Long-term Results of Developmental Hip Dysplasia Under Therapy With Pavlik Harness.

INTRODUCTION: The Pavlik harness is a commonly used treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) of types IIc or worse, based on the Graf classification. This study aimed to assess the long-term follow-up outcomes after treating DDH with the Pavlik harness. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2006, ultrasound screening was conducted on 7372 newborns within the first days of life. Among them, 203 dysplastic hips in 152 patients, whose sonograms were Graf type IIc or worse, were treated with Pavlik harness. Treatment was discontinued if the measurement indicated Graf type Ia/b. More than 20 years later (mean: 20.46 y), patients were invited for clinical evaluation (Oxford Hips Score, Schulthess Hip Score, Harris Hip Score) and radiologic examination (center-edge angle according to Wiberg and the Severis classification, the rate of roofing of the femoral head via the Reimers migration percentage, and the Sharp angle). RESULTS: Of the 152 patients, 60 (39.5%) participants with 80 (39.4%) affected hips (57.7% type IIc, 7.9% type D, and 15.6% type IIIa/b) were reexamined. The average follow-up duration was 20.5 years, with a maximum of 25.9 years. According to the Severin's classification, only 2 (3.77%) patients, each with one affected hip, showed slight residual dysplasia. The Reimer's migration percentage indicated an average of almost 90% canopy cover in the patient collective studied. No avascular necrosis was found, and the Sharp angle showed an average of almost 38 degrees. Only 4 participants with each one affected hip showed residual dysplasia according to the Sharp angle. The clinical results were quite satisfying, as none of the patients experienced hip pain that significantly limited their everyday activities or sports engagement, requiring medical attention before this study.Conclusions:Conservative therapy of DDH (Graf type IIc, D, III) with the Pavlik harness has demonstrated very good therapeutic success and a very low rate of residual dysplasia (2.81%). Both the radiologic and clinical outcomes were highly satisfactory. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures in Cementless Short Versus Straight Stem Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicate a decreased risk of periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) for short compared to straight stems. However, the results are still inconclusive. Therefore, we retrospectively investigated the rate of PFFs within the first year between cementless short and straight stem THA. METHODS: A 1:1 propensity score matching of 3,053 THAs was performed. Two groups including 1,147 short stem THAs implanted through a minimally invasive antero-lateral approach and 1,147 straight stem THAs implanted through a transgluteal Hardinge approach were matched. The rates of PFFs and fracture patterns were compared between both stem types. Risk factors for PFFs were analyzed by multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: The overall rate of PFFs was 1.7% in short stem THA and 3.2% in straight stem THA (P = .015). Postoperatively detected Vancouver A fractures occurred significantly more often in straight stem THA (P = .002), while the occurrence Vancouver B fractures did not differ significantly (P = .563). The risk of PFFs was significantly increased for women in straight stem THA (Odds ratio (OR) 2.620; Confidence Interval (CI) 1.172-5.856; P = .019). Increasing age showed a significantly increased odds ratio in short stem (OR 1.103; CI 1.041-1.169, P < .001) and straight stem THA (OR 1.057; CI 1.014-1.101, P = .008). CONCLUSION: Short stem THA reduces Vancouver Type A PFFs in the trochanteric region compared to straight stem THA, while Vancouver Type B fractures are comparable. Increasing age is a significant risk factor for both stem types, while the risk for PFFs in women was only significantly increased in the straight stem group.

