Need For Total Hip Arthroplasty Research Articles

The Need for Total Hip Arthroplasty in Perthes Disease: A Long-term Study

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) was described a century ago. In previous long-term reports of patients with LCPD, nonoperative treatment varied considerably. The likelihood of hip osteoarthritis (OA) developing in patients with LCPD and possible need for THA are not well defined. The purpose of the study was to determine whether nonoperatively treated patients with LCPD (1) had an increased prevalence of THA compared with gender- and age-matched control subjects, (2) if patients with Stulberg Classes III/IV/V femoral heads had an increased risk of THA compared with those with Classes I/II femoral heads. Given the limitation in the study, we (3) evaluated whether patients with LCPD were at risk for having radiographic hip OA more commonly than control subjects and (4) whether hips with Classes III/IV/V femoral heads had an increased prevalence of OA compared with hips with Classes I/II femoral heads. The study population consisted of 167 patients with LCPD treated with a Thomas splint. The control population consisted of gender- and age-matched control subjects who were participants in the Copenhagen City Heart Study: the Osteoarthritis Substudy. Radiographs at skeletal maturity were classified according to the classification system of Stulberg et al. Data from the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Register and the Registries of the National Board of Health were collected to obtain the number of patients with LCPD having THA. At a mean followup of 47 years later (range, 37-58 years), weightbearing pelvic radiographs were obtained. Radiographic OA was defined as a joint space width of 2.0 mm or less. Thirteen percent of patients with LCPD had THAs compared with none in the control group. Seven percent of the patients with LCPD had OA compared with 1% in the control group. The prevalence of THA and OA was increased in hips with Classes III/IV/V femoral heads compared with hips with Classes I/II femoral heads. Patients with LCPD have an increased risk of having THA compared with a gender- and age-matched control group. Our data suggest that patients with LCPD have a greater risk of having radiographic OA develop than a gender- and age-matched control group. It seems that patients with Classes III/IV/V femoral heads have an increased risk of THA and OA compared with patients with Classes I/II femoral heads. Level III, prognostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Intermediate to Long-Term Results Following the Bernese Periacetabular Osteotomy and Predictors of Clinical Outcome

The Bernese periacetabular osteotomy is a commonly used non-arthroplasty option to treat developmental hip dysplasia in symptomatic younger patients. Predicting which hips will remain preserved and which hips will go on to require arthroplasty following periacetabular osteotomy is a major challenge. In the present study, we assessed the intermediate to long-term results following periacetabular osteotomy to demonstrate the clinical outcomes for patients with varying amounts of dysplasia and arthritis. From these results, a probability-of-failure analysis was conducted to predict the likelihood of hip preservation and to improve surgical decision-making. Of the 189 hips (in 157 patients) that were treated with periacetabular osteotomy by a single surgeon from May 1991 to September 1998, thirty-one had diagnoses other than developmental hip dysplasia and twenty-three were lost to follow-up. The remaining 135 hips (in 109 patients) were retrospectively reviewed at an average of nine years. Hips were evaluated with use of the pain subscale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index postoperatively as well as with radiographs that were made preoperatively and at one and more than five years postoperatively. Osteotomy failure was defined as a pain score of ≥10 or the need for total hip arthroplasty. One hundred and two hips (76%) remained preserved at an average of nine years, with an average Western Ontario and McMaster Universities pain score of 2.4 of 20. Thirty-three hips (24%) met the failure criteria: seventeen underwent arthroplasty at an average of 6.1 years after the osteotomy, and sixteen had a postoperative pain score of ≥10. Kaplan-Meier analysis with arthroplasty as the end point revealed a survival rate of 96% (95% confidence interval, 93% to 99%) at five years and 84% (95% confidence interval, 77% to 90%) at ten years. Complications occurred in twenty hips. Fifteen hips (11%) were treated with a subsequent arthroscopy because of chondral and/or labral lesions at an average of 6.8 years after the osteotomy. Two independent predictors of failure (defined as arthroplasty or a high pain score) were identified: (1) an age of more than thirty-five years and (2) poor or fair preoperative joint congruency. The probability of failure requiring arthroplasty was 14% for hips with no predictors of failure, 36% for those with one predictor (either an age of more than thirty-five years or poor or fair joint congruency), and 95% for those with both predictors. The Bernese periacetabular osteotomy can be effective for the treatment of painful hip dysplasia, but complications may be expected in as many as 15% of cases. The ideal candidate is the patient who is less than thirty-five years of age and who has good or excellent hip joint congruency.

