Proximal Femoral Fixation Research Articles

HIP SURGERY IN GENETIC SKELETAL DISORDERS: RISKY BUSINESS?

Genetic skeletal disorders constitute a rare and heterogeneous bone diseases often leading to poor quality of life. Several surgical options are available. The surgeon must deal with specific features (bone deformity, previous procedures, abnormal bone quality, stiffness or instability, muscle weakness). The questions concern the feasibility of the procedures and the surgical strategy.55 patients (26 W, 29 M) were reviewed between 2016 and 2022. The mean age of the patients was 35 years (17–71). The diagnosis included 9 hereditary multiple exostoses, 8 osteogenesis imperfecta, 6 multiple epiphyseal dysplasia congenita, 6 achondroplasia, 4 osteopetrosis, 3 pycnodysostosis, 3 hypophosphatemic rickets, 3 fibrous dysplasia, 2 mucopolysaccharidosis, and 10 miscellaneous. 25 patients were referred for hip problems (40 hips). 4 patients (7 hips) requiring a THA have not been operated (4 planned). 4 patients (6 hips) had a proximal femoral fixation (2 osteotomies, 4 fracture fixations). 17 patients (27 hips) sustained a THA (25 primary, 2 revisions). All of them were operated by one operator, using a posterolateral approach and standard implants (including 7 dysplastic and 2 short stems). No customized implant has been used.As regard the 27 THAs, the mean follow up was 4.2 years (1–12). The early complications included 2 femoral cracks and 1 femur fracture. There were 2 revisions (1 cup loosening at 2 years, 1 stem loosening at 4 years). No infection nor dislocation occurred. All the patients were satisfied with their treatment and regain some autonomy. 3 THA were considered as unfeasible.Constitutional bone diseases need a multidisciplinary program of care. The indication for surgery is based on a mutual trust patient/surgeon, a careful evaluation of benefits/risks, and an accurate imaging to anticipate the difficulties. The expected results are a better function and quality of life, and a stability over time.

The safety and accuracy of the fluoroscopic imaging during proximal femoral fixation: A computerized 3D reappraisal of the joint penetration risk.

To assess the success of proximal cephalomedullary nailing operations for treating trochanteric fractures, surgeons utilize 2D fluoroscopy to observe the relative positions of the femoral head and the implant. One distance-based risk parameter, observed from the AP and Lateral projections, is the Tip-Surface Distance(TSD) that dictates how close to the outer cortex should the implant tip be residing to avoid post-surgical complications such as cut-out or joint penetration. In this study, the safety and the accuracy of the orthogonal fluoroscopic imaging were evaluated. A femoral head model was created and the risk zone was defined as a hemispherical shell of 5mm thickness beneath the subchondral cortex, which should not be violated during screw insertion. The remaining hemisphere beneath the risk zone was designated as the safe zone. To assess the effect of head size, each simulation was conducted for 34, 47, and 60mm diameter(Dfemur) femoral heads. The rate of safe zone violation was calculated for all possible screw endpoints with a TSD of at least 5mm on fluoroscopic orthogonal views (TSDAP and TSDLat). The minimum risk of joint penetration was achieved when the TSDAP/TSDLat ratio was 1. For Dfemur of 34mm there was a risk of 91.7% of the safe zone violation when each TSDAP and TSDLat were 5mm and 0% for 9mm. For Dfemur of 47mm, the risk was 92.2% for 5mm and 0% for 11mm. For Dfemur of 60mm, the risk was 92.3% for 5mm and 0% for 13mm. Safety maps were constructed for all possible TSD combinations for 34, 47, and 60mm femoral heads. Depending solely on the orthogonal fluoroscopic images is not a safe and accurate technique for assessing joint penetration risk during proximal femoral fixation due to the spherical geometry of the femoral head. The screw tip can lie completely outside of the femoral head even when it appears inside, in both orthogonal fluoroscopic views. Evidently, when using TSD, more stringent distance limits should be chosen, contrary to the recommended 5mm limit. Our safety maps for TSD combinations may be used to check the security of the implantation.

