Radiological Loosening Research Articles

Long-term outcomes of the Universal 2 total wrist arthroplasty

AimsThe Universal 2 total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) aims to alleviate wrist pain and restore function. This study investigates the survival time, revision rate, complication rate, and performs radiological analysis on Universal 2 TWAs in the long term. MethodsForty-seven Universal 2 TWA in 45 patients were performed between 2006 and 2014. Patient satisfaction, DASH score, complications, revision rate and radiological analysis of the TWA were recorded. ResultsMean follow-up was 11.7 years (range 2.5–17.6 years). There was significant improvement in post-operative DASH score (mean 58.3, SD 13) compared to preoperative DASH scores (mean 33, SD 20, p < 0.001). At latest follow-up, 65 % of patients would undergo the procedure, a reduction from 87 % at mid-term follow-up. On radiological analysis, 26 wrists had lucencies of at least one component. Complications occurred in 18 wrists (38 %). Eleven TWA (23 %) were revised at a mean 7.3 years post-operation (range 2.0–13.7 years). Mean survival of the implant was 13.6 years (12.2–15.0 years 95 % CI). Kaplan-Meier analysis identified no significant differences in survivorship between inflammatory arthritis (13.2 years, 11.5–14.9 years 95 % CI) and osteoarthritis (12.9 years, 11.0–14.8 years 95 % CI, p = 0.39). ConclusionAt long-term follow-up, the Universal 2 TWA can produce significant improvements in DASH scores and good satisfaction rates. However, a significant number of implants showed radiological loosening, with a high associated complication and revision rate. Patients should be adequately counselled on these risks pre-operatively.

Hip Reconstruction In Situ with Screws and Cement (HiRISC) construct to treat large acetabular bone defects.

Large bone defects resulting from osteolysis, fractures, osteomyelitis, or metastases pose significant challenges in acetabular reconstruction for total hip arthroplasty. This study aimed to evaluate the survival and radiological outcomes of an acetabular reconstruction technique in patients at high risk of reconstruction failure (i.e. periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), poor bone stock, immunosuppressed patients), referred to as Hip Reconstruction In Situ with Screws and Cement (HiRISC). This involves a polyethylene liner embedded in cement-filled bone defects reinforced with screws and/or plates for enhanced fixation. A retrospective chart review of 59 consecutive acetabular reconstructions was performed by four surgeons in a single institution from 18 October 2018 to 5 January 2023. Cases were classified based on the Paprosky classification, excluding type 1 cases (n = 26) and including types 2 or 3 for analysis (n = 33). Radiological loosening was evaluated by an orthopaedic surgeon who was not the operating surgeon, by comparing the immediate postoperative radiographs with the ones at latest follow-up. Mean follow-up was 557 days (SD 441; 31 to 1,707). Out of the 33 cases analyzed, six (18.2%) constructs required revision, with four revisions due to uncontrolled infection, one for dislocation, and one for aseptic loosening. Among the 27 non-revised constructs, only one showed wider radiolucencies compared to immediate postoperative radiographs, indicating potential loosening. Patients who underwent revision (n = 6) were significantly younger and had a higher BMI compared to those with non-revised constructs (p = 0.016 and p = 0.026, respectively). Sex, race, ethnicity, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, infection status (patients with postoperative PJI diagnosis (septic) vs patients without such diagnosis (aseptic)), and mean follow-up did not significantly differ between revised and non-revised groups. The HiRISC technique may serve as a feasible short-term (about one to two years) alternative in patients with large acetabular defects, particularly in cases of PJI. Longer follow-up is necessary to establish the long-term survival of this technique.