Intermediate to Long-Term Results Following the Bernese Periacetabular Osteotomy and Predictors of Clinical Outcome

The Bernese periacetabular osteotomy is a commonly used non-arthroplasty option to treat developmental hip dysplasia in symptomatic younger patients. Predicting which hips will remain preserved and which hips will go on to require arthroplasty following periacetabular osteotomy is a major challenge. In the present study, we assessed the intermediate to long-term results following periacetabular osteotomy to demonstrate the clinical outcomes for patients with varying amounts of dysplasia and arthritis. From these results, a probability-of-failure analysis was conducted to predict the likelihood of hip preservation and to improve surgical decision-making. Of the 189 hips (in 157 patients) that were treated with periacetabular osteotomy by a single surgeon from May 1991 to September 1998, thirty-one had diagnoses other than developmental hip dysplasia and twenty-three were lost to follow-up. The remaining 135 hips (in 109 patients) were retrospectively reviewed at an average of nine years. Hips were evaluated with use of the pain subscale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index postoperatively as well as with radiographs that were made preoperatively and at one and more than five years postoperatively. Osteotomy failure was defined as a pain score of >or=10 or the need for total hip arthroplasty. One hundred and two hips (76%) remained preserved at an average of nine years, with an average Western Ontario and McMaster Universities pain score of 2.4 of 20. Thirty-three hips (24%) met the failure criteria: seventeen underwent arthroplasty at an average of 6.1 years after the osteotomy, and sixteen had a postoperative pain score of >or=10. Kaplan-Meier analysis with arthroplasty as the end point revealed a survival rate of 96% (95% confidence interval, 93% to 99%) at five years and 84% (95% confidence interval, 77% to 90%) at ten years. Complications occurred in twenty hips. Fifteen hips (11%) were treated with a subsequent arthroscopy because of chondral and/or labral lesions at an average of 6.8 years after the osteotomy. Two independent predictors of failure (defined as arthroplasty or a high pain score) were identified: (1) an age of more than thirty-five years and (2) poor or fair preoperative joint congruency. The probability of failure requiring arthroplasty was 14% for hips with no predictors of failure, 36% for those with one predictor (either an age of more than thirty-five years or poor or fair joint congruency), and 95% for those with both predictors. The Bernese periacetabular osteotomy can be effective for the treatment of painful hip dysplasia, but complications may be expected in as many as 15% of cases. The ideal candidate is the patient who is less than thirty-five years of age and who has good or excellent hip joint congruency.

Rotational Acetabular Osteotomy for Secondary Osteoarthritis after Surgery for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

The treatment of residual deformity following surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip remains controversial. The rationale for the use of the rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) is that it increases the weight-bearing area by shifting the osteotomized acetabulum to cover the femoral head. This can improve joint function as well as achieve relief of pain. However, it is unclear if this osteotomy can improve a compromised hip when performed for the treatment of residual deformity and acetabular dysplasia after surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip. We aimed to report the clinical outcome as assessed by need for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and by the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel scores. In addition, we tried to assess the radiographic outcomes as assessed by Tönnis's classification. Only two hips required THA, which was performed in two patients at 11 and 12 years after RAO, respectively. The mean Merle d'Aubigné clinical score improved from 14.1 +/- 2.3 points (range, 10 to 17) preoperatively to 15.8 +/- 2.9 points (8 to 18) at final follow-up (p < 0.02). Radiological assessment at final follow-up showed the obvious progression of osteoarthritis in five hips. One patient in grade 1 preoperatively progressed into grade 3 at final follow-up; four patients in grade 2 preoperatively progressed into grade 3. In our study, this osteotomy prolonged the functional life of the hip, and only two hips needed THA after a mean follow-up of 11 years. We found that advanced arthritis pre-osteotomy is associated with progression of radiologic changes.

