Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Research Articles

Long-term results of revision total hip arthroplasties using cementless stems and allografts for paprosky type IIIB and IV femoral defects short title: Revision hip arthroplasty in type IIIB and IV femoral defects

Long-term results of revision total hip arthroplasties using cementless stems and allografts for paprosky type IIIB and IV femoral defects short title: Revision hip arthroplasty in type IIIB and IV femoral defects

Revision total hip arthroplasty with medial wall defect using bone graft with or without porous metal restrictor

When a severe medial wall defect is present in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA), simple bone grafting (BG) may not be sufficient, and trabecular metal (TM) augmentation is often necessary. We aimed to evaluate whether there were differences in outcomes of revision THA with medial wall defects depending on the use of TM augmentation. Between 2009–2021, 130 patients were classified into two groups: 80 patients undergoing bone grafting (BG group) and 50 patients undergoing both bone grafting and TM augmentation (BG/TM group). We evaluated the postoperative center of rotation (COR) position and changes in vertical and horizontal COR at last follow-up. Additionally, we categorized the fate of the transplanted bone graft into four groups: unchanged, initially changed, resorption-no further intervention, and resorption-revision. The mean horizontal COR changes were −3.50 mm in the BG group and −1.07 mm in the BG/TM group (p = 0.005). In the BG/TM group, a higher proportion of the patients showed unchanged or only initial changes when compared to the BG group (88.0% and 65.0%, respectively). The BG/TM group showed more favorable results regarding horizontal changes in the COR and fate of the bone graft. Therefore, for revision THA in patients with severe medial wall defects, the combined use of bone graft and TM augmentation can be a suitable option.

Is there a difference between modular versus monoblock femoral stem used during revision total hip arthroplasty?

Response/Recommendation The literature delineates distinct differences between modular and monoblock femoral stems in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA), each presenting unique advantages and limitations. Modular stems offer intraoperative flexibility, enabling precise restoration of leg length and offset. However, they are associated with complications such as junctional fatigue, corrosion, and implant breakage, and they incur much higher costs compared to monoblock stems. In contrast, monoblock stems provide enhanced mechanical stability and no risk of modular junction complications, though their implantation is technically more challenging. Both modular and monoblock femoral stem designs perform well in revision THA, exhibiting no significant differences in long-term (3-5 years) clinical outcomes or subsidence rates. The choice between modular and monoblock stems should be tailored to individual patient needs and specific clinical scenarios. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Moderate. DELEGATES VOTE: 92.7% Agree, 5.7% Disagree, 1.7% Abstain.

Medical Malpractice Litigation Following Revision Total Hip and Knee Joint Arthroplasty: A Review of Reported Legal Claims in the U.S. in the Past 20 Years

IntroductionThe increasing incidence of primary total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty has been accompanied by a subsequent rise in revision surgeries. Revision total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is associated with major litigation risk, primarily due to procedural and post-surgical errors. However, the understanding of the causes and outcomes of revision TJA malpractice cases remains unstudied. This study aimed to analyze litigated malpractice claims against orthopaedic surgeons performing revision TJA using a national legal database. MethodsA database was queried for a nationwide analysis of medical malpractice litigation in revision TJA from 2000 to 2023. Data on the time, duration, and locations of the litigations, allegations of surgical negligence, the damages cited, the outcomes of the trials, and indemnities were collected. ResultsOf 110 TJA malpractice cases identified over two decades, 32 cases involving revision THA and TKA surgeries were included in the final analysis. The cases were equally divided between THA and TKA, spanning 16 states, with the highest proportions in New York, Connecticut, and Louisiana. “Procedural error” (28%; n = 9) was the most frequently cited negligence, followed by “post-surgical error” (25%; n = 8) and “failure to treat” (19%; n = 6). The most common damages were “continued pain/mobility limitations” (28%; n = 9) and “infections” (19%; n = 6). Most cases resulted in a verdict for the defense (63%; n = 20). The average indemnity was $5,713,635, with considerable variability. ConclusionThis study presents the leading causes of litigated malpractice claims over the past two decades in the United States in revision TJA as perceived procedural and post-surgical errors, with the most common damages reported being “persistent pain/mobility limitations” and “infections.” Given the rising incidence of revision TJA, orthopaedic surgeons may utilize these trends to better inform patients about the potential risks and outcomes of surgery and mitigate litigation risks.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of a Long Cementless Monobloc Stem for Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Due to Chronic Periprosthetic Infection