Mid-term results of total hip arthroplasty with anatomical ultra-short cementless stem in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip Crowe type II

The aim of this study was to present the mid-term results of ultra-short cementless stem total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with Crowe type II developmental dysplasia of the hip. The study consists of 68 patients (75 THAs) with a Proxima stem implanted between 2006 and 2015. The clinical results include Harris Hip Scores. Radiological follow-up reports on stem migration, bony trabecular development and radiolucent lines. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed. The mean age of patients was 48.4 years, with a mean follow-up 114 months. The average Harris Hip Score improved significantly from 45.1 preoperatively to 97.6 at the final evaluation (p < 0.001). Stem migration was observed in five hips (in all of them up to the 6th postoperative month, without any further progression of migration or radiological loosening). Bony trabecular development was detected in modified Gruen zones (1, 2, 4, 6, 7 for Proxima stem): in zone 1 (0%), 2 (49.3.0%), 4 (38.7%), 6 (82.7%), 7 (0%). Radiolucent lines were observed around one cup (DeLee and Charnley zone I) and three stems (none was loose, all three with fibrous stable fixation). Complications were found in three hips (4.0%): intraoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture (threated with cerclage wire) in two hips and squeezing hip in one patient (with perioperative ceramic inlay breakage and exchange). No hip was revised. The implant survival was 100.0% both clinically and radiologically. Observations in the mean follow-up of 114 months show that the results (clinical and radiological) of the Proxima stem in patients with Crowe type II DDH are promising.

Novel Screw Placement Method for Extremely Small Lumbar Pedicles in Scoliosis.

Study Design: Consecutive case series. Objective: To propose a screw placement method in patients with extremely small lumbar pedicles (ESLPs) (<2 mm) to maintain screw density and correction power, without relying on the O-arm navigation system. Summary of Background Data: In scoliosis surgery, ESLPs can hinder probe passage, resulting in exclusion or substitution of the pedicle screws with a hook. Screw density affects correction power, making it necessary to maximize the number of screw placements, especially in the lumbar curve. Limited studies provide technical guidelines for screw placement in patients with ESLPs, independent of the O-arm navigation system. Methods: We enrolled 19 patients who underwent scoliosis correction surgery using our novel screw placement method for ESLPs. Clinical, radiological, and surgical parameters were assessed. After posterior exposure of the spine, the C-arm fluoroscope was rotated to obtain a true posterior-anterior view and both pedicles were symmetrically visualized. An imaginary pedicle outline was presumed based on the elliptical or linear shadow from the pedicle. The screw entry point was established at a 2 (or 10) o'clock position in the presumed pedicle outline. After adjusting the gear-shift convergence, both cortices of the transverse process were penetrated and the tip was advanced towards the lateral vertebral body wall, where an extrapedicular screw was placed with tricortical fixation. Results: Out of 90 lumbar screws in 19 patients, 33 screws were inserted using our novel method, without correction loss or complications during an average follow-up period of 28.44 months, except radiological loosening of one screw. Conclusions: Our new extrapedicular screw placement method into the vertebral body provides an easy, accurate, and safe alternative for scoliosis patients with ESLPs without relying on the O-arm navigation system. Surgeons must consider utilizing this method to enhance correction power in scoliosis surgery, regardless of the small size of the lumbar pedicle.

Does sagittal alignment of the femoral component have an impact on radiological loosening and functional results in revision knee arthroplasty?

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of sagittal alignment of the femoral component on both radiological loosening and functional results in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA), as well as the anterior condylar offset (ACO) and posterior condylar offset (PCO). Between December 2005 and November 2020, a total of 47 patients (12 males, 35 females; mean age: of 67.1±8.4 years; range, 52 to 90 years) who underwent rTKA due to aseptic prosthesis failure were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and clinical outcomes of the patients were recorded. Early postoperative sagittal alignment of the femoral component, ACO, and PCO were measured. Radiological loosening of patients was evaluated using the modified Knee Society Score, while the functional outcomes were assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). The mean follow-up was 55.4±28.0 (range, 24 to 142) months. While there was a moderate and inverse correlation between the sagittal alignment of the femoral component and ACO (p=0.002), there was no significant correlation between the sagittal alignment of the femoral component and PCO (p=0.980). There was a weak and inverse correlation between BMI and KOOS (p=0.024). There was no significant relationship between the sagittal alignment of the femoral component, ACO, PCO, age, and sex with radiological loosening (p=0.241) or KOOS (p=0.894). In rTKA, sagittal alignment of the femoral component does not affect radiological loosening and functional results. The sagittal alignment of the femoral component exhibits a moderate and inverse correlation with ACO, while it has no significant correlation with PCO.