The 'critical trochanter angle' does not show superiority over the CCD angle in predicting varus stem alignment in cementless short-stem total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Varus positioning of the femoral stem can affect the hip offset (HO). The critical trochanter angle (CTA) was introduced in 2019 as a novel geometric angle, to predict varus stem alignment in cementless straight stem THA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of the CTA as a predictor for stem alignment in THA with a cementless neck resecting short stem. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 106 patients (index surgery 2014-2019) with unilateral THA and a morphologically healthy contralateral hip as a reference (Kellgren-Lawrence ≤ 1) were included. A cementless short stem with meta-diaphyseal fixation and press-fit cup was implanted in all cases. Stem alignment, CCD angle, CTA and offset reconstruction were measured on preoperative and 3 months postoperative AP radiographs of the pelvis. RESULTS: Preoperative lower CTA and lower CCD angle were positively correlated (r = 0.472; p < 0.001). Higher varus stem alignment is correlated with lower CTA (r = - 0.384; p < 0.001) and lower CCD angle (r = - 0.474; p < 0.001). A CTA of 23.1° or lower showed a sensitivity of 59.1% and a specificity of 87.1% (AUC: 0.733) and a CCD angle of 132.75° or lower a sensitivity of 68.2% and a specificity of 80.6% (AUC: 0.77) for a varus stem alignment > 3°. CONCLUSION: The CTA is also applicable in cementless THA with a neck resecting short stem to evaluate risk of intraoperative varus stem positioning. The CCD angle shows higher sensitivity with marginally lower specificity. Therefore, the CTA is not superior in predicting varus stem alignment in short-stem THA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Progressive lateralization and constant hip geometry in children with DDH, NDH, and LCPD following hip reconstructive surgery: a cohort study of 73 patients with a mean follow-up of 4.9 years.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic and femoral osteotomies have been effective methods to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), neurogenic dislocation of the hip (NDH), and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term results after hip reconstruction in children with DDH, NDH, and LCPD. METHODS: In a retrospective study, X-rays of 73 children (2-19 years) with DDH, NDH, and LCPD were measured before, 3 months, and at final follow-up (FU) after hip reconstructive surgery (open reduction, and femoral and/or pelvic osteotomy ± soft-tissue procedures between 2008 and 2018). Measurement of hip geometry included acetabular index (AI), center-edge angle (CE), and Reimers migration index (RMI). Mean follow-up time at final FU was 4.9 years. P value was set P < 0.05. RESULTS: After surgery (femoral osteotomy: 84 hips, Salter innominate osteotomy: 21 hips, Pemberton osteotomy: 30 hips, open reduction: 28 hips, Chiari osteotomy: 4 hips, and soft-tissue release: 24 hips), hip geometry parameters improved significantly. Nevertheless, at final FU, there was deterioration in hip geometry with femoral head lateralization (RMI) compared to the data at 3 months after surgery (RMI: preop/3 months/final FU: 40.6 ± 16.1%/6.1 ± 9.0/15.4 ± 16.0%; CE: 11.3° ± 20.0°/30.2° ± 9.5°/27.9 ± 15.4°; AI: 28.8° ± 9.6°/19.1° ± 7.6°/18.3 ± 7.6°). Sub-group analysis did not show differences concerning the progression of RMI in DDH, NDH, and LCPD at final FU. Regardless of basic disease, the lateralization was observed in all three groups (DDH, NDH, and LCPD) and statistically significant comparing X-rays 3 months postoperatively to maximum follow-up (DDH; NDH; LCPD: 2.7 ± 6.8%/7.6 ± 10.1%; 13.7 ± 15.3%/22.8 ± 19.8%; 1.7 ± 4.1%/14.9 ± 11.3%). Additional soft-tissue release techniques in patients with DDH or NDH did not show postoperative differences with statistical significance. Concerning surgical techniques, a connection between the lower RMI and the procedure of osteotomy of the ilium was found. In 25 patients, (34%) complications were observed: superficial skin lesions in 8, deep skin lesions in 3, contraction of adductors in 3, subluxation in 2, dislocations of the cast in 2, osteonecrosis of the femoral head in 2 cases, reluxation in 1, infection of the implanted plate in 1, compliance problem in 1, delayed bone healing in 1, and contraction of knee flexors in 1 case. DISCUSSION: The basic results of this study show a significant improvement of hip geometry at a follow-up of 4.9 years and prove findings of previously published literature. Moreover, the study was able to show a progression of RMI in all patient groups, which have undergone reconstructive surgery, despite basic hip geometry data (AI, CE angle) did not change. Those findings were independent from underlying pathology. Complications were counted in 34% of the patients and involved all known adverse events after hip reconstructive surgery. This makes clear why annual follow-up checks are needed not to miss the right indication for revision surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Evidence level: Level IV, case series. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This manuscript is part of a prospective randomized clinical trial, registered in the German Clinical Trials Register DRKS-ID: DRKS00016861.