Combined two-centre experience of single-entry telescopic rods identifies characteristic modes of failure.

The Fassier Duval (FD) rod is a third-generation telescopic implant for children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Threaded fixation enables proximal insertion without opening the knee or ankle joint. We have reviewed our combined two-centre experience with this implant. In total, 34 children with a mean age of five years (1 to 14) with severe OI have undergone rodding of 72 lower limb long bones (27 tibial, 45 femoral) for recurrent fractures with progressive deformity despite optimized bone health and bisphosphonate therapy. Data were collected prospectively, with 1.5 to 11 years follow-up. A total of 24 patients (33%) required exchange of implants (14 femora and ten tibiae) including 11 rods bending with refracture. Four (5%) required reoperation with implant retention. Loss of proximal fixation in the femur and distal fixation in the tibia were common. Four patients developed coxa vara requiring surgical correction. In total, 13 patients experienced further fractures without rod bending; eight required implant revision. There was one deep infection. The five-year survival rate, with rod revision as the endpoint, was 63% (95% confidence interval (CI) 44% to 77%) for femoral rods, with a mean age at implantation of 4.8 years (1.3 to 14.8), and 64% (95% CI 36% to 82%) for tibial rods, with a mean age at implantation of 5.2 years (2.0 to 13.8). FD rods are easier to implant but do not improve on the revision rates reported for second generation T-piece rods. Proximal femoral fixation is problematic in younger children with a partially ossified greater trochanter. Distal tibial fixation typically fails after two years. Future generation implants should address proximal femoral and distal tibial fixation to avoid the majority of complications in this series. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(8):1048-1055.

Management of Lateral Thigh Pain following Cephalomedullary Nail: A Technical Note

Peritrochanteric hip fractures are most commonly treated with proximal femoral fixation devices, such as a cephalomedullary nail or sliding hip screw. As usage rates increase for these fixation devices, complications from their insertion are becoming more prevalent. Lateral hip pain from proximal locking device insertion and prominence continues to be one of the most frequent complaints regarding hardware irritation following this surgical procedure. Conservative treatment options for this complaint include local corticosteroid injection and physical therapy, although once these treatments have been exhausted, surgical intervention may be recommended. This has generally been managed previously with implant removal, although studies have shown associated femoral neck fractures after removal even with the prescribed protected postoperative weight bearing. Additionally, in certain situations (e.g., when the nail is placed for prophylactic treatment), its removal is contraindicated. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe an alternative treatment option that would limit morbidity, and the need for proximal locking device or implant removal by excising the portion of the iliotibial band causing hip irritation at the level of the proximal locking device, while leaving the retained implant in place. This surgical option would allow most patients to return to their pre-operative weight-bearing status immediately following surgery without the need for additional postoperative precautions.

Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty After an Iatrogenic Subtrochanteric Fracture due to Hardware Removal: A Case Report

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) after proximal femoral fixation is a challenging procedure due to possible hardware-related complications. Case presentation: A 78-year-old female with hip osteoarthritis had a proximal femoral osteotomy fixed using a blade plate in the same femur 41 years ago. A two-step approach was planned. After a challenging hardware removal, an iatrogenic subtrochanteric fracture below the degenerated hip occurred after three months. THA with a tapered long stem was successfully performed with no need for additional osteosynthesis, and good results were seen two years later. Discussion: THAs in subtrochanteric fractures are technically demanding but feasible in selected cases. Hardware removal before THA implantation may carry important risks, and the surgical team should be prepared to perform arthroplasty in case of complications. Conclusion: THA in a subtrochanteric fracture below hip osteoarthritis is a feasible option in selected cases.

Is it necessary to use chemoprophylaxis in Indian patients after hip surgery?