Outcomes of Impaction Bone Grafting in the Management of Acetabular Defects with the Use of Uncemented Acetabular Cups: Do Autografts and Irradiated Femoral Head Allografts Integrate?

Acetabular impaction bone grafting (AIBG) has been used widely to reconstruct acetabular defects in complex primary and revision cases. The aim of this study was to look at the outcomes AIBG using either frozen irradiated femoral head allografts or autografts with uncemented acetabular cups. We retrospectively reviewed 38 patients who had AIBG and uncemented cup reconstruction of the acetabulum performed between 2008 and 2021 for complex primary and revision surgery. Graft incorporation, radiological loosening and cup migration were evaluated in follow-up X-rays. There were 24 complex primary and 14 revision total hip arthroplasty. Autografts were used in 10 hips with smaller defects, while 28 hips with larger defects required frozen irradiated femoral head allografts. Using Paprosky classification to evaluate acetabular defects; 8 patients were classified as 2A, 12 as 2B, 7 as 2C, 8 as 3A and 3 as 3B. The Kaplan-Meier survival rate for AIBG with uncemented cups in our series is 89.70% in 10 years. Acetabular cup position was anatomically restored in all autograft AIBG cases and in 25 out of 28 in the allograft group. The mean pre-operative Oxford Hip Score (OHS) was 19 (range 10-24) and post-operative OHS was 39 (range 21-48) (p < 0.001). The mid- to long-term results for AIBG and uncemented acetabular cups is good. With newer and more porous uncemented cups especially revision cups, it may serve as an extended indication to achieve solid fixation together with AIBG technique in managing acetabular defects of ≤ 3A.

Trapeziectomy versus Maïa Prosthesis in Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis.

Background Osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb is the most frequent osteoarthritis of the hand. Trapeziectomy in a broad variety of surgical methods have been proposed to achieve pain reduction and improvement of thumb function. A well-known disadvantage is the long recovery time. Arthroplasty of the thumb carpometacarpal joint is a competing new method for this indication with different revision and complication rates reported. Purposes The aim of this study is to assess whether there are significant differences in outcome during the first 12 months and time return to work after either, implant of a Maïa joint prosthesis, or trapeziectomy with tendon interposition after Weilby. Patients and Methods This clinical follow-up study compares the efficacy of total basal joint replacement using the Maïa prosthesis with tendon interposition arthroplasty in 59 thumbs. Clinical, functional, and radiological results at preoperative, 3-, 6-, and 12-month postoperative are presented. Results We found a significant shorter return to work in the prosthesis group with 4.5 compared with 8.6 weeks. In addition to a significant difference in pain reduction with a better Mayo wrist score in the Maïa group after 3 months. The scores are closer after 6 months and nearly match after 12 months. Measurement of the pinch grip showed a parallel course. A radiological loosening of the cup in two patients was detected after 12 months. Conclusion Implantation of Maïa prosthesis enables a significant shorter recovery but is associated with the risk of loosening and higher costs. Level of Evidence Level IV, case-control study.