Tendon transfer in foot drop: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Foot drop is a disorder that impairs walking and leads to tripping and falling. Tendon transfer (e.g., tibialis posterior tendon) is a typical secondary procedure in foot drop treatment. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the most common tendon transfer techniques for treating foot drop and to analyze the reported functional outcomes. Furthermore, it was of interest if the type of surgical technique affects the functional outcome. METHODS: A PubMed and MEDLINE literature search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The search terms used were ("tendon transfer" OR "tendon transposition") AND ("foot drop" OR "peroneal neuropathies"). Any study published before January 2020 was considered for inclusion. No case reports or reviews were included. Common outcome measures (Stanmore score, AOFAS, FAAM, AFO use, patient satisfaction and active ankle dorsiflexion) were evaluated. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Coleman Methodology Score. RESULTS: Of the 125 reviewed publications, 37 met the inclusion criteria. 42 cohorts were analyzed. The frequently reported tendon transfer technique was the tibialis posterior tendon transfer through the interosseus membrane. The most used fixation technique was tendon on tendon fixation; however in recent years, a tendon to bone fixation has gained popularity. There was an increase in Stanmore scores and AOFAS postoperatively and a decrease of AFO use postoperatively observed. CONCLUSIONS: Due to various outcome measures and lack of preoperative assessment in the included studies, a meta-analysis of the pooled results was not possible. Nevertheless, the findings of this study show that tendon transfer increases mobility and self-independency leading to patient satisfaction. The choice of the surgical technique does not affect the outcome. A prospective collection of patient data and standardized outcome measures will be important to further analyze the efficacy of tendon transfer techniques.

Short Term Radiological Outcome of Combined Femoral and Ilium Osteotomy in Pelvic Reconstruction of the Child.

Background and Objectives: Reconstruction of the pelvic joint is a common way to address developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), as well as neurogenic dislocation of the hip (NDH) and Legg−Calvé−Perthes disease (LCPD) in children. The purpose of this study was to analyze the short-term radiologic outcome after hip reconstructive surgery either treated with sole osteotomy of the femur or in combination with iliac osteotomy in patients with DDH, NDH and LCPD. Materials and Methods: X-rays of 73 children, aged 2−18 years, with DDH, NDH and LCPD after hip reconstructive surgery were measured retrospectively and compared to the preoperative x-rays concerning various parameters to define hip geometry. The surgical procedures were femoral osteotomy (74), Salter innominate osteotomy (27), Pemberton osteotomy (27), open reduction (37), Chiari osteotomy (4). The pre-/postoperative acetabular index (AI), center-edge angle (CE) and Reimers migration index (RMI) were evaluated before and 3 months after surgery. Results: Hip geometry parameters improved significantly (RMI: preop/postop: 62.23% ± 31.63%/6.30% ± 11.51%, p < 0.001; CE: 11.53° ± 20.16°/30.58 ± 8.81°, p < 0.001; AI: 28.67° ± 9.2°/19.17 ± 7.65°, p < 0.001). Sub-group analysis showed a superior RMI in DDH compared with NDH 3 months after surgery (DDH/NDH: 2.77% ± 6.9%/12.94% ± 13.5%; p = 0.011). Osteotomy of the iliac bone (Salter innominate, Pemberton, Chiari) resulted in a significant improvement of the postoperative RMI compared to cases without osteotomy of the ilium (7.02 ± 11.1% vs. 16.85 ± 4.71%; p = 0.035). Conclusions: Femoral and pelvic osteotomies are effective to improve the radiological pelvic parameters in infants and adolescents with DDH, NDH and LCPD. In addition, the study found that the combination of femoral and pelvic osteotomy led to a better RMI than femoral osteotomy alone. Using the combined ilium and femoral osteotomy, it was possible to show the highest effect on correction of the hip geometry with respect to residual RMI.

