A multicenter, randomized controlled trial comparing a second-generation uncemented trabecular metal-backed vs. cemented polyethylene glenoid component in total shoulder arthroplasty: 5-year results.

BACKGROUND: Previously, we reported early (2-year) findings from a randomized controlled trial comparing a second-generation uncemented trabecular metal-backed (TM) glenoid vs. cemented polyethylene glenoid (POLY) in patients undergoing a total shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of the current study is to report disease-specific quality of life, clinical, patient-reported, and radiographic outcomes at midterm (5-year) from this trial. METHODS: Five surgeons from 3 centers participated. Patients 18-79 years with a primary diagnosis of glenohumeral osteoarthritis were screened for eligibility. Randomization to an uncemented TM or cemented POLY glenoid was performed intra-operatively after adequate bone stock was confirmed. Study intervals were baseline, 2- and 5-year postoperative. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Shoulder (WOOS) quality of life score. Secondary outcomes included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form, EuroQol-5 Dimensions, and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey scores and clinical and radiographic examinations. Radiographic images were reviewed for metal debris according to Endrizzi. Mixed effects repeated measures analysis of variance for within- and between-group comparisons were performed. RESULTS: Of the 104 patients who consented, 93 were randomized (46 TM; 47 POLY). There were no differences between groups at baseline (TM: mean age 66.5 years [standard deviation (SD) 6.4], 24 male and 22 female; and POLY: mean age 68.4 years [SD 5.5], 23 male / 24 female). Mean (SD) WOOS scores at baseline and 2 and 5 years were as follows: TM, 32 (21), 92 (13), and 93 (11); POLY, 27 (15), 93 (11), and 93 (10), respectively. No statistical or clinically relevant differences were noted with patient-reported outcomes between groups. Metal debris was observed in 11 (23.9%) patients, but outcomes were not negatively impacted, and debris severity was minor (grades 1 and 2). Complication rates were similar between groups (TM: 7 of 46 [15.2%], and POLY: 8 of 47 [17.0%]; P = .813). No aseptic glenoid failures were reported, but 1 patient in the TM group required revision because of infection. CONCLUSIONS: Our short-term (2-year) findings were maintained with longer follow-up. At 5 years postoperation, there were no statistically or clinically significant differences between an uncemented second-generation TM glenoid and a cemented polyethylene glenoid with respect to disease-specific quality of life or patient-reported outcomes. No glenoid implant failures were reported, and complication rates were similar between groups. Only one complication was glenoid related (1 infection in the TM group). Metal debris was observed in 23.9% of patients with a TM glenoid but did not negatively influence implant survival, patient-reported outcomes, or shoulder function.

Primary Stability of Trabecular Metal Implant in Comparison to Fully Threaded Implants: In Vitro Study Simulating Immediate Implant Placement.

The aim of this study was to evaluate primary stability of 3.7-mm diameter porous tantalum Trabecular Metal (TM) implant, and compare it to fully threaded implants, in the in vitro model of immediate implant placement in the anterior maxilla. A total of 60 implants were placed into bovine ribs using surgical guides. Implants were divided in 3 groups of 20 according to the design: TM, Tapered Screw-Vent (TSV), and NobelReplace. To simulate immediate placement in anterior maxilla, implants were placed under a sharp angle toward the ribs, not fully submerged. Placement angle of 20.7° was calculated after analysis of 148 virtually planned implants on cone beam computerized tomography scans of 40 patients. No statistically significant difference in implant stability quotient (ISQ) was found between TM (65.8 ± 2.6), TSV (64.7 ± 2.7), and NobelReplace (64.6 ± 2.7). TSV implants achieved higher insertion torque (37.0 ± 4.8 Ncm) than TM (32.9 ± 5.2 Ncm) and NobelReplace (23.2 ± 3.3 Ncm). TSV had the shortest insertion time of 13.5 ± 1.0 seconds, compared to 15.2 ± 1.2 seconds for TM, and 19.7 ± 1.7 seconds for NobelReplace. Pearson correlation analysis showed significantly correlated insertion torque and ISQ values for TM group (P = .011, r = .56), a nonsignificant correlation was found for TSV and NobelReplace. The results of the present study indicate that TM implant can achieve good primary implant stability in insertion torque and resonance frequency analysis.

