Long-term results of total hip arthroplasty with the CementLess Spotorno (CLS) system.

BACKGROUND: This study presents the long-term results of the Cementless Spotorno (CLS) total hip arthroplasty system and an analysis of factors associated with clinical and radiographic outcome. METHODS: We studied a series of 120 consecutive CLS arthroplasties in a young patient group (mean age at surgery: 55.9 ± 5.9 years). The Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score, polyethylene (PE) wear, and radiographic status were recorded during follow-up. Survival analyses, repeated-measures analysis of variance, and a nested case-control study were used for statistical evaluation. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 14.6 years (range 0.1-24.2 years, including revisions and lost to follow-up), 24 revisions had been performed, 16 of which for aseptic cup loosening. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a 24-year survival of 72.8% (95% CI, 63.0%-82.6%) with revision for any reason as endpoint, and 80.1% (95% CI, 70.9%-89.3%) for revision for aseptic cup loosening. Mean final Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score was 16.1 points (range 7-18). Mean PE wear at final follow-up was 2.3 mm (range 0.6-6.8 mm). A higher rate of PE wear was associated with better clinical scores but also with revision for cup loosening. Factors associated with more PE wear were: younger age at surgery; 32 - mm head; longer follow-up; and steeper inclination angle. CONCLUSIONS: Beyond 10 years, the CLS stem is reliable, but the high revision rate for aseptic cup loosening is concerning, specifically with better performing (cementless) alternatives available.

Outcome of the Cementless Zweymüller BICON-PLUS Cup and SL-PLUS Stem in the Very Elderly Individuals.

INTRODUCTION: There is current debate about which type of total hip prosthesis implants are best for the elderly patient. Implanting uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) in elderly people remains contested. The aim of present study was to evaluate the outcome of the uncemented Zweymüller BICON-PLUS THA in those with a minimum of 80 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective data collection was performed in a regional teaching hospital in the Netherlands. The primary outcome of interest was the operation-free period. Secondary outcomes included the revision rates of the femoral and acetabular components and postoperative complications of the procedure. After a follow-up of at least 7 years, the surviving patients were reviewed on functionality using validated scores (Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Timed Up and Go, and Harris Hip Score) and radiographic analysis. RESULTS: Between January 1999 and September 2004, 124 patients (128 THAs), aged 80 years and older, received an uncemented THA with a BICON-PLUS cup and SL-PLUS stem. The overall operation-free period was 6.5 years. One case of loosening of the cup was found among participants, with a survival rate of 99.2% of the BICON-PLUS cup in the analyzed group. In all, 28.8% of this group could be followed for a postoperative period of at least 7 years. The remainder of the patients died prior to the end of the 7-year period. Of these, 16.0% were eligible for clinical review. This group showed good function without evident signs of prosthetic loosening. CONCLUSION: The uncemented Zweymüller THA system, with threaded BICON-PLUS cup and SL-PLUS stem, showed good results, compared to outcome of other THA systems in elderly individuals. Therefore, it is a reliable option in older patients requiring THA.

A dutch survey on circumpatellar electrocautery in total knee arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior knee pain following total knee arthroplasty is estimated to occur in 4-49% of patients. Some orthopedic surgeons use circumpatellar electrocautery (diathermy) to reduce the prevalence of postsurgical anterior knee pain; however, the extent of its use is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: In April 2009, a postal questionnaire was sent to all 98 departments of orthopedic surgery in The Netherlands. The questions focused on the frequency of total knee arthroplasties, patellar resurfacing, and the use of circumpatellar electrocautery. RESULTS: The response rate was 92%. A total of 18,876 TKAs, 2,096 unicompartmental knee arthroplasties, and 215 patellofemoral arthroplasties are performed yearly in The Netherlands by the responding orthopedic surgeons. Of the orthopedic surgeons performing TKA, 13% always use patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis, 49% use selective patellar resurfacing, and 38% never use it. Fifty-six percent of orthopedic surgeons use circumpatellar electrocautery when not resurfacing the patella, and 32% use electrocautery when resurfacing the patella. CONCLUSION: There is no consensus among Dutch orthopedic surgeons on the use of patellar resurfacing or circumpatellar electrocautery in total knee replacement performed for osteoarthritis. A prospective clinical trial is currently underway to fully evaluate the effect of circumpatellar electrocautery on the prevalence of anterior knee pain following total knee arthroplasty.