Aims

Excellent outcomes have been reported following CT-based robotic arm-assisted total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) compared with manual THA; however, its superiority over CT-based navigation THA (nTHA) remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether a CT-based robotic arm-assisted system helps surgeons perform accurate cup placement, minimizes leg length, and offsets discrepancies more than a CT-based navigation system.

Aims. The Exeter femoral stem has a cemented, polished taper-slip design, and an excellent track record. The current range includes short-length options for various offsets, but less is known about the performance of these stems. The aim of this study was to compare the survival of short-length stems with standard-length Exeter stems. Methods. A systematic review of all studies reporting the use of short-length Exeter stems in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) was undertaken. Survival data, the indication for revision, and patient-reported outcomes were gathered from observational and randomized studies. Studies based on registry data were analyzed separately. Results. The review included nine studies which covered a total of 2,190 short stems. The mean follow-up was 6.4 years (2 to 12) with an all-cause survival of 95.4%. When revisions due to aseptic acetabular loosening were excluded, the survival was 97.7%. Four stems fractured (0.18%). The mean Oxford Hip Score improved from 18.29 (1.33 to 21.6) preoperatively to 41.59 (32.9 to 43.4) at final follow-up. Three studies used data from national registries. A total of 25,895 short stems (offset ≤ 35.5 mm) were used compared with 336,218 standard-length stems. In these studies, short stems had a hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause survival of 1.19 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.43) with a rate of revision per 1,000 component-years of 0.037 compared with 0.035 for standard-length stems. One study from the New Zealand Joint Registry divided short stems into standard and small offset groups. Standard offset short stems (≥ 37.5 mm) had a 0.84 HR (95% CI 0.38 to 1.88) while small offset short stems (≤ 35.5 mm) had a 1.6 HR compared with standard stems (95% CI 1.3 to 1.98). Conclusion. Short Exeter stems perform well and are a safe femoral component in primary THA, according to the current literature. There does not appear to be an increased risk of implant fracture associated with these stems. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):27–33

Aims

This meta-analysis and systematic review aimed to comprehensively investigate the effects of vitamin K supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD) at various sites and bone metabolism in middle-aged and older adults.

Aims

Distal femoral osteotomies (DFOs) are commonly used for the correction of valgus deformities and lateral compartment osteoarthritis. However, the impact of a DFO on subsequent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) function remains a subject of debate. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a unilateral DFO on subsequent TKA function in patients with bilateral TKAs, using the contralateral knee as a self-matched control group.

Understanding spinopelvic mechanics is important for the success of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Despite significant advancements in appreciating spinopelvic balance, numerous challenges remain. It is crucial to recognize the individual variability and postoperative changes in spinopelvic parameters and their consequential impact on prosthetic component positioning to mitigate the risk of dislocation and enhance postoperative outcomes. This review describes the integration of advanced diagnostic approaches, enhanced technology, implant considerations, and surgical planning, all tailored to the unique anatomy and biomechanics of each patient. It underscores the importance of accurately predicting postoperative spinopelvic mechanics, selecting suitable imaging techniques, establishing a consistent nomenclature for spinopelvic stiffness, and considering implant-specific strategies. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of artificial intelligence to personalize care.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1206–1215.

Increasing the accuracy of information provided through X-Rays maximises pre-operative planning. Aim of this project is to determine the necessity of calibration probes that would improve the accuracy of pre-operative templating. This is a retrospective study involving leg length and pelvis X-Rays performed across the NHS Lanarkshire from 01/03/2023 until 31/04/2024. A total of 87 leg length X-Rays were identified, 18 had a calibration probe present. Leg length was measured on each and the X-Rays were calibrated against the existing probe. In 66.7% of cases there was a major leg length discrepancy of over 2cm between the pre-calibrated and post-calibrated X-Rays. Pelvic X-Rays of 80 patients that underwent total hip replacement were reviewed. Preoperative templating was compared to the implants inserted. An average of 1.94 discrepancy in the size of the acetabular implant was identified whilst in 30 cases the size of the femoral stem was incorrect by at least 1 size. Magnification of 119.7% on X-Rays was found to provide the most accurate templating. Seventy seven cases of pelvic X-Rays before and after hip hemiarthroplasty were also reviewed. The implant head was templated incorrectly in 74% of cases and the stem in 51%. It was identified that pelvic X-Ray magnification of 121.7% would provide the most accurate results. X-Rays with no calibration probes provide inaccurate measurements leading to faulty preoperative planning. Standardised use of a calibration sphere is strongly suggested and whenever that is not available, we suggest magnification of 121%