Bone response to porous tantalum implants in a gap-healing model.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the relative osteogenic behavior of titanium implants with or without a porous tantalum modification when placed with a gap between the implant and existing bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A gap-healing model in the rabbit tibia was used for placement of titanium implants. Forty-eight rabbits received 96 implants, with 48 of the implants containing a porous tantalum middle section and the remaining 48 implants were composed of solid titanium. After 4, 8, and 12 weeks of healing, biomechanical stability was measured with removal torque testing, implant-adherent cells were isolated for analysis of osteogenic gene expression, and histomorphometric analysis was performed on sections of the implants and surrounding bone. RESULTS: Increased osteogenic activity at 4 weeks was demonstrated by upregulation of key osteogenic genes at implants containing porous tantalum which was accompanied by greater bone-implant contact at 4, 8, and 12 weeks and significantly greater removal torque at 8 and 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Implants containing porous tantalum demonstrated increased peri-implant bone formation within this gap-healing model as shown by significant differences in biomechanical and histomorphometric outcomes. Such implants may represent an alternative to influence bone healing in surgical sites with an existing gap.

To Cement or Not? Five-Year Results of a Prospective, Randomized Study Comparing Cemented vs Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The optimal mode of fixation in total knee arthroplasty is a continuing subject of debate. METHODS: Previously, we reported 2-year results for this prospective, randomized trial. Knee Society Scores, Oxford scores, and pain visual analog scales were collected pre-operatively and post-operatively. Minimum 5-year follow-up has been obtained with radiographic analysis for 85 patients. RESULTS: Mean Knee Society Scores and Oxford scores and patient-reported outcomes were similar in both groups. Each group had 1 additional revision, but neither was related to implant fixation. Survivorship with revision as an endpoint was equivalent (95.9% and 95.3%, P = .98). There was no significant difference in radiolucencies observed between groups (P = .10), all were non-progressive. CONCLUSION: Cementless and cemented total knee arthroplasty had equivalent patient-reported outcomes and survivorship at midterm follow-up. Updates are planned at 10 and 15-year intervals to observe long-term modes of failure between these 2 methods of fixation.

New bone formation and trabecular bone microarchitecture of highly porous tantalum compared to titanium implant threads: A pilot canine study.

AIM: This study evaluated new bone formation activities and trabecular bone microarchitecture within the highly porous region of Trabecular Metal™ Dental Implants (TM) and between the threads of Tapered Screw-Vent® Dental Implants (TSV) in fresh canine extraction sockets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight partially edentulated dogs received four implants (4.1 mmD × 13 mmL) bilaterally in mandibular fresh extraction sockets (32 TM, 32 TSV implants), and allowed to heal for 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Calcein was administered to label mineralizing bone at 11 and 4 days before euthanasia for dogs undergoing all four healing periods. Biopsies taken at each time interval were examined histologically. Histomorphometric assay was conducted for 64 unstained and 64 stained slides at the region of interest (ROI) (6 mm long × 0.35 mm deep) in the midsections of the implants. Topographical and chemical analyses were also performed. RESULTS: Histomorphometry revealed significantly more new bone in the TM than in the TSV implants at each healing time (p = .0014, .0084, .0218, and .0251). Calcein-labeled data showed more newly mineralized bone in the TM group than in the TSV group at 2, 8, and 12 weeks (p = .045, .028, .002, respectively) but not at 4 weeks (p = .081). Histologically TM implants exhibited more bone growth and dominant new immature woven bone at an earlier time point than TSV implants. The parameters representing trabecular bone microarchitecture corroborated faster new bone formation in the TM implants when compared to the TSV implants. TM exhibited an irregular faceted topography compared to a relatively uniform microtextured surface for TSV. Chemical analysis showed peaks associated with each implant's composition material, and TSV also showed peaks reflecting the elements of the calcium phosphate blasting media. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results suggest that the healing pathway associated with the highly porous midsection of TM dental implant could enable faster and stronger secondary implant stability than conventional osseointegration alone; however, prospective clinical studies are needed to confirm these potential benefits in patients with low bone density, compromised healing, or prior implant failure.

