Titanium Modular Neck Research Articles

Mid-term results of titanium–titanium modular neck femoral stem in primary total hip arthroplasty

BackgroundModular neck femoral stems are advantageous because they can accurately restore the ideal hip geometry using various options in terms of offset, length, and version. However, there are concerns regarding junctional problems. Despite several reports on such issues, there is a lack of study on mid- to long-term results of these stems. The current study evaluated the mid-term results of patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty using a titanium–titanium (Ti–Ti) modular neck femoral stem.MethodsIn total, data on 47 hips (42 patients) that could be followed-up for ≥ 5 years after primary total hip arthroplasty using the Ti–Ti modular neck femoral stem from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed. There were 22 male and 20 female patients, and their mean age was 56.3 (range: 31–76) years. The mean follow-up period was 8 (range: 5–12) years. Functional and radiological outcomes, complications, and reoperations were investigated. In addition, we conducted a comparative analysis of the outcomes between those who underwent surgery using the Ti–Ti modular neck femoral stem and 41 hips (35 patients, 19 males and 16 females) that underwent primary total hip arthroplasty using nonmodular femoral stems as a control.ResultsIn all Ti–Ti cases, the mean Harris Hip Scores were 50.6 (range: 6–59) preoperatively and 92.7 (range: 78–99) at the last follow-up (P < 0.001). Regarding the neck component’s modularity, straight neck components were used in all Ti–Ti cases, and an anteverted or a retroverted neck was not used in any case. Stem revision was performed in one hip due to aseptic loosening. One hip underwent open reduction and internal fixation due to periprosthetic fracture without stem loosening. There were no cases of osteolysis and periprosthetic joint infection and clinically detectable junctional problems. The stem survival rate, with any stem revision as the endpoint, at 12 years was 96.6%. No significant difference was observed in the functional and radiological outcomes beween the Ti–Ti and nonmodular groups.ConclusionsThe Ti–Ti modular neck femoral stem had comparable results with broadly used nonmodular femoral stems; hence, it can be a reliable option in primary total hip arthroplasty. However, in terms of the modularity itself of the modular neck femoral stem, whether the modular neck femoral stem is useful in uncomplicated primary total hip arthroplasty is unclear.

Mid-term outcomes of revision hip arthroplasty due to titanium modular neck failure.

The current strategy for modular neck failures in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is calibrated on CrCo neck failures. Stem revision is usually required, but the procedure is challenging and achieves modest outcomes (up to 20% of re-revisions at short-term). No study reports revision strategies and outcomes after Ti neck failures. Aims of the study were to evaluate: (1) demographic and implant features of the cohort to be revised, (2) intra-operative findings and surgical revision strategies and (3) clinical and radiological post-revision outcomes. Hospital database was enquired about revisions due to Ti neck failures in primary THAs. Sixty-five revisions were enrolled (all with the same modular system). Neck exchange was attempted as the first-line treatment. Patients were clinically and radiographically evaluated after revision. The revision cohort encompassed fatigue neck fractures occurred 4.4 ± 2.6years after THA: patients < 65years and/or > 80kg (98.5%) were predominant. Fifty-three neck exchanges were performed (81.5%). Eleven failures required stem revisions (16.9%), generally due to demanding neck extraction. Six complications occurred after neck exchange (11.3%), among them 2 acute infections requiring surgery (3.8%). Among stem revisions, one aseptic loosening and one neck re-fracture (18.5%) required re-revisions. At a mean follow-up of 7.1 ± 4years, the neck exchange cohort achieved a mean HHS of 89.1 ± 6.3 (stem revisions: 84.1 ± 10.9). Revisions for Ti neck failures were predominantly performed due to fatigue fractures. In case of failures, neck exchange is a feasible procedure in most of the cases, with good outcomesat 7 years. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Incidence of Pseudotumors in a Dual Modular Stem Construct With and Without Metal-on-Metal Bearing Surface.

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of pseudotumors in metal-on-metal (MoM) titanium modular neck hip arthroplasties to non-MoM modular neck hip arthroplasties. A secondary goal was to determine whether a correlation exists between elevated metal concentrations and pseudotumor incidence. The data were collected and evaluated from 49 MoM joints and 26 non-MoM joints between the years 2012 and 2017. Hip ultrasonography was done after a minimum of 5 years postimplantation. Whole serum metal (titanium, cobalt, and chromium) concentrations were measured at the hip ultrasonography study. The average time elapsed between surgery and ultrasonography visit was 7.6 years. In the 49 patients with MoM joints, 22.4% (n = 11) had a pseudotumor. In the 26 patients with non-MoM joints, 9.1% of metal-on-polyethylene hips (n = 1) and 0% of ceramic-on-ceramic/polyethylene hips developed a pseudotumor. No significant statistical correlation was observed between serum metal concentrations and pseudotumor formation (P > 0.05). A significant correlation was observed of serum titanium concentration to pseudotumor size (P = 0.024). The incidence of pseudotumor formation in MoM total hip arthroplasties was more than five times the incidence associated with non-MoM bearings. The correlation between serum titanium concentration and pseudotumor size suggests that titanium levels may be a useful indicator for pseudotumor formation in patients with this particular titanium modular neck femoral implant. No notable correlation was observed between serum cobalt and chromium concentration and pseudotumor formation or size.

