Modularity In Total Hip Arthroplasty Research Articles

Trunnions and Modularity in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Historical Review With Current Clinical Implications.

Trunnion in total hip arthroplasty refers to the interface between the neck of a femoral stem and the femoral head. Clinical complications arising from damage to this junction, whether it be due to mechanical wear, corrosion, or a combination, are referred to as mechanically assisted crevice corrosion (MACC), also commonly known as trunnionosis. With the use of modular hip prostheses, which help customize offset and leg length to an individual patient's anatomy, the incidence of MACC and revision due to MACC has increased in recent years. Although the cause of MACC is multifactorial, with patient factors and technique factors contributing to this condition, taper design and geometry, metallurgical properties of implants, and size mismatch of the bearing couple are some of the implant factors that have also been implicated in this clinical phenomenon. Understanding the history of taper design and geometry, the track record of older implants, and the rationale behind the development of current prostheses can help surgeons choose the right implants for their patients and accurately assess the pros and cons of new implants being introduced to the market each year.

Neck modularity in total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective study of nine hundred twenty-eight titanium neck implants with a maximum follow-up of eighteen years.

Neck modularity was introduced to improve total hip arthroplasty (THA) accuracy, but it has been associated with early breakages and corrosion issues. In our hospital, modular necks have been in clinical use since the 1990s. We retrospectively analysed the occurrence of these sequelae in implants placed between January 2000 and December 2014. Survival data from patients operatedon in our hospital were obtained from the regional arthroplasty registry (Registro dell'Impiantologia Protesica Ortopedica, RIPO). The cohort comprised 928 THAs on 908 patients. The average patient age was 67.8years. Main indications were primary osteoarthritis (71.4%), fracture (9.2%), congenital dysplasia or congenital luxation (7.8%), and idiopathic osteonecrosis (6.4%). All femoral stems were cementless, with 318 anatomically shaped (34.3%), 579 straight (62.4%), and 31 short stems (3.3%). All necks used were made of titanium alloy. The average follow-up time was 9.6years (range, 4-18years). In total, 66 revisions were reported. The main revision causes were periprosthetic fractures (33.3%), aseptic stem loosening (19.7%), luxation (18.2%), and implant breakage (12.1%). Five modular neck breakages were recorded. The overall survival rate was 87.7% at 17years. We did not observe any component corrosion. The neck breakage rate was 0.5%, and the luxation rate was 1.3%. Our experience suggests that neck modularity is a safe, effective way to reconstruct the proximal femur in THA patients. We attribute the absence of corrosion to the exclusive use of titanium necks.

Disassociation of a Cold-Welded Bimodular Titanium Femoral Stem by Intraoperative Ice Cooling

Modularity in total hip arthroplasty allows a surgeon to have intraoperative versatility, allowing for fine adjustments of the femoral offset, leg length, and version. However, modularity can be a source of multiple complications. This case report describes a novel intraoperative solution for the problem of cold welding of a neck-stem junction using sterile ice to cryogenically disengage the modular components.

Acute trunnion failure of a TMZF alloy stem with large diameter femoral heads

IntroductionFemoral head-neck modularity in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is advantageous but taper corrosion at the trunnion can result in implant failure. We report two cases of acute catastrophic trunnion failure with a TMZF alloy cementless stem. MethodsDemographic, clinical, radiographic and operative data including implant retrieval was recorded and is presented. ResultsCase 1: A 79 year old farmer presented with sudden onset of hip pain and an inability to weight bear. He underwent a cementless large diameter stemmed metal-on-metal system (MITCH acetabular component, 56mm cobalt chrome head 4.5 lateralised Accolade TMZF, Stryker) nine years previously. He denied symptoms prior to his presentation to the Emergency Department.Case 2: An 86 year old gentleman presented with sudden onset of hip pain and inability to weight bear. He underwent a cementless large diameter stemmed metal-on-poly THA (Trident acetabular component, X3 polyethylene insert, 44mm cobalt chrome head, 4.5 lateralised Accolade TMZF, Stryker)nine years previously. This man had been complaining of mild hip symptoms prior to presentation. ConclusionPatients that have received TMZF alloy cementless stems coupled with CoCr alloy heads are at risk of catastrophic trunnion failure. Importantly, background trunnion corrosion may occur silently and present emergently irrespective of surveillance.