Influence of the implant diameter and bone quality on the primary stability of porous tantalum trabecular metal dental implants: an in vitro biomechanical study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the primary, initial stability of Porous Tantalum Trabecular Metal™ implants (TM) compared with Tapered Screw Vent® implants (TSV) with different diameters, inserted in two bone densities. METHODS: A total of 160 implants (80 TM and 80 TSV) with narrow (3.7 mm) and conventional (4.1 mm) diameters and the same length (10 mm) were placed in artificial bone blocks representing bone qualities II and IV. The implant stability was evaluated by insertion torque (IT) and Resonance Frequency Analysis. Statistical analysis was performed with non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn post-test for the differences between groups. RESULTS: The results showed higher ISQ values in dense bone compared with soft bone for all the groups (P < 0.05). Conventional-diameter implants (TSV and TM) showed higher ISQ and IT values compared with narrow implants (TSV and TM) in dense and soft bone (P < 0.05). Tapered TSV implants showed higher stability in soft bone compared with TM implants (P < 0.05). In dense bone, differences were not observed between narrow TSV 3.7 mm and TM 3.7 mm implants (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded: In dense bone blocks, the wider diameter implants are more stable than narrow implants. In soft bone blocks, the tapered TSV implants are more stable than TM implants.

Survivorship of a Porous Tantalum Monoblock Acetabular Component in Primary Hip Arthroplasty With a Mean Follow-Up of 18 Years.

BACKGROUND: The use of porous tantalum for the acetabular component in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) has demonstrated excellent short-term and midterm results. However, long-term data are scarce. The purpose of this prospective study is to report the long-term clinical and radiologic outcome following use of an uncemented porous tantalum acetabular component in primary THA with a minimum follow-up of 17.5 years, in a previously studied cohort of patients. METHODS: We prospectively followed 128 consecutive primary THAs in 140 patients, between November 1997 and June 1999. A press-fit porous tantalum monoblock acetabular component was used in all cases. All patients were followed clinically and radiographically for a mean of 18.1 years (range, 17.5-19 years). RESULTS: Mean age of patients at the time of operation was 60.4 years. Harris hip score, Oxford hip score, and range of motion were dramatically improved in all cases (P < .001). At last follow-up, all cups were radiographically stable with no evidence of migration, gross polyethylene wear, progressive radiolucencies, osteolytic lesions, or acetabular fractures. The survivorship with reoperation for any reason as end point was 92.8% and the survivorship for aseptic loosening as an end point was 100%. CONCLUSION: The porous tantalum monoblock cup in primary THA demonstrated excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes with no failures because of aseptic loosening at a mean follow-up of 18.1 years.

Total shoulder arthroplasty using trabecular metal augments to address glenoid retroversion: the preliminary result of 10 patients with minimum 2-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Options to address glenoid retroversion include eccentric reaming, bone grafting, modifications to component shape, and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Trabecular metal (TM) augments have been used extensively in the hip and knee to address bone deficiency in arthroplasty as part of a hybrid combination of high-density polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, and TM. This study presents the initial results of the use of specifically designed augments in the shoulder to address glenoid retroversion as part of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). MATERIALS: Ten patients (4 women and 6 men; aged 60 to 79 years) with Walch grade B2 or C glenoids have undergone TM glenoid augment insertion as part of a TSA, with a longer than 24-month follow-up. Patients received a 15° or 30° TM wedge to correct excessive glenoid retroversion before the glenoid component was cemented. Outcome analysis was performed preoperatively, at 3, 6, and 12 months, and yearly thereafter. RESULTS: All patients have been satisfied, and all scores have improved. There have been no complications and no hardware failures or displacement. All glenoid components were implanted to within 10° of neutral glenoid version. Radiographs at 24 months show good incorporation of the TM augment and the glenoid component. CONCLUSIONS: The TM augments have the advantage of immediate secure fixation, no tendency to collapse, and the ability to correct retroversion of 25° or more. This study confirms the successful short-term outcome of wedge-shaped TM augments to correct glenoid retroversion as part of TSA.

Hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures: does a trabecular metal prosthesis make a difference? A prospective, comparative study with a minimum 3-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Proper positioning and healing of the greater tuberosity are key for functional shoulder recovery after hemiarthroplasty for complex proximal humeral fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes after hemiarthroplasty between a trabecular metal prosthesis and a conventional prosthesis in the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures. METHODS: A prospective, comparative study was performed. We compared a trabecular metal shoulder prosthesis for the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures in a cohort of 35 consecutive patients (TM group) with a conventional prosthesis in a cohort of 38 consecutive patients (conventional group). All the patients, with a mean age of 63.9 years, were prospectively followed-up for a mean time of 4.6 years (range, 3-6 years) after surgery. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, radiographic complication rates related to the greater tuberosity were lower in the TM group (6.1%) than in the conventional group (25.7%) (P = .028). The mean functional shoulder scores, as well as mean active forward elevation and external rotation, were better in the TM group than in the conventional group. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic complication rates related to the greater tuberosity were significantly lower in the TM group than in the conventional group. The functional shoulder scores and active forward elevation and external rotation were all better in the TM group than in the conventional group. These findings could imply better healing potential of the greater tuberosity after hemiarthroplasty with a trabecular metal prosthesis to treat complex proximal humeral fractures.

Treatment of large bone defects with trabecular metal cones in revision total knee arthroplasty: short term clinical and radiographic outcomes.

The early term results of 29 cases of revision total knee arthroplasty using highly porous trabecular metal cone implants for femoral and tibial major bone deficit reconstruction (Anderson Orthopedic Research Institute classification type 2B and 3) have been prospectively analyzed. Indications for revision surgery included: aseptic loosening/wear, staged reimplantation after infection, as well as periprosthetic fracture. At an average follow-up of 33 months (range, 13-73 months) the mean Knee Society Score and functional score statistically improved. Radiological follow-up revealed no evidence of loosening or migration of the constructs. No evidence of complications was noted in correlation with the use of trabecular metal cones. This study supports evidence that trabecular metal cones are an efficient and effective option for dealing with significant bone deficits and obtaining stable biological fixation in revision total knee arthroplasty.

Total knee arthroplasty with an uncemented trabecular metal tibial component: a registry-based analysis.

Previous poor results have kept the appeal of uncemented total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) minimal. We analyzed the mid-term survivorship and reasons for failures of a contemporary uncemented porous tantalum monoblock tibial component nation-wide. During the study period (2003-2010), such tibial components were used in 1143 primary TKAs recorded in the Finnish Arthroplasty Registry. Seven-year survivorship of these TKAs was 100% (95% CI 99-100) with revision for aseptic loosening of the tibial component, and 97% (95% CI 96-98) with revision for any reason as the respective end points. The most common reasons for revisions were instability and prosthetic joint infections. In conclusion, TKAs using an uncemented porous tantalum monoblock tibial component showed excellent mid-term survivorship in a population-based setting.

