Aims

Limb salvage surgery (LSS) is the primary treatment option for primary bone malignancy. It involves the removal of bone and tissue, followed by reconstruction with endoprosthetic replacements (EPRs) to prevent amputation. Trabecular metal (TM) collars have been developed to encourage bone ingrowth (osseointegration (OI)) into EPRs. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether OI occurs when TM collars are used in EPRs for tumour.

Addressing bone defects is a complex medical challenge that involves dealing with various skeletal conditions, including fractures, osteoporosis (OP), bone tumours, and bone infection defects. Despite the availability of multiple conventional treatments for these skeletal conditions, numerous limitations and unresolved issues persist. As a solution, advancements in biomedical materials have recently resulted in novel therapeutic concepts. As an emerging biomaterial for bone defect treatment, graphene oxide (GO) in particular has gained substantial attention from researchers due to its potential applications and prospects. In other words, GO scaffolds have demonstrated remarkable potential for bone defect treatment. Furthermore, GO-loaded biomaterials can promote osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation while stimulating bone matrix deposition and formation. Given their favourable biocompatibility and osteoinductive capabilities, these materials offer a novel therapeutic avenue for bone tissue regeneration and repair. This comprehensive review systematically outlines GO scaffolds’ diverse roles and potential applications in bone defect treatment.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(12):725–740.

The December 2024 Hip & Pelvis Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Total hip arthroplasty after femoral neck fractures versus osteoarthritis at one-year follow-up: a comparative, retrospective study; Excellent mid-term survival of a monoblock conical prosthesis in treating atypical and complex femoral anatomy with total hip arthroplasty; Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement improves sexual function; Fast-track hip arthroplasty does not increase complication rates; Ten-year experience with same-day discharge outpatient total hip arthroplasty: patient demographics changed, but safe outcomes were maintained.

Aim. Orthopedic implants play a tremendous role in fixing bone damages due to aging as well as fractures. However, these implants tend to get colonized by bacteria on the surface, leading to infections and subsequently prevention of healing and osteointegration. Recently, Roupie et al. showed that a nisin layer-by-layer based coating applied on biomaterials has both osteogenic and antibacterial properties. The Galleria mellonella larva is a well-known insect infection model that has been used to test the virulence of bacterial and fungal strains as well as for the high throughput screening of antimicrobial compounds against infections. Recently, we have developed an insect infection model with G. mellonella larvae to study implant-associated biofilm infections using Kirschner (K)-wires as implant material. Here, we would like to test the antibacterial capacity of nisin layer-by-layer based coatings on K-wires against Staphylococcus aureus in the G. mellonella larva implant infection model. Method. Prior to the implantation procedure, G. mellonella larvae are maintained at room temperature on wheat germ in an incubator. The larvae received bare titanium K-wires (uncoated), or either control-coated or nisin-coated K-wires. After one hour, the larvae were injected with 5×10. 5. S. aureus bacteria per larva (i.e., hematogenous implant infection model). Next, the larvae were incubated at 37. o. C in an incubator and the survival of the larvae was monitored for five days. Moreover, the number of bacteria on the implant surface and in the surrounding tissue was determined after 24h of incubation. Further, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were performed to study the effect of nisin on biofilm formation. Results. The larvae receiving the nisin-coated K-wires showed significantly higher survival rates compared to uncoated titanium K-wires, although not when compared to control-coated K-wires. A more than 1-log reduction in number of bacteria on the implant surface and in the surrounding tissue was observed in larvae receiving the nisin-coated K-wires, when compared to uncoated titanium K-wires SEM analysis showed reduced colonization of the bacteria nisin-coated K-wires compared to the controls. Conclusions. In conclusion, the antimicrobial nisin layer-by-layer based coating applied on titanium surfaces is able to prevent implant-related S. aureus biofilm infection in G. mellonella and is a promising antimicrobial strategy to prevent implant-related infections

Aims

For rare cases when a tumour infiltrates into the hip joint, extra-articular resection is required to obtain a safe margin. Endoprosthetic reconstruction following tumour resection can effectively ensure local control and improve postoperative function. However, maximizing bone preservation without compromising surgical margin remains a challenge for surgeons due to the complexity of the procedure. The purpose of the current study was to report clinical outcomes of patients who underwent extra-articular resection of the hip joint using a custom-made osteotomy guide and 3D-printed endoprosthesis.

