Aims

The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) was introduced in 1997 to address the needs of young active patients using a historically proven large-diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) bearing. A single designer surgeon’s consecutive series of 130 patients (144 hips) was previously reported at five and ten years, reporting three and ten failures, respectively. The aim of this study was to extend the follow-up of this original cohort at 25 years.

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival of a collarless, straight, hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stem in total hip arthroplasty (THA) at a minimum follow-up of 20 years. Methods. We reviewed the results of 165 THAs using the Omnifit HA system in 138 patients, performed between August 1993 and December 1999. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 46 years (20 to 77). Avascular necrosis was the most common indication for THA, followed by ankylosing spondylitis and primary osteoarthritis. The mean follow-up was 22 years (20 to 31). At 20 and 25 years, 113 THAs in 91 patients and 63 THAs in 55 patients were available for review, respectively, while others died or were lost to follow-up. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to evaluate the survival of the stem. Radiographs were reviewed regularly, and the stability of the stem was evaluated using the Engh classification. Results. A total of seven stems (4.2%) were revised during the study period: one for aseptic loosening, three for periprosthetic fracture, two for infection, and one for recurrent dislocation. At 20 years, survival with revision of the stem for any indication and for aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 96.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 92.6 to 99.5) and 98.4% (95% CI 96.2 to 100), respectively. At 25 years, the corresponding rates of survival were 94.5% (95% CI 89.9 to 99.3) and 98.1% (95% CI 95.7 to 99.6), respectively. There was radiological evidence of stable bony fixation in 86 stems (76.1%) and evidence of loosening in four (3.5%) at 20 years. All patients with radiological evidence of loosening were asymptomatic. Conclusion. The Omnifit HA femoral stem offered promising long-term survival into the third decade. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3 Supple A):110–114

Aims

Low-grade central osteosarcoma (LGCOS), a rare type of osteosarcoma, often has misleading radiological and pathological features that overlap with those of other bone tumours, thereby complicating diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to analyze the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of patients with LGCOS, with a focus on diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.

Aims

The preoperative grading of chondrosarcomas of bone that accurately predicts surgical management is difficult for surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists. There are often discrepancies in grade between the initial biopsy and the final histology. Recent advances in the use of imaging methods have shown promise in the ability to predict the final grade. The most important clinical distinction is between grade 1 chondrosarcomas, which are amenable to curettage, and resection-grade chondrosarcomas (grade 2 and 3) which require en bloc resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a Radiological Aggressiveness Score (RAS) to predict the grade of primary chondrosarcomas in long bones and thus to guide management.

Uncemented femoral components have been used in total hip arthroplasties (THAs) for over three decades. Data on long-term performance of hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stems is however limited. This study reports the survivorship of a collarless, straight, hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stem (Omnifit HA, Osteonic) with a minimum of 20 years of follow-up. We reviewed the results of 165 THAs using Omnifit HA in 138 patients performed between August 1993 and December 1999. The mean age at surgery was 46 years (range 20 – 77 years). Avascular necrosis was the most common cause of THA, followed by ankylosing spondylitis and primary osteoarthritis. The mean follow-up was 22 years (range 20–31 years). At 20 and 25 years, 113 arthroplasties (91 patients) and 63 arthroplasties (55 patients) were available for follow-up respectively, while others had deceased or were lost to follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed to evaluate the survival of the femoral component. Radiographs were reviewed at regular intervals, and implant stability was evaluated using Engh classification. Seven out of 165 stems were revised upon the latest follow-up; that included one case of aseptic loosening with revision done at 15 years, three peri-prosthetic fractures, two infections, and one recurrent dislocation. At 20 years, survivorship with revision of the femoral stem for any cause and aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 96.0% (95% CI, 92.6 – 99.5%) and 98.4% (95% CI, 96.2 – 100%) respectively. At 25 years, the corresponding survivorship rates were 94.5% (95% CI, 91.9 – 97.3%) and 98.1% (95% CI, 95.7 – 99.6%) respectively. Radiographic findings of stable bony fixation were seen in 86 stems (76.1%) and those of loosening in 4 stems (3.5%) at 20 years. All patients with radiographic signs of loosening were asymptomatic and did not require revision. The Omnifit HA femoral stem offered promising long-term survivorship into the third decade

The June 2023 Wrist & Hand Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Residual flexion deformity after scaphoid nonunion surgery: a seven-year follow-up study; The effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with concurrent hand and psychological disorders; Bite injuries to the hand and forearm: analysis of hospital stay, treatment, and costs; Outcomes of acute perilunate injuries - a systematic review; Abnormal MRI signal intensity of the triangular fibrocartilage complex in asymptomatic wrists; Patient comprehension of operative instructions with a paper handout versus a video: a prospective, randomized controlled trial; Can common hand surgeries be undertaken in the office setting?; The effect of corticosteroid injections on postoperative infections in trigger finger release.

