The effects of fluid penetration and interfacial porosity on the fixation of cemented femoral components.

We have investigated the role of the penetration of saline on the shear strength of the cement-stem interface for stems inserted at room temperature and those preheated to 37 degrees C using a variety of commercial bone cements. Immersion in saline for two weeks at 37 degrees C reduced interfacial strength by 56% to 88% after insertion at room temperature and by 28% to 49% after preheating of the stem. The reduction in porosity as a result of preheating ranged from 71% to 100%. Increased porosity correlated with a reduction in shear strength after immersion in saline (r = 0.839, p < 0.01) indicating that interfacial porosity may act as a fluid conduit.

Effects of the initial temperature of acrylic bone cement liquid monomer on the properties of the stem-cement interface and cement polymerization.

It has been shown that preheating the femoral stem prior to insertion minimizes interfacial porosity at the stem-cement interface. In this study, the effects of methylmethacrylate monomer temperature prior to mixing on the properties of stem-cement interface and cement polymerization were evaluated for 4 degrees C, room temperature, and 37 degrees C using a test model and cementing techniques that simulated a clinical situation. The nature and extent of interfacial porosity of stem-cement interface was quantified, the static shear strength of the stem-cement interface determined, and the time and temperature of polymerization at the cement-bone interface were measured. Compared to RT monomer, preheating monomer to 37 degrees C produced higher polymerization temperatures and greater initial interfacial shear strength with an unchanged amount of interfacial porosity. Precooling monomer to 4 degrees C produced lower polymerization temperatures and decreased initial interfacial shear strength, with the amount of interfacial porosity unchanged compared to the RT group. Although clinical techniques of preheating or precooling bone cement have some effects on the properties of the stem-cement interface and cement polymerization, they do not appear to enhance implant fixation.

The effect of alendronate (Fosamax) and implant surface on bone integration and remodeling in a canine model.

Patients at high risk for osteoporosis and its associated morbidity, including postmenopausal women, are being pharmacologically managed to stabilize and improve bone mass. Alendronate sodium (Fosamax) is a commonly used antiresorptive agent effective in osteopenic women for reducing bone resorption, increasing bone density, and decreasing fracture incidence. With the increased incidence of alendronate-treated women who are undergoing hip replacement or fracture repair by prosthesis placement, data are needed to predict how alendronate affects host bone integration with uncemented surfaces. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of alendronate on new bone formation and attachment to implant surfaces in a normal and simulated estrogen-deficient, calcium-deficient canine model, using an implantable bone growth chamber. Alendronate did not affect host bone integration to surfaces commonly used in uncemented total joint arthroplasty, but there were significant differences dependent solely on the type of surface.

Iliopsoas tendinitis after total hip arthroplasty.

Determination of the cause of groin pain after total hip arthroplasty can be difficult. The case of a patient with an unusual cause of groin pain after total hip arthroplasty, iliopsoas tendinitis, is presented. The patient failed nonoperative treatment and underwent surgical release of the iliopsoas tendon with complete resolution of symptoms.

Radiographic comparison of grit-blasted hydroxyaptite and arc-deposited hydroxyapatite acetabular components. A four-year follow-up study.

High rates of aseptic loosening have been reported for microstructured hydroxyapatite-coated acetabular components. A macrostructured component surface (arc-deposition) not only improves resistance to shear forces experienced by the acetabular component and increases initial stability, but also provides channels for bone ingrowth. The purpose of this investigation was to radiographically compare a series of grit-blasted (microstructured) and arc-deposited (macrostructured) hydroxyapatite-coated acetabular components. A minimum 4-year retrospective radiographic analysis of acetabular components was performed on a total of 50 total hip arthroplasties. At 4 years, arc-deposited components were associated with fewer radiolucent lines in all Charnley zones, particularly Charnley zone III. While the 4-year results for arc-deposited hydroxyapatite acetabular components are superior to their microstructured predecessors, long-term results are still unknown.

Effect of low-friction ion-treated femoral heads on polyethylene wear rates.