Long-term outcomes of acetabular impaction grafting with cemented cups and trabecular metal for revision hip arthroplasty: a follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Revision hip arthroplasty in the presence of complex acetabular deficiencies is challenging. Cement, allograft, reconstruction rings and porous trabecular metal now provide versatile options for acetabular fixation and restoration of acetabular offset. We compare acetabular impaction bone grafting (AIBG) and trabecular metal (TM) cups at long-term follow-up. METHODS: 53 patients who underwent revision hip arthroplasty were retrospectively reviewed from local joint registry data. 36 patients were revised using AIBG and 17 with TM. Median clinical follow-up was 9.57 (2.46-18.72) years and 9.65 (7.22-12.46) years, respectively. 82% of the TM group and 63% of the AIBG group were ⩾ Paprosky 2C. Re-revision was considered failure. Radiographs demonstrating 5 mm of femoral head migration and 5° of acetabular component inclination change were considered loose. RESULTS: Patients receiving AIBG were younger (68 vs. 74 years) with a longer interval from initial arthroplasty to revision (17 vs. 13 years). Revisions in both groups were indicated most commonly for failed cementing (AIBG 88.9% vs. TM 70.5%). No TM reconstructions underwent re-revision, with only 1 failing at 6.3 years, compared with 9 AIBG re-revisions. When revising for sepsis, 33% of AIBG revisions failed. CONCLUSIONS: AIBG demonstrated high failure rates at long-term follow-up when compared to TM constructs. We recommend the use of AIBG in small cavitary defects only. We strongly advise against its use in the setting of significant bony defects and for prosthetic joint infection.

Tantalum as Trabecular Metal for Endosseous Implantable Applications.

During the last 20 years, tantalum has known ever wider applications for the production of endosseous implantable devices in the orthopedic and dental fields. Its excellent performances are due to its capacity to stimulate new bone formation, thus improving implant integration and stable fixation. Tantalum's mechanical features can be mainly adjusted by controlling its porosity thanks to a number of versatile fabrication techniques, which allow obtaining an elastic modulus similar to that of bone tissue, thus limiting the stress-shielding effect. The present paper aims at reviewing the characteristics of tantalum as a solid and porous (trabecular) metal, with specific regard to biocompatibility and bioactivity. Principal fabrication methods and major applications are described. Moreover, the osteogenic features of porous tantalum are presented to testify its regenerative potential. It can be concluded that tantalum, especially as a porous metal, clearly possesses many advantageous characteristics for endosseous applications but it presently lacks the consolidated clinical experience of other metals such as titanium.

Osseointegration of Tantalum Trabecular Metal in Titanium Dental Implants: Histological and Micro-CT Study.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Tantalum Trabecular Metal dental implant design on implant stability and the process of osseointegration following its placement in the rabbit femoral condyle. The subjects for the experiment consisted of 10 New Zealand white rabbits. Twenty implants, comprising 10 Trabecular Metal (TM) and 10 Traditional Screw Vent (TSV) implants, were placed into the femoral condyles of these rabbits. The implant type was alternated based on a random sequence. Following a healing period of 8 weeks, the implants were retrieved for further analysis using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), histological studies, and histomorphometry evaluations. The Bone-to-Implant Contact (BIC) ratio and the Bone Volume (BV) percentage in the region of interest were subsequently assessed. The BIC and BV values between TM and TSV implants were compared using the Student t-test. The TM implants exhibited significantly greater BIC and BV scores. In particular, the BIC percentage was recorded as 57.9 ± 6.5 for the TM implants, as opposed to 47.6 ± 8 for the TSV implants. Correspondingly, the BV percentage was 57 ± 7.3 for the TM implants and 46.4 ± 7.4 for the TSV implants. The bone volume percentage measured using micro-CT evaluation was 89.1 ± 8.7 for the TM implants and 79.1 ± 8.6 for the TSV implants. Given the observed results, it is plausible to suggest that the bone growth surrounding the tantalum mesh could have improved the integration of the bone and facilitated its ingrowth into the TM implant.

Reconstruction of acetabular defects with porous tantalum shells and augments in revision total hip arthroplasty at ten-year follow-up.

