Outcomes of Ceramic-On-Ceramic Bearing Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: Although the fourth generation of ceramics has demonstrated excellent clinical results 5 to 6 years postoperatively, concerns over ceramic fracture and squeaking persist and longer-term follow-up (minimum 10 years) studies are warranted. Our study aimed to evaluate the minimum 10-year clinical outcomes and bearing-specific complications of ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) total hip arthroplasties. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all patients who underwent primary delta CoC total hip arthroplasty in our institution between January 2004 and February 2013. Demographics, surgical techniques, complications, patient-reported outcomes, and radiographic outcomes were collected and analyzed. For continuous variables, the comparison between groups was conducted using a one-way analysis of variance. Of all 235 patients included in the study, 70.5% were women (190 hips). The mean follow-up period was 12 years (range, 10 to 18). The femoral head sizes of 28- mm, 32 mm, and 36 mm were used in 50, 26, and 197 cases, respectively. Mean acetabular inclination and anteversion angles were 39.2 ± 7.1° and 14.9 ± 3.5°. RESULTS: There were 5 hips revised at a mean 4.6 years (range, 0.1 to 7.1). One revision was squeaking-related. Squeaking was also reported by 8 other patients, but did not require revision. Other reasons for revision were early infection in 2 cases, stem loosening in 1 case, and stem fracture in 2 cases. The survival analysis for any causes for revision as an endpoint was 96.7% (95% confidence interval 0.313%-2.57%). CONCLUSION: We report excellent mean 12-year follow-up results regarding the complications and survivorship of the fourth generation CoC bearings.

Long-Term Survivorship of Cemented and Uncemented Polyethylene Liner Exchange.

BACKGROUND: Revision surgery is usually required for complications associated with total hip arthroplasty (THA). Significant morbidity can be associated with revision THA and thus some may only revise the liner of the original metal back component if it is found to be well fixed. We compare the long-term survivorship of cemented and uncemented head-liner THA exchange surgeries and possible causes. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2018, we reviewed cases from our arthroplasty database who underwent THA revision for head-liner exchange. We stratified our cohort into 2 groups: cemented and uncemented liners. Patients were followed clinically and radiographically to determine survivorship of the exchanges for both cemented and uncemented liners. Implant survivorship was measured using a competing risk analysis considering death and patients lost to follow-up as competing risks. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients (85 hips) underwent head-liner exchange surgery during the study period (21 cemented and 64 uncemented liners). The mean follow-up time was 6.9 years, with 75.3% and 24.7% of patients having been revised due to non-dislocation and dislocation causes, respectively. Two cemented liners (9.5%) and 11 uncemented liners (17.2%) required revision. The survival analysis of all head-liner revision was 86.4% at 18 years. Survival estimates liner exchanges due to dislocation versus non-dislocation groups were 57.3% versus 82.7% respectively (P = .034). CONCLUSION: The present study shows improved survivorship of head-liner exchanges performed due to non-dislocation etiology compared to dislocation etiology, but no difference in survivorship between cemented and uncemented head-liner exchange. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Long-Term Outcome of Small Head Metal-On-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty: A 15-to-22 Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: The Metasul articular interface was a second-generation metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) that was introduced as a promising interface with improved manufacturing technology, better clearances, and enhanced metal hardness. In December 2001, the manufacturer recalled these implants due to the failure of cup osseointegration. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2004, 168 consecutive primary Metasul THAs were performed in 144 patients. Most patients received a cementless femoral and porous-coated acetabular component with 28 mm head. A competing risk analysis was performed for determination separately for bearing surface-related, recalled bearing failure, and end point revision for any reason. For clinical patient evaluation, we used Harris hip score and University of California at Los Angeles scores. Cobalt and chromium ion level measurement and standard radiographic assessment was performed. RESULTS: Of the 168 THAs, 19 hips were revised at a mean period of 15 years as follows: 12 of them were due to recalled acetabular component, five hips had noninterface-related complication, and two true interface surface failure. The survival distribution function of all hips with revision for any reason was 88.4%, for bearing interface relation 98.8%, and 92.6% for recalled cups. The mean Harris hip score and University of California at Los Angeles scores were 85 and 6, respectively, and the median Co and Cr blood levels were 1.0 and 0.91 µg/L. CONCLUSION: Excluding the recalled components, Metasul articular interface has performed extremely well at a minimum follow-up of 15 years in this relatively young population. There were two interface-related revisions in the entire cohort.