BackgroundA long cementless monobloc stem is widely used for aseptic loosening, with satisfactory five-to-ten-year outcomes reported. Nonetheless, related studies on chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) are scant. This study evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the stem in two-stage revisions due to PJI. MethodsThis prospective multicenter cohort study consisted of patients from three medical centers who were enrolled in a single arm from January 2017 to May 2022. All patients were diagnosed with chronic PJI based on International Consensus Meeting (ICM) criteria and underwent two-stage revisions using a long monobloc cementless revision stem. Among 44 patients, 37 (12 women and 25 men) completed an average follow-up of 35.6 months (range, 14 to 75). The primary outcome was the stability of the stem; secondary outcomes included infection eradication, Harris hip score, leg length discrepancy, major complications, and isolated pathogens at intraoperative cultures. ResultsAt one year after revision, the infection-free prosthesis survival rate was 97.3% (95% CI [confidence interval]: 96.4 to 98.2%). At the last follow-up, the mean subsidence was 2.9 ± 2.1 mm (range, 0.8 to 4.8). Postoperative leg length discrepancy averaged −4.6 ± 4.9 mm (range, −16 to 0). The Engh score averaged 14.1 ± 6.9 (range, 0 to 22). The Harris hip score improved from a preoperative average of 35.7 ± 8.5 (range, 12 to 50) to 80.4 ± 9.3 (range, 58 to 92) at the 1-year postoperative follow-up (P < 0.01). ConclusionThe long cementless monobloc stem used in the current study presents a feasible option for two-stage revision in cases of chronic PJI. The bone ingrowth and stability could be observed within the short follow-up time.

Dual-Mobility Articulations in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Comparison with Metal or Ceramic on Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene and Constrained Articulations.

The increased availability of dual-mobility acetabular constructs (DMCs) provides surgeons with a newer option to increase the effective femoral head size in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). We sought to evaluate risks of re-revision and prosthetic dislocation following rTHA involving a DMC compared with other articulations. A cohort study was conducted using data from a U.S. integrated health-care system's Total Joint Replacement Registry. Adult patients who underwent primary THA and went on to undergo an aseptic rTHA in 2002 to 2022 were identified. Patients who received a DMC, a constrained liner, or a metal or ceramic unipolar femoral head on highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) at the time of rTHA were the treatment groups. Subsequent aseptic re-revision and dislocation were the outcomes of interest. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to evaluate the risks of the outcomes, with adjustment for patient, operative, and surgeon confounders. The analyzed rTHAs comprised 375 with a DMC, 268 with a constrained liner, 995 with a <36-mm head on XLPE, and 2,087 with a ≥36-mm head on XLPE. DMC utilization increased from 1.0% of rTHAs in 2011 to 21.6% in 2022. In adjusted analyses, a higher re-revision risk was observed for the constrained liner (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29 to 4.59), <36 mm on XLPE (HR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.13 to 3.75), and ≥36 mm on XLPE (HR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.19 to 3.48) groups compared with the DMC group. A higher dislocation risk was observed in both XLPE groups (<36 mm: HR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.33 to 3.14; ≥36 mm: HR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.69 to 3.57) compared with the DMC group; a nonsignificant trend toward a higher dislocation rate in the group with a constrained liner than in the DMC group was also observed. In a large U.S.-based cohort, rTHAs using DMCs had the lowest re-revision risk and dislocation risk. Both outcomes were significantly lower than those using a unipolar femoral head on XLPE, re-revision risk was significantly lower than using a constrained liner, and dislocation risk trended toward a lower risk than using a constrained liner. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

CORR Insights®: What Are the Relative Associations of Surgeon Performance and Prosthesis Quality With THA Revision Rates?