Short Term Results of Early Treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip or Luxation with Pavlik Harness in Human Position.

Background and Objectives: This study shows a sufficient treatment with the Pavlik harness for all patients through all phases of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) if there is a strict regime. Materials and Methods: There was an ultrasound measurement stage of IIc or worse (D, IIIa/b, IVa/b) in 159 out of 7372 newborns between 1995 and 2006 (2.15%). This is an indication for treatment with the Pavlik harness. Overall, 203 dysplastic hips were treated initially with our regime. After detection, we started the application of the Pavlik harness immediately in the 'human position'. There were appointments every 10-14 days to check the setting combined with ultrasound controls. The treatment stopped if a mature, well-developed picture of both hips was seen when compared to Graf type Ia/b. Afterwards, an X-ray control was carried out at about one year of age. Results: 159 newborns with 203 dislocated hips were treated. The distribution following Graf's classification was as follows: 150 type IIc (73.9%), 18 type D (8.9%), 31 type IIIa/b (15, 3%) and 4 type IV (1.9%). To summarize, there were 150 (73.9%) type IIc hips at risk of developing a dislocation but also 53 hips (26.1%) which were already dislocated at the moment of birth. There was a loss to follow-up in three patients (1.8%), and the therapy had to be changed in six cases. There was no degradation in our study population during therapy. Conclusion: The treatment with the Pavlik harness of DDH at every stage in newborns was possible and showed good results in 189 hips.

High Reoperation Rate in Mobile-Bearing Total Ankle Arthroplasty in Young Patients.

Background and Objectives: Due to inferior survival rates compared to hip and knee arthroplasty, total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) was previously mainly recommended for older and less active patients. However, given the encouraging survival rates and clinical outcomes of modern generations of TAA, some authors have also advocated TAA in young patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate age related reoperation, revision and survival rates of third-generation mobile-bearing TAAs. Materials andMethods: In this retrospective study, 224 consecutive TAA patients with a minimum follow up (FU) of 2 years were analyzed. Patients were retrospectively assigned to two study groups (Group A: age < 50 years; Group B: age ≥ 50 years). Revision was defined as secondary surgery with prothesis component removal, while reoperation was defined as a non-revisional secondary surgery involving the ankle. Results: After a mean FU of 7.1 ± 3.2 years, the reoperation rate (Group A: 22.2%; Group B: 5.3%; p = 0.003) and revision rate (Group A: 36.1%; Group B: 13.8%; p = 0.003) were higher within Group A. An age of under 50 years at time of surgery was associated with higher reoperation (odds ratio (OR): 6.54 (95% CI: 1.96-21.8); p = 0.002) and revision rates (OR: 3.13 (95% CI: 1.22-8.04); p = 0.018). Overall, lower patient age was associated with higher reoperation (p = 0.009) and revision rates (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The ideal indication for TAA remains controversial, especially regarding patient age. The findings of this study show high reoperation and revision rates in patients aged under 50 years at time of surgery. Therefore, the outcomes of this study suggest that the indication for TAA in young patients should be considered very carefully and that the association between low patient age and high reoperation rate should be disclosed to all eligible patients.

Significant Difference in Antimicrobial Resistance of Bacteria in Septic Revision between Total Knee Arthroplasty and Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) aggravates the already difficult treatment of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). Due to many factors influencing AMR, the correct choice of antimicrobial management remains arguable. The primary purpose of this retrospective study was to identify and compare bacteria and their antibiotic resistance profile between septic revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and septic revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). A review of all revision TKAs and revision THAs, undertaken between 2007 and 2020 in a tertiary referral hospital, was performed. Included were cases meeting the consensus criteria for PJI, in which an organism has been identified. There were no major differences in tissue sampling between revision TKAs and revision THAs over time. A total of 228 bacterial strains, isolated after revision TKA and THA, were analysed for their resistance to 20 different antibiotics. There was a statistically significant higher occurrence of Gram-negative bacteria identified after revision THAs compared to TKA (p = 0.002). The comparison of antibiotic resistance between revision TKAs and revision THAs was statistically significant in 9 of 20 analysed antibiotics. This has implications for the choice of empirical antibiotic in revision surgery as well as prophylactic antibiotic in primary surgery, depending on the joint that is to be replaced.