The Influence of Lateral and Posterior Total Hip Arthroplasty Approaches on Muscle Activation and Joint Mechanics During Gait.

BACKGROUND: Lateral and posterior total hip arthroplasty (THA) approaches disrupt muscle function, which could impact gait. The objectives of this study were to compare muscle activation and joint mechanics during gait, and isometric strength between participants after lateral and posterior THA approaches and healthy adults. METHODS: Participants 1 year post-THA from either lateral (n = 21) or posterior (n = 21) approaches, and healthy adults (n = 21) ambulated at self-selected speeds. Surface electromyography, optical motion capture, and force plates measured muscle activation and joint mechanics during gait. A dynamometer measured isometric torque. Gait characteristics and isometric torque were compared using analysis of variance and effect sizes (d). RESULTS: Lateral THA group had higher gluteus medius amplitudes during gait compared to the healthy group (P < .01, d = -0.97). Posterior THA group had higher gluteus maximus amplitudes during loading response (P = .02, d = -0.94) and higher hamstring amplitudes during midstance (P = .02, d = 0.45-1.31) than the healthy group. Both THA groups had decreased hip flexion and adduction angle excursions during gait (d = 0.89-1.14), but increased medial rotation angle excursions (d = -1.06 to -0.91), compared to the healthy group. Lateral THA group had lower isometric hip abduction torque than the healthy group (P = .03, d = 0.74). There was no pelvic drop in the THA groups. CONCLUSION: There were few differences in gait and isometric torque between lateral and posterior THA groups. The elevated muscle activation amplitudes in the lateral and posterior THA groups compared to healthy adults were likely due to muscle weakness. Despite these findings, there was no evidence of pelvic drop.

No Difference in Major Complication and Readmission Rates Following Simultaneous Bilateral vs Unilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an attractive option for patients with osteoarthritis as it requires a single anesthetic and hospitalization. Nonetheless, serious concerns remain over the perioperative safety and rate of hospital readmission. The purpose of the present study was to compare the rate of 30-day major complications and hospital readmissions between patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral vs unilateral THA using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried from 2011 to 2015 inclusively to identify all cases of elective, primary simultaneous bilateral THA and match them to a control group of unilateral THA cases. A multivariable regression analysis was then used to assess the relationship of simultaneous bilateral vs unilateral THA on major complications and readmissions. RESULTS: A total of 575 bilateral THA patients were matched to 2290 unilateral THA patients using a 4:1 ratio based on age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists scores. Bilateral THA patients were more likely to undergo general anesthesia (77% vs 58.7%, P < .0001), required more postoperative transfusions (29.2% vs 15.9%, P < .0001) and were more often discharged to a rehabilitation facility rather than home (39.4% vs 20.8%, P < .0001). However, the adjusted odds of a major complication (odds ratio = 0.72, 95% confidence interval [0.41-1.24], P = .24) and 30-day readmission (odds ratio = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [0.38-1.19], P = .17) were similar between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Although patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral THA were more likely to be discharged to a rehabilitation facility and required significantly more perioperative transfusions compared to those undergoing unilateral THA, the odds of a 30-day major complication and readmission were similar between groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Simultaneous Bilateral Versus Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Comparison of 30-Day Readmission Rates and Major Complications.