Mid-term outcomes of titanium modular neck femoral stems in revision total hip arthroplasty.

Modular stems have been widely studied as they allow intraoperative adjustments (offset, anteversion, limb length) to better restore hip biomechanics. Many authors reported outcomes of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) using modular stems with metaphyseal-diaphyseal junctions, however, little is known about modular neck femoral stems (MNFS) with metaphyseal-epiphyseal junctions. We therefore aimed to report outcomes and implant survival of a MNFS in a consecutive series of revision THA at a minimum follow-up of 5 years. We reviewed a consecutive series of 28 revision THAs performed between February 2010 and March 2012 using an uncemented MNFS. The final study cohort included 25 patients living with their original components, at a mean follow-up of 68.4±7.4 months and aged 67.7±11.6 years at index operation. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) improved from 39.1±19.2 pre-operatively to 78.1±18.3 post-operatively, and the Postel Merle d'Aubigné score (PMA) improved from 9.8±3.0 pre-operatively to 14.8±2.8 post-operatively. The postoperative limb length discrepancy (LLD) was >10 mm in 18% of the hips. There were no significant differences of femoral offset and neck shaft angle (NSA) between operated and contralateral hips. Two hips (8.0%) showed new periprosthetic radiolucent lines. Periprosthetic fractures (PPF) occurred in 3 hips (12%). No subluxations, dislocations or implant breakages were reported. One revision (3.6%) was performed with retrieval of the revision stem for infection. The Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival at 5 years, using stem revision as endpoint, was 96.0%. The Optimal® MNFS provided a satisfactory survival and clinical outcomes at 5 years, with no noticeable adverse effects resulting from the additional modular junction.

Cementless modular neck stems: are they a safe option in primary total hip arthroplasty?

The objective was to assess aseptic complications and functional outcome using a primary total hip arthroplasty with modular neck. Prospective cohort of 317 consecutive patients. The mean age was 61.1 (range, 41-84) years. The H-Max-M model (Lima, Italy) system was used in all patients. The functional assessment was made by the Harris Hip Score, Short Form-36 (SF-36), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and visual analogue scale for pain. Radiological outcomes were also assessed, and adverse events and complications were noted. The mean follow-up was 6.1 (range, 2-8) years. Functional outcome significantly improved in most patients. There were 3 deep infections (0.9%) and 17 aseptic complications (5.3%) including 1 intraoperative acetabular fracture, 3 later periprosthetic femoral fractures, 1 broken ceramic insert, 1 acetabular loosening, 3 femoral loosening and 1 broken titanium modular neck in a obese patient. No pseudotumors or elevated serum levels of metal ions were found among the patients with radiolucent lines or aseptic loosening. The findings in the present study showed that the H-MAX-M stem provided satisfactory functional outcome in most patients with a low rate of complications attributable to the modular neck design. We consider that using this novel modular neck-stem coupling design can be an alternative to the conventional monoblock stems in patients without overweight.

Midterm outcomes of titanium modular femoral necks in total hip arthroplasty.

Modular femoral necks present surgical and biomechanical advantages in total hip arthroplasty (THA), but their benefits remain controversial due to risks of corrosion and fracture at the additional junction. This study aimed to report 10-year survival and clinical outcomes of a titanium femoral stem with a titanium modular neck in consecutive series. The authors reviewed the records of 97 patients (99 THAs) using uncemented modular stem and ceramic-on-ceramic acetabular components. Patients were evaluated at minimum follow-up of 5 years using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Postel Merle-D'Aubigné score (PMA). Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) method with any reoperation or revision as endpoint. From the original cohort, 14 patients died, 6 were lost to follow-up, and 5 had revision operations with exchange of the femoral stem. The KM survival at 10 years was 94.2% (CI, 86.5-97.5). Clinical assessment was performed on 67 of the 72 patients (69 of the 74 hips) presently living with their original THA components. At mean follow-up of 9.4±1.0 years (median, 10; range, 5-11), the HHS was 93.6±8.2 and the PMA score 17.0±1.6. The X-rays revealed no signs of adverse reactions or bone loss. The uncemented titanium hip stem with modular titanium neck provided a satisfactory 10-year survival and clinical outcomes. Neck modularity enabled restoration of patient-specific femoral offset and limb length thanks to five possible neck configurations, though greater follow up is required to confirm the long-term benefits and safety of this design concept.

Metal ion levels in ceramic-on-ceramic THR with cobalt-chrome modular necks: analysis of cobalt and chromium serum levels in 23 healthy hip patients.