Efficacy of core decompression plus bone graft with minimal incision in 41 patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head

AbstractAim: In this study, which is an experimental before‐after‐study, we evaluated the efficacy of core decompression in 56 hips of 41 patients with non‐traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head.Method: Fifteen (36%) patients were male and 26 (64%) were female. The mean age of patients was 30 years. Thirty‐six (88%) patients had long‐term histories of steroidal use. Thirty‐three (80%) patients had a history of underlying disease. The mean duration of follow‐up was 55 months (14–122 months).Results: According to Ficat classification, seven hips were in stage 1, 21 in stage 2A, 23 in stage 2B, and five in stage 3. Evaluation criteria according to Harris hip score (HHS), radiographic changes and total hip arthroplasty (THA) necessity were assessed in each stage. The result of core decompression and graft was remarkable compared with preoperation status. HHS increased from 82 to 91 in stage 1; 73 to 89 in stage 2A; 70 to 85 in stage 2B and 63 to 71 in stage 3 post‐operatively (P‐value &lt; 0.05).Discussion: In the last follow‐up, which the was same for all 41 patients, there was no need for THA in all cases; but 5/56 hips (9%) exhibited radiographic progression of at least one Ficat stage. This method did not have any major complications, as only three cases had superficial wound infection.Conclusion: Good and safe clinical results of this method and the availability of this surgical treatment and also early return of patients to ordinary activities make us satisfied with applying this method.

Functional Outcome in Adult Patients Following Bernese Periacetabular Osteotomy

This study evaluated functional outcome following Bernese periacetabular osteotomy. In 24 patients with mean follow-up of 3.5 years, mean dysfunction score was 15.23 on the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment. Eighteen patients (75%) scored = or <20, indicating a high functional level. Irrespective of preoperative Shenton line continuity, most patients demonstrated a high functional level. However, a trend toward a poorer outcome was observed in patients with preoperative noncongruent joints and Tonnis osteoarthritis grade 3. These results suggest patients with less than optimal presentation may still benefit from this surgery, delaying or eliminating the need for total hip arthroplasty.

Treatment of osteonecrosis of the hip: comparison of extracorporeal shockwave with shockwave and alendronate

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and alendronate are reported effective in early osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). We hypothesized that joint effects of ESWT and alendronate may produce superior results. This prospective study compared the results of ESWT and alendronate with that of ESWT without alendronate in early ONFH. Forty-eight patients with 60 hips were randomly divided into tow groups. There were 25 patients with 30 hips in group A and 23 patients with 30 hips in group B. Both groups showed similar demographic characteristics. All patients were treated with 6,000 impulses of ESWT at 28 KV (equivalent to 0.62 mJ/mm(2)) to the affected hip as a single session. Patients in group B also received alendronate 70 mg per week for 1 year, whereas patients in group A did not. The evaluations included clinical assessment, radiograph and MR image of the affected hip. Both groups were compared statistically using paired t, Mann-Whitney and Chi square tests with statistical significance at P < 0.05. The primary end point is the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA). The secondary end point is the improvement in pain and function of the hip. The third end point is the progression or regression of the lesion on image study. The overall clinical outcomes were improved in 83%, unchanged in 7% and worsened in 10% for group A; and improved in 77%, unchanged in 13% and worsened in 10% for group B. THA was performed in 10% of group A and 10% of group B (P = 1.000). Significant improvements in pain and function of the hip were noted in both groups (P < 0.001), however, the differences between the two groups were not significant (P = 0.400, 0.313). On MR images, the lesions showed progression in 10%, regression in 47% and unchanged in 43% in group A, and progression in 7%, regression in 53% and unchanged in 40% in group B (P = 0.830). ESWT and alendronate produced comparable result as compared with ESWT without alendronate in early ONFH. It appears that ESWT is effective with or without the concurrent use of alendronate. The joint effects of alendronate over ESWT in early ONFH are not realized in short-term.

Clinical, radiographic and functional differences between juvenile-onset and adult–onset ankylosing spondylitis: results from the PSOAS cohort

Aims:Previous data suggests that patients with juvenile-onset ankylosing spondylitis (JoAS) have more severe disease and worse functional outcomes than adult-onset AS (AoAS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate...