CORR Insights®: What Are the Relative Associations of Surgeon Performance and Prosthesis Quality With THA Revision Rates?

Psychosocial impact of scars following total hip arthroplasty: a comparative study of traumatic vs. non-traumatic etiologies.

This study aims to assess the psychosocial impact of the scars resulting from total hip arthroplasties (THA) in terms of internalization and adaptation related to the etiology of the joint damage (traumatic versus non-traumatic) and the specific surgical procedure, by using a modern approach. A prospective study was carried out between October 2020 and September 2022, at the Orthopedics department, Bihor Emergency County Clinical Hospital in Oradea, located in North-west of Romania. Depending on diagnosis, the participants were divided into two relatively homogeneous groups: non-traumatic group with 113 subjects (55.66%) diagnosed with degenerative hip osteoarthritis and traumatic group with 90 (44.33%) patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) following a trauma. The highest internalization score was noted in uncemented THA cases performed as a consequence of traumatic coxarthrosis. The ANOVA coefficients of intergroup comparisons for the participants with traumatic coxarthrosis indicate that surgical procedures have a significant influence on scar internalization [F (2, 90) = 10.046; p<0.001; η2=0.188]. Scheffe's post hoc test indicated that patients with non-traumatic coxarthrosis who underwent uncemented THA procedures presented a higher level of psychosocial internalization compared to those who underwent cemented (Mdf = 3.87; p<0.02) and revision THA (Mdf = 4.60; p<0.004), but without surprising differences compared to revision of the soft tissue (Mdf = 3.31; p<0.08). The relevance of the coxarthrosis etiology for subsequent surgical interventions was emphasized in this study. Coxarthrosis has a strong impact on the psychosocial internalization of postoperative scars, which indicates a change in the perception of social support as well as the perception of the quality of life.

The Long-Term Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Cerclage Cable Fixation for Displaced Acetabular Fractures Using a Posterior Approach: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: Cerclage cable fixation with 2 mm multiple-braided cables for displaced acetabular fractures has shown good midterm functional and radiographic outcomes. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of cerclage cable fixations over ten years. Materials and Methods: We extracted data for patients who underwent cerclage cable fixation for acetabular fractures at a single institution from 2007 to 2012. We adopted this procedure for acetabulum fractures with posterior column fractures. Postoperative reduction quality, complications, reoperations, and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) hip objective functional scores were analyzed. Postoperative reduction quality was classified using plain radiography and computed tomography. Results: We evaluated nine patients with a mean follow-up period of 14.1 ± 2.6 years (range: 10.8-18.1 years). The mean age was 47.1 ± 15.5 years old (range: 28-74 years); the mean injury severity score was 13.6 ± 4.7 (range: 9-22). The most frequent type of fracture was a both-column fracture. Anatomical reduction quality was achieved in five cases. Four patients had hip osteoarthritis at the last follow-up; among them, one patient had worsening hip arthritis > 5 years after surgery, and one patient developed osteoarthritis > 10 years after surgery. Their postoperative reduction quality was worse than their anatomical reduction quality, and both engaged in physical labor. None of the patients underwent revision total hip arthroplasty. The mean JOA hip score was 90.9 ± 7.9 (range: 74-100); seven patients scored >90 at the last follow-up. Conclusions: Cerclage cable fixation showed satisfactory postoperative reductions and favorable long-term clinical outcomes. Long-term follow-up might be necessary for patients whose postoperative reduction is not anatomical to detect late occurrence of hip osteoarthritis, even if osteoarthritis is not evident during short-term follow-up periods.

Conventional single articulation constrained liners in revision hip arthroplasty: risk factors for failure and their combinations.