Aims

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) describes a pathological relationship between the femoral head and acetabulum. Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) may be used to treat this condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of PAO in adolescents and adults with persistent DDH.

The development of spinal deformity in children with underlying neurodisability can affect their ability to function and impact on their quality of life, as well as compromise provision of nursing care. Patients with neuromuscular spinal deformity are among the most challenging due to the number and complexity of medical comorbidities that increase the risk for severe intraoperative or postoperative complications. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory at every stage to ensure that all nonoperative measures have been applied, and that the treatment goals have been clearly defined and agreed with the family. This will involve input from multiple specialities, including allied healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists and wheelchair services. Surgery should be considered when there is significant impact on the patients’ quality of life, which is usually due to poor sitting balance, back or costo-pelvic pain, respiratory complications, or problems with self-care and feeding. Meticulous preoperative assessment is required, along with careful consideration of the nature of the deformity and the problems that it is causing. Surgery can achieve good curve correction and results in high levels of satisfaction from the patients and their caregivers. Modern modular posterior instrumentation systems allow an effective deformity correction. However, the risks of surgery remain high, and involvement of the family at all stages of decision-making is required in order to balance the risks and anticipated gains of the procedure, and to select those patients who can mostly benefit from spinal correction.

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of the modified three-group Stulberg classification, which is based on the sphericity of the femoral head, in patients with Perthes’ disease.

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the current incidence and epidemiology of humeral diaphyseal fractures. The secondary aim was to explore variation in patient and injury characteristics by fracture location within the humeral diaphysis.

Aims

COVID-19 remains the major focus of healthcare provision. Managing orthopaedic emergencies effectively, while at the same time protecting patients and staff, remains a challenge. We explore how the UK lockdown affected the rate, distribution, and type of orthopaedic emergency department (ED) presentations, using the same period in 2019 as reference. This article discusses considerations for the ED and trauma wards to help to maintain the safety of patients and healthcare providers with an emphasis on more remote geography.

While Oxidized Zirconium (OxZr) femoral heads matched with highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) have demonstrated the lowest rate of revision compared to other bearing couples in the Australian National Joint Registry, it has been postulated that these results may, in part, be due to the fact that a single company offers this bearing option with a limited combination of femoral and acetabular prostheses. The purpose of this study was to assess clinical and radiographic outcomes in a matched cohort of total hip replacements (THR) utilizing an identical cementless femoral stem and acetabular component with either an Oxidized Zirconium (OxZr) or Cobalt-Chrome (CoCr) femoral heads at a minimum of 10 years follow-up. We reviewed our institutional database to identify all patients whom underwent a THR with a single cementless femoral stem, acetabular component, XLPE liner and OxZr femoral head with a minimum of 10 years of follow-up. These were then matched to patients who underwent a THR with identical prosthesis combinations with CoCr femoral head by gender, age and BMI. All patients were prospectively evaluated with WOMAC, SF-12 and Harris Hip Score (HHS) preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, 1 and 2 years and every 2 years thereafter. Charts and radiographs were reviewed to determine the revision rates and survivorship (both all cause and aseptic) at 10 years for both cohorts. Paired analysis was performed to determine if differences exist in patient reported outcomes. There were 208 OxZr THRs identified which were matched with 208 CoCr THRs. There was no difference in average age (OxZr, 54.58 years, CoCr, 54.75 years), gender (OxZr 47.6% female, CoCr 47.6% female), and average body max index (OxZr, 31.36 kg/m2, CoCr, 31.12 kg/m2) between the two cohorts. There were no significant differences preoperatively in any of the outcome scores between the two groups (WOMAC (p=0.449), SF-12 (p=0.379), HHS(p=0.3718)). Both the SF12 (p=0.446) and the WOMAC (p=0.278) were similar between the two groups, however the OxZr THR cohort had slightly better HHS compared to the CoCr THR cohort (92.6 vs. 89.7, p=0.039). With revision for any reason as the end point, there was no significant difference in 10 years survivorship between groups (OxZr 98.5%, CoCr 96.6%, p=0.08). Similarly, aseptic revisions demonstrated comparable survivorship rates at 10 year between the OxZr (99.5%) and CoCr groups (97.6%)(p=0.15). Both THR cohorts demonstrated outstanding survivorship and improvement in patient reported outcomes. The only difference was a slightly better HHS score for the OxZr cohort which may represent selection bias, where OxZr implants were perhaps implanted in more active patients. Implant survivorship was excellent and not dissimilar for both the OxZr and CoCr groups at 10 years. Therefore, with respect to implant longevity at the end of the first decade, there appears to be no clear advantage of OxZr heads compared to CoCr heads when paired with XLPE for patients with similar demographics. Further follow-up into the second and third decade may be required to demonstrate if a difference does exist