Influence of different CCD angles on osseointegration and radiological changes after total hip arthroplasty of a triple wedge shape cementless femoral stem: a prospective cohort study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the osseointegration and radiological outcomes in patients after total hip arthroplasty, hypothesizing different load patterns with one cementless stem design and different CCD angles (CLS Spotorno femoral stem 125° vs 135°). All cases of degenerative hip osteoarthritis fulfilling strict inclusion criteria were treated with cementless hip arthroplasty between 2008 and 2017. Ninety-two out of one hundred six cases were clinically and radiologically examined three and 12months after implantation. Two groups with each 46 patients were rendered prospectively and compared in clinical (Harris Hip Score) and radiological outcome. At final follow-up, no significant difference regarding Harris Hip Score was detected between the two groups (mean 99.2 ± 3.7 vs. 99.3 ± 2.5; p = 0.73). Cortical hypertrophy was found in none of the patients. Stress shielding was seen in a total of 52 hips (n = 27 vs. n = 25; 57% of the 92 hips). No significant difference regarding stress shielding was detected when comparing both groups (p = 0.67). Significant bone density loss was detected in Gruen zone one and two in the 125° group. The 135° group showed significant radiolucency in Gruen zone seven. No overall radiological loosening or subsidence of the femoral component was observed. According to our results, the use of a femoral component with a 125° CCD angle versus a 135° CCD did not result in a different osseointegration and load transfer with a clinically relevant significance.

Thirty years of experience with instrumented femoral impaction bone grafting and a cemented polished Exeter stem

The aim of this study is to report the long-term outcomes of instrumented femoral revisions with impaction allograft bone grafting (IBG) using the X-change femoral revision system at 30 years after introduction of the technique. We updated the outcomes of our previous study, based on 208 consecutive revisions using IBG and the X-change femoral revision system in combination with a cemented polished stem, performed in our tertiary care institute between 1991 and 2007. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to determine the survival rate of the revisions with endpoint revision for any reason and aseptic loosening. Secondary outcomes were radiological loosening and patient-reported outcome measures. Mean age at revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) was 64.9 years (30 to 86). The most prevalent diagnosis for the femoral revision was aseptic loosening. At review in May 2021, 81 patients (85 hips) were still alive and 118 patients (120 hips; 58%) had died. Three patients (3 hips; 1%) were lost to follow-up at 11, 15, and 16 years after surgery, respectively. Data of all deceased and lost patients were included until final follow-up. The mean follow-up was 13.4 years (0 to 28). During the follow-up, 22 re-revisions were performed. The most common reason for re-revision was infection (n = 12; 54%). The survival with endpoint re-revision for any reason was 86% (95% confidence interval (CI) 79 to 91) at 20 years and 74% (95% CI 43 to 89) at 25 years after surgery. The survival for endpoint re-revision for aseptic loosening was 97% (95% CI 91 to 99) after both 20 and 25 years. We conclude that femoral IBG is a valuable technique that can reconstitute femoral bone loss in the long term. After 25 years of follow-up, few re-revisions for aseptic loosening were required. Also, the overall revision rate is very acceptable at a long follow-up. This technique is especially attractive for younger patients facing femoral revisions with extensive bone loss.Cite this article: Bone Joint J2022;104-B(9):1039-1046.

Indications, clinical outcome and survival of rotating hinge total knee arthroplasty in a retrospective study of 63 primary and revision cases

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to report and compare outcome data of both primary and revision cases using a rotating hinge knee (RHK) implant.MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed 63 cases (19 primary, 44 revisions) at a mean follow-up of 34 ± 8 months after RHK implantation. Outcome parameters were stability, range of motion (ROM), loosening, Hospital of Special Surgery Score (HSS), Knee Society Score (KSS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), EQ-5D-3L, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for overall function. Revision rates and implant survival are reported.ResultsEleven percent showed medio-lateral instability < 5 mm, a mean ROM of 115° ± 17° and radiologic loosening occurred in 8% (2% symptomatic). PROMS showed the following results: HSS 79 ± 18, KSS 78 ± 27, OKS 26 ± 10, EQ-5D index 0.741 ± 0.233 and VAS 70 ± 20. Primary cases revealed better outcomes in HHS (p = .035) and OKS (p = 0.047). KSS, EQ-5D index and VAS did not differ between primary and revision cases (p = 0.070; p = 0.377; p = 0.117). Revision rate was 6.3% with an implant survival of 96.8%.ConclusionsRHK arthroplasty can be performed with good clinical outcome and low revision rate in revision and complex primary cases. RHK is an option in cases where standard arthroplasty and even implants with a higher degree of constraint have reached their limits.Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective cohort study.