AIMS: The use of trabecular metal (TM) shells supported by augments has provided good mid-term results after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with a bony defect of the acetabulum. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term implant survivorship and radiological and clinical outcomes after acetabular revision using this technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2006 and 2010, 60 patients (62 hips) underwent acetabular revision using a combination of a TM shell and augment. A total of 51 patients (53 hips) had complete follow-up at a minimum of seven years and were included in the study. Of these patients, 15 were men (29.4%) and 36 were women (70.6%). Their mean age at the time of revision THA was 64.6 years (28 to 85). Three patients (5.2%) had a Paprosky IIA defect, 13 (24.5%) had a type IIB defect, six (11.3%) had a type IIC defect, 22 (41.5%) had a type IIIA defect, and nine (17%) had a type IIIB defect. Five patients (9.4%) also had pelvic discontinuity. RESULTS: The overall survival of the acetabular component at a mean of ten years postoperatively was 92.5%. Three hips (5.6%) required further revision due to aseptic loosening, and one (1.9%) required revision for infection. Three hips with aseptic loosening failed, due to insufficient screw fixation of the shell in two and pelvic discontinuity in one. The mean Harris Hip Score improved significantly from 55 (35 to 68) preoperatively to 81 points (68 to 99) at the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The reconstruction of acetabular defects with TM shells and augments showed excellent long-term results. Supplementary screw fixation of the shell should be performed in every patient. Alternative techniques should be considered to address pelvic disconinuity. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:311-316.

Antimicrobial PHAs coatings for solid and porous tantalum implants.

Biomaterial-associated infections (BAI) are the major cause of failure of indwelling medical devices. The risk of BAI can end dramatically in the surgical removal of the affected device. Therefore, a major effort must be undertaken to guarantee the permanence of the implant. In this regard, we have developed antimicrobial coatings for tantalum (Ta) implants, using polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as matrices for carrying an active principle. The dip-coating technique was successfully used for covering solid Ta discs. An original PHA emulsion flow process was developed for the coating of porous Ta structures, specially for the inner surfaces. The complete characterization of the biopolymer coatings, their antibacterial properties, toxicity and biointegration were analyzed. Thus, non-toxic, well-biointegrated homogeneous biopolymer coatings were attained, which showed antibacterial properties. By using biodegradable PHAs, the resulting drug delivery system assured the protection of Ta against bacterial infections for a period of time.

Promising early results for trabecular metal acetabular components used at revision total hip arthroplasty: 42 acetabular revisions followed with radiostereometry in a prospective randomised trial.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of aseptic loosening after the use of a cemented acetabular component and a Trabecular Metal (TM) acetabular component (Zimmer Inc., Warsaw, Indiana) at acetabular revision with bone impaction grafting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 42 patients were included in the study. Patients were randomised to receive an all- polyethylene cemented acetabular component (n = 19) or a TM component (n = 23). Radiostereometric analysis and conventional radiographic examinations were performed regularly up to two years post-operatively or until further revision. RESULTS: The proximal migration was significantly higher in the cemented group. At two years, the median proximal migration was 1.45 mm and 0.25 mm in the cemented and TM groups, respectively (p = 0.02). One cemented component was revised due to dislocation. There were no revisions in the TM group. CONCLUSION: Lower proximal migration in the TM group suggests that this design might be associated with a lower risk of aseptic loosening in the long term compared with an all polyethylene cemented component. Longer follow-up is required to confirm the clinical advantages of using this component at acetabular revision. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:880-6.

A Retrospective Survival Study of Trabecular Tantalum Implants Immediately Placed in Posterior Extraction Sockets Using a Flapless Technique.

