Short-term results of the uncemented triathlon total knee arthroplasty: a large cohort single-centre comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to assess the short-term survivorship of a new uncemented TKA design in a high-volume centre to evaluate the safety of this design prior to widespread adoption. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all primary TKAs (cemented and uncemented) between May 2018 and May 2019. Primary outcome variables included aseptic revision, all-cause revision, time to revision, operative time and radiological outcomes. Predictor variables considered included age, gender, BMI, ASA, implant type (cruciate-retaining, posterior-stabilised or totally-stabilised) and the use of cemented or uncemented implants. RESULTS: There were 300 cemented TKAs and 249 uncemented TKAs (Triathlon, Stryker Inc., Mahwah, NJ) implanted. The mean follow-up for all cases was 31.6 months (minimum follow-up 2 years). Of the entire 549 implants only 4 were revised. Two of these were for infection, 1 was for patellar maltracking and 1 was for knee stiffness. All 4 revisions occurred in the cemented cohort. The aseptic revision rate in the cemented cohort was 0.7% compared to 0.0% in the uncemented cohort (p = 0.298). Operative times were significantly reduced in the uncemented cohort from 57.9 to 51.7 min (p < 0.001). There were 8/300 (2.6%) patients with RLLs in the cemented cohort and 4/249 (1.6%) patients with RLLs in the uncemented cohort (p = 0.56). CONCLUSION: The uncemented Triathlon TKA demonstrates excellent survivorship at short-term follow-up when compared to the cemented Triathlon TKA, thus eliminating any potential clinical concerns with this novel implant in the early post-operative phase.

Highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) is equivalent to conventional polyethylene (CPE) in total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of HXLPE in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have not been as evident as total hip arthroplasty (THA). A systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of highly-crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) on TKA outcomes compared to conventional polyethylene (CPE) is described. METHODS: All studies comparing HXLPE with CPE for primary TKA were included for analysis. The minimum dataset included revision rates, indication for revision, aseptic component loosening and follow-up time. The primary outcome variables were all-cause revision, aseptic revision, revision for loosening, radiographic component loosening, osteolysis and incidence of radiolucent lines. Secondary outcome measures included postoperative functional knee scores. A random-effects meta-analysis allowing for all missing data was performed for all primary outcome variables. RESULTS: Six studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, there were 2,234 knees (1,105 HXLPE and 1,129 CPE). The combined mean follow-up for all studies was 6 years. The aseptic revision rate in the HXLPE group was 1.02% compared to 1.97% in the CPE group. There was no difference in the rate of all-cause revision (p = 0.131), aseptic revision (p = 0.298) or revision for component loosening (p = 0.206) between the two groups. Radiographic loosening (p = 0.200), radiolucent lines (p = 0.123) and osteolysis (p = 0.604) was similar between both groups. Functional outcomes were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: The use of HXLPE in TKA yields similar results for clinical and radiographic outcomes when compared to CPE at midterm follow-up. HXLPE does not confer the same advantages to TKA as seen in THA.

Long-term results of tripolar constrained total hip arthroplasty in revision hip arthroplasty: a minimum follow-up of ten years.

AIMS: We investigated the long-term performance of the Tripolar Trident acetabular component used for recurrent dislocation in revision total hip arthroplasty. We assessed: 1) rate of re-dislocation; 2) incidence of complications requiring re-operation; and 3) Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) pain and functional scores. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified 111 patients who had 113 revision tripolar constrained liners between 1994 and 2008. All patients had undergone revision hip arthroplasty before the constrained liner was used: 13 after the first revision, 17 after the second, 38 after the third, and 45 after more than three revisions. A total of 75 hips (73 patients) were treated with Tripolar liners due to recurrent instability with abductor deficiency, In addition, six patients had associated cerebral palsy, four had poliomyelitis, two had multiple sclerosis, two had spina bifida, two had spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, one had previous reversal of an arthrodesis, and 21 had proximal femoral replacements. The mean age of patients at time of Tripolar insertions was 72 years (53 to 89); there were 69 female patients (two bilateral) and 42 male patients. All patients were followed up for a mean of 15 years (10 to 24). Overall, 55 patients (57 hips) died between April 2011 and February 2018, at a mean of 167 months (122 to 217) following their tripolar liner implantation. We extracted demographics, implant data, rate of dislocations, and incidence of other complications. RESULTS: At ten years, the Kaplan-Meier survivorship for dislocation was 95.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 90 to 98), with 101 patients at risk. At 20 years, the survivorship for dislocation was 90.6% (95% CI 81.0 to 95.5), with one patient at risk. Eight patients (7.2%) had a dislocation of their constrained liners. At ten years, the survival to any event was 89.4% (95% CI 82 to 93.8), with 96 patients at risk. At 20 years, the survival to any event was 82.5% (95% CI 71.9 to 89.3), with one patient at risk. Five hips (4.4%) had deep infection. Two patients (1.8%) developed dissociated constraining rings with pain but without dislocation, which required re-operation. Two patients (1.8%) had periprosthetic femoral fractures, without dislocation, that were treated by revision stems along with exchange of the well-functioning constrained liners. CONCLUSION: Constrained tripolar liners used at revision hip arthroplasty provided favourable results in the long term for treatment of recurrent dislocation and for patients at high risk of dislocation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(6 Supple B):123-126.