Wagner's Spherical Periacetabular Osteotomy: Long Term Results

Residual acetabular dysplasia leads to hip arthritis as a consequence of insufficient femoral head coverage which causes abnormal pressure on the joint cartilage. Spherical periacetabular osteotomy, described by H. Wagner, improves the acetabular coverage of the head. This surgical technique has been performed by the senior author, in Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute of Milan, Italy since 1979. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of 14 patients affected by acetabular dysplasia and operated before 1985 by the same surgeon with this technique. The analysis of long term results (follow-up longer than 20 years) has shown that it is possible to achieve good clinical outcomes and to delay the need for total hip arthroplasty if a precise surgical technique is employed and if the correct indications are followed. Obese patients or hips with X-ray signs of osteoarthritis show the worst results in our experience. Our attitude is nowadays: full indication of spherical periacetabular osteotomy in dysplasia of the adolescent, indication in young adult patients only when some symptom is present, very rare indication in arthritis and only in very mild cases in young patients.

Wagner's spherical periacetabular osteotomy: long term results

Residual acetabular dysplasia leads to hip arthritis as a consequence of insufficient femoral head coverage which causes abnormal pressure on the joint cartilage. Spherical periacetabular osteotomy, described by H. Wagner, improves the acetabular coverage of the head. This surgical technique has been performed by the senior author, in Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute of Milan, Italy since 1979. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of 14 patients affected by acetabular dysplasia and operated before 1985 by the same surgeon with this technique. The analysis of long term results (follow-up longer than 20 years) has shown that it is possible to achieve good clinical outcomes and to delay the need for total hip arthroplasty if a precise surgical technique is employed and if the correct indications are followed. Obese patients or hips with X-ray signs of osteoarthritis show the worst results in our experience. Our attitude is nowadays: full indication of spherical periacetabular osteotomy in dysplasia of the adolescent, indication in young adult patients only when some symptom is present, very rare indication in arthritis and only in very mild cases in young patients.

Biophysical Stimulation with Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is the end point of a disease process that results in bone necrosis, joint edema, and cartilage damage. It leads to joint arthritis that necessitates total hip arthroplasty in many patients. Because of its positive effects on osteogenesis and its chondroprotective effect of articular cartilage, pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation has been proposed as a method to prevent or delay the progression of osteonecrosis. A retrospective analysis of the results of treatment with pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation of seventy-six hips in sixty-six patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head was performed. Patients with Ficat stage I, II, or III osteonecrosis of the femoral head were treated with pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation for eight hours per day for an average of five months. Clinical and diagnostic imaging information was collected at the start of the treatment and at the time of follow-up. The primary end point analyzed was the avoidance of hip surgery, and the secondary end point was limiting the radiographic progression (according to Ficat stage) of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Fifteen hips required a total hip arthroplasty; twelve of these hips were in patients with Ficat stage-III disease. The need for total hip arthroplasty was significantly higher in patients with Ficat stage-III disease than in patients with Ficat stage-I (p < 0.0001) or II (p < 0.01) disease at the beginning of treatment. Pulsed electromagnetic fields preserved 94% of Ficat stage-I or II hips. Furthermore, radiographic progression (according to Ficat stage) occurred in twenty hips (26%). Pain, present in all patients at the start of the treatment, disappeared after sixty days of stimulation in thirty-five patients (53%) and was of moderate intensity in seventeen patients (26%). The results of this study confirm that pulsed electromagnetic field treatment may be indicated in the early stages of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (Ficat stages I and II). Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation may be able to either preserve the hip or delay the time until surgery. The authors hypothesize that the short-term effect of pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation may be to protect the articular cartilage from the catabolic effect of inflammation and subchondral bone-marrow edema. The long-term effect of pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation may be to promote osteogenic activity at the necrotic area and prevent trabecular fracture and subchondral bone collapse. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors on jbjs.org for a complete description of levels of evidence.