Endofemoral Shooting Technique for Removing Well-fixed Cementless Stems

BackgroundThe removal of a well-fixed cementless stem poses technical challenges. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of our endofemoral extraction technique established in 2001. MethodsBetween January 2001 and December 2016, 118 consecutive revisions following bipolar or total hip arthroplasty, which required cementless femoral stem removal, were performed at our institution. This retrospective study evaluated 106 patients (108 hips) who were followed up for a mean of 9.2 years (range, 5-20 years). The patients included 15 men and 91 women with a mean age of 65 years (range, 33-87 years). Endofemoral extracted stem removal was performed as follows. Multiple Kirschner wires were sequentially inserted into the interface between the implant and cortical bone, after which the implant was detached using a thin chisel. After the cementless stem was removed, it was replaced with a cemented stem using an autograft, as needed. Radiological loosening of the femoral stem was defined as definite or probable loosening, based on the criteria of Harris et al. Prosthesis survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with the endpoint set as repeat revision surgery for stem loosening or femoral fracture. ResultsRe-revision surgery was performed in 7 hips. Stem loosening was observed in 4 hips, and the mean subsidence was 0.3 mm (0-3 mm). The 10-year survival rate was 97.7% (95% confidence interval, 93.2-100). ConclusionsOur technique for removing well-fixed cementless stems yielded successful results.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes for Patients Treated With Gradually Reducing Radius Versus Single-Radius Total Knee Arthroplasty Systems.

The choice of implant used for primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may have an impact on clinical outcomes. Clinical outcomes after TKA with gradually reducing radius implants (group G) vs single-radius implants (group S) were evaluated among Asian patients. This study included 541 patients (754 knees) in group G and 187 patients (275 knees) in group S. Range of motion (ROM), flexion contracture, American Knee Society Knee and American Knee Society Function scores (KSKS and KSFS, respectively), and mechanical and anatomic tibiofemoral angles (MTFA and ATFA, respectively) were evaluated with electronic medical records. In univariate analysis, improvements in ROM, KSKS, and KSFS were significantly better in group G compared with group S at 1-year follow-up. Multivariable analyses showed greater ROM (4.52°, P=.002), decreased flexion contracture (-2.80°, P=.011), and improved KSKS (15.57, P<.001) at 1 year for group G vs group S. No significant differences in KSFS, MTFA, or ATFA were observed. Implant-related complications and radiologic loosening were not identified in either group at 2-year follow-up. The TKA implants with a gradually reducing radius showed greater 1-year improvements in ROM, flexion contracture, KSKS, and similar implant-related safety outcomes compared with a single-radius system. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(6):367-372.].

Trabecular metal augments in severe malignancy-associated acetabular bone loss.

Acetabular reconstruction is a challenging problem in orthopaedic oncology, especially in extended defects (Paprosky Type 3A and Type 3B). In revision total hip arthroplasty (THA), 1 option is trabecular metal (TM) augments with a porous metal acetabular component. This study evaluated the use of TM augments in periacetabular malignant bone disease. 15 patients were identified from our institutional database from 2000 to 2020 with either Paprosky Type 3A or Type 3B acetabular bone loss due to periacetabular malignancies that underwent at least 1 complex THA reconstruction with TM augments. Postoperative complications were documented, and clinical and radiographic outcomes were analysed. Radiological loosening or revision of the acetabular component were defined as endpoints. There were 7 primary and 8 metastatic cancer patients. 5 were Type 3A and 10 were Type 3B defects after tumour resection. The average follow-up time was 23.8 (range 1.5-47) months. 1 patient required revision for acetabular component loosening after 7 months from the initial implantation. An additional 4 patients required surgical intervention for infection, they had stable TM augments at latest follow-up. TM augments with a porous metal acetabular component may be an alternative to the traditional cemented constructs.

Reconstruction of Paprosky Type III Acetabular Defects by Three-Dimensional Printed Porous Augment: Techniques and Clinical Outcomes of 18 Consecutive Cases.