Constrained liners (CLs) have been used in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) with varying results. Relatively few studies have identified specific risk factors for failure. This study aimed to assess implant survivorship and complication rates, identify risk factors for constraint-related complications, and assess the effect of multiple factors present in a single case. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 101 rTHAs for various aseptic indications and as second-stage procedures for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) utilising 2 models of conventional single-articulation CLs. We excluded 8 cases in which the liners were removed early due to PJI and assessed the risk factors for constraint-related complications in the remaining 93 cases. The mean follow-up duration for complication-free cases was 6.5 years (range 4.7-10.5 years). The incidences of dislocation of a prosthetic head and loosening of the acetabular component were 19.8% and 5.0%, respectively. We also observed 8 cases where the locking ring of the liner was dislodged without dislocation (1 case required re-revision). The presence of factors related to impingement (cup retention, smaller internal diameter CLs, signs of probable impingement from the femoral side) was associated with higher rates of constraint-related complications. The presence of factors related to soft-tissue stabilisers did not increase the rate of complications. The simultaneous presence of multiple impingement-related risk factors resulted in worse outcomes. CLs may be less effective for treating or preventing instability related to impingement. CLs should be used with caution or avoided when multiple impingement-related risk factors are present.

Extended Trochanteric Osteotomy Does Not Compromise Functional and Radiographic Outcomes of Femoral Stem Revisions with the Use of an Uncemented Modular Conical Stem.

Background: Stem revisions in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) with proximal bone stock loss may be dealt with utilizing modular, uncemented conical stems. During stem extraction, surgeons may resort to extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO). However, ETO is associated with extensive blood loss and infections. This study compared the clinical outcomes, radiographic results and complications in THA revisions utilizing conical modular stem with and without ETO. Methods: Patients who underwent revision THA with or without ETO were assessed retrospectively. The minimal follow-up was 3 years. The functional evaluation included Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Short Form 36 (SF-36) as well as Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and Numerical Rating Scale for pain assessment. The radiographic evaluation comprised bone defect assessment, osteotomy healing, stem migration and position, presence of radiolucent lines and stress shielding. Results: In total, 73 patients (80 hips) were included in the final analysis. The ETO group comprised 48 hips, and the no-ETO group comprised 32 hips. In the ETO group, pre-operative WOMAC scores were lower than in the no-ETO group (p = 0.012). No significant differences were found in terms of post-operative HHS, WOMAC, and NRS scores between groups, except worse results were found in the case of claw plate implantation. Patients in the no-ETO group exhibited better results in SF-36 than in the ETO-group. Osteotomy non-union was observed in four hips (9.5%). Stam varus/valgus position was within ±1.5 degrees (85.9%). Conclusions: ETO does not adversely impact outcomes in patients undergoing femoral stem revisions with modular conical stems. The invasive nature of these procedures prompts careful consideration in each case individually.

Unexpected positive cultures in aseptic revision hip and knee arthroplasty.

The outcomes of patients with unexpected positive cultures (UPCs) during revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remain unknown. The objectives of this study were to establish the prevalence and infection-free implant survival in UPCs during presumed aseptic single-stage revision THA and TKA at mid-term follow-up. This study included 297 patients undergoing presumed aseptic single-stage revision THA or TKA at a single treatment centre. All patients with at least three UPCs obtained during revision surgery were treated with minimum three months of oral antibiotics following revision surgery. The prevalence of UPCs and causative microorganisms, the recurrence of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), and the infection-free implant survival were established at minimum five years' follow-up (5.1 to 12.3). Of the 297 patients undergoing aseptic revisions, 37 (12.5%) had at least three UPCs obtained during surgery. The UPC cohort included 23 males (62.2%) and 14 females (37.8%), with a mean age of 71.2 years (47 to 82). Comorbidities included smoking (56.8%), hypertension (48.6%), diabetes mellitus (27.0%), and chronic renal impairment (13.5%). The causative microorganisms included Staphylococcus epidermidis (49.6%), Bacillus species (18.9%), Micrococcus species (16.2%), and Cutibacterium acnes (16.2%). None of the study patients with UPCs developed further PJIs or required further surgical intervention during follow-up. The prevalence of UPCs during presumed aseptic revision THA and TKA was 12.5%. The most common causative microorganisms were of low virulence, and included S. epidermidis, Bacillus species, Micrococcus species, and C. acnes. Microorganism-specific antibiotic treatment for minimum three months' duration of UPCs in presumed aseptic revision arthroplasty was associated with excellent infection-free implant survival at mid-term follow-up.