Outcomes of neck modularity in total hip arthroplasty: an Italian perspective.

The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of clinical outcomes and complications of modular neck THA among Italian cohorts. Only reviewed publications focused on Italian cohort patients in English language were considered for inclusion. Studies were included if they involved patients who underwent total hip replacement surgery with modular necks, and reported aetiology or survival rate or bone stability or clinical scores or complications. The studies included in our search reported data on 3714 patients and 3856 hips. Most of the studies were from high-volume surgery centres. The most frequent diagnosis was osteoarthritis that occurred in 2910 cases (75.9%). The average survival rate and average bone stability were 97.20% and 99.37%, respectively. The average HHS improved from 42.1 prior to surgery to 89.52 after surgery. Studies included in our search reported 40 complications. The most frequently reported complication was dislocation (40%). This review showed excellent survival rate and bone stability and good clinical outcomes in Italian cohort patients treated with modular neck THA, and these clinical results are comparable with international cohort rates. This review suggests that modular implants represent a very satisfying choice when practised by expert orthopaedic joint surgeons.

Novel concept of a modular hip implant could contribute to less implant failure in THA: a hypothesis

BackgroundThe modularity in total hip arthroplasty (THA) allows orthopaedic surgeons for an exact reconstruction of hip biomechanical parameters especially in revision and tumor arthroplasty. Modular structured femoral stems using taper junctions showed increased implant breakage in the recent past.Presentation of the hypothesisWe hypothesize that a novel modular stem-neck-interface leads to less implant breakage compared to conventional femoral stems.Testing of the hypothesisFor this purpose, a novel modular femoral stem for THA was to design and manufacture. Therefore, three different variants of interface mechanisms were developed that enable a simple connection between the stem and the neck modules and allow for intra-operatively adjustment. Three prototypes A, B and C were manufactured and subsequently dynamic fatigue (ISO 7206–6) and body donor tested.Implication of the hypothesisModularity in THA is mainly applied in THA as well as in revision and tumor arthroplasty. Modular implants are barely used because of the high risk of breakage. Another risks in this context are taper fretting, corrosion and disconnection. With the novel design, it should be possible to detach the stem and neck module intra-operatively to adapt the anatomical situation. The novel coupling mechanism of the rotating interface seems to be the most suitable for a secure stem-neck connection and is characterized by good intraoperative handling.

The 16-Year Evolution of Proximal Modular Stem Design – Eliminating Failure of Modular Junction

Background: The complexity of hip reconstruction has been and continues to be a perplexing problem with restoring leg length, femoral offset, joint stability and overall hip implant fixation. These were contributing factors that lead to the development of a novel proximal femoral component design “Apex Modular Stem” (Omni, Raynham, MA). The basic stem geometry features a straight stem with a metaphyseal fit and fill cone, a medial triangle and a modular neck junction that allows for version and offset adjustment.In recent years, there has been great concern with the use of modularity in total hip arthroplasty. The goals of this study are (1) to identify complications with the use of a proximal modular design and (2) demonstrated factors that have eliminated those complications.Methods: This is a retrospective study of a single surgeon series (Design A and Design B) of using the same cementless stem and proximal modular neck body (Apex Modular Stem and Omni Mod Hip Stem) from 2000 to 2016 totaling 2,125 stems. 483 stems were the Design A and 1,642 stems, were of the Design B style.Results: Design A, 483 stems were implanted between 2000 and 2004. 31 alignment pins sheared resulting in a revision rate of 6.4%. Design B, 1,642 stems have been implanted between 2004 and 2016 all by the same surgeon, with no failures of the modular junction.Conclusion: All implant devices entail a multitude of risks and benefits. The Apex Modular Stem (Design A), provided excellent fixation, minimal risk of modular junction corrosion, and simple control of anteversion and femoral offset. The limitation was found to be the risk of the alignment pin shearing (6.4%). The pin was enlarged to make it 225% stronger in torsional resistance, and in a subsequent series of over 1,600 femoral stems in a single surgeon series, there were no pin failures over a 12 year duration.

Modularity in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Benefits, Risks, Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Management.