To know the incidence of postoperative deep vein thrombosis after hip surgery in Indian patients. Our study comprises 108 patients undergoing major lower limb orthopaedic surgery. Evaluation by colour Doppler ultrasonography to detect DVT was performed on both lower limbs between seventh and 14th postoperative day. There were 15 total hip replacements (THR), 50 bipolar hemiarthroplasties and 43 proximal femoral fixations by intra-/extra-medullary implant. Only 17 (15.74%) patients showed Colour Doppler evidence of DVT without any complication. In THR patients, incidence of DVT is 20%; in bipolar hemiarthoplasty, it is 16%; and in the proximal femoral fixation, it is 13.95%. No case developed pulmonary embolism, and the current figure for the incidence of DVT is 15.74%. From our study, it appears to be the difference in incidence of DVT in our country and in western countries, but incidence is not rare. Hence, chemoprophylaxis is necessary in Indian patients.

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of a Commercially Pure Cancellous-Structured Titanium Press Fit Total Hip Prosthetic Stem: Ten-Year Followup of the “Natural Hip” Femoral Stem

This study evaluates the outcomes of 92 hip arthroplasties using a press fit, tapered, split tip, proximally porous ingrowth (CSTi) femoral stem (Zimmer Natural Hip) in consecutive hip arthroplasty patients followed for an average of ten years postoperatively (range 5–16 years). Patients were functionally and radiographically evaluated using Harris Hip Scores and plain radiographs assessing postarthroplasty groin or thigh pain and radiographic signs of stem subsidence, proximal femoral fixation, stress shielding, and related calcar resorption. At followup of 5–10 years, the incidence of groin pain and thigh pain was 9.1% and 3.6%, respectively. This incidence improved over time. Beyond 10 years of followup, groin pain was 2.7% and thigh pain zero. In 89% of cases, there was solid contact between the calcar and the undersurface of the stem collar. Five cases were revised for instability (5.4%). The Harris Hip Scores and the incidence of thigh or groin pain were very favorable compared to other reported press fit total hip arthroplasty stems and not significantly different across a broad age range. There were no cases of stem loosening of failure of bony ingrowth into the stem.

Clinical and radiological outcome of Endobutton versus cross-pin femoral fixation in hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

BackgroundThe selection of a graft and the method of graft fixation are critical in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. ACL reconstruction with the hamstring tendon provides sufficient strength for early rehabilitation and activity; the tendon to bone healing and the fixation method can become an issue with the hamstring tendon, which affects the functional outcome.Aim of the workThe aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcome of Endobutton femoral fixation and cross-pin femoral fixation for primary ACL reconstruction using quadrupled hamstring tendons with a minimum follow-up of 2 years.Type of studyRetrospective study.Patients and methodsForty-five patients were evaluated 2 years after arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. Two methods of graft fixation were compared: in group 1 (20 patients, EB group), an indirect graft fixation was achieved utilizing the Endobutton with a manually knotted polyester tape for proximal femoral fixation combined with bicortical suture and post-tibial fixation. In group 2 (25 patients, TF group), a direct graft fixation was achieved utilizing cross-pin femoral fixation (TransFix II Pin) with an additional autograft bone plug inserted into the femoral tunnel. Tibial fixation of the graft was performed with a bioabsorbable interference screw and an additional staple on the graft. All cases were operated using a transtibial technique.ResultsAccording to the IKDC evaluation form, the clinical outcome of the TF group was better than that of the EB group. Radiographs of the EB group showed a higher degree of divergence of the osteosclerotic lines indicating the bone tunnels in comparison with the TF group. The entrance diameters of the drilled femoral bone tunnels were 12.5 and 10.5 mm in the EB group and the TF group, respectively (P < 0.05).ConclusionWe conclude that avoiding tapes and sutures and using a surgical technique with direct graft fixation minimizes movement of the tendon graft for ACL reconstruction and improves the clinical results.