Foam Splint versus Spica Cast-Early Mobilization after Hip Reconstructive Surgery in Children-Preliminary Data from a Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Surgical hip joint reconstruction may be the method of choice for children and adolescents with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), as well as neurogenic dislocation of the hip (NDH) and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD). Following pelvic surgery, immobilization using a spica cast is considered to be the gold standard, despite the fact that casting may cause complications, such as hygienic problems, skin lesions, neurological deficits, and rigidity of the adjacent joints. An alternative for postoperative immobilization is a foam splint. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to compare spica cast and foam splint immobilization after hip reconstruction in children and adolescents with DDH, NDH, and LCPD. METHODS: In a prospective randomized clinical trial, children and adolescents (age: 4-14 years), who received hip reconstructive surgery (osteotomy of the ilium and proximal femur, open reduction, soft tissue techniques) for DDH, NDH, and LCPD were included. Patient recruitment, group allocation, surgery, and aftercare were carried out in a department for orthopaedic surgery in Central Europe. Standardized questionnaires SF-36 (Short Form-36), EQ-5D (Euro Quality of Life 5D and CPCHILD (Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities) were gathered before, six, and twelve weeks after surgery from each patient. Group one received a spica cast and group two a foam splint for a period of six weeks postoperatively. There was no difference in surgical treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-one out of thirty planned patients were enrolled in the study. One patient had to be excluded because of a lack of compliance. All quality of life (QOL) scores showed a significant reduction at the 6-week follow-up compared to the preoperative assessment. After twelve weeks, the scores came back close to the preoperative values. A significant reduction was seen in the spica cast group pre- vs. postoperatively for the variables CPCHILD (81% vs. 64%, p = 0.001), EQ-5d (65% vs. 45%, p = 0.014), and SF-36 (85% vs. 74%, p = 0.004). The corresponding values for the foam splint group also presented a reduction for all scores, but without statistical significance. Complications occurred in five cases. CONCLUSIONS: Recent retrospective studies suggest that foam splint immobilization after hip reconstruction surgery is a safe and feasible method, promising fewer complications compared to spica casting. The preliminary results of this prospective randomized clinical trial show an improvement of the scores when using a foam splint compared to the conventionally used spica cast. Benefits for the patients may be fewer adverse events and no need to undergo a second round of anaesthesia for recasting. Data suggest higher patient and caretaker satisfaction in the foam splint group.

High varus stem alignment in short-stem total hip arthroplasty: a risk for reconstruction of femoro-acetabular offset, leg length discrepancy and stem undersizing?

PURPOSE: Short stems are increasingly used in in total hip arthroplasty (THA) because of advantages in bone and soft tissue preservation and reconstruction of hip geometry. Short stems can be inserted in a more varus position compared to conventional straight stems. This poses the risk of final varus misplacement of the femoral component, which is not intended in all femoral short stems. METHODS: We wanted to evaluate the effect of a high varus stem positioning in MIS THA on hip offset, leg length and femoral canal fill index. A series of 1052 consecutive THAs with a singular cementless femoral short stem and press-fit cup was retrospectively screened for inclusion. One hundred six patients with unilateral THA and a contralateral healthy hip met the inclusion criteria. Measurements were carried out on preoperative and 3 months anterior-posterior postoperative radiographs. Patients were divided into Group A (varus stem alignment ≤ 3°) and Group B (varus stem alignment > 3°). RESULTS: Hip offset (HO) increased significantly in Group B by 4 mm (p = 0.013). No influence on leg length difference was detected in both groups. Preoperative CCD angle was significantly lower in Group B (p < 0.001). Canal Fill Indices (CFI) were significantly lower in Group B (CFI I: p < 0.001; CFI II p = 0.003; CF III p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: High varus stem alignment > 3° leads to a statistically significant but minor increase in HO and poses the risk of stem undersizing. A preoperatively low genuine CCD angle pose a risk for varus stem positioning.