Revision for adverse local tissue reaction following metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty is associated with a high risk of early major complications.

Aims: Fretting and corrosion at the modular head/neck junction, known as trunnionosis, in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a cause of adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD). We describe the outcome of revision of metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) THA for ARMD due to trunnionosis with emphasis on the risk of major complications. Patients and Methods: A total of 36 patients with a MoP THA who underwent revision for ARMD due to trunnionosis were identified. Three were excluded as their revision had been to another metal head. The remaining 33 were revised to a ceramic head with a titanium sleeve. We describe the presentation, revision findings, and risk of complications in these patients. Results: The patients presented with pain, swelling, stiffness, or instability and an inflammatory mass was confirmed radiologically. Macroscopic material deposition on the trunnion was seen in all patients, associated with ARMD. Following revision, six (18.2%) dislocated, requiring further revision in four. Three (9.1%) developed a deep infection and six (18.2%) had significant persistent pain without an obvious cause. One developed a femoral artery thrombosis after excision of an iliofemoral pseudotumor, requiring a thrombectomy. Conclusion: The risk of serious complications following revision MoP THA for ARMD associated with trunnionosis is high. In the presence of extensive tissue damage, a constrained liner or dual mobility construct is recommended in these patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:720-4.

Periprosthetic fractures associated with total knee arthroplasty: an update.

Fractures around total knee arthroplasties pose a significant surgical challenge. Most can be managed with osteosynthesis and salvage of the replacement. The techniques of fixation of these fractures and revision surgery have evolved and so has the assessment of outcome. This specialty update summarises the current evidence for the classification, methods of fixation, revision surgery and outcomes of the management of periprosthetic fractures associated with total knee arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1489-96.

Porous tantalum uncemented acetabular components in revision total hip arthroplasty: a minimum ten-year clinical, radiological and quality of life outcome study.

AIMS: Reconstruction of the acetabulum after failed total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be a surgical challenge in the presence of severe bone loss. We report the long-term survival of a porous tantalum revision acetabular component, its radiological appearance and quality of life outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the results of 46 patients who had undergone revision of a failed acetabular component with a Paprosky II or III bone defect and reconstruction with a hemispherical, tantalum acetabular component, supplementary screws and a cemented polyethylene liner. RESULTS: After a minimum follow-up of ten years (ten to 12), the survivorship of the porous tantalum acetabular component was 96%, with further revision of the acetabular component as the end point. The ten-year survivorship, with hip revision for any reason as the end point, was 92%. We noted excellent pain relief (mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score pain 92.6, (40 to 100)) and good functional outcomes (mean WOMAC function 90.3 (30.9 to 100), mean University of California Los Angeles activity scale 5 (2 to 10)) and generic quality of life measures (mean Short Form-12 (SF-12) physical component 48.3 (18.1 to 56.8), mean SF-12 mental component 56.7 (32.9 to 70.3)). Patient satisfaction with pain relief, function and return to recreational activities were excellent. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Uncemented acetabular reconstruction using a tantalum acetabular component gives excellent clinical and quality of life outcomes at a minimum follow-up of ten years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:767-71.

Delayed dislocation following metal-on-polyethylene arthroplasty of the hip due to 'silent' trunnion corrosion.