Comparing pain and analgesia requirements in different procedures for the treatment of hip fractures

Comparing pain and analgesia requirements in different procedures for the treatment of hip fractures

Artroplastia de cadera con vástago convencional en fracasos de osteosíntesis de fracturas del fémur proximal

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the results and complications of hip arthroplasty with conventional stem performed as a salvage procedure after the failed treatment of an intertrochanteric hip fracture. Material and methodsBetween 1997 and 2011, 17 patients with a mean age of 76 years were treated with hip arthroplasty for failed treatment of intertrochanteric hip fracture. In all cases a conventional stem was used. The mean follow-up was 6 years (range 1-14 years). Pain, range of motion (Merle d’Aubigné) and functional results (Barthel), as well as implant fixation (Harris and Engh), were evaluated during the follow-up. ResultsExcept for one case of death (6%) and one case of infection (Girdlestone arthroplasty), all patients were able to walk independently at 6 months. The majority of the patients (87%) had no or mild pain. After 2 surgeries (osteosynthesis and hip arthroplasty) the mean Barthel Score had decreased from 81 to 66 points. Just one case (6%) of stem loosening has been observed. DiscussionIn older patients, prosthetic replacement after failed proximal femoral fixation is a reliable salvage option. Most patients have good pain relief and functional improvement, although the rate of perioperative medical complications is high. Surgery is less demanding and the operating time is shorter when conventional femoral stems are used.

Hip arthroplasty with conventional stem as rescue treatment after failed treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the results and complications of hip arthroplasty with conventional stem performed as a salvage procedure after the failed treatment of an intertrochanteric hip fracture. Materials and methodsBetween 1997 and 2011, 17 patients with a mean age of 76 years were treated with hip arthroplasty for failed treatment of intertrochanteric hip fracture. In all cases a conventional stem was used. The mean follow-up was 6 years (range 1–14 years). Pain, range of motion (Merle d’Aubigné) and functional results (Barthel), as well as implant fixation (Harris and Engh), were evaluated during the follow-up. ResultsExcept for one case of death (6%) and one case of infection (Girdlestone arthroplasty), all patients were able to walk independently at 6 months. The majority of the patients (87%) had no or mild pain. After 2 surgeries (osteosynthesis and hip arthroplasty) the mean Barthel Score had decreased from 81 to 66 points. Just one case (6%) of stem loosening has been observed. DiscussionIn older patients, prosthetic replacement after failed proximal femoral fixation is a reliable salvage option. Most patients have good pain relief and functional improvement, although the rate of perioperative medical complications is high. Surgery is less demanding and the operating time is shorter when conventional femoral stems are used.

Use of the Sheffield Telescopic Intramedullary Rod System for the Management of Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Elongating intramedullary rods have been used in the management of osteogenesis imperfecta for the past fifty years. The complication rates reported in many reviews of the available techniques have been high. This study reviews the long-term functional outcomes and complications following the use of the Sheffield system of telescopic intramedullary rods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta who were at least eighteen years of age and who had at least thirteen years of follow-up. Complications, reoperations, and data from a disease-specific questionnaire and the Short Form-36 questionnaire were recorded. Data for twenty-two patients with osteogenesis imperfecta who had been treated with Sheffield telescopic intramedullary rods were available at an average of nineteen years after the initial surgery. Reoperations involving thirty-three (50%) of the sixty-six rods were performed: ten rods (15%) were exchanged because of rod disengagement due to growth, thirteen rods (20%) were exchanged because of complications, and ten rods (15%) required further surgery other than exchange because of complications. Mobility was significantly improved at the initial postoperative visit (p = 0.0015), and this improvement was maintained into adulthood (p = 0.0077). Back pain was the most frequent symptom. Symptoms related to rod insertion across the knee and ankle were rare, but symptoms related to proximal femoral trochanteric entry were common. Physeal damage was not seen following surgery, and all rods elongated with growth. All patients were satisfied with the outcome of the surgical procedures. Short Form-36 scores for all physical domains and for social function and vitality were significantly worse than those in a normal population. The outcomes of this technique are satisfactory in adulthood; reoperation rates are high but are most commonly related to the patient outgrowing the rods. Concerns regarding insertion of this fixed device at the knee and ankle were unfounded, although proximal femoral fixation remains a problem.

Total hip arthroplasty using a short-stemmed femoral component in the presence of a proximal femoral fixation device – a case report

A patient previously treated by cannulated screws fixation of a femoral neck fracture and plate and screw fixation of an ipsilateral shaft fracture presented for a total hip arthroplasty due to femoral head avascular necrosis. The cortical bone at the previous fracture site was weak and damage on the proximal femur was considered likely during removal of the plate. We were also concerned that a periprosthetic fracture might occur during or after the insertion of a conventional femoral stem. We used a short-stemmed femoral component for total hip arthroplasty in this patient, to avoid the risk of potential complications.

