The purpose of this study was to determine the rates of wear and osteolysis associated with modern cementless hip arthroplasty with alumina-on-alumina bearings at five years. METHODS: We analyzed a series of 301 third-generation alumina-on-alumina cementless primary total hip replacements in 283 patients. The average age of the patients at the time of the arthroplasty was fifty-eight years. All procedures were performed with use of the same surgical technique and the same implant at a single center. At a minimum of five years postoperatively, ten patients had died and twenty-two patients were lost to follow-up. We assessed patients clinically and radiographically, and all retrieved bearings were analyzed for wear. RESULTS: At the time of the latest follow-up, the mean Harris hip score was 95 points. All surviving implants had radiographic evidence of stable bone ingrowth. There were nine revisions of one or both components. Four stems were revised following periprosthetic fracture, one stem was revised because of aseptic loosening at two months, and one stem was revised to facilitate a femoral shortening osteotomy. Two cups were revised because of psoas tendinitis, and both components of one arthroplasty were revised because of impingement and osteolysis. The rate of survival of both components, with revision because of aseptic loosening or osteolysis as the end point, was 99% at seven years. The retrieved femoral heads showed an early median wear rate of 0.2 mm(3) per year. CONCLUSIONS: Cementless primary total hip prostheses with a third-generation alumina-on-alumina bearing showed very low wear and were associated with minimal osteolysis at the time of follow-up, at a minimum of five years.