ObjectiveTo introduce the surgical technique of reconstruction of Paprosky type III acetabular defects by 3D printed porous augments.MethodsFirst, CT scans of pelvis were obtained to establish the 3D reconstruction model of 3D printed porous augment. Then, a nylon pelvis model was printed to simulate operation with the surgeons. At this time, the augment was designed and modified according to the surgeon's suggestions and the 3D printing principles. Eighteen patients with Paprosky type III acetabular defects receiving reconstructive surgery by 3D printed porous augments were included in current study. Their data, including general information, intra‐operative findings, imaging results, functional scores, and complications were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThe mean follow‐up time lasted 33.3 ± 2.0 (24–56) months. The average limb‐length discrepancy (LLD) was 31.7 ± 4.2 (3–59) mm preoperatively, 7.7 ± 1.4 (1–21) mm postoperatively (P < 0.0001), and 7.5 ± 1.2 (0–18) mm at the latest follow‐up. The mean vertical position of hip center of rotation (HCOR) from the interteardrop line changed from preoperative 50.7 ± 3.9 (23.3–75.3) mm to postoperative 22.9 ± 1.9 (10.1–40.3) mm (P < 0.0001), with the latest follow‐up revealing an HCOR of 22.3 ± 1.7 (11.0–40.5) mm. Follow‐up study showed that no hip had radiolucencies and radiological loosening of the acetabular components and augment. The average Harris hip score (HHS) improved from 40.3 ± 4.5 (10.5–71) before operation to 88.4 ± 1.9 (75–97) at the last follow‐up (P < 0.0001). Moreover, follow‐up exhibited that no periprosthetic joint infection, hip dislocation, fracture, and re‐revision occurred.ConclusionSurgical treatment of Paprosky type III acetabular defect with 3D printed porous augment was simple, achieved good match between porous augment and the defect bone surface and the acetabular component, ideally restored LLD and HCOR after operation, significantly improved HHS and attained good early clinical outcomes. It is a promising personalized solution for patients with severe acetabular bone defect.

Ten-Year Outcomes of MobilityTM Total Ankle Replacement Confirms Radiological Loosening is Not Conclusive or Reliable for Long Term Survival Analysis

Category:Ankle; Ankle ArthritisIntroduction/Purpose:Different designs of Ankle replacement are being performed nowadays, long-term outcome data is the better way to understand these implants behaviour and survival. We compared the differences in demographic data, clinical, Radiological, and patient-reported outcomes among patients who underwent total ankle replacement performed with use of the uncemented stemmed mobile bearing (MOBILITY) Total Ankle System with 10 year follow up.Methods:We analysed 156 (15 bilateral ankles (3 non-mobility) Mobility TAR (of which 41, 45, 22 for OA, PTOA, Inflammatory arthritis respectively). Mean age 61.7 (SD 11.4) (Range 33-90). 70 Ankles had 10 years of follow up, 115 had 5 years follow up,. 96 were males, with 30 patients deceased before 10 years follow up covering 33 ankles. All from our local registry looking at the patient's demographic data, and patient-reported outcomes as measured with use of WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index), the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), the 36-item Short-Form (SF-36) Health Survey, clinical and radiological outcomes and patient-satisfaction scores, collected preoperatively and at 1,3,5 and 10 years postoperatively.Results:Of the 156 ankles18 had wound complications after surgery two only needed surgical debridement. 5 CRPS,16 stress fractures 2 only requiring surgical fixation,11 had subsequent STJ fusion.77 had no signs of radiolucency. The rest had some degree of radiolucency on x-ray (55% on the tibia side) only 11 where symptomatic to require further surgery (6 revised to another TAR, 2 fused, and3 required bone grafting). 11 needed osteotomies after surgery. Aseptic loosening and infection are the least common complications requiring revision. There was significant improvement in WOMAC for pain (35.9 to 67.9), function (40.6 to 66.9) and stiffness (39.4 to 62.5) from pre-op to 1 year (p<0.05), this was maintained for 10 years. Although improvement noted in the composite physical component of SF=36 (28.3 to 34.5) there was no significant increase for composite mental component score. 77.5% reported satisfaction from pain relief,72.4% with return to ADL, 40% were dissatisfied with return to recreational activities and15.5% reported dissatisfaction with overall results of surgery. Mobility TAR shown about 86% survival in our 10 years cohort.Conclusion:With improved PROMS at 1,3,5,10 years showing Patient satisfaction score at 10 years indicates that uncemented mobile bearing implants have good long-term results, osteolysis and aseptic loosening as the least common cause of revision. It is pertinent that reporting of radiological loosening in an uncemented ankle is not conclusive or reliable for long term survival analysis.