We queried the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program to compare the rate of 30-day readmissions and major complications between simultaneous bilateral and unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We identified 1771 patients who underwent simultaneous (same-day) bilateral TKA and matched them to a control group of 6790 patients who underwent unilateral TKA. The simultaneous bilateral TKA patients had longer surgery, were more commonly performed under general anesthesia, had a higher rate of postoperative transfusion, and a greater proportion of patients discharged to rehabilitation facilities. Simultaneous bilateral TKA has a low incidence of major complications and was not associated with more readmissions as compared to unilateral TKA (3.6% versus 3.5% respectively). Nonetheless, the odds of major complications was slightly higher following simultaneous bilateral TKA (OR=1.58).

Favorable Results of a Short, Tapered, Highly Porous, Proximally Coated Cementless Femoral Stem at a Minimum 4-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Shorter femoral stems have been increasingly used in total hip arthroplasty. However, there are few clinical studies evaluating the outcomes of these stems and comparing them to their regular-sized counterparts. METHODS: Our study provides radiologic and functional outcomes at 5-year mean follow-up of 131 cementless Tri-Lock Bone Preservation Stems, a short tapered stem with a proximal porous coating. RESULTS: Stem-related complications were low with one revision for stem aseptic loosening. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated 99.2% stem survival rate at 5 years, comparable to conventional length Tri-Lock stems (99.8% at 8.9 years). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the Tri-Lock Bone Preservation Stem can provide successful outcomes at 5-year follow-up. Further studies are required to determine the long-term outcome of these implants in patients with poor bone stock.

Major Complications and Transfusion Rates After Hemiarthroplasty and Total Hip Arthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications and perioperative transfusions are common after hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty (THA) and can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database was queried to compare 30-day major complications and perioperative transfusions after femoral neck fractures. RESULTS: A total of 4058 patients were included in the study: 3192 were treated with hemiarthroplasty and 866 with THA. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that having a THA was not an independent risk factor for major complications (odds ratio = 0.8, P = .18) but was an independent risk factor for requiring transfusions (odds ratio = 1.68, P < .001). CONCLUSION: The risk of major complications is influenced by patient factors rather than the choice of procedure. However, THA was a risk factor for transfusions after controlling for all other variables.

Navigated vs Conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty: Is There a Difference in the Rate of Respiratory Complications and Transfusions?

BACKGROUND: Proponents of navigation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) report lower rates of systemic embolization and perioperative bleeding compared to conventional TKA given that breeching the intramedullary canal is not required. METHODS: We queried the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program to compare perioperative respiratory complications and transfusions between navigated and conventional TKA. We identified 2008 patients who underwent navigated TKA. These patients were matched 4:1 to a control group of 8026 patients. RESULTS: Conventional TKA resulted in similar odds of having a respiratory complication compared to navigated TKA (odds ratio = 1.35, P = .44). However, conventional TKA was found to be an independent predictor for requiring a transfusion perioperatively (odds ratio = 1.90, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Use of navigation in TKA results in less perioperative transfusions but has no influence on the rate of respiratory complications.

Shorter Hospital Stay and Lower 30-Day Readmission After Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty Compared to Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Reducing hospital stay and unplanned hospital readmission of arthroplasty patients has been a topic of recent interest. The aim of the present study was to query the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to compare the length of hospital stay (LOS) and the subsequent 30-day hospital readmission rates in patients undergoing primary unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: We identified 1340 UKAs and 36,274 TKAs over a 2-year period (2011-2012). Patient demographics, comorbidities, LOS, 30-day postoperative complications, and readmission rates were compared between the groups. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the effect of procedure type on LOS and readmission rates. RESULTS: Unicondylar knee arthroplasty patients had a median LOS of 2 days compared to 3 days for TKAs (P < .001). The readmission rate in the TKA group was nearly double that of the UKA group (4.1% vs 2.2%) (P < .0001). Multivariate regression analysis identified that undergoing a UKA was predictive for a shorter LOS (coefficient -1 day) and was protective for 30-day readmission (odds ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.41-0.88). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing UKA had a shorter LOS and a lower 30-day readmission rate compared to TKA patients. After adjusting for selected cofounders, we demonstrated that undergoing a UKA is a protective factor for 30-day readmission.