BIOPHYSICAL STIMULATION WITH PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS IN OSTEONECROSIS OF THE FEMORAL HEAD

Background: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is the end point of a disease process that results in bone necrosis, joint edema, and cartilage damage. It leads to joint arthritis that necessitates total hip arthroplasty in many patients. Because of its positive effects on osteogenesis and its chondroprotective effect of articular cartilage, pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation has been proposed as a method to prevent or delay the progression of osteonecrosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the results of treatment with pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation of seventy-six hips in sixty-six patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head was performed. Patients with Ficat stage I, II, or III osteonecrosis of the femoral head were treated with pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation for eight hours per day for an average of five months. Clinical and diagnostic imaging information was collected at the start of the treatment and at the time of follow-up. The primary end point analyzed was the avoidance of hip surgery, and the secondary end point was limiting the radiographic progression (according to Ficat stage) of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Results: Fifteen hips required a total hip arthroplasty; twelve of these hips were in patients with Ficat stage-III disease. The need for total hip arthroplasty was significantly higher in patients with Ficat stage-III disease than in patients with Ficat stage-I (p < 0.0001) or II (p < 0.01) disease at the beginning of treatment. Pulsed electromagnetic fields preserved 94% of Ficat stage-I or II hips. Furthermore, radiographic progression (according to Ficat stage) occurred in twenty hips (26%). Pain, present in all patients at the start of the treatment, disappeared after sixty days of stimulation in thirty-five patients (53%) and was of moderate intensity in seventeen patients (26%). Conclusions: The results of this study confirm that pulsed electromagnetic field treatment may be indicated in the early stages of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (Ficat stages I and II). Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation may be able to either preserve the hip or delay the time until surgery. The authors hypothesize that the short-term effect of pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation may be to protect the articular cartilage from the catabolic effect of inflammation and subchondral bone-marrow edema. The long-term effect of pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation may be to promote osteogenic activity at the necrotic area and prevent trabecular fracture and subchondral bone collapse. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors on jbjs.org for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Systemic Lupus Erythematosis

This article reported a case of systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) with osteonecrosis of the femoral heads (ONFH-3) successfully treated with a novel extracorporeal shockwave treatment (ESWT). The follow-up at 3 years showed that both hips had no pain on activities for daily living. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed substantial reduction in bone marrow edema and no further collapse of the lesions. Radiographs and MRIs showed no change in the staging of the disease. ESWT provided beneficial effects for hips affected by ONFH in patients with SLE. This novel treatment modality resulted in significant pain relief and functional improvement of the hip and reduction in bone marrow edema in our patient. It appeared that ESWT might have the potential to curtail the progression of the disease and to delay the need for total hip arthroplasty in the very young patients contracted with SLE.

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Core Decompression

Core decompression is widely used to treat the early stages of osteonecrosis of the hip. The purpose of this analysis is to assist orthopedic surgeons in judging whether currently available data support the use of core decompression as cost-effective. A decision model was created for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Literature review was used to identify possible outcomes and their probability after initial treatment with either observation or core decompression. This model demonstrates core decompression must delay the need for total hip arthroplasty for a minimum of 5 years to maintain an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio lower than $50 000 per quality-adjusted life year gained. Treatment options with ratios higher than $50 000 per quality-adjusted life year are generally considered to have limited cost-effectiveness. This study demonstrates that core decompression has the potential to be a highly cost-effective alternative if it is leads to a delay in the need for total hip arthroplasty of 5 years or longer.