Acetabular fractures present a challenge. Anatomical reduction can be achieved by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). However, in elderly patients with complex fracture patterns and osteoporotic bone stock, “fix and replace” has become an option in the management of these injuries. This involves ORIF of the acetabulum to enable insertion of a press fit cup and subsequent cemented femoral stem at the index surgery. A Retrospective analysis of all operatively managed acetabular fractures by a regional Pelvic and Acetabular Trauma service (01/01/2018-30/05/2023) STATA used for analysis. 34 patients undergoing “fix and replace” surgery. Of the 133 patients managed with ORIF, 21 subsequently required Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Mean follow up was 2.7 years versus 5.1. There was no statistical significance between the two groups with regards to BMI or sex. Mean age in the “fix and replace” group was 68 compared to 48 in the ORIF and subsequent THA group. This reached statistical significance between the two groups (p=0.001).ASA and Charlson Comorbidity Index (3 and 3 in “fix and replace” and 2 and 1.2 in ORIF to THA group) and Charlson Comorbidity Index both were statistically significantly different (p=0.006 and p=0.027, respectively). High energy mechanism of injury accounted for 56% of the “fix and replace” group compared to 48% in the ORIF to THA. 74% of “fix and replace” were associated fractures compared to 53% of ORIF to THA. Wait to surgery was 3 days for “fix and replace” while 186 days was the mean wait time from listing to THA for the ORIF to THA group. Complication rate was 41% versus 43% in the two groups. 14% in the ORIF to THA group developed PJI versus 6% in “fix and replace”. Fix and replace allows early mobilisation in frailer, elderly patients. Our results show fewer returns to theatre and less PJI in patients having arthroplasty as part of “fix and replace” than subsequent to Open reduction internal fixation

Aims

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.

Aims

This study aimed to assess the carbon footprint associated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a UK hospital setting, considering various components within the operating theatre. The primary objective was to identify actionable areas for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable orthopaedic practices.

Aims

Endoprosthetic reconstruction following distal femur tumour resection has been widely advocated. In this paper, we present the design of an uncemented endoprosthesis system featuring a short, curved stem, with the goal of enhancing long-term survivorship and functional outcomes.

Aims

The primary objective of this study was to develop a validated classification system for assessing iatrogenic bone trauma and soft-tissue injury during total hip arthroplasty (THA). The secondary objective was to compare macroscopic bone trauma and soft-tissues injury in conventional THA (CO THA) versus robotic arm-assisted THA (RO THA) using this classification system.

Early micromotion of hip implants measured with radiostereometric analysis (RSA) is a predictor for late aseptic loosening. Computed Tomography Radiostereometric Analysis (CT-RSA) can be used to determine implant micro-movements using low-dose CT scans. CT-RSA enables a non-invasive measurement of implants. We evaluated the precision of CT-RSA in measuring early stem migration. Standard marker-based RSA was used as reference. We hypothesised that CT-RSA can be used as an alternative to RSA in assessing implant micromotions. We included 31 patients undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Distal femoral stem migration at 1 year was measured with both RSA and CT-RSA. Comparison of the two methods was performed with paired-analysis and Bland-Altman plots. Furthermore, the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the CT-RSA method was evaluated. No statistical difference was found between RSA and CTMA measurements. The Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between marker-based RSA and CT-RSA. The intra- and interobserver reliability of the CT-RSA method was found to be excellent (≥0.992). CT-RSA is comparable to marker-based RSA in measuring distal femoral stem migration. CTMA can be used as an alternative method to detect early implant migration