Midterm Outcomes of the Recently FDA Approved Ceramic on Ceramic Bearing in Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients Under 65 Years of Age.

The present study aimed to evaluate the mid-term results of the fourth generation of ceramic on ceramic (CC) bearing. Demographics, surgical technique, complications, clinical and radiologic outcomes were analyzed in a series of 133 consecutive CC total hip arthroplasties (THAs) with a newest generation CC bearings to determine if these provide safe and well performing bearings. At the last follow-up, there were no cases of ceramic fracture or chipping and no revision surgery necessary for bearing related complication. One hip underwent two staged revision for infection and another underwent revision for dislocation, resulting in an overall 98.5% survival rate at a mean of 6 years. The newest generation of CC bearings provides a reliable and safe bearing in young, active patients undergoing THA.

Perioperative Complications and Length of Stay After Revision Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasties: An Analysis of the NSQIP Database.

Goals of this study were (1) to determine the 30-day complications after aseptic revision hip arthroplasty (RHA) and aseptic revision knee arthroplasty (RKA) and (2) to identify patient-related risk factors predicting major complications and prolonged hospital stay beyond 7 days. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was used to identify patients with RHA (n=2643) or RKA (n=2425) from 2011 to 2012. The 30-day mortality rates for RHA and RKA were 1.0% and 0.1% (P<0.001) and the overall complication rates were 7.4% and 4.7% (P<0.001) for RHA and RKA, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that preoperative anemia is the most important modifiable independent predictor for both major complications and prolonged hospital stay after RHA and RKA.

Magnetic resonance imaging of painful metal-on-metal total hip replacement.

Consecutive patients that had primary metal-on-metal (MoM) or metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) hip arthroplasty were prospectively enrolled to this study. All operated hips were evaluated with MRI by one radiologist who was blinded to the radiographic findings and clinical symptoms. Three groups of patients were formed: (1) thirteen MoM THRs in 13 patients with groin pain (Group 1), (2) ten MoM THRs in 10 patients with no pain (Group 2), (3) five MoP THRs in 4 patients without pain (control group). Abnormal MRI findings were distributed in all groups in a balanced way, irrespective of the patients' symptoms, prostheses, or metal ion levels. Two patients from Group 1 and one patient of Group 3 (control group) were diagnosed with a large periprosthetic mass (pseudotumor).

Inconsistencies between navigation data and radiographs in total knee arthroplasty are system-dependent and affect coronal alignment.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have compared the effect of different computer navigation systems on postoperative alignment in patients who have had total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We examined 2 computed tomography (CT)-free computer navigation systems by comparing the accuracy of intraoperative measurements to postoperative alignment. METHODS: Patients underwent unilateral TKA performed by a single surgeon using 1 of 2 CT-free navigation systems. We compared final intraoperative tibial and femoral coronal angles and mechanical axis with the same angles measured on standing postoperative radiographs. RESULTS: Groups of 31 and 50 patients underwent TKA with the 2 systems, respectively. We noted a significant difference in the coronal tibial implant angle (1.29º ± 1.35º) and in the mechanical axis (1.59º ± 2.36º) for one navigation system (both p < 0.001), while only the coronal tibial implant angle showed a significant difference (1.17º ± 1.65º, p < 0.001) for the second system. The number of radiographic outliers also significantly differed. A significantly higher proportion (32%; p < 0.01) of patients in the second cohort exhibited unacceptable malalignment compared with the first cohort (24%). CONCLUSION: Navigation systems for TKA continue to increase in sophistication and popularity. Owing to the significant difference in the proportion of alignment outliers in the 2 navigation systems tested in this study, orthopedic surgeons should not consider all TKA navigation systems equivalent. Additional investigations are needed to compare the accuracy of a variety of CT-free and CT-based navigation systems and to confirm our finding that accuracy is system-dependent.