Ten-year clinical and radiological outcomes with a vitamin E-infused highly cross-linked polyethylene acetabular cup.

Limited implant survival due to aseptic cup loosening is most commonly responsible for revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Advances in implant designs and materials have been crucial in addressing those challenges. Vitamin E-infused highly cross-linked polyethylene (VEPE) promises strong wear resistance, high oxidative stability, and superior mechanical strength. Although VEPE monoblock cups have shown good mid-term performance and excellent wear patterns, long-term results remain unclear. This study evaluated migration and wear patterns and clinical and radiological outcomes at a minimum of ten years' follow-up. This prospective observational study investigated 101 cases of primary THA over a mean duration of 129 months (120 to 149). At last follow-up, 57 cases with complete clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated. In all cases, the acetabular component comprised an uncemented titanium particle-coated VEPE monoblock cup. Patients were assessed clinically and radiologically using the Harris Hip Score, visual analogue scale (pain and satisfaction), and an anteroposterior radiograph. Cup migration and polyethylene wear were measured using Einzel-Bild-Röntgen-Analyze software. All complications and associated treatments were documented until final follow-up. Clinical assessment showed persistent major improvement in all scores. On radiological assessment, only one case showed a lucent line (without symptoms). At last follow-up, wear and migration were below the critical thresholds. No cup-related revisions were needed, indicating an outstanding survival rate of 100%. Isoelastic VEPE cups offer high success rates and may prevent osteolysis, aseptic loosening, and the need for revision surgeries in the long term. However, longer follow-up is needed to validate our findings and confirm the advantages offered by this cup.

Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Achieves Minimal Clinically Important Difference Faster than Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

Despite the prevalence of total hip arthroplasty (THA) as a treatment for hip-related conditions, there is limited research directly comparing the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between primary and revision THA. This study compared the time to achieve minimal clinically important difference (MCID) between primary and revision THA. We conducted a retrospective analysis comparing 6,671 THAs (6,070 primary and 601 all-cause revision THAs) performed between 2016 and 2022. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using preoperative and postoperative scores of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Physical, PROMIS Physical Function-10a (PF-10a), and Hip Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Short-form (HOOS-PS). The time to achieve MCID was assessed using survival curves with and without interval-censoring, and statistical comparisons were performed using log-rank and weighted log-rank tests. Comparing the time to achieve MCID without interval-censoring, primary THA demonstrated significantly faster median times than revision THA for PROMIS Global Physical (3.3 versus 3.9 months, P < 0.001), PROMIS PF-10a (3.6 versus 6.2 months, P < 0.001), and HOOS-PS (3.1 versus 4.0 months, P < 0.001). Similarly, when using interval-censoring, primary THA continued to achieve MCID significantly faster than revision THA for PROMIS Global Physical (0.23 to 0.24 versus 0.50 to 0.51 months, P < 0.001), PROMIS PF-10a (1.43 to 1.44 versus 3.03 to 3.04 months, P < 0.001), and HOOS-PS (0.87 to 0.87 versus 1.20 to 1.21 months, P < 0.001). Across all PROMs, primary THA achieved MCID significantly faster than revision THA, irrespective of interval-censoring. These findings underscore the importance of setting realistic postoperative recovery expectations during perioperative patient counseling. Future studies should investigate the factors influencing time to achieve MCID and explore how to enhance revision THA techniques and perioperative management for improved patient outcomes.

The Impact of Previous Lumbar Spine Surgery on Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Minimum 2-Year Outcomes Controlling for Approach and Technology