Modular implants are currently widely used in total hip arthroplasty because they give surgeons versatility during the operation, allow for easier revision surgery, and can be adjusted to better fit the anatomy of the specific patient. However, modular implants, specifically those that have metal-on-metal junctions, are susceptible to crevice and fretting corrosion. This can ultimately cause implant failure, inflammation, and adverse local tissue reaction, among other possible side effects. Surgeons should be aware of the possibility of implant corrosion and should follow a set of recommended guidelines to systematically diagnose and treat patients with corroded implants. Ultimately, surgeons will continue to use modular implants because of their widespread benefits. However, more research is needed to determine how to minimize corrosion and the negative side effects that have been associated with modular junctions in total hip arthroplasty. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(6):355-366.].

Why do some titanium-alloy total hip arthroplasty modular necks fail?

BackgroundIncreased modularity in total hip arthroplasty (THA) through extra junction between the neck and the femoral stem is gaining popularity among orthopaedic community. However, the advantage of the additional junction is shadowed by an increased risk of mechanical failure. The aim of this study was to describe the exact mechanism of fracture of the modular femoral neck in an uncemented stem. MethodsClinical, metallurgical, and mechanical analysis including finite-element modelling and elemental-sensitive tissue analysis with the micro-PIXE method was performed on two patients treated with fully modular primary THA made from Titanium alloy of the same oval taper-cone design. In patient A revision was performed 7.8 years after the unilateral primary procedure because of modular femoral neck fracture, while patient B was left-side revised 15 years after the bilateral primary procedure because of aseptic loosening of the femoral stem. ResultsBody weight was 30% higher and the arm of implanted modular femoral neck was 51% longer in patient A compared to patient B. Therefore, the stress ratio on the modular femoral neck of patient A was calculated to be 2.45 times higher than in patient B, preventing cold welding and producing taper damage and degradation at the neck-stem junction. Large clusters of metallic debris containing Titanium and Vanadium from the alloy were present in the periprosthetic soft tissues of patient A. ConclusionsPatients with higher body mass index treated with fully modular Ti-alloy THA may be at increased risk to experience catastrophic failure of the device. Orthopaedic surgeons should avoid using long necks whenever possible, as these are especially prone to develop a vicious circle starting with the fretting process and crevice corrosion at the taper-cone connection, leading to crack initiation and crack propagation, accelerated by the increased vulnerability of the Ti-alloy in biologic media, ultimately ending as fracture at the typical site. Serum Ti concentration may represent a rough estimation of taper degradation and patients with elevated levels should be warned and followed accordingly.

Asymptomatic Pseudotumors in Patients with Taper Corrosion of a Dual-Taper Modular Femoral Stem: MARS-MRI and Metal Ion Study.

Modularity in total hip arthroplasty facilitates intraoperative restoration of patient anatomy. Although dual-taper modular total hip arthroplasty offers potential advantages for optimizing the hip center of rotation, it has been associated with modular taper corrosion. This corrosion has led to adverse local tissue reactions (pseudotumors) at the neck-stem junction and elevated metal-ion levels. However, the occurrence of taper-corrosion-related pseudotumors in patients who remain asymptomatic following total hip arthroplasty with a dual-taper modular femoral stem remains largely unknown. The aims of this study were (1) to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic pseudotumors by utilizing metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MARS-MRI) and (2) compare serum metal-ion levels between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with a dual-taper modular stem total hip replacement. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of 97 consecutive patients who had been treated with a dual-taper modular femoral stem total hip arthroplasty. Eighty-three patients were stratified into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups and evaluated with MARS-MRI, measurement of serum metal-ion levels, and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) functional hip score. The prevalence of pseudotumors as determined with MARS-MRI was 15% in our asymptomatic patients and 36% in the overall cohort. The median serum cobalt level and cobalt/chromium ratio were significantly higher in patients with a pseudotumor than in those without a pseudotumor (8.0 versus 2.0 μg/L [p = 0.004] and 10.3 versus 2.4 μg/L [p = 0.012], respectively). However, there was no significant difference in the serum cobalt level or cobalt/chromium ratio between symptomatic patients with a pseudotumor and asymptomatic patients with a pseudotumor (7.6 versus 6.2 μg/L [p = 0.37] and 8.3 versus 10.6 μg/L [p = 0.46], respectively). The UCLA scores of asymptomatic patients with a pseudotumor were similar to those of patients without a pseudotumor (6.7 versus 6.6). The prevalence of asymptomatic taper-corrosion-related pseudotumors on MARS-MRI in this study demonstrated that the absence of symptoms does not exclude the presence of adverse local tissue reactions. Elevated cobalt levels and cobalt/chromium ratios were associated with the presence of pseudotumors in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. Cross-sectional imaging such as MARS-MRI is indicated for patients with elevated metal-ion levels. A longitudinal study is required to determine whether asymptomatic patients with taper-corrosion-related pseudotumors will develop symptoms with time. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Characterization of Femoral Head Taper Corrosion Features Using a 22-Year Retrieval Database.