AIMS: We present a case series of ten metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasties (MoP THAs) with delayed dislocation associated with unrecognised adverse local tissue reaction due to corrosion at the trunnion and pseudotumour formation. METHODS: The diagnosis was not suspected in nine of the ten patients (six female/four male; mean age 66 years), despite treatment in a specialist unit (mean time from index surgery to revision was 58 months, 36 to 84). It was identified at revision surgery and subsequently confirmed by histological examination of resected tissue. Pre-operative assessment and culture results ruled out infection. A variety of treatment strategies were used, including resection of the pseudotumour and efforts to avoid recurrent dislocation. RESULTS: The rate of complications was high and included three deep infections, two patients with recurrent dislocation, and one recurrent pseudotumour. CONCLUSION: This series (mean follow-up of 76 months following index procedure and 19 months following revision THA) demonstrates that pseudotumour is an infrequent but important contributor to delayed instability following MoP THA. It is easy to overlook in the differential diagnosis, especially if the alignment of the components is less than optimal, leading to an assumption that malalignment is the cause of the dislocation. The instability is likely to be multifactorial and the revision surgery is complex. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Due to the high complication rate associated with revision in this cohort, the diagnosis should be borne in mind when counselling patients regarding the risks of revision surgery.

Modular tapered titanium stems in revision arthroplasty of the hip: The Risk and Causes of Stem Fracture.

Tapered fluted titanium stems are increasingly used for femoral revision arthroplasty. They are available in modular and non-modular forms. Modularity has advantages when the bone loss is severe, the proximal femur is mis shapen or the surgeon is unfamiliar with the implant, but it introduces the risk of fracture of the stem at the junction between it and the proximal body segment. For that reason, and while awaiting intermediate-term results of more recently introduced designs of this junction, non-modularity has attracted attention, at least for straightforward revision cases. We review the risks and causes of fracture of tapered titanium modular revision stems and present an argument in favour of the more selective use of modular designs.

Adverse local tissue reactions in metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty due to trunnion corrosion: the risk of misdiagnosis.

Adverse reaction to wear and corrosion debris is a cause for concern in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Modular junctions are a potential source of such wear products and are associated with secondary pseudotumour formation. We present a consecutive series of 17 patients treated at our unit for this complication following metal-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene (MoP) THA. We emphasise the risk of misdiagnosis as infection, and present the aggregate laboratory results and pathological findings in this series. The clinical presentation was pain, swelling or instability. Solid, cystic and mixed soft-tissue lesions were noted on imaging and confirmed intra-operatively. Corrosion at the head-neck junction was noted in all cases. No bacteria were isolated on multiple pre- and intra-operative samples yet the mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 49 (9 to 100) and C-reactive protein 32 (0.6 to 106) and stromal polymorphonuclear cell counts were noted in nine cases. Adverse soft-tissue reactions can occur in MoP THA owing to corrosion products released from the head-neck junction. The diagnosis should be carefully considered when investigating pain after THA. This may avoid the misdiagnosis of periprosthetic infection with an unidentified organism and mitigate the unnecessary management of these cases with complete single- or two-stage exchange.

Non-modular tapered fluted titanium stems in hip revision surgery: gaining attention.

Non-modular tapered fluted, titanium stems are available for use in femoral revision. The combination of taper and flutes on the stem provides axial and rotational stability, respectively. The material and surface properties of the stem promotes bone on-growth. If the surgeon is confident and reasonably experienced in the surgical use of this sort of design and the case is relatively straightforward, a non-modular design is effective. It also potentially reduces implant inventory, and circumvents the potential problems of taper junction corrosion and fatigue fracture. There are reports of excellent survival, good clinical and functional results and evidence of subsequent increase in proximal bone stock.

Tapered fluted modular titanium stems in the management of Vancouver B2 and B3 peri-prosthetic fractures.

Tapered, fluted, modular, titanium stems are increasingly popular in the operative management of Vancouver B2 and selected B3 peri-prosthetic femoral fractures. We have reviewed the results at our institution looking at stem survival and clinical outcomes and compared this with reported outcomes in the literature. Stem survival at a mean of 54 months was 96% in our series and 97% for combined published cases. Review of radiology showed maintenance or improvement of bone stock in 89% of cases with high rates of femoral union. Favourable clinical outcome scores have reported by several authors. No difference in survival or clinical scores was observed between B2 and B3 fractures. Tapered stems are a useful option in revision for femoral fracture across the spectrum of femoral bone deficiency.

Role and results of tapered fluted modular titanium stems in revision total hip arthroplasty.

Tapered, fluted, modular, titanium stems have a long history in Europe and are increasing in popularity in North America. We have reviewed the results at our institution looking at stem survival and clinical outcomes. Radiological outcomes and quality of life assessments have been performed and compared to cylindrical non-modular cobalt chromium stems. Survival at five years was 94%. This fell to 85% at ten years due to stem breakage with older designs. Review of radiology showed maintenance or improvement of bone stock in 87% of cases. Outcome scores were superior in tapered stems despite worse pre-operative femoral deficiency. Tapered stems have proved to be a useful alternative in revision total hip arthroplasty across the spectrum of femoral bone deficiency.