Aims

The efficacy of saline irrigation for treatment of implant-associated infections is limited in the presence of porous metallic implants. This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of antibiotic doped bioceramic (vancomycin/tobramycin-doped polyvinyl alcohol composite (PVA-VAN/TOB-P)) after saline wash in a mouse infection model implanted with titanium cylinders.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the optimal sagittal positioning of the uncemented femoral component in total knee arthroplasty to minimize the risk of aseptic loosening and periprosthetic fracture.

Aims. This study intended to investigate the effect of vericiguat (VIT) on titanium rod osseointegration in aged rats with iron overload, and also explore the role of VIT in osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. Methods. In this study, 60 rats were included in a titanium rod implantation model and underwent subsequent guanylate cyclase treatment. Imaging, histology, and biomechanics were used to evaluate the osseointegration of rats in each group. First, the impact of VIT on bone integration in aged rats with iron overload was investigated. Subsequently, VIT was employed to modulate the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and RAW264.7 cells under conditions of iron overload. Results. Utilizing an OVX rat model, we observed significant alterations in bone mass and osseointegration due to VIT administration in aged rats with iron overload. The observed effects were concomitant with reductions in bone metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. To elucidate whether these effects are associated with osteoclast and osteoblast activity, we conducted in vitro experiments using MC3T3-E1 cells and RAW264.7 cells. Our findings indicate that iron accumulation suppressed the activity of MC3T3-E1 while enhancing RAW264.7 function. Furthermore, iron overload significantly decreased oxidative stress levels; however, these detrimental effects can be mitigated by VIT treatment. Conclusion. Collectively, our data provide compelling evidence that VIT has the potential to reverse the deleterious consequences of iron overload on osseointegration and bone mass during ageing. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(9):427–440

Advanced 3D imaging and CT-based navigation have emerged as valuable tools to use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), for both preoperative planning and the intraoperative execution of different philosophies of alignment. Preoperative planning using CT-based 3D imaging enables more accurate prediction of the size of components, enhancing surgical workflow and optimizing the precision of the positioning of components. Surgeons can assess alignment, osteophytes, and arthritic changes better. These scans provide improved insights into the patellofemoral joint and facilitate tibial sizing and the evaluation of implant-bone contact area in cementless TKA. Preoperative CT imaging is also required for the development of patient-specific instrumentation cutting guides, aiming to reduce intraoperative blood loss and improve the surgical technique in complex cases. Intraoperative CT-based navigation and haptic guidance facilitates precise execution of the preoperative plan, aiming for optimal positioning of the components and accurate alignment, as determined by the surgeon’s philosophy. It also helps reduce iatrogenic injury to the periarticular soft-tissue structures with subsequent reduction in the local and systemic inflammatory response, enhancing early outcomes. Despite the increased costs and radiation exposure associated with CT-based navigation, these many benefits have facilitated the adoption of imaged based robotic surgery into routine practice. Further research on ultra-low-dose CT scans and exploration of the possible translation of the use of 3D imaging into improved clinical outcomes are required to justify its broader implementation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):892–897.

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. Methods. This study involved patients who underwent implantation of an uncemented distal femoral endoprosthesis with a short and curved stem between 2014 and 2019. Functional outcomes were assessed using the 1993 version of the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS-93) score. Additionally, we quantified five types of complications and assessed osseointegration radiologically. The survivorship of the endoprosthesis was evaluated according to two endpoints. A total of 134 patients with a median age of 26 years (IQR 16 to 41) were included in our study. The median follow-up time was 61 months (IQR 56 to 76), and the median functional MSTS-93 was 83% (IQR 73 to 91) postoperatively. Results. Overall, 21 patients (16%) encountered complications, and the rate of aseptic loosening was 7% (9/134). The survival rate up to 8.5 years was 93% for aseptic loosening as the endpoint, and 88% for any reason as the endpoint, retrospectively. Conclusion. The use of an uncemented distal femoral endoprosthesis with a short, curved stem demonstrated a low incidence of aseptic loosening and achieved long-term survivorship of up to nine years. Meanwhile, aseptic loosening typically occurs in the early stage postoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):1000–1007

Aims

Custom-made partial pelvis replacements (PPRs) are increasingly used in the reconstruction of large acetabular defects and have mainly been designed using a triflange approach, requiring extensive soft-tissue dissection. The monoflange design, where primary intramedullary fixation within the ilium combined with a monoflange for rotational stability, was anticipated to overcome this obstacle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the design with regard to functional outcome, complications, and acetabular reconstruction.