Modularity in total hip arthroplasty has been used for decades with great success, but new findings regarding corrosion artifacts have caused a resurgence in tapered junction research. Mechanically assisted crevice corrosion (MACC) is thought to be the mechanism by which corrosive attack occurs. Myriad multi-factorial variables are known to influence the susceptibility of a modular taper junction to MACC. Some of these variables are design and manufacture related and others can be controlled by the surgeon. This study was performed to assess a 22-year retrieval database to determine if correlations exist between severity of corrosion artifacts and head size, time in vivo, head offset, or head material. Secondarily, the agreement of visual and semi-quantitative scoring methods was assessed using the retrieved components. A total of 210 femoral head tapers were scored and heads receiving high scores were measured to quantify material loss due to MACC. Increased head size and increased time in vivo did not correlate to higher corrosion scores. Contrarily, there were differences in corrosion scores based on femoral head offset and material. Deviations away from a neutral offset (where neutral is defined as the alignment of femoral head center and stem taper gage point) resulted in higher scores. Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum heads were associated with higher corrosion scores and higher material loss as compared to oxidized zirconium heads. Reducing the moment arm at the head-neck junction and choosing a more inert material appears to provide greater resistance to corrosion.

Treatment of the Failed Modular Neck Stems: Tips and Tricks

BackgroundModular femoral components emerged because of the advantages of recreating limb length, offset, and native femoral version in total hip arthroplasty. Despite its potential benefits, the increase in modularity at the head-neck junction can lead to corrosion and subsequently failure of the implant. MethodsWe present 3 case examples of patients who underwent revision surgery secondary to corrosion of their modular femoral components. ResultsIssues addressed include understanding corrosion at the head-neck junction, presentations of adverse local tissue reactions, efficacy of metal ion testing and metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance imaging, and approaches to revision surgery for failed modular neck stems. ConclusionsWhen revision surgery is indicated for failed modular neck stems, we recommend a thoughtful approach with contemporary extraction techniques and options to enhance stability. Furthermore, long-term follow-up is needed to define the growing effect of modularity in total hip arthroplasty.

Metallic Modular Taper Junctions in Total Hip Arthroplasty

The emergence of modularity in total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the 1980s and 1990s was based on the fact that the benefit of these design features outweighed the risk. The use of metallic modular junctions presents a unique set of advantages and problems for use in THA. The advantages include improvement in fit and fill of the implant to bone, restoration of joint mechanics, reduced complications in revision surgery and reduction of costly inventory. However, the risks or concerns are a little harder to identify and deal with. Certainly corrosion, and fatigue failure are the two most prevalent concerns but now the specifics of fretting wear and corrosive wear increasing particulate debris and the potential biological response is having an impact on the design and potential longevity of the reconstructed hip. Material and designs are facing a shorter life expectancy than what was previously thought, mostly due to an increasing level of physical activity by the patient. Because there are no accurate laboratory test whereby the service life and performance of these implants can be predicted, early controlled clinical evaluations are necessary. Early publication of testing and clinical impressions should be encouraged in an attempt to reduce exposure to potential at risk patients, implants and material. The reduction and possible elimination of risks will require a balancing of all the variables requiring a multidisciplinary endeavor.This paper is designed to review the risk factors, and benefits of modular junctions in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Also some basic engineering principals that can reduce risk factors and improve functionality of modular junctions.

Are titanium-on-titanium TiAl6V4 modular necks safe in total hip arthroplasty for non-overweight patients? Results of a prospective series at a minimum follow-up of 7 years.