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the polyethylene wear rate of Phase 3 Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Replacement bearings and to investigate the effects of resin type and manufacturing process.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is effective, reproducible, and durable in the treatment of hip joint arthritis. While improvements in polyethylene materials have significantly reduced wear rates and osteolysis, aseptic loosening of implants remains one of the leading causes of revision THA. Additionally, fears of dislocation and instability have driven the increase in the utilization of larger diameter femoral heads in primary THA which can lead to increased wear when coupled with a polyethylene articulation. Finally, the increasing number of younger and active patients undergoing THA raises questions with regards to the ability of modern conventional bearings to provide durability and longevity beyond second and third decades following joint implantation. Ceramic-on-ceramic articulations are ideally suited for today's young and high demand patients undergoing primary THA. It has the lowest in-vitro wear properties of any bearing couple and the wear characteristics are further improved by its wettability and lubrication particularly when larger heads are utilised. Additionally, improvements in material properties and prosthesis design have significantly decreased fracture rates and increased the reliability of these implants. Furthermore, reported outcomes and longevity of modern ceramic-on-ceramic THAs in younger patients have all shown excellent survivorship despite patients achieving and maintaining a very high level of activity and function. In short, it is the bearing couple most in tune with current market demands and utilization trends. While registry data and meta-analyses of published literature have failed to show the superiority of ceramic-on-ceramic articulations compared to conventional bearings at 10 years, there is evidence that even highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXPE) is not immune to wear. Selvarajah et al. reported steady, in-vivo wear rates of HXPE exceeding 0.1mm/year threshold in young THA patients with 36mm ceramic ball heads. Additionally, small osteolytic lesions have been observed in hips with HXPE bearings at 12–14 years follow up. Finally, analysis of all controlled randomised studies have shown less osteolysis of ceramic-on-ceramic hips compared to polyethylene articulations. The significance of these lesions are unclear but the question remains: Can HXPE as a bearing be able to provide over 30 years of service needed to outlast patients younger than 60 years?. Concerns with cost, squeaking, and fractures do not make ceramic-on-ceramic bearings suitable for all patients undergoing primary THA. However, in young, healthy and active patients, a modern ceramic- on-ceramic articulation is most likely to provide the lowest wear rates, lowest risk of osteolysis, and greatest chance for life-long durability

Aims

We previously reported the long-term results of the cementless Duraloc-Profile total hip arthroplasty (THA) system in a 12- to 15-year follow-up study. In this paper, we provide an update on the clinical and radiological results of a previously reported cohort of patients at 23 to 26 years´ follow-up.

Aims

This paper documents the epidemiology of adults (aged more than 18 years) with a calcaneal fracture who have been admitted to hospital in England since 2000. Secondary aims were to document whether publication of the United Kingdom Heel Fracture Trial (UK HeFT) influenced the proportion of patients admitted to hospital with a calcaneal fracture who underwent surgical treatment, and to determine whether there has been any recent change in the surgical technique used for these injuries.