CONTEXTE: Il existe peu d'études ayant comparé divers systèmes informatiques de navigation de guidage servant à vérifier l'alignement postopératoire de l'articulation chez des patients ayant subi une arthroplastie totale du genou (ATG). On a évalué 2 systèmes de navigation de guidage sans base tomodensitométrique en comparant l'exactitude des mesures d'alignement intra-opératoires et celles des mesures postopératoires. MÉTHODES: Des patients ont subi une ATG unilatérale, qui a été pratiquée par un seul chirurgien à l'aide de l'un des 2 systèmes de navigation de guidage sans base tomodensitométrique. On a comparé les mesures intra-opératoires finales de l'angle frontal de l'articulation tibiofémorale et de l'axe mécanique du genou aux angles mesurés sur les radiographies postopératoires en station debout. RÉSULTATS: Un groupe de 31 patients et un groupe de 50 ont subi une ATG réalisée à l'aide des 2 systèmes respectivement. On a observé un écart significatif des mesures de l'angle frontal de l'embase tibiale de la prothèse (1,29 º ± 1,35º) et des mesures de l'axe mécanique du genou (1,59 º± 2,36 º) avec l'un des systèmes de navigation (avec les deux, p < 0,001), tandis qu'avec l'autre, on a observé seulement une différence appréciable des mesures de l'angle frontal de l'embase tibiale (1,17 º± 1,65 º, p < 0,001). On a aussi observé une grande variation du nombre d'aberrations radiographiques. Dans la deuxième cohorte, on a observé une proportion significativement plus importante (32 %; p < 0,01) de patients présentant un défaut d'alignement inacceptable que dans la première (24 %). CONCLUSION: Les systèmes de navigation de guidage servant à réaliser les ATG ne cessent de se perfectionner et d'être de plus en plus prisés. Cependant, en raison de l'écart significatif de la proportion des défauts d'alignement dépistés entre les 2 systèmes de navigation testés au cours de cette étude, le chirurgien orthopédiste ne devrait pas croire que tous les systèmes sont équivalents. Il faudrait mener d'autres études pour comparer la précision de divers systèmes de navigation de guidage sans base tomodensitométrique à celle de systèmes à base tomodensitométrique pour corroborer notre constatation, c'està- dire que la précision dépend du système utilisé.

Inter-segment coordination amplitude and variability during gait in patients with knee osteoarthritis and asymptomatic adults.

BACKGROUND: Inter-segment coordination examines the timing and coupling of multiple body segments and provides a complex understanding of how the neuromuscular system controls the body. Research is required to examine if inter-segment coordination during gait differs between individuals with different knee osteoarthritis (OA) severities and asymptomatic adults. RESEARCH QUESTION: Do inter-segment coordination amplitude and between-trial variability during gait differ between individuals with varying levels of knee OA severity and asymptomatic adults? METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study included participants with mild/moderate knee OA (n = 38), severe knee OA (n = 24), and asymptomatic adults (n = 51). Participants ambulated overground at self-selected speeds. Data were collected with an eight-camera motion capture system and two force plates. Continuous relative phase (CRP) was used to quantify sagittal plane inter-segment coordination amplitude and between-trial variability for the thigh-shank and shank-foot pairs. Hierarchical linear models examined if CRP variables were related to the group (asymptomatic, mild/moderate OA, severe OA) after accounting for gait speed and gait phase. RESULTS: Thigh-shank CRP amplitude was significantly associated with group variables. The severe OA group had lower CRP amplitudes than both asymptomatic (b=8.57, 95 % confidence interval=2.75-14.38) and mild/moderate OA (b=5.69, 95 % confidence interval=-0.25 to 11.62) groups. Thigh-shank CRP variability was also associated with group. The severe OA group had lower CRP variability than the asymptomatic group (b=0.45, 95 % confidence interval=0.12-0.78); there were no differences between severe and mild/moderate OA groups (p > 0.050). There were no significant associations between any of the shank-foot CRP measures and the groups. SIGNIFICANCE: Lower thigh-shank CRP amplitude and variability in individuals with severe knee OA represents a more rigid motor system. These individuals could be attempting to stabilize their knee in response to a loss of passive stability or in response to pain. They might have difficulty adapting their gait to perturbations.

