The Exeter Universal cemented femoral stem at 20 to 25 years: A report of 382 hips.

AIMS: We present a minimum 20-year follow-up study of 382 cemented Exeter Universal total hip arthroplasties (350 patients) operated on at a mean age of 66.3 years (17 to 94). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients received the same design of femoral component, regardless of the original diagnosis. Previous surgery had been undertaken for 33 hips (8.6%). During the study period 218 patients with 236 hips (62%) died, 42 hips (11%) were revised and 110 hips (29%) in 96 patients were available for review. The acetabular components were varied and some designs are now obsolete, however they were all cemented. RESULTS: With an endpoint of revision for aseptic loosening or lysis, survivorship of the stem at 22.8 years was 99.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 97.0 to 100). One stem was revised 21 years post-operatively in a patient with Gaucher's disease and proximal femoral osteolysis. Survivorship with aseptic loosening or lysis of the acetabular component or stem as the endpoint at 22.8 years was 89.3% (95% CI 84.8 to 93.8). With an endpoint of revision for any reason, overall survivorship was 82.9% (95% CI 77.4 to 88.4) at 22.8 years. Radiological review showed excellent preservation of bone stock at 20 to 25 years, and no impending failures of the stem. CONCLUSION: The Exeter femoral stem continues to perform well beyond 20 years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1441-9.

A prospective study of a ceramic-on-metal bearing in total hip arthroplasty. Clinical results, metal ion levels and chromosome analysis at two years.

We prospectively assessed the efficacy of a ceramic-on-metal (CoM) hip bearing with uncemented acetabular and femoral components in which cobalt-chrome acetabular liners and alumina ceramic heads were used. The cohort comprised 94 total hip replacements (THRs) in 83 patients (38 women and 45 men) with a mean age of 58 years (42 to 70). Minimum follow-up was two years. All patients had pre- and post-operative assessment using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), Oxford hip score and Short-Form 12 scores. All showed a statistically significant improvement from three months post-operatively onwards (all p < 0.001). After two years whole blood metal ion levels were measured and chromosomal analysis was performed. The levels of all metal ions were elevated except vanadium. Levels of chromium, cobalt, molybdenum and titanium were significantly higher in patients who underwent bilateral THR compared with those undergoing unilateral THR (p < 0.001). Chromosomal analysis demonstrated both structural and aneuploidy mutations. There were significantly more breaks and losses than in the normal population (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in chromosomal aberration between those undergoing unilateral and bilateral procedures (all analyses p ≥ 0.62). The use of a CoM THR is effective clinically in the short-term, with no concerns, but the significance of high metal ion levels and chromosomal aberrations in the long-term remains unclear.

Endoscopic stent insertion for the palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Controversy exists as to whether endoscopic or minimally invasive/open bypass is superior in cases of malignant gastric outlet obstruction. METHODS: Retrospective observational study following those patients admitted to the hospital between January 1999 and December 2004 (n = 23) with gastric outlet obstruction. In all suitable patients endoscopic stent insertion was attempted. Symptomatic improvement was monitored as was time until discharge as well as need for readmission. We also recorded morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure as well as final survival in days. RESULTS: Stents were inserted successfully in 21 patients. Two patients went on to have a laparoscopic bypass. Stent placement relieved obstructive symptoms in all patients. A median inpatient stay of 4 days was achieved (range 2-9 days). One patient was admitted with recurrent symptoms 9 months following his initial treatment. Investigation showed the distal end of the stent to be occluded by further tumor. His symptoms were relieved by the insertion of a second stent. In 19 patients death was due to metastatic disease. Operative mortality: cerebrovascular accident day 2 (n = 1), duodenal perforation day 4 (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction not suitable for resection should be assessed for insertion of an enteral stent.

An open clinical trial with the long-acting neuroleptic zuclopenthixol decanoate in the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia.

Nineteen chronic schizophrenics were included in an open trial to evaluate the depot neuroleptic, zuclopenthixol decanoate. The treatment period was 24 weeks and clinical evaluations were carried out every 4 weeks including the CGI, the BPRS (completed at Weeks 0, 4, 8, 16, and 24), the Hamilton Depression Scale (completed at Weeks 0, 12, and 24), and a side-effects check list. Patients received 200 mg zuclopenthixol decanoate intramuscularly at intervals dependent on the severity of the illness. Statistically significant reductions were found for most of the symptoms on the BPRS. The reduction was already seen after 4 weeks of treatment. A clear improvement was also recorded on the Hamilton Depression Scale. The frequency of side-effects was low and decreased during the treatment period. The side-effects recorded were mild and, according to the CGI, they did not interfere with the patients' functioning except in 1 case (Week 24). It is concluded that zuclopenthixol decanoate is an effective and well-tolerated drug in the maintenance treatment of chronic schizophrenia.