A retrospective review of patient records was conducted in a single private practice to evaluate the efficacy of immediately placing a novel implant design in posterior jaw locations using a flapless technique. Forty-two patients (22 males, 20 females) with a mean (SD) age of 60.2 (7.6) years (range = 31-68) presented with 1-2 nonrestorable molar (maxillary = 14; mandibular = 8) or premolar (maxillary = 20; mandibular = 1) teeth compromised by periodontal disease, endodontic failure, root resorption, root fracture, or severe caries. Most patients (78.6%) had moderate (66.7%) or severe (11.9%) periodontitis. Other comorbidities included smoking (14.3%) and controlled diabetes mellitus (11.9%). After atraumatic extraction, teeth were immediately replaced with a total of 44 trabecular tantalum implants (Trabecular Metal Implants, Zimmer Biomet Dental) (diameter = 3.7-4.7 mm; length = 10-13 mm). Sites requiring augmentation were treated with 3 types of small-particle (250-1000 µm), mineralized, solvent-dehydrated, allografts (Puros) based on location: cortical for crestal sinus grafts, cancellous for peri-implant voids in thick tissue biotypes, or cortical-cancellous (70:30) mix for peri-implant voids in thin tissue biotypes. Cortical particulate was used when slower resorption would help maintain graft volume for esthetics or implant support. Grafts were covered with resorbable bovine pericardium membranes (CopiOs, Zimmer Biomet). Cumulative implant survival and success rates were 97.7%, respectively, with a mean (±SD) follow-up time of 25.0 ± 12.1 months (range = 4-48). One asymptomatic implant failed to osseointegrate. Within the limitations of this study, implants achieved outcomes comparable to conventionally placed and restored single-tooth implants in anterior jaw locations.

Total shoulder arthroplasty with a second-generation tantalum trabecular metal-backed glenoid component: Clinical and radiographic outcomes at a mean follow-up of 38 months.

AIMS: We evaluated clinical and radiographic outcomes of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) using the second-generation Trabecular Metal (TM) Glenoid component. The first generation component was withdrawn in 2005 after a series of failures were reported. Between 2009 and 2012, 40 consecutive patients with unilateral TSA using the second-generation component were enrolled in this clinical study. The mean age of the patients was 63.8 years (40 to 75) and the mean follow-up was 38 months (24 to 42). METHODS: Patients were evaluated using the Constant score (CS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and routine radiographs. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the pre- and post-operative CS (p = 0.003), ASES (p = 0.009) scores and CS subscores of pain (p < 0.001), strength (p < 0.001) and mobility items (p < 0.05). No glenoid or humeral components migrated. Posterior thinning of the keel and slight wear at the polyethylene-TM interface was observed in one patient but was asymptomatic. Radiolucent lines were found around three humeral (< 1.5 mm) and two glenoid components (< 1 mm) and all were asymptomatic. DISCUSSION: TSA with the second-generation TM Glenoid component results in satisfactory to excellent clinical performance, function, and subjective satisfaction at a mean follow-up of about three years. Radiographic changes were few and did not affect the outcome. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: This paper highlights that the second generation Trabecular Metal Glenoid has better outcomes than those reported with the first-generation component.

Comparison of a novel porous titanium construct (Regenerex®) to a well proven porous coated tibial surface in cementless total knee arthroplasty - A prospective randomized RSA study with two-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Regenerex is a novel porous titanium construct with a three-dimensional porous structure and biomechanical characteristics close to that of normal trabecular bone. The aim of this study was to compare this novel construct to a well-proven porous plasma sprayed tibial (PPS) implant after total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Sixty-one patients scheduled for an uncemented TKA were randomized to receive either a novel highly porous titanium construct Regenerex or the PPS tibial component. Radiostereometric analysis of the tibial components was performed postoperatively and at three, six, 12, and 24months with measurements of migration (segment motion and maximum total point motion (MTPM)). RESULTS: Knee and function scores improved significantly from preoperatively to two-year follow-up. For both the Regenerex and the PPS the majority of migration appeared during the first three months and then stabilized. No statistically significant differences in MTPM were found in any follow-up between three and 24months. The Regenerex group had a lower migration rate between 12 and 24months compared with the PPS implants (p=0.03) but the PPS group had an initial significantly lower subsidence (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: In conclusion the Regenerex implant could prove an effective scaffold material for coating of uncemented implants but did no better than the PPS component at 24months of follow-up. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01936415.