Bilateral Proximal Tibiofibular Synostosis Caused by Osteochondroma in a 21-Year-Old Highly Active Male-First in Literature.

Background and Objectives: Up until now, only one case of unilateral proximal tibiofibular synostosis caused by osteochondroma has been reported. This report is the first well-documented bilateral case of proximal tibiofibular synostosis caused by an osteochondroma. Case Report: A 21-year-old, highly active male patient with bilateral proximal tibiofibular synostosis caused by an osteochondroma suffering from persistent knee pain is presented. As conservative methods had failed, the patient was treated by bilateral open resection of the connecting bone. Histopathological findings confirmed the preoperative diagnosis. The patient returned to sports three weeks after surgery and continued soccer training six weeks after surgery. Discussion: The case report presents the successful treatment of a bilateral proximal tibiofibular synostosis caused by an osteochondroma by bilateral open resection of the connecting bone.

Obesity in short stem total hip arthroplasty using a minimally invasive supine anterolateral approach-a risk factor for short-term complications?

PURPOSE: Obesity is associated with increased risk for surgical complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The impact of obesity on short-term complication in minimally invasive (MIS) anterolateral approach is not well known. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the early complications within the first 90 days after THA using a MIS anterolateral approach with a short-curved stem stratified by Body Mass Index (BMI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single centre consecutive series of 1052 hips in 982 patients (index surgery 2014-2019) with a short-curved stem and press fit cup implanted using a MIS anterolateral approach in supine position were screened for inclusion. Inclusion criteria were defined as end-stage primary osteoarthritis of the hip. Eventually, 878 implantations in 808 patients were included and stratified by body mass index (BMI). Peri-operative complications, within the first 90 days after surgery, were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Severely obese patients (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) and morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) demonstrated a significantly increased operation time (p < 0.001) and a higher risk for general surgical complications (p = 0.015) (odds ratio (OR) = 4.365; OR = 4.985), periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) (p = 0.001) (OR = 21.687; OR = 57.653), and revision (OR = 8.793; OR = 20.708). CONCLUSION: The risk for early PJI and overall surgical complications in MIS anterolateral approach is significantly increased in severely and morbidly obese patients. This leads to a significantly higher risk for revision surgery after index surgery within the first 90 days. A BMI above 35 kg/m2 is the clear threshold for increased risk of PJI in MIS anterolateral THA with a short curved stem. As the surgical complications are comparable to other approaches, MIS anterolateral short stem THA is also feasible with increasing BMI.

Bioabsorbable implants in forefoot surgery: a review of materials, possibilities and disadvantages.

Bioabsorbable and biodegradable implants offer new possibilities in orthopaedic and trauma surgery. As soon as the initial stability of the degradable implants has reached the qualities of conventional materials, new devices may find usage in younger and more demanding patients. Residual conventional osteosynthetic material or the necessity to remove metal increasingly seems to be more of an adverse event than daily practice in forefoot surgery. Nevertheless, some drawbacks need to be discussed. Recent literature screened for the use of bioabsorbable and biodegradable materials in forefoot surgery, available implants and indications in forefoot surgery were analysed and summarized. Apart from common indications in forefoot surgery, points of interest were the type of biomaterial, the process of biodegradation and biointegration, and possible adverse events. Materials were comprehensively discussed for each indication based on the available literature. Polylactide, polyglycoside and polydioxanone are considered safe and sufficiently stable for use in forefoot surgery. Low complication rates (e.g. 0.7% for pin fixation in hallux deformities) are given. Magnesium implants suffered from an extensive corrosive process in the first generation but now seem to be safe in forefoot surgery and offer good options compared with conventional titanium screws, especially in procedures of the first ray. Allograft bone has proven feasibility in small case series, but still lacks larger or randomized clinical trials. The first results are promising. Bioresorbable and osseointegrating devices offer attractive new possibilities for surgeons and patients. Despite all the known advantages, the difficulties and possible complications must not be forgotten, such as soft tissue reactions, unwanted osteolysis and a lower primary mechanical load capacity.