Reliability analysis of radiologic and intraoperative loosening in total elbow arthroplasty.

Revisions of total elbow arthroplasties (TEAs) are commonly performed because of prosthetic loosening. UK National Joint Registry data show that TEA revisions are becoming increasingly common, with 123 TEA revisions performed in 2018 and 76 performed in 2017. TEA radiologic assessment is based on subjective interpretation with no published criteria. We defined TEA loosening by the presence of at least one of the following criteria: (1) progressive widening of the bone-cement, bone-prosthesis, or cement-prosthesis interface; (2) fragmentation or fracture of cement; (3) prosthetic component migration; and (4) bead shedding in porous-coated prostheses. Using this definition, we looked at interobserver and intraobserver agreement on radiologic loosening and compared this assessment with intraoperative findings. In our tertiary care center, we conducted a retrospective review to identify TEA revisions performed between November 2008 and July 2018. Radiologic implant loosening was independently assessed by 5 orthopedic surgeons. Interobserver agreement (κ coefficient) was calculated. The majority's view of radiologic loosening was compared with intraoperative findings. We identified 93 sets of radiographs with implant stability clearly documented in their operative notes. The κ coefficient between assessors for humeral implant loosening was 0.87 (almost perfect). The κ coefficient for ulnar loosening was 0.75 (substantial). The κ coefficients for radiologic and intraoperative findings of humeral loosening and ulnar loosening were 0.67 and 0.71 (substantial), respectively. Intraobserver reliability was almost perfect for humeral loosening (κ = 0.86) and substantial for ulnar loosening (κ = 0.74). Our definition of loosening provides reproducible interobserver and intraobserver agreement on radiographic component loosening. In our center's experience, radiologic findings may not translate to intraoperative findings, and we would advise that surgical strategies for TEA revision include the possibility of needing to perform a dual-implant exchange.

Mid-Term Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Total Ankle Replacement in an Asian Cohort

There are limited studies looking at longer-term outcomes of the total ankle replacement (TAR) in the Asian cohort. Asian ankles are smaller in size and are more varus compared to Western cohorts. Cultural differences also require increased ankle range of motion demands. Therefore, assessment of longer-term functional and radiological outcomes in the Asian cohort is warranted. Between 2007 and 2015, 43 consecutive patients received a 3-component, cementless, unconstrained, fully congruent TAR. Patients were followed up over a mean 8 (range 5-14 years). Preoperative and postoperative AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score (AOFAS-AHS), visual analogue score (VAS), physical and mental component scores of the SF-36 (PCS and MCS respectively) were calculated. European Foot and Ankle Score was also recorded at 8 years. Radiographs were reviewed postoperatively to assess implant position and study evidence of implant loosening and impingement. At 8 years, survivorship was 83.5%. Reasons for implant removal included infection (n = 2) and aseptic loosening (n = 5). AOFAS-AHS, VAS MCS at 8 years postoperatively were comparable to outcomes at 2 years postoperatively (p > .05). PCS at 8 years demonstrated improvement compared to 2 years postoperatively (49 ± 7 vs 42 ± 11, p = .048). Radiographic impingement was noted in 9 cases (20.9%). Radiological loosening was noted in 8 cases with 5 cases requiring revision surgery. At 8 years postoperatively, clinical outcomes, radiological outcomes and survivorship following TAR in an Asian cohort are satisfactory and comparable to that found in existing literature. Long-term studies are required to ascertain survivorship of TAR. Implant design with the Asian cohort in mind may yield improved outcomes.