Purpose. The success of total knee replacement (TKR) surgery can be attributed to improvements in TKR design, instrumentation, and surgical technique. Over a decade ago oxidized zirconium (OxZr) femoral components were introduced as an alternative bearing surface to cobalt-chromium (CoCr), based on strong in-vitro evidence, to improve the longevity of TKR implants. Early reports have demonstrated the clinical success of this material however no long-term comparative studies have demonstrated the superiority of OxZr implants compared to a more traditional CoCr implant. This study aims to compare long-term survivorship and outcomes in OxZr and CoCr femoral components in a single total knee design. Methods. We reviewed our institutional database to identify all patients whom underwent a TKA with a posterior stabilized OxZr femoral component with a minimum of 10 years of follow-up. These were then matched to patients whom underwent a TKA with the identical design posterior stabilized CoCr femoral component during the same time period by gender, age and BMI. All patients had their patella resurfaced. All patients were prospectively evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, 12 months, 2 years and every 1 to 2 years thereafter. Prospectively collected clinical outcome measures included, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), Short-Form 12 (SF-12) and Knee Society clinical rating scores (KSCRS). Charts and radiographs were reviewed to determine the revision rates and survivorship (both all cause and aseptic) at 10 years allowing comparison between the two cohorts. Paired analysis was performed to determine if differences existed in patient reported outcomes. Results. There were 194 OxZr TKAs identified and matched to 194 CoCr TKAs. There was no difference in average age (OxZr, 54.2 years; CoCr, 54.4 years), Gender (OxZr, 61.9% female; CoCr, 61.9% female) and average body mass index (OxZr, 35.9 kg/m2; CoCr, 36.4 kg/m2) between the two cohorts. There were no significant differences preoperatively in any of the outcome scores between the two groups (WOMAC (p=0.361), SF-12 (p=0.771) and KSCRS (p=0.161)). Both the SF12 (p=0.787) and WOMAC (p=0.454) were similar between the two groups, however the OxZr TKA cohort had superior KSCRS compared to the CoCr TKA cohort at a minimum of 10 years (173.5 vs. 159.1, p=0.002). With revision for any reason as the end point, there was no significant difference in 10-year survivorship between the two groups (OxZr and CoCr, 96.4%, p=0.898). Similarly, aseptic revisions demonstrated comparable survivorship rates at 10-year between the OxZr (98.9%) and CoCr groups (97.9%) (p=0.404). Conclusion. In this matched cohort study, both groups demonstrated similar improvements in patient reported outcomes, although the OxZr cohort had greater KSCRS scores compared to the CoCr cohort. The reason for this difference is not clear but may represent selection bias, where OxZr implants were perhaps used in more active patients. Implant survivorship, based on revision rates for all causes and/or aseptic reasons, was excellent and similar for both the OxZr and CoCr femoral components at 10 years. Therefore, with respect to implant longevity at the end of the first decade, there appears to be no clear advantage of OxZr compared to CoCr for patients with similar demographics with this specific posterior stabilized TKA design. Further follow-up into the second and third decade may be required to demonstrate if a difference does exist

Objectives

Oxidative stress plays a major role in the onset and progression of involutional osteoporosis. However, classical antioxidants fail to restore osteoblast function. Interestingly, the bone anabolism of parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been shown to be associated with its ability to counteract oxidative stress in osteoblasts. The PTH counterpart in bone, which is the PTH-related protein (PTHrP), displays osteogenic actions through both its N-terminal PTH-like region and the C-terminal domain.

Since its inception, knee arthroplasty has struggled to balance the requirements of relieving pain and restoring function in a durable way. Although highly successful in improving symptoms as measured by traditional outcome measures and achieving longevity, numerous studies have shown the problems that exist, even with well-implanted components of modern design. Some patients complain of ongoing functional limitation, discomfort, and pain. There are still many challenges in knee arthroplasty. We have a young population that is increasingly active that requires these procedures and yet they are living to a ripe old age and remaining ambulant into their 80s and 90s. We have focussed for the last decade on improving function and satisfaction in knee arthroplasty but we should not forget the fact that the highest failure rate is seen in our young patients and that we really do need a durable solution that will last several decades. There are several tensions that need to be considered. Should we resurface the knee early, particularly now that we have access to navigation and robotics and can effectively customise the implants to the patient's anatomy and their gait pattern? This would allow good function at a young age. Or should we wait as long as possible and risk losing some function for the sake of preserving the first arthroplasty for the lifetime of the patient?. Should we for example accept alignment paradigms that we know give us longevity or should we go with alternative kinematic or anatomical alignment techniques that may well give us better function but could compromise long-term fixation? Both registries and the long-term studies available suggest that we can expect good survivorship into the second decade for older patients and for some into the third decade, but data beyond that is sparse and is not available with contemporaneous implants. Changing the polyethylene in the knee may prove to be successful but may yet be nowhere near as beneficial as it has been in the hip. There has also been all too little work to consider the changing physiology of the bone. Will the increasing trend for cementless implants lead to longer lasting osseointegration or will it lead to periprosthetic fractures through areas of stress shielding? We have been spared somewhat thus far in the knee the issue of local metal ion effects and systemic issues that we have seen in the hip. If our implants last longer and are treated more brutally by an active patient population, we may yet see more problems. At the same time, we have to continue evolving our technologies and yet be cost effective and affordable. Our focus on operative efficiency, early discharge, rapid recovery and a return to full function must not compromise our goals and plans for implant longevity. The next stage will no doubt involve close co-operation between surgeons, engineers and industry partners to identify individual surgical targets, select an appropriate prosthesis to minimise soft-tissue strain and develop a reproducible method of achieving accurate implantation. However, in seeking to solve the problems seen in a proportion of arthroplasty patients, the achievements of ‘traditional’ total knee arthroplasty should not be overlooked. The results achieved by such methods in all three domains: pain relief, functional restoration and longevity, should act as baseline measures for newer techniques and designs. Improvements in any one domain should not be at the expense of another. An ideal outcome can only be achieved by an appropriately trained surgeon selecting the optimal prosthesis to implant in the correct position in the well-selected patient