30-Years of experience with the cementless implanted Alloclassic CSF screw cup total hip arthroplasty system - An ultra-long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate our long-term results with the Alloclassic CSF screw cup total hip arthroplasty system. This is the first study to provide a 30-year follow-up, based upon our 30-year follow up study on the Alloclassic stem system. METHODS: We reviewed 178 Alloclassic CSF screw cup systems, implanted in 171 patients from 1986 to 1987. The Zweymüller stem family was used in all cases. 136 patients had died over the last 30 years, so twenty-nine out of 35 patients being still alive, with a mean follow-up of 29,46 years (SD 0,48), were contacted by telephone and evaluated radiologically and clinically. Our loss-to-follow up was 17,14%. The mean age at follow-up was 83,01 years (72,4-95,2; SD 6,86). RESULTS: If the endpoint is defined as the removal of the cup for aseptic loosening (3 cases), the overall survival rate is 98,31%. If the endpoint is revision for any reason (27 cases), the survival rate is 84,83%. Eleven patients needed an exchange of head and liner. The mean time from implantation until change of head and liner was 21,44 years (SD 5,92). CONCLUSION: After 30 years of monitoring we can state that the evaluated system is very reliable in primary and secondary THA.

30-years of experience with the cementless implanted Alloclassic total hip arthroplasty system-An ultra-long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate our long-term results with the Zweymüller hochgezogen and SL total hip arthroplasty system. This is the first study to provide a 30-year follow-up. METHODS: We reviewed 186 Alloclassic stem systems (Zweymüller hochgezogen (112) and SL (74), implanted in 179 patients from 1986 to 1987.Two different types of cementless acetabular components were used.143 patients had died over the last 30 years, so thirty out of 36 patients being still alive, with a mean follow-up of 29,48 years (SD 0,51), were contacted by telephone and evaluated radiologically and clinically. Our loss-to-follow up was 16,7%. The mean age at follow-up was 83,57 years (72,4-95,2; SD 6,77). RESULTS: If the endpoint is defined as the removal of the stem for aseptic loosening (3 cases), the overall survival rate is 98,38%. If the endpoint is revision for any reason (27 cases), the survival rate is 85,48%. Eleven patients needed an exchange of head and liner. The mean time from implantation until change of head and liner was 21,44 years (SD 5,92).Most of the radiolucent lines and osteolytic zones were found in the proximal Gruen-zones 1 and 7 (69,7 and 21,2%). CONCLUSION: After 30 years of monitoring we can state that the evaluated system is very reliable in primary and secondary THA.

Osteolysis in total hip arthroplasty after head and inlay revision surgery.

Wear debris seems to be the most likely reason for osteolysis in THA. The aim was to show the influence of head and acetabular liner revision surgery on osteolytic zones around the femoral component. Can head and inlay revision surgery reduce the size of the osteolytic zones around the femoral component? Which patients could benefit? 47 patients (51 hips), who had undergone THA head and inlay revision surgery between 1999 and 2011, were reviewed. The mean lifetime for the prosthesis was 15.1 years (8-26, standard deviation 4.5) and the mean follow-up for head and inlay was 39.2 months (12-113, standard deviation 30). The heads used in revision surgery were made of metal (26) and ceramics (25). In 36 cases a ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene inlay was taken, in 15 cases a regular PE-inlay. We compared the pre-surgical and follow-up anterior-posterior X-rays. The mean size of radiolucent areas before revision surgery was 147 sq.mm (5-389 sq.mm, standard deviation 115). Thirty-nine months (12-113) after surgery, their mean size was 145 sq.mm (7-604 sq.mm, standard deviation 124). Radiolucent zones exceeding 100 sq.mm could be reduced by an average of 28% in 18 out of 29 cases. The results showed an improvement in 29 out of 51 cases and a stop of progress in one case. According to the findings there may be a benefit for patients with big radiolucent areas.