Aims

Adenosine, lidocaine, and Mg²⁺ (ALM) therapy exerts differential immuno-inflammatory responses in males and females early after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). Our aim was to investigate sex-specific effects of ALM therapy on joint tissue repair and recovery 28 days after surgery.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the pattern of initial fixation and changes in periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) between patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a traditional fully hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated stem (T-HA group) and those with a newly introduced fully HA-coated stem (N-HA group).

Aims

The primary objective of this registry-based study was to compare patient-reported outcomes of cementless and cemented medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) during the first postoperative year. The secondary objective was to assess one- and three-year implant survival of both fixation techniques.

Different techniques have been described to address massive bone loss of the acetabulum in revision hip surgery. aMace has gained popularity as it provides customization aiming to restore hip centre and provide good initial stability in cases of large non-contained defects. It takes into account quality of host bone. Its porous defect filling scaffold provides an excellent surface for osteointegration. Our aim was to assess the short and mid-term outcomes of patients who underwent revision surgery using aMace system. Ethical approval was obtained. A retrospective study included all patients who had aMace between June 2013 and October 2022 allowing for a minimum of 12-months follow-up. Patients’ demographics, indication, bone-loss severity, reconstruction details, re-operation, complications, mortality, pain and function were assessed. 52 cases were performed by 13 surgeons with median 51 months follow-up. Median age was 72.7 years. 86.5% were female. Average BMI was 25.3. Average ASA grade was 3. 65% were classified as Paprosky IIIB and 32% were IIIA. 73% were found to have poor bone quality on CT. Main indication for aMace was massive bone loss/discontinuity secondary to aseptic loosening in 88.5%. 77% underwent single-stage revision. 53.8% had 2 or more previous revisions. 71% underwent stem revision in the same setting. 77% received a dual mobility bearing. Re-operation rate was 5.7% for instability and femoral PPF. LLD was reported in 9.6%. Permanent Sciatic nerve palsy occurred in 3.8% of the cases. 30-days mortality was 1.9%. Statistically significant post-op improvements in pain and mobility were reported (p<0.001). None of the acetabular components have been revised. Our study shows satisfactory surgical outcomes with a relatively low complication rate and significant pain and mobility improvements in the early to mid-term stages. We recommend these costly cases to be done in highly specialist centres adopting MDT approach

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical models of two frequently used techniques for reconstructing severe acetabular defects with pelvic discontinuity in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) – the Trabecular Metal Acetabular Revision System (TMARS) and custom triflange acetabular components (CTACs) – using virtual modelling.

Aims

The use of a porous metal shell supported by two augments with the ‘footing’ technique is one solution to manage Paprosky IIIB acetabular defects in revision total hip arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to assess the medium-term implant survival and radiological and clinical outcomes of this technique.

Aims

Obtaining solid implant fixation is crucial in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) to avoid aseptic loosening, a major reason for re-revision. This study aims to validate a novel grading system that quantifies implant fixation across three anatomical zones (epiphysis, metaphysis, diaphysis).

Introduction. The use of osseointegrated limb replacement prostheses for amputees are rapidly growing in popularity due to the many benefits over conventional sockets. Many institutions worldwide are beginning to provide this surgical option to their patients and are advertising the service online. The aim of this study was to assess the quality and reading level of related information available online. Materials & Methods. A search was performed using the 3 most popular English language search engines reviewing the top 40 websites from each, using the term osseointegration on. Duplicates, videos, medical journal articles and dentistry websites were excluded. All included websites were assessed for reading using the FKGL, G-Fog and FRE. Quality was assessed using the JAMA benchmark criteria, HONC erificate and a novel 16-point scoring system developed specifically for limb replacement osseointegration. Results. The search resulted in 9,985,000 websites, 120 were assessed. 23 websites were included after removal of duplicates, medical journals and dentistry websites. None with reading grades of 6 or lower. Mean FKGL grade was 11.3/18. Mean FRE was 38.83/100. Mean G-FOG was 12.57/20. No websites had HONC. Mean JAMA score was 1.76/4. Mean HSSOIS was 5.70/16. Most provided information on indications(16/23) and explanation of osseointegration 17/23) but few discussed costs(3/23) or restrictions(9/23). Conclusions. There is already a large amount of information available online regarding osseointegrated prostheses. However, the most accessible information may exceed most patients’ reading levels, limiting is usefulness. Further, the information available is generally of low quality, The quality of information and the readability of online content should be improved to ensure more effective patient education