Increased polyethylene wear after cementless ABG I total hip arthroplasty

The cementless, hydroxyapatite-coated Anatomique Benoist Giraud-I (ABG-I) hip endoprosthesis represented a modern implant in the 1990s. The aim of the current retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of this prosthesis. In addition, an analysis of the complications and retrieved implants was conducted. The medium-term results (follow-up 5.23 years) of 193 hip joints are presented. Of 158 total cohorts, 81.9% was able to undergo follow-up performed with standardized clinical and radiological investigations. Physical characteristics of the patients and the underlying disease prompting the need for total hip arthroplasty, as well as a clinical score (Merle d'Aubigné) were recorded. At the time of follow-up, a radiologic examination of all patients with a standardized evaluation was performed. In addition, the migration of the acetabular cup and femoral head as well as polyethylene wear could be determined digitally in 118 cases (61.1%) using one-picture Roentgen analysis. Clinical results, as measured with a Merle d'Aubigné Score increase from 8.4 to 16.2, were very good. Radiographs demonstrated successful osseous integration of the anatomically molded shaft. Within the period of the investigation, no revision procedures of the femoral shaft were necessary. However, the rate of polyethylene abrasion of 0.23 mm/year was markedly high. 13.9% of hips (n = 27) required acetabular cup revision due to wear. This calculates to a prosthesis 7-year survival probability of 63%. Intraoperative findings during the revision cases showed extensive periacetabular osteolysis with foreign body granulation tissue. Analysis of data from the total patient cohort versus data from cases requiring revision showed a significantly increased frequency of high polyethylene wear in young active patients as well as in cases where an unfavorable acetabular cup to femoral head relation existed in correspondence with polyethylene thickness. There is evidence, however, that suggests that multifactorial causes for the increased wear are significant in regards to the principal material and technical features of the prosthesis. On the basis of these results, it is strongly recommended that all patients treated with an ABG-I hip endoprosthesis should receive close clinical and most importantly close radiologic follow-up.

Pelvic osteotomies for hip dysplasia

Purpose of review The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current trends in pelvic osteotomies for the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip. Recent findings The recent literature reports on midterm to long-term results of three types of pelvic osteotomies for hip dysplasia. The Chiari osteotomy has been shown to be effective in delaying the need for total hip arthroplasty in patients with dysplasia, hip inconguity, and osteoarthritis. Spherical osteotomies, which are mostly performed in the centers in which they were developed, have good results but are limited by the inability to medialize the acetabular fragment. The Bernese periacetabular osteotomy shows good midterm results even in patients with severe dysplasia who have not been considered surgical candidates for an acetabular reorientation in the past. Summary Patients with hip dysplasia are at increased risk for the development of osteoarthritis because of joint overload. A variety of pelvic osteotomies to redistribute the forces have been developed. Reports of long-term follow-up of the Chiari osteotomy are reasonable for young patients with an incongruent hip joint and arthritis who desire a joint-sparing procedure. The current trend for the treatment of acetabular dysplasia in the skeletally mature patient with a congruent hip joint is the Bernese periacetabular osteotomy. Although it is technically challenging, significant reorientation of the acetabulum can be achieved in all planes, including anterolateral coverage, restoration of acetabular version, and hip joint medialization.

Intraarticular glucocorticoid injections in rapidly destructive hip osteoarthritis

Objective. – To determine whether an intraarticular glucocorticoid injection followed, when possible, by weight-bearing elimination using two crutches reduces the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with rapidly destructive hip osteoarthritis (RDHOA). Methods. – A longitudinal retrospective study was conducted in patients admitted for RDHOA, defined as loss of more than 50% of the joint space at the narrowest point between two evaluations 1 year apart. A glucocorticoid injection was performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Patients stayed in bed for the next 24 h then used crutches for 4–6 weeks. Follow-up was at least 6 months. The efficacy criterion was absence of THA. Results. – Twenty-eight patients (22 women) were enrolled between 1993 and 2000. Mean age was 62 years, mean body mass index was 26 kg/m 2, mean Lequesne index was 11, and mean joint space width was 1.3 mm. Narrowing was superolateral in 19 of the 28 patients. Cortivazol was injected in seven patients, betamethasone in four, and triamcinolone hexacetonide in 17. Weight-bearing elimination for at least 4 weeks was achieved in 15 patients. THA was performed in 27 patients, including 20 who underwent the procedure within the year after the glucocorticoid injection. Conclusion. – Intraarticular glucocorticoid injection with or without elimination of weight-bearing does not reduce the need for THA in patients with RDHOA.