Modular necks in total hip replacement (THR) can be a source of metal ion release. We measured the level of cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) ions in the serum of 23 healthy volunteers with a well-functioning ceramic-on-ceramic THR of a particular design, containing a cobalt-chrome (Co-Cr) stem and a Co-Cr modular neck. Average Co in serum was 1,71 µg/l; median Co was 1.50 µg/l. No patient had Co levels higher than 3.70 µg/l. Average Cr level was 0.49 µg/l; in all but one patient Cr was below the detection limit (<0.50 µg/l). Co was higher for varus necks compared to all other subtypes: 2.14 µg/l vs 1.58 µg/l (p<0.05). The same system with Titanium modular necks shows lower Co serum levels: 1.26 µg/l (p<0.01 ). In conclusion, the hybrid THR Profemur Xm® - Procotyle L® with a Co-Cr modular neck on a Co-Cr stem design shows very low Cr ion serum levels in a randomly selected group of well-functioning hip patients. Co ion serum levels are low, but significantly higher for 8° varus necks, and Co levels are significantly higher than values of this system with a Titanium modular neck.

Metal ion levels in ceramic-on-ceramic THR with modular necks: analysis of cobalt and chromium serum levels in 30 healthy hip patients.

Modular necks in total hip replacement (THR) can be a source of metal ion release. There are no data to date on the level of cobalt and chromium ions in the serum of patients with a cobalt-chrome stem and a titanium modular neck. Serum ion levels were measured in healthy volunteers with a well-functioning ceramic-on-ceramic THR. Average cobalt in serum was 1.21 µg/l for unilateral THR and 2.2 µg/l for bilateral THR. No patient had cobalt levels higher than 2.4 µg/l. No patient had measurable chromium levels. There were no differences in cobalt levels for hips with short necks versus hips with long necks. The hybrid THR Profemur® Xm - Procotyl® L with a titanium modular neck on a cobalt-chrome stem design shows no signs of abnormal toxic ion levels (cobalt or chromium) in a randomly selected group of well-functioning hip patients.

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

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

Titanium-titanium modular neck for primary THA. Result of a prospective series of 170 cemented THA with a minimum follow-up of 5 years

BackgroundAlthough they have been in use since the end of the 1980s, modular titanium neck components are associated with a risk of wear or fracture, and their safety has recently become a subject of debate and has never been evaluated in a consecutive series of patients. The goal of this study was to evaluate: revision-free survival of these implants after a minimum follow-up of 5 years; clinical and radiographic results; and the potential complications associated with the use of modular titanium neck components. HypothesisThe use of titanium modular neck on cemented titanium THA is safe at a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Patients and methodsBetween January 2006 and December 2008, we prospectively followed 170 patients (170 hips) who underwent primary anatomical THA with a modular cemented titanium stem design implant. The indications were unilateral THA for primary (n=160) or secondary (n=10) hip osteoarthritis (aseptic osteonecrosis of the femoral head or hip dysplasia). Mean age of patients was 75.4±5.8 years old (52–85), and mean BMI was 26.1±4.5kg/m2 (16.6–42.1). Patients were operated on by a modified Watson-Jones anterolateral approach based on preoperative 2D planning. All patients underwent annual clinical and radiological follow-up by an independent observer. ResultsAt a mean follow-up of 71±8 months (60–84), 5 patients died and 7 were lost to follow-up. There was no revision of THA after a maximum follow-up of 84 months. The Harris score improved significantly from 50.4±11.3 (0–76) preoperatively to 84.5±15.2 (14–100) at the final follow-up. There was no difference in postoperative femoral offset or the position of the center of rotation compared to the opposite side. On the other hand, the neck-shaft angle (NSA) and limb length were corrected (2±5° [−11 to +14°] and 2.16±3.6mm [−7.4 to +12.7mm]) respectively. Fifteen patients (9%) had limb length discrepancies of more than 5mm and 4 patients (2%) of more than 10mm. There were no complications due to the modular implant design. DiscussionOur study suggests that the use of cemented titanium implants with a modular titanium stem is safe at a follow-up of 5 years. The modular design does not prevent limb length discrepancies but restores femoral offset. Level of evidenceIV: prospective, non-comparative study.

Corrosion Behavior of Tantalum-Coated Cobalt–Chromium Modular Necks Compared to Titanium Modular Necks in a Simulator Test

This study compared the corrosion behavior of tantalum-coated cobalt–chromium modular necks with that of titanium alloy modular necks at their junction to titanium-alloy femoral stem. Tests were performed in a dry assembly and two wet assemblies, one contaminated with calf serum and the other contaminated with calf serum and bone particles. Whereas the titanium modular neck tested in the dry assembly showed no signs of corrosion, the titanium modular necks tested in both wet assemblies showed marked depositions and corrosive attacks. By contrast, the tantalum-coated cobalt–chromium modular necks showed no traces of corrosion or chemical attack in any of the three assemblies. This study confirms the protective effect of tantalum coating the taper region of cobalt–chromium modular neck components, suggesting that the use of tantalum may reduce the risk of implant failure due to corrosion.