Polyethylene wear is a major contributor to osteolysis and subsequent aseptic loosening of prosthetic components in total hip arthroplasty. Use of ion implantation as a surface modification to the metallic bearing component of orthopaedic implants may be an effective means of reducing wear debris at the bearing interface. In July 1991, low friction ion treated femoral heads were introduced. This study evaluates the effect of the low friction ion treated femoral head on polyethylene wear. Fifty-five total hip arthroplasties (53 patients) with low friction ion treated femoral heads followed up a minimum of 3 years were matched with 55 total hip arthroplasties (47 patients) without low friction ion treated femoral heads for the same postoperative period. Socket wear was evaluated radiographically. Case matching and strict inclusion criteria were used to control for known factors influencing polyethylene wear. These criteria included: (1) cases matched for gender and age within 2 years; (2) diagnosis limited to osteoarthritis or avascular necrosis of the femoral head only; (3) femoral head diameter limited to 26 or 28 mm only; (4) hydroxyapatite coated femoral stem of the same design and a metal backed socket of the one of two designs with the same polyethylene insert; and (5) minimum followup of 3 years. The linear wear rate of polyethylene was 0.161 +/- 0.095 mm per year in the group without the low friction ion treated heads and 0.116 +/- 0.101 mm per year in the low friction ion treated group. The volumetric wear rates were 74.5 +/- 44.3 mm3 per year for the group without the low friction ion treated heads and 57.8 +/- 51.1 mm3 per year for the low friction ion treated group. Assuming the sensitivity of these measurements can detect these small differences in wear accurately, these results suggest low friction ion treated prosthetic heads are useful in reducing polyethylene wear at 3-year minimum followup.

Normalized and proportionalized cemented femoral stem survivorship at 15 years.

We reviewed the clinical and radiographic results of a series of 215 consecutive hip arthroplasties in which a normalized, proportionalized, cemented femoral component was implanted. This component design may encourage more efficient force transmission from prosthesis to cement to bone and lessen hoop stresses and resultant interface failure. A total of 127 hips in 103 patients with a follow-up of 13 to 17 years (average, 14.8 years) were available for evaluation, which included survivorship analysis. An aseptic failure loosening rate of 3.9% at 15 years for this stem favorably compares with other reported series of first-generation and second-generation stems at similar follow-up. Excluding the 8 stems placed in varus, of which 3 required revision (failure rate, 37.5%), the series has a failure rate of 1.6%.

Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty with hydroxyapatite coated implants.

Thirty patients (60 hips) who underwent simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty with hydroxyapatite components were followed from 24 to 78 months (mean: 49 months). All patients showed improvement in postoperative hip score rating compared to preoperative for pain, function, and range of motion. Postoperative complications were minimal compared to other series. There were no thromboembolic complications. Heterotopic bone was noted in 18 hips (30%). At latest follow up no patients had radiographic evidence of component loosening.

Host-bone response to porous-coated cobalt-chrome and hydroxyapatite-coated titanium femoral components in hip arthroplasty. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry analysis of paired bilateral cases at 5 to 7 years.

Uncemented porous-coated cobalt-chrome femoral stems have produced satisfactory short-term clinical results, although slightly inferior to the results of cemented total hip arthroplasty. Proximal femoral bone resorption, osteolysis and fibrous ingrowth have been reported with porous-coated stems. Hydroxyapatite-coated stems and titanium stems have been introduced to avoid these findings through improved fixation. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry allows quantitative examination of bone density changes after uncemented total hip arthroplasty. This study examines the host-bone response to hydroxyapatite-coated titanium and porous-coated cobalt-chrome stems of identical geometry in three paired bilateral cases at 5 to 7 years. Distinctly different patterns of femoral bone mineral density changes were observed with the two stem designs. The authors conclude that dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is a promising technique allowing noninvasive analysis of uncemented stem fixation, and that the data from this study suggest improved fixation and stress transfer with hydroxyapatite-coated titanium stems.

A comparison of blood loss and transfusion requirements in total knee arthroplasty with and without arterial tourniquet.