Presence of cobalt and chromium ions in the seminal fluid of young patients with metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty.

We aimed to investigate the effect of metal ions on the semen of males of child fathering age with metal-on-metal (MM) total hip arthroplasty (THA). Semen was collected form 11 patients with MM THA and 5 control of comparable age. Cobalt and chromium concentrations were measured in both the seminal plasma and in the blood of patients. Results showed that cobalt level was higher in the seminal plasma of MM THA patients (2.89 µg/L) compared to control patients (1.12 µg/L) (P = .011). The ejaculate volume, the sperm density, the total sperm count, the pH, and the percentage of cells with normal morphology were in the range of the World Health Organization criteria for fertile population.

Long-term follow-up and metal ion trend of patients with metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Long-term studies are required to support the use of metal-on-metal (MoM) bearings in total hip arthroplasty (THA) given the concern about systemic metal ion release and reports of adverse local soft tissue reactions. The purpose of this study was to report the seven to 13-year clinical, radiographic, and metal ion results in patients following MoM THA. METHODS: We studied 163 prostheses after second-generation MoM THA between July 1997 and November 2003. Cobalt and chromium metal ions were collected using whole and analysed by inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 8.87 years (range, 7-13 years). Four hips (2.5 %) were revised. The Kaplan-Meier survivorship was 91.3 % for revision for all causes, and 97.5 % when excluding the hips revised for a manufacturer's defect. Median whole blood cobalt levels peaked at a value of 2.87 µg/L at four years (p < 0.0001 vs. pre-operative) and subsequently decreased to 2.0 µg/L after nine years (p = 0.002 vs. four years). Median chromium levels maximally increased up to 0.75 µg/L after five years (p < 0.0001 vs. pre-operative) and tended to decrease thereafter to values of 0.56 µg/L after seven years. CONCLUSIONS: This seven to 13-year follow-up study indicates that the clinical and radiological results following MoM THA are satisfactory with low revision rates. Cobalt and chromium ion levels peaked at four and five years, respectively, and gradually decreased thereafter.

Femoral head size does not affect ion values in metal-on-metal total hips.

BACKGROUND: Metal-on-metal articulations can release substantial amounts of particles containing cobalt and chromium into the surrounding milieu, causing concern for cellular toxicity and adverse local soft tissue reactions. The diameter of the femoral head has been one of the variables that inversely affects wear of metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (THA). The oxidative stress of increased metal ions can be measured with serum markers. It is still controversial if larger femoral head diameters decrease wear rates in patients with metal-on-metal THA and if the increased metal ions alter the body's antioxidant status. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore (1) determined whole blood metal ions in patients with small (28 mm and 36 mm) and large (40 mm and 44 mm) diameter femoral heads; (2) measured oxidative stress markers (total antioxidants, nitrotyrosine, and peroxides); and (3) determined whether acetabular version or inclination influenced ion levels. METHODS: One hundred four patients were retrospectively studied. We recorded Harris hip scores and UCLA activity scores. All patients were followed at 1 year. RESULTS: The activity scores were similar in the two groups. There was no difference in metal ion levels or oxidative stress markers between patients with small- or large-diameter femoral heads. Acetabular inclination and anteversion had no effect on the metal ion levels. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest there is no difference in ion values in patients with large or small metal-on-metal THA and the increased metal ions do not alter the oxidant status of the patient.