Articulating antibiotic impregnated spacers in two-stage revision of infected total knee arthroplasty.

Antibiotic impregnated articulating spacers are used in two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty to deliver local antibiotic therapy while preserving function. We have observed infection control in greater than 95% of cases with functional outcomes approaching those seen in revision for aseptic loosening. Higher failure has been observed with methicillin resistant organisms.

Development of a population-based microsimulation model of osteoarthritis in Canada.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to develop a population-based simulation model of osteoarthritis (OA) in Canada that can be used to quantify the future health and economic burden of OA under a range of scenarios for changes in the OA risk factors and treatments. In this article we describe the overall structure of the model, sources of data, derivation of key input parameters for the epidemiological component of the model, and preliminary validation studies. DESIGN: We used the Population Health Model (POHEM) platform to develop a stochastic continuous-time microsimulation model of physician-diagnosed OA. Incidence rates were calibrated to agree with administrative data for the province of British Columbia, Canada. The effect of obesity on OA incidence and the impact of OA on health-related quality of life (HRQL) were modeled using Canadian national surveys. RESULTS: Incidence rates of OA in the model increase approximately linearly with age in both sexes between the ages of 50 and 80 and plateau in the very old. In those aged 50+, the rates are substantially higher in women. At baseline, the prevalence of OA is 11.5%, 13.6% in women and 9.3% in men. The OA hazard ratios for obesity are 2.0 in women and 1.7 in men. The effect of OA diagnosis on HRQL, as measured by the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3), is to reduce it by 0.10 in women and 0.14 in men. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the development of the first population-based microsimulation model of OA. Strengths of this model include the use of large population databases to derive the key parameters and the application of modern microsimulation technology. Limitations of the model reflect the limitations of administrative and survey data and gaps in the epidemiological and HRQL literature.

Two-stage revision arthroplasty of the hip for infection using an interim articulated Prostalac hip spacer: a 10- to 15-year follow-up study.

We report the outcome at ten to 15 years of two-stage revision for hip infection in 99 patients using the Prostalac articulated hip spacer system. All the patients were contacted to determine their current functional and infection status using the Oxford-12, Short form-12, and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index questionnaires. A total of 11 of the 99 patients had a further infection, of whom seven responded to repeat surgery with no further sequelae. The mean interval between the stages was five months (1 to 36). We were able to review 48 living patients, with a mean age of 72 years (46 to 86), 34 (71%) of whom provided health-related quality-of-life outcome scores. The mean follow-up was 12 years (10 to 15). The long-term success rate was 89% and with additional surgery this rose to 96%. The mean global Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index score was 80.6 (sd 18.3). The mean Oxford-12 score was 74.0 (sd 22.3), and the mean Short form-12 score was 53.1 (sd 9.4) (mental) and 33.5 (sd 13.5) (physical). The mean satisfaction score was 90.5 (sd 15.3). Two-stage revision for hip infection using a Prostalac interim spacer offers a predictable and lasting solution for patients with this difficult problem.

Porous tantalum uncemented acetabular shells in revision total hip replacement: two to four year clinical and radiographic results.

In cementless revision total hip arthroplasty (THA), achieving initial implant stability and maximising host bone contact is key to the success of reconstruction. Porous tantalum acetabular shells may represent an improvement from conventional porous coated uncemented cups in revision acetabular reconstruction associated with severe acetabular bone defects. We reviewed the results of 46 acetabular revisions with Paprosky 2 and 3 acetabular bone defects done with a hemispheric, tantalum acetabular shell and multiple supplementary screws. At a mean follow-up of 40 (24-51) months, one acetabular shell had been revised in a patient with a Paprosky 3B defect. Cementless acetabular revision with the tantalum acetabular shell demonstrated excellent early clinical and radiographic results and warrants further evaluation in revision acetabular reconstruction associated with severe acetabular bone defects.

Predictors of quality of life outcomes after revision total hip replacement.