Using extramedullar modularity in total hip arthroplasty has been proposed as an option to optimize the restoration of hip biomechanics. To avoid the problems that were observed with cobalt-chrome modular neck, titanium modular necks have been developed. The goals of our study were to evaluate the safety of titanium-on-titanium TiAl6V4 modular neck system. Hundred patients with a mean age of 69.6 ± 10.6 (42-86 years) and mean BMI of 25.07 ± 4.86 (17-38 kg/m(2)) suffering from primary or secondary arthritis of the hip were prospectively included. At a minimum of 7 years, no fracture of the modular neck was observed. No patient required a revision. No sign of loosening was found in the radiological analysis. Our study shows that titanium-on-titanium TiAl6V4 modular neck system can safely be used with good midterm clinical and radiological results for non-overweight patients. These results should be confirmed at longer follow-up.

Fracture of the Modular Neck in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Modularity of the components in total hip arthroplasty has had an increase in popularity in the last decades. We present the case of a 53-year-old man with a history of avascular necrosis of the femoral head due to a hypophyseal adenoma. A total hip modular arthroplasty was implanted. Three and a half years after the surgery the patient attended the emergency room due to acute left hip pain with no prior traumatism. Radiological examination confirmed a fracture of the modular neck. A revision surgery was performed finding an important pseudotumoral well-organized periprosthetic tissue reaction. Through an extended trochanteric osteotomy the femoral component was removed, and a straight-stem revision prosthesis implanted. There are several potential advantages when using modularity in total hip arthroplasty that surgeons may benefit from, but complications have arisen and must be addressed. Various circumstances such as large femoral head with a long varus neck, corrosion, patient's BMI, and activity level may participate in creating the necessary environment for fatigue failure of the implant.

Femoral neck modularity: A bridge too far—Affirms

The use of femoral stems with dual-taper modularity in total hip arthroplasty offers increased flexibility in restoring hip-center anatomy. Independent of femoral fixation, the modular neck offers the surgeon additional options in recreating femoral version, correcting limb length, and altering offset. Additionally, proponents cite smaller incisions, less dissection, reduced impingement and dislocation, and ease of revision. However, adverse events associated with modular femoral neck usage, including local and systemic effects of corrosion, fracture, and complexities of revision, are now well documented. This review highlights the most current basic science and clinical literature regarding the complications associated with modular femoral necks and their mechanisms of failure.

Femoral neck modularity: A bridge too far—Opposes

Femoral neck modularity in total hip arthroplasty has met with variable success over the years. Following the rise and fall of large metal heads, greater attention has been paid to the effects of trunnion corrosion and modular femoral neck failure. Fretting, galvanic corrosion, and mechanically assisted crevice corrosion challenge all modular junctions. Nonetheless, there are substantial clinical benefits with the use of modularity. Proper design is essential. When well implemented, modularity is an important tool that can contribute to successful total hip arthroplasty.

Failure of a Modular Hip Implant at the Stem-Sleeve Interface

In the current era of total hip arthroplasty (THA), orthopedic surgeons have several fixation options at their disposal. The modern monoblock prosthesis, introduced by Dr. Sir John Charnley, has seen many modifications since its inception in the 1970s and continues to be the most commonly used prosthesis style for primary and revision THA. Proximal modular sleeve technology was introduced in 1967 by Konstantin Sivash, modifying his original 1956 Sivash Stem design. The design is now known as the S-ROM, and although design modifications continue to date, the fundamental structure of the S-ROM remains essentially unchanged. Several other proximal modular prostheses are now currently available for use in THA. Although this similarity in design enables considerable surgical flexibility, it also links their potential for catastrophic failure. This aim of this article was to present a brief history of proximal modularity in THA and to add to the small body of literature regarding catastrophic failure in modular hip implants, including its proposed etiologies including micromotion, fretting and corrosion.

Remove the Neck, Retain the Stem

Despite the functional advantages of neck modularity in total hip arthroplasty, this implant design has problems with fretting, corrosion, fracture, and component removal. This article outlines the author's position on neck modularity, the advantages and disadvantages in clinical practice, and the considerations for its continued use.

The S-ROM Cementless Femoral Stem: History and Literature Review

The S-ROM femoral prosthesis, building on the foundation of the Sivash Stem, pioneered proximal modularity in total hip arthroplasty. Now with a clinical history dating back >20 years, the S-ROM has performed well in the primary and revision setting. Early concerns regarding fretting and failure at the modular junction have been overcome by basic science data and uncomplicated mid- to long-term clinical follow-up. Coupled with its clinical performance, the versatility of the stem has enabled the S-ROM to achieve a well-deserved prominence for use in complex and straightforward primary and revision total hip arthroplasty.