Hydroxyapatite-Coated Tapered Cementless Femoral Components in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Tapered cementless femoral fixation provides a reliable option for routine primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The use of hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated stems is increasing as a result of mounting evidence that HA may improve the reliability of bone osseointegration and improve overall THA outcomes. These trends are based on a growing body of literature that supports both the theoretical and clinical rationale of this approach. There is solid clinical evidence that the combination of tapered geometry with an HA coating increases the likelihood of reliable femoral fixation. A comprehensive review of this literature evaluating the clinical use of cementless femoral components that use an HA coating is presented, and reveals that HA-coated stems have significantly improved proximal femoral fixation with less stress shielding and superior osseous remodeling. Although these advantages have not been shown to significantly increase long-term durability, there is sufficient data to support the routine use of HA-coated, tapered cementless femoral stems in THA.

(iii) Proximal fixation stems yield optimal fixation

Distal fixation with extensively porous-coated stems has demonstrated good fixation, but a high incidence of proximal stress-shielding. Proximal femoral fixation was developed to load the femur proximally to avoid the problem of stress-shielding. First generation proximal fixation stems had a high percentage of thigh pain and loosening. Second generation designs with mechanical fixation only in the diaphysis (smooth distal stems) improved fixation, but still demonstrated a relatively high incidence of thigh pain. It is now evident that biologic fixation is required in the diaphysis. Still, proximal fixation must occur in the cortical bone of the proximal femur. Stems with a geometry that primarily load the proximal femur, and yet achieve biologic (osseous) fixation in the diaphysis, result in ‘transitional stress transfer’ to the femur. Contemporary designs that employ these principles are successful in providing durable fixation, a low incidence of thigh pain, and avoid the problem of stress-shielding.

Hydroxylapatite-Coated Hip Implants

The application of a thin coating of hydroxylapatite to total hip implants has provided the opportunity to realize stable fixation of a press-fit prosthesis without a porous coating or an intervening fibrous tissue layer. This series consists of 436 total hip arthroplasties, of which 320 cases have a minimum two-year follow-up period and 142 cases have a minimum three-year follow-up period. The femoral prosthesis used was a roughened titanium alloy with a 50-microns surface treatment of hydroxylapatite applied to the proximal one third. The acetabular components implanted included porous-coated implants (132), hydroxylapatite-coated acetabular shells of varying geometries (285), and bipolar implants (16). Analysis of the clinical results demonstrates a mean Harris Hip Score of 93 at six-months postarthroplasty, 95 at one and two years, and 96 at three years. At the three-year follow-up evaluation, 4.2% of patients complained of mild to moderate pain in the operative limb, whereas only 2.2% at two years and 1.4% at three years complained of activity-related thigh pain. The femoral mechanical loosening rate representing stems revised for aseptic loosening (two) plus roentgenographically unstable stems (zero) is 0.46%. Three hydroxylapatite-coated acetabular cups (1%) have shown measurable migration at two years, but none have been revised for aseptic loosening. The roentgenographic evaluation provides evidence for excellent proximal femoral fixation with distal stress transfer. Radiolucencies typically occur around the uncoated distal tip of the femoral stem (74%), but rarely in the proximal hydroxylapatite-coated anterior (3%) and lateral (2%) zones. Femoral cancellous condensation characteristically is seen at the transition zone of hydroxylapatite coated-to-uncoated stems (86%), whereas up to 32% of cases show cortical hypertrophy at the medial distal stem. These roentgenographic changes are progressive from one through three years postoperatively.

Telemetering in vivo loads from nail plate implants

A system of multi-channel telemetry capable of broadcasting in vivo loading from orthopaedic implants is presented. Its use to monitor the two orthogonal bending moments about the nail plate junction of three implanted hip nails is described. Typical results from these cases in which the telemeterized implant was employed to treat proximal femoral fixation and osteotomy are given.