Chiari Pelvic Osteotomy for Advanced Osteoarthritis in Patients with Hip Dysplasia

It is not clear whether a Chiari pelvic osteotomy performed for the treatment of advanced osteoarthritis can delay the need for total hip arthroplasty. We present the mid-term results of the Chiari pelvic osteotomy performed for the treatment of Tönnis grade-3 osteoarthritis (large cysts, severe narrowing of the joint space, or severe deformity or necrosis of the head with extensive osteophyte formation), with a particular focus on whether this procedure can delay the need for total hip arthroplasty. We followed thirty-two hips in thirty-one patients with Tönnis grade-3 osteoarthritis who had refused total hip arthroplasty and had been treated with a Chiari pelvic osteotomy. The mean age at the time of surgery was 35.2 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 11.2 years, at which time clinical evaluation with the Harris hip score and radiographic evaluation were performed. The average Harris hip score improved from 52 points preoperatively to 77 points at the time of follow-up; the average pain score improved from 20 to 31 points. Three hips with a hip score of <70 points required total hip arthroplasty. With a hip score of <70 points as the end point, the cumulative rate of survival at ten years was 72%. The clinical outcome was significantly influenced by the preoperative center-edge angle (p = 0.004), the preoperative acetabular head index (p = 0.039), achievement of the appropriate osteotomy level (p = 0.011), and superior migration (p = 0.009) and lateral migration (p = 0.026) of the femoral head. Although the clinical results were inferior to those of total hip arthroplasty, Chiari pelvic osteotomy may be an option for young patients with advanced osteoarthritis who prefer a joint-conserving procedure to total hip arthroplasty and accept a clinical outcome that is predicted to be less optimal than that of total hip arthroplasty. Moderate dysplasia and moderate subluxation without complete obliteration of the joint space and a preoperative center-edge angle of at least 10 degrees are desirable selection criteria.

Proximal femoral osteotomy: Current indications and techniques

Osteotomy of the proximal femur can be a useful procedure in the management of a number of different disorders around the hip. The ultimate goal of treatment is to reduce pain and prevent degeneration of the hip joint. The osteotomy can be done alone or in conjunction with other procedures in an attempt to fully address the pathology affecting the hip and lower extremity. Currently a regional variation seems to exist with regards to the indications, location, and value of these procedures, especially with the success of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the patient with endstage arthrosis. However, with increasing numbers of replacement arthroplasty performed in young and active patients, there is a concomitant increase in the number of patients requiring challenging and complex revision procedures. Unfortunately this often leaves compromised bone stock and soft-tissue function. In our experience, obtaining a more functional native hip joint through osteotomy can delay the onset and progression of arthrosis, thereby delaying or even eliminating the need for THA. We believe that total hip arthroplasty and proximal femoral osteotomy should not be viewed as being in competition, rather each has its own distinct indications and when performed appropriately, has reproducible clinical results. Traditionally, a large proportion of femoral osteotomies were performed at the intertrochanteric region. 1-3 However, it should be noted that several other sites for performing proximal femoral osteotomy can be used to address pathology around the hip. These include an intracapsular subcapital, extracapsular base of the neck and subtrochanteric osteotomy. Osteotomy of the greater trochanter can also be used alone or in conjunction with other proximal osteotomies to help gain exposure to the hip joint and to address abductor dysfunction or trochanteric impingement. The purpose of this article is to present the indications, rationale, decision-making, and technical considerations for osteotomy of the proximal femur in the treatment of hip disorders prone to early degeneration. This article will focus primarily on the use of intertrochanteric and subcapital osteotomy.

Core Decompression of the Femoral Head for Osteonecrosis Using Percutaneous Multiple Small-Diameter Drilling

Osteonecrosis is a disease with a wide ranging etiology and poorly understood pathogenesis seen commonly in young patients. Core decompression has historically been used in patients with small-sized or medium-sized precollapse lesions in an attempt to forestall disease progression. Typically, an 8-10 mm wide cannula trephine is used to do this procedure. The authors report on a new technique using multiple small drillings with a 3-mm Steinman pin to effectuate the core decompression. In this report, there were 32 of 45 hips (71%; 35 patients) with a successful clinical result at a mean followup of 2 years (range, 20-39 months). Twenty four of 30 Stage I hips (80%; 23 patients) had successful outcomes compared with 8 of 15 Stage II hips (57%; 12 patients) with no surgical complications occurring with this technique. This procedure is technically straightforward and led to minimal morbidity with no surgical complications. It may be effective in delaying the need for total hip arthroplasty in young patients with early (precollapse) stages of femoral head osteonecrosis.