A retrospective study was undertaken to determine the intraoperative blood loss and the subsequent need for blood transfusion in primary total knee arthroplasty. Fifty-six patients were operated on with the use of an arterial tourniquet (group 1), and 50 patients, without the use of a tourniquet (group 2). The mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.001). The 1-hour postoperative hemoglobin decrease was also significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.006). Thirty-four patients (61%) in group 1, and 32 patients in group 2 (64%) required a blood transfusion prior to discharge from the hospital. This difference was not significantly different. Although intraoperative blood loss was increased in the group when no tourniquet was used, the overall incidence of transfusion was the same between the two groups. It may therefore be justified to question the routine use of a tourniquet during total knee arthroplasty.

Normalized and proportionalized cemented femoral stem designs. A 10-year clinical study.

Two hundred fifteen cemented total hip arthroplasties were performed in 184 patients using normalized and proportionalized femoral stems. Normalization or stepped tapering of the stem minimizes development of tensile hoop stresses by altering force transmission from the femoral stem to the cement mantle. The proportionality of the stem was based on an anatomic study that resulted in the development of a series of prostheses achieving a more complete femoral canal fill. Patients were followed clinically and radiographically from 8 to 12 years or until revision. Average hip scores (d'Aubigne and Postel) improved for pain (3.0-5.9), function (2.9-5.5), and motion (3.3-5.5). Radiographic results demonstrated a 4% incidence of loosening, a 16% incidence of cortical hypertrophy, and no femoral stem fractures. Revision rate was 3%. These results support use of this device.

Rationale and clinical application of hydroxyapatite coatings in pressfit total hip arthroplasty.

Although the long-term clinical results of cemented total hip arthroplasty are quite good, there is a significant problem with failure after approximately 10 years, especially with younger patients. Uncemented total hip arthroplasty has been developed in response to prosthesis loosening due to cement fragmentation and osteolysis. Porous-coated hip stems have been used, with generally promising results. However, clinical studies of porous-coated prostheses have revealed findings of concern such as thigh pain, subsidence of the femoral prosthesis, and radiographic lucencies at the bone-prosthesis interface. Hydroxyapatite coatings were developed to improve the fixation of uncemented prostheses. This article discusses the chemical, mechanical, and biological properties of hydroxyapatite coatings, and reviews the biologic behavior of experimental hydroxyapatite-coated implants. The clinical and radiographic results of a 4-year prospective trial are presented. The authors conclude that the reported experimental evidence, as well as the early clinical experience of this series and others, support the continued clinical evaluation of hydroxyapatite-coated titanium for total hip arthroplasty in younger, active patients.

Biomechanical determination of the optimal number of fixation screws for the sliding hip screw plate.

Laboratory measurement of the tensile forces on the plate fixation screws of the sliding hip nail demonstrated that most of the force is borne by the proximal three screws in an intertrochanteric fracture model. Testing of an intact femur, which simulate a healed femur, demonstrated a proximal shift of the screw forces. Four screws appear adequate for fixation if screw torque is controlled.

Hydroxylapatite-coated hip implants. Multicenter three-year clinical and roentgenographic results.

The application of a thin coating of hydroxylapatite to total hip implants has provided the opportunity to realize stable fixation of a press-fit prosthesis without a porous coating or an intervening fibrous tissue layer. This series consists of 436 total hip arthroplasties, of which 320 cases have a minimum two-year follow-up period and 142 cases have a minimum three-year follow-up period. The femoral prosthesis used was a roughened titanium alloy with a 50-microns surface treatment of hydroxylapatite applied to the proximal one third. The acetabular components implanted included porous-coated implants (132), hydroxylapatite-coated acetabular shells of varying geometries (285), and bipolar implants (16). Analysis of the clinical results demonstrates a mean Harris Hip Score of 93 at six-months postarthroplasty, 95 at one and two years, and 96 at three years. At the three-year follow-up evaluation, 4.2% of patients complained of mild to moderate pain in the operative limb, whereas only 2.2% at two years and 1.4% at three years complained of activity-related thigh pain. The femoral mechanical loosening rate representing stems revised for aseptic loosening (two) plus roentgenographically unstable stems (zero) is 0.46%. Three hydroxylapatite-coated acetabular cups (1%) have shown measurable migration at two years, but none have been revised for aseptic loosening. The roentgenographic evaluation provides evidence for excellent proximal femoral fixation with distal stress transfer. Radiolucencies typically occur around the uncoated distal tip of the femoral stem (74%), but rarely in the proximal hydroxylapatite-coated anterior (3%) and lateral (2%) zones. Femoral cancellous condensation characteristically is seen at the transition zone of hydroxylapatite coated-to-uncoated stems (86%), whereas up to 32% of cases show cortical hypertrophy at the medial distal stem. These roentgenographic changes are progressive from one through three years postoperatively.