BackgroundPrior lumbar spine surgery (LSS) can limit spine mobility, potentially increasing hip motion requirements. This study aimed to assess the influence of LSS on primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). MethodsRetrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent THA with prior LSS. Included patients had completed patient reported outcomes (PRO) and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain questionnaires or had a documented revision surgery with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Patients were propensity matched to a benchmark control group of patients who did not have previous spine pathology in a 1:3 ratio, controlling for age at surgery, surgical approach, use of advanced technology, sex, and body mass index (BMI). The analysis included comparisons of hip arthroplasty thresholds and complications. Sub-analyses based on the type of lumbar surgery and type of approach were also conducted. ResultsThere were 244 hips included in the study. The LSS group reported comparatively lower postoperative PRO scores. However, the LSS group experienced a similar magnitude of improvement. The LSS group met patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) threshold for Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) at a significantly lower rate. The LSS had a higher frequency of complications leading to revision THA with a relative risk of 24 and a relative risk of 20.8 for revision THA due to instability. Comparing patients by type of LSS, PROs, the percentage of patients reaching hip arthroplasty thresholds, and the revision THA rates were similar. There was no significant difference in complications considering the type of approach. ConclusionPatients who had prior LSS who underwent primary THA demonstrated equivalent improvements in PROs, but achieved lower overall postoperative scores and met hip arthroplasty thresholds at lower rates. Furthermore, patients undergoing primary THA with prior LSS had a higher risk of complications leading to revision surgery, including a 24-fold relative risk for complications leading to revision and a 20.8-fold relative risk of revision due to instability.

Can cemented femoral stems be used during revision total hip arthroplasty?

Can cemented femoral stems be used during revision total hip arthroplasty?

Using Porous Tantalum Uncemented Components to Manage Acetabular Defects and to Restore the Hip Center of Rotation in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Minimum Ten-Year Clinical and Radiological Study

BackgroundManaging acetabular defects and restoring the hip center of rotation in revision hip arthroplasty is considered a complex and challenging surgery. Among many existing options, porous tantalum components have shown favorable short-term (less than ten years) follow-up results. The present study aimed to describe clinical and radiographic outcomes in longer-term follow-up. MethodsBetween 2006 and 2013, 98 patients who underwent this surgical technique in our institute were clinically and radiographically reviewed. Re-revisions for aseptic loosening of the acetabular component were examined to consider the survivorship of the implant as the primary endpoint. The clinical outcome was measured using the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Radiological signs of osseointegration, radiolucency lines, acetabular stability, and position of the hip center of rotation (COR) were evaluated at the immediate postoperative and last follow-up radiographs. ResultsThe cup survivorship was 96% at a mean follow-up of 14 years (range, 10 to 17). Global survivorship was 83.6% if any reason for re-revisions was considered as an endpoint. The most frequent complications were dislocation (13.7%) and infections (12%). Overall, 13 patients died, and 17 patients were lost to follow-up. There were 73 patients available for clinical and radiographic evaluation. The mean HHS was 81 (range, 39 to 100). More than 80% of hips showed radiological evidence of osseointegration, and no change was found in COR position at last follow-up radiographs. ConclusionThe use of porous tantalum uncemented components to manage revision hip arthroplasty can be considered a favorable solution for managing acetabular defects and restoring the hip center of rotation with satisfactory clinical and radiological results in a long-term follow-up.

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use is Not Associated with Increased Complications After Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients Who Have Type-2 Diabetes

IntroductionGlucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists have emerged as a powerful diabetic treatment adjunct; however, their effects on outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA) are not well known. This study aimed to compare the risk of complications in patients who had type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) who were on GLP-1 agonists with those who were not on these medications. MethodsIn total, 14,065 patients who had type-2 DM undergoing primary THA between 2016 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed utilizing a national database. Propensity score matching was employed at a 1:4 ratio to match patients who used GLP-1 agonists (n = 812) to those who did not (n = 3,248). Patients were matched on age, sex, insulin status, presence of other diabetic medications, comorbidities, and smoking status. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine 90-day and 1-year THA outcomes between groups. ResultsPatients who were not on GLP-1 agonists exhibited increased rates of extended hospital stays (≥ three days) (OR [odds ratio] 1.25, P = 0.01). Patients who were on GLP-1 agonists exhibited no significant differences in surgical or medical complication rates at 90 days compared to those not on GLP-1 agonists. There were also no significant differences in rates of all-cause revision THA, aseptic revision THA, or PJI during the 1-year postoperative period. ConclusionThis study demonstrated that GLP-1 agonists were not associated with increased risks for medical or surgical complications in patients who had DM undergoing THA and were associated with lower rates of extended hospital stays after surgery. This study provides additional evidence regarding the association of GLP-1 agonist use before THA with postoperative outcomes. Given the potential for increased glycemic control and weight loss, more data is needed to delineate the role of GLP-1 agonists in the optimization of patients who have DM before THA to minimize postoperative complications.