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) is being offered as a viable alternative to total hip arthroplasty (THA). For very young patients (under 30 years old), THA achieves fair results but with high revision and complication rates. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the results of HRA performed in patients under 30 years old with a long follow-up. During the inclusion period (2007–2021), we collected in a single operator database, all HRA performed in patients under 30 with a minimum follow up of 2 years. 103 HRA in 93 patients (77 male / 16 females; a mean age at operation 27.7 years (18 to 29.9)) were included. The two mean preoperative diagnoses were osteoarthritis in 54 HRA (52.5%) and DDH or hip dislocation in 19.4% (20 cases). No patient was lost to follow-up and 3 patients (5 HRA) deceased. There were 2 revisions (one for femoral aseptic loosening and one infection recurrence (pediatric osteoarthritis)). No dislocation and adverse wear-related failures were found. At a mean follow-up of 10.4 years (2–17.4), mean UCLA activity and Oxford Hip score improved respectively from 5.4 (1 to 7) and 39.9 (25–55) pre-operatively to 7.9 (3 to 10) and 15.8 (12–34) post-operatively (p<0.001). Mean Harris hip score increased from 41.6 (22–63) to 91.8 (72–100) (p<0.001). There were no radiological cases exhibiting lysis while two cases displayed limited partial radiolucency around the femoral stem. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, with the endpoint revision for any reason, showed a 10.8-year survival rate of 98% (95% expected with NICE guidelines). This cohort of HRA performed under 30 is the longest follow-up ever reported in the literature. Despite a challenging cohort of patients, HRA exceeds the stricter NICE survivorship criteria. HRA remains an effective treatment with excellent functional outcomes and a very low rate of complications

The stem design in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is constantly evolving. The impact of the collar on the risk of periprosthetic fracture remains controversial. This study aimed to determine whether adding a collar to the femoral stem impacts the early periprosthetic fracture risk within 90 days of surgery. This retrospective study included 1,623 patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty in a single orthopedic department between January 2010 and December 2020. The inclusion criteria were uncemented stem with or without a collar, in a primary intention, without previous hip surgery with a similar “corail like” design. The assessed data were demographic characteristics (age, gender, number of obese (BMI > 30)), single or dual mobility, the surgical approach, the early complication, particularly the periprosthetic femoral fractures. Of the 1,623 patients, 1,380 received a collared stem (85%), and 243 received a collarless stem (15%). A multivariate analysis was performed to determine the collar's effect on the risk of early periprosthetic fracture (<90 days). Nine (0.55%) early periprosthetic fractures were identified in the whole cohort. There were four fractures (1.65%) in the collarless stem group and five fractures (0.36%) in the collared stem group (p=0,005). One patient required revision surgery in the collared stem group, while two patients required revision surgery in the collarless stem group. The multinomial logistic regression model indicated a statistically significant lower (p<0.05) risk of early periprosthetic fracture within 90 days of surgery in the collared stems group. No other risk factor for early periprosthetic fractures has been identified. Using collared stems in cementless THA protects early periprosthetic femoral fractures within 90 days of surgery

The direct superior approach (DSA) is a modification of the posterior approach (PA) that preserves the iliotibial band and short external rotators except for the piriformis or conjoined tendon during total hip arthroplasty (THA). The objective of this study was to compare postoperative pain, early functional rehabilitation, functional outcomes, implant positioning, implant migration, and complications in patients undergoing the DSA versus PA for THA. This study included 80 patients with symptomatic hip arthritis undergoing primary THA. Patients were prospectively randomised to receive either the DSA or PA for THA, surgery was undertaken using identical implant designs in both groups, and all patients received a standardized postoperative rehabilitation programme. Predefined study outcomes were recorded by blinded observers at regular intervals for two-years after THA. Radiosteriometric analysis (RSA) was used to assess implant migration. There were no statistical differences between the DSA and PA in postoperative pain scores (p=0.312), opiate analgesia consumption (p=0.067), and time to hospital discharge (p=0.416). At two years follow-up, both groups had comparable Oxford hip scores (p=0.476); Harris hip scores (p=0.293); Hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome scores (p=0.543); University of California at Los Angeles scores (p=0.609); Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (p=0.833); and European Quality of Life questionnaire with 5 dimensions scores (p=0.418). Radiographic analysis revealed no difference between the two treatment groups for overall accuracy of acetabular cup positioning (p=0.687) and femoral stem alignment (p=0.564). RSA revealed no difference in femoral component migration (p=0.145) between the groups at two years follow-up. There were no differences between patients undergoing the DSA versus PA for THA with respect to postoperative pain scores, functional rehabilitation, patient-reported outcome measurements, accuracy of implant positioning, and implant migration at two years follow-up. Both treatment groups had excellent outcomes that remained comparable at all follow-up intervals