Total hip arthroplasty with ultra-short uncemented stem in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head: mid-term results.

Mid-term results (clinical and radiographic) of ultra-short anatomical cementless stem total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) has not often been presented. The aim of this study is to evaluate THA using the Proxima stem in patients with ONFH in the mid-term. The study consists of 73 patients (97 THAs) with a Proxima stem implanted between 2006 and 2015. The mean age of patients was 47.4 years, with a mean follow-up 105.2 months. The clinical results include preoperative and postoperative Harris Hip Scores (HHSs). Radiological follow-up reports on stem migration, bony trabecular development and radiolucent lines. The complications and revisions were registered. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to determine the implant survival. The average HHS improved significantly from 40.3 preoperatively to 98.0 at the final evaluation (p ˂ 0.0001). Stem migration (subsidence and "varisation") was observed in 11 hips (in 9 of them up to 6th postoperative month without any further progression, in 2 with progressive migration and radiological loosening). Bony trabecular development was detected in modified Gruen zones (1,2,4,6,7 for Proxima stem): in zone 1 (0%), 2 (67.0%), 4 (64.9%), 6 (64.9%), 7 (0%). Radiolucent lines were observed in 1 cup and 6 stems (2 were loose, 4 with fibrous stable fixation). Complications were found in 5 hips (5.1%): squeezing hip once, repeated dislocation in 1, 1 early deep infection, and 2 loose stems. 2 hips (2.1%) were revised (dislocation, infection). The implant survival was 98.9% and 97.9% clinically and radiologically, respectively. Observations in the mid-term show that the clinical and radiological results of the Proxima stem in patients with ONFH are promising. The stem design preserves the proximal femoral bone stock. The bony trabecular appearance confirms physiological proximal femoral load transmission.

Outcomes of revision total hip arthroplasty using a vascularised anterior femoral window.

Extraction of the distal femoral cement mantle and restrictor during revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) is challenging and can compromise host bone stock. The aim of this study is to report outcomes of our femoral windowing technique for cement removal. We report on a cohort of 36 patients with an average age of 68.7years who underwent 40 cemented rTHA between 2011 and 2017 using a vascularised anterior femoral window. Clinical and radiological outcomes were retrospectively reviewed with a mean follow-up of 6.6years (range, 3.8-10). Latest mean WOMAC score was 25.4 and all windows achieved radiographic union by a mean of 7.9weeks. Femoral component survivorship was 100% and 38 out of 40 rTHAs showed no evidence of radiological loosening. The vascularised anterior window to remove the distal femoral cement mantle under direct vision is safe and reproducible with excellent clinical and radiographic results.

Minimum ten-year results in revision total hip arthroplasty using titanium fully porous long stem.

The fully porous long stem could be used for diaphyseal locking and achieve bypass fixation in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study evaluated long-term results for fully porous long stems made of titanium alloy in revision THA. Between 2003 and 2010, 45 consecutive femoral revisions were performed using fully porous long stems. Thirty-eight hips had complete clinical and radiographic data for a mean of 13.8 years (range, 10-16.7 years). Femoral bone loss was Paprosky type II in 14 hips, type IIIA in 18 hips, and type IIIB in six hips. Clinical results were analyzed using the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel scoring system. Femoral stress shielding was graded. Radiological loosening of the femoral component was evaluated. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed with revision for any reason as the end-point. Mean Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score improved significantly from 10.7 before revision to 14.5 at latest follow-up (p < 0.001). Third-degree stress shielding was found in seven hips, and fourth degree in 11 hips. Radiological femoral loosening occurred in one hip, which was revised. Another hip was revised for stem fracture. Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival rate was 94.7% at both ten and 15 years. Although stress shielding is a concern with fully porous stems, this stem was useful in revision THA and provided satisfactory long-term results in hips with Paprosky types II, IIIA, and IIIB.