Do Intra-articular Metal Ion Levels Predict Adverse Local Tissue Reaction in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty for Mechanically Assisted Crevice Corrosion?

BackgroundMechanically assisted crevice corrosion is a complication that may occur in vivo at modular metal interfaces following metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty (THA). Metal ions released in vivo may be associated with adverse local tissue reactions (ALTRs). While there is no definitive value, high serum ion levels are implicated as contributors to ALTR, and various screening levels have been recommended. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the relationship between synovial fluid (SF) cobalt and chromium ion levels and the risk of developing ALTR. MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of 552 patients who underwent 621 metal-on-polyethylene primary THAs. A total of 69 patients underwent revision THA due to symptomatic primary failure with elevated serum metal ions levels. There were 28 who had preoperative serum and intraoperative SF chromium and cobalt samples. Patient demographics, surgical, and laboratory data were collected. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U, analysis of variance tests, and linear regression analyses were performed. ResultsThere were 40.6% of revisions that had preoperative serum and intraoperative SF samples. The mean time to revision was 5.7 (range, 3.8 to 7.6) years. Mean SF cobalt and chromium levels were 870.9mcg/L (range, 1.1 to 8,300.0) and 573.5mcg/L (range, 1.3 to 10,000.0). Mean serum and SF cobalt-chromium ratios were 4.0 (range, 0.9 to 7.1) and 6.4 (range, 0 to 15.1), respectively. Elevated serum cobalt levels were predictive of ALTR (P = 0.002), SF levels were not. Analysis of preoperative serum to SF cobalt-chromium ratios showed poor correlation (R2 = 0.05). ConclusionsThere was no correlation between SF ion levels and ALTR. Also, serum and intra-articular ion levels did not correlate. The SF levels did not provide additional value over serum levels for diagnosis or prognosis of mechanically assisted crevice corrosion. Further studies are needed to better understand the relationship between serum and SF ion levels and its relationship to ALTR.

Unsuspected Positive Intra-Operative Cultures in Aseptic Revision Hip Arthroplasty: Prevalence, Management, and Infection-Free Survivorship

BackgroundThis study aimed to describe the management and outcomes of aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty (arTHA) with unsuspected intra-operative positive cultures (UPCs) compared to those with sterile cultures. MethodsA single tertiary center’s institutional database was retrospectively reviewed for arTHA from January 2013 to October 2023. Pre-operative Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) scores were assigned to patients based on available infectious workup, and those who met the criteria for periprosthetic infection (PJI), received antibiotic spacers, or had less than 1-year follow-up were excluded. Patients were grouped and compared according to intra-operative culture results: sterile cultures, one UPC with a new organism, one UPC with the same organism as prior PJI, ≥ two UPCs with different organisms, and ≥ two UPCs with the same organism. ResultsThere was a total of 604 arTHAs included in this study, of which 0.8% [five of 604] had ≥ two UPCs with different organisms, 1.5% [9 of 604] had ≥ 2 UPCs with the same organism, 9.8% [59 of 604] had one UPC with a new organism, 0.2% [one of 604] had 1 UPC with an organism from prior PJI, and 87.7% [530 of 604] of patients had sterile cultures. When comparing 5-year infection-free survival between patients who had one UPC with a new organism and sterile cultures, there was no difference (P = 0.40); however, patients who had ≥ two UPCs with different organisms (P < 0.001), patients who had ≥ two UPCs with the same organism (P = 0.001), and patients who had one UPC of an organism from prior PJI (P < 0.001) had statistically worse infection-free survival compared to patients with sterile cultures. ConclusionInfection-free survival at five years was similar between patients who had one UPC with a new organism and those who had sterile cultures; however, ≥ two UPCs and a history of PJI are both significant risk factors for re-revision for infection after arTHA.