We present minimum 20 year results of a randomized, prospective double blinded trial (RCT) of cross-linked versus conventional polyethylene (PE), using a computer assisted method of PE wear measurement. After Ethics Committee approval, 122 patients were enrolled into an RCT comparing Enduron (non cross-linked PE) and highly cross-linked Marathon PE (DePuy, Leeds, UK). Other than the PE liners, identical components were used, a Duraloc 300 metal shell with one screw, a 28mm CoCr femoral head and a cemented Charnley Elite femoral stem. All patients were followed with anteroposterior (A∼P) and lateral radiographs at 3 days, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 and 20 years. PE wear was measured with PolyMig, which has a phantom validated accuracy of ± 0.09mm. At minimum 20 year follow-up, 47 patients had died, 5 of which had been revised prior to their death. Another 32 patients were revised and alive, leaving 43 patients unrevised and alive (15 Enduron, 28 Marathon). No patients were lost to follow-up, but 2 were not able to be radiographed (dementia), leaving 41 patients (15 Enduron, 26 Marathon) available for PE wear measurement. After the bedding-in period, Enduron liners had a wear rate of 0.182 mm/year, and Marathon liners had a wear rate of 0.028 mm/year. At 20 years follow-up, 37 patients had required revision. Patients with conventional PE had three times the revision rate (28/37) of those who received XLPE (9/37). This is the longest term RCT showing substantially improved clinical and radiological results when XLPE is used as the bearing surface

For over a decade, modular titanium fluted tapered (TFT) stems have demonstrated excellent clinical success for femoral revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery. The aim of this study was to report the short-term outcomes of a novel modern monoblock TFT stem used for revision and complex primary THA with a minimum of 2 years follow-up. We identified 126 patients who received a single monoblock TFT stem - 26 patients for complex THA (failed fracture fixation) and 100 patients for revision THA. The reasons for revision THA included 40 for previous prosthetic joint infection (PJI), 42 for aseptic loosening, 9 for trunnionosis, 9 for periprosthetic fractures. The Paprosky grading for femoral bone loss at the time of surgery and the measured subsidence of femoral stems at 3 months follow-up were determined. We evaluated the number and indications for re-operations. The mean time from surgery was 3.9 years (range 2.0 to 6.9 years). A paired t-test analysis showed significant improvement from pre-operative versus post-operative clinical outcome scores (p<0.001) for HHS (38.76 +/- 15.24vs. 83.42 +/- 15.38), WOMAC (45.6 ± 19.0 vs. 69.9 ± 21.3) and SF-12 Physical component (31.7 ± 8.1 vs. 37.8 ± 11.3) and SF-12 Mental component (48.2 ± 12.2 vs. 51.6 ± 12.5). The Paprosky grading for femoral bone loss was Grade 1 (3.9%), Grade 2 (35.7%), Grade 3A (47.6%), Grade 3B (11.1%) and Grade 4 (1.6%) cases. There were 18 re-operations (14.7%) with 13 for PJI (7 treated with implant retention, 6 treated with a two-staged revision), 4 for instability and one for acetabular aseptic loosening. There were no aseptic failures of the stem. This novel modern monoblock TFT stem provided reliable femoral fixation and has increasingly supplanted the use of modular TFT stems for complex primary and revision surgery in our institution

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of surgical approach on femoral stem version in THA. This was a retrospective database review of 830 THAs in 830 patients that had both preoperative and postoperative CT scans. All patients underwent staged bilateral THAs and received CT-based 3D planning on both sides. Stem version was measured in the second CT-scan and compared to the native neck axis measured in the first CT-scan, using the posterior condyles as the reference for both. Cases were performed by 104 surgeons using either a direct anterior (DAA, n=303) or posterior (PA, n=527) approach and one of four stem designs: quadrangular taper, calcar-guided short stem, flat taper and fit-and-fill. Sub-analyses investigated changes in version for low (≤5°), neutral (5–25°) and high (≥25°) native version subgroups and for the different implant types. Native version was not different between approaches (DAA = 12.6°, PA = 13.6°, p = 0.16). Overall, DAA stems were more anteverted relative to the native neck axis vs PA stems (5.9° vs 1.4°, p<0.001). This trend persisted in hips with high native version (3.2° vs -5.3°, p<0.01) and neutral native version (5.3° vs 1.3°, p<0.001), but did not reach significance in the low native version subgroup (8.9° vs 5.9°, p=0.13). Quadrangular taper, calcar-guided, and flat taper stem types had significantly more anteversion than native for DAA, while no differences were found for PA. Stems implanted with a direct anterior approach had more anteversion than those implanted with a posterior approach. The smaller surgical field, soft tissue tension and lack of a “tibial” vertical reference frame may contribute to this finding