Stability of a cyclically loaded hydroxyapatite coating: effect of substrate material, surface preparation, and testing environment.

Cyclic loading of Ti-6-4 and Co-Cr-Mo (cast) test samples with grit-blasted or waffle-textured surfaces coated with a plasma-sprayed 50-mum HA layer was performed in air, Ringer's solution (5% dextrose), 0.9% NaCl (Tris buffer, pH 7.40), and balanced Hank's solution. Maximum interfacial stresses in bending of 40 ksi (280 MPa) and 20 ksi (140 MPa) were utilized, and the specimens tested to 10 6 cycles at 5 Hz with a MTS servohydraulic machine. Tested samples were examined by optical microscopy to determine coating integrity and thickness and by scanning electron microscopy (electron backscatter mode and EDAX) to determine surface morphology and chemical changes. The following observations were made: (1) Samples cyclically tested in solutions showed a general thinning of the coating, accentuated in the higher-stressed regions. (2) Samples tested with an equivalent static load in the solutions did not show this centralization. (3) Bare metal interface surfaces were noted on most of the edges of highly stressed central specimen regions, in several entire central regions, and on the upper surfaces of some of the waffled samples. (4) The specimens tested in Ringer's solution (pH 4.70 initially) demonstrated the most dramatic coating deterioration. (5) The coatings on titanium appeared more stable than these on Co-Cr as tested in all solution environments for both surface types. The HA coating evaluated in this experiment demonstrated increased instability when cyclically loaded in in vitro solutions of lowered pH and depleted cations (Ca 2+) at stress levels of 280 MPa.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Early clinical experience with hydroxyapatite-coated femoral implants.

As part of a multi-center study, 238 titanium stems that were proximally coated with hydroxyapatite were implanted in 220 patients between January 1988 and December 1989. Ninety-two of these stems in eighty-three patients had a minimum of two years of follow-up, including analysis of the clinical and radiographic data. Clinically, the patients were essentially pain-free before six months and had a low (4 per cent) prevalence of pain in the thigh and a very high composite Harris hip-score (mean, 95 points) at two years. Radiographically, subsidence was detected in 8 per cent of the implants; no implant had more than three millimeters of subsidence. Radiolucencies were characteristically seen around the uncoated distal part of the stem, in 70 per cent of the implants. Contrastingly, radiolucencies were rare in the hydroxyapatite-coated proximal zones and were most often found anteriorly, in only 5 per cent of the implants. Areas of increased formation of cancellous bone were seen beneath femoral cortical bone at the interface between the hydroxyapatite-coated and uncoated parts of the stem, in 67 per cent of the implants. Calcar resorption was found in 49 per cent of the implants. Cortical thickening was present in 17 per cent of the implants at the uncoated distal part of the stem. Two of the 238 femoral implants were revised: one because of infection and one because of aseptic loosening associated with non-union of a subtrochanteric osteotomy.

[Coxarthrosis associated with osteopetrosis treated by surfacing arthroplasty. Apropos of a case]. / Coxarthrose associée à une ostéopétrose traitée par arthroplastie de surface. A propos d'un cas.

Early onset osteoarthritis of the hip associated with osteopetrosis has been described in the literature. The surgical management of these patients has been difficult and fraught with complications. We describe a case in which a custom resurfacing hip arthroplasty was performed in a patient with osteopetrosis and severe osteoarthritis of the hip.