A prospective cohort of 222 patients who underwent revision hip replacement between April 2001 and March 2004 was evaluated to determine predictors of function, pain and activity level between one and two years post-operatively, and to define quality of life outcomes using validated patient reported outcome tools. Predictive models were developed and proportional odds regression analyses were performed to identify factors that predict quality of life outcomes at one and two years post-operatively. The dependent outcome variables were the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) function and pain scores, and University of California Los Angeles activity scores. The independent variables included patient demographics, operative factors, and objective quality of life parameters, including pre-operative WOMAC, and the Short Form-12 mental component score. There was a significant improvement (t-test, p < 0.001) in all patient quality of life scores. In the predictive model, factors predictive of improved function (original regression analyses, p < 0.05) included a higher pre-operative WOMAC function score (p < 0.001), age between 60 and 70 years (p < 0.037), male gender (p = 0.017), lower Charnley class (p < 0.001) and aseptic loosening being the indication for revision (p < 0.003). Using the WOMAC pain score as an outcome variable, factors predictive of improvement included the pre-operative WOMAC function score (p = 0.001), age between 60 and 70 years (p = 0.004), male gender (p = 0.005), lower Charnley class (p = 0.001) and no previous revision procedure (p = 0.023). The pre-operative WOMAC function score (p = 0.001), the indication for the operation (p = 0.007), and the operating surgeon (p = 0.008) were significant predictors of the activity assessment at follow-up. Predictors of quality of life outcomes after revision hip replacement were established. Although some patient-specific and surgery-specific variables were important, age, gender, Charnley class and pre-operative WOMAC function score had the most robust associations with outcome.

Comparative repeatability of guide-pin axis positioning in computer-assisted and manual femoral head resurfacing arthroplasty.

The orientation of the femoral component in hip resurfacing arthroplasty affects the likelihood of loosening and fracture. Computer-assisted surgery has been shown to improve significantly the surgeon's ability to achieve a desired position and orientation; nevertheless, both bias and variability in positioning remain and can potentially be improved. The authors recently developed a computer-assisted surgical (CAS) technique to guide the placement of the pin used in femoral head resurfacing arthroplasty and showed that it produced significantly less variation than a typical manual technique in varus/valgus placement relative to a preoperatively determined surgical plan while taking a comparable amount of time. In the present study, the repeatability of both the CAS and manual techniques is evaluated in order to estimate the relative contributions to overall variability of surgical technique (CAS versus manual), surgeon experience (novice versus experienced), and other sources of variability (e.g. across specimens and across surgeons). This will enable further improvements in the accuracy of CAS techniques. Three residents/fellows new to femoral head resurfacing and three experienced hip arthroplasty surgeons performed 20-30 repetitions of each of the CAS and manual techniques on at least one of four cadaveric femur specimens. The CAS system had markedly better repeatability (1.2 degrees) in varus/valgus placement relative to the manual technique (2.8 degrees), slightly worse repeatability in version (4.4 degrees versus 3.2 degrees), markedly better repeatability in mid-neck placement (0.7 mm versus 2.5 mm), no significant dependence on surgeon skill level (in contrast to the manual technique), and took significantly less time (50 s versus 123 s). Proposed improvements to the version measurement process showed potential for reducing the standard deviation by almost two thirds. This study supports the use of CAS for femoral head resurfacing as it is quicker than the manual technique, independent of surgeon experience, and demonstrates improved repeatability.

Clinical and radiographic assessment of the young adult with symptomatic hip dysplasia.

Acetabular dysplasia is a major precursor of osteoarthritis of the hip. It is important to identify patients before the development of osteoarthritis, because these patients may be candidates for joint-preserving surgery, such as pelvic osteotomy. Patients with hip dysplasia, and no osteoarthritis, present with unique findings on history and physical examination. On history, patients should be questioned for symptoms unique to dysplasia, such as locking, snapping, and feelings of instability. Physical examination should look for signs of labral disease, by using the impingement test. Patients suspected of having symptomatic dysplasia should have plain radiographs, including an anteroposterior radiograph of the pelvis taken with the patient standing, a false profile view, and an abduction view of the hip. The anteroposterior radiograph of the pelvis and false profile view will help to quantify the degree of the dysplasia. The abduction view is important in determining the patient's eligibility for joint-preserving hip surgery. Computed tomography scanning and magnetic resonance imaging are reserved for patients who are operative candidates. Computed tomography scanning can aid in the planning of complex pelvic osteotomies. Magnetic resonance imaging especially is useful for delineating labral disease. It is this combination of history, physical examination, and radiographic workup that will allow successful treatment of the dysplastic hip before the development of osteoarthritis.

Removal of well-fixed, cementless, acetabular components in revision hip arthroplasty.

Removal of well-fixed, cementless, acetabular components during revision arthroplasty remains a challenging problem. Further damage to host bone may limit options for reconstruction and compromise the long-term result of the revision operation. We report the results of 31 hips with well-fixed, cementless sockets which were removed using a new cup extraction system. In all hips the socket was removed without difficulty and with minimal further bone loss.