The survivorship of contemporary resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip using metal-on-metal bearings is better than that of first generation designs, but short-term failures still occur. The most common reasons for failure are fracture of the femoral neck, loosening of the component, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, reaction to metal debris and malpositioning of the component. In 2008 the Australian National Joint Registry reported an inverse relationship between the size of the head component and the risk of revision in resurfacing hip arthroplasty. Hips with a femoral component size of ≤ 44 mm have a fivefold increased risk of revision than those with femoral components of ≥ 55 mm irrespective of gender. We have reviewed the literature to explore this observation and to identify possible reasons including the design of the implant, loading of the femoral neck, the orientation of the component, the production of wear debris and the effects of metal ions, penetration of cement and vascularity of the femoral head. Our conclusion is that although multifactorial, the most important contributors to failure in resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip are likely to be the design and geometry of the component and the orientation of the acetabular component

Twenty-six patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had undergone bilateral replacement of the hip and knee were reviewed at a mean follow-up time of 51.6 months. A further operation was necessary in five patients due to complications of replacement of the knee, and seven patients still had significant pain in at least one replaced joint. There were no cases of infection due to operation. Seventeen of the patients still used walking aids, but one-third of these did so because of pain in joints that had not been replaced. Patients preferred painless total replacement of the hip to that of the knee

Despite considerable legacy issues, Girdlestone's Resection Arthroplasty (GRA) remains a valuable tool in the armoury of the arthroplasty surgeon. When reserved for massive lysis in the context of extensive medical comorbidities which preclude staged or significant surgical interventions, and / or the presence of pelvic discontinuity, GRA as a salvage procedure can have satisfactory outcomes. These outcomes include infection control, pain control and post-op function. We describe a case series of 13 cases of GRA and comment of the indications, peri, and post-operative outcomes.

We reviewed all cases of GRA performed in our unit during an 8 year period, reviewing the demographics, indications, and information pertaining to previous surgeries, and post op outcome for each. Satisfaction was based on a binary summation (happy/unhappy) of the patients’ sentiments at the post-operative outpatient consultations.

13 cases were reviewed. They had a mean age of 75. The most common indication was PJI, with 10 cases having this indication. The other three cases were performed for avascular necrosis, pelvic osteonecrosis secondary to radiation therapy and end stage arthritis on a background of profound learning disability in a non-ambulatory patient. The average number of previous operations was 5 (1-10). All 13 patients were still alive post girdlestone. 7 (54%) were satisfied, 6 were not. 3 patients were diabetic. 5 patients developed a sinus tract following surgery.

With sufficient pre-op patient education, early intensive physiotherapy, and timely orthotic input, we feel this procedure remains an important and underrated and even compassionate option in the context of massive lysis and / or the presence of pelvic discontinuity / refractory PJI. GRA should be considered not a marker of failure but as a definitive procedure that gives predictability to patients and surgeon in challenging situations.

All the cup and replacement arthroplasties of the hip at the Middlesex Hospital performed two or more years ago—110 cases—have been reviewed. Cup arthroplasty was the more successful

Resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip is a relatively new procedure. This paper reports the technical and clinical problems one surgeon encountered in the first 50 consecutive resurfacing arthroplasties of the hip. The mean age of the 14 women and 32 men at the time of surgery was 44.8 years (20 to 65). Four patients underwent bilateral arthroplasty. Technical problems included failure of the acetabular component to seat fully in six hips and failure of the femoral component to seat fully in four. There was varus malalignment of the femoral component in three cases, retention of the alignment pin in one, and retention of a cable fragment in one. Surgical complications included one case of intra-operative femoral neck fracture, one transection of the psoas tendon during capsulotomy, and a femoral nerve palsy, which recovered after six months. Postoperative problems included superficial wound inflammation in five hips and one dislocation. There were radiological signs of impingement of the femoral neck on the acetabular rim in four cases and clinical symptoms of impingement in one. An undisplaced fracture of the femoral neck that occurred eight weeks after surgery was successfully managed conservatively by keeping the limb non-weight-bearing. Despite these problems, only one patient retains any noteworthy symptoms, apparently due to impingement of the femoral neck on the acetabular rim. Modest malalignment or seating failure appears to be of minimal clinical consequence. Patients typically mobilise rapidly and are able to return to a high level of physical activity. It is possible to avoid most technical problems by taking specific precautions

We performed 96 Birmingham resurfacing arthroplasties of the hip in 71 consecutive patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head. A modified neck-capsule-preserving approach was used which is described in detail. The University of California, Los Angeles outcome score, the radiological parameters and survival rates were assessed. The mean follow-up was for 5.4 years (4.0 to 8.1). All the patients remained active with a mean University of California, Los Angeles activity score of 6.86 (6 to 9). Three hips failed, giving a cumulative survival rate of 95.4%. With failure of the femoral component as the endpoint, the cumulative survival rate was 98.0%. We also describe the combined abduction-valgus angle of the bearing couple, which is the sum of the inclination angle of the acetabular component and the stem-shaft angle, as an index of the optimum positioning of the components in the coronal plane. Using a modified surgical technique, it is possible to preserve the femoral head in avascular necrosis by performing hip resurfacing in patients with good results

1. Two hundred and eleven cases of arthroplasty of the hip have been studied in an attempt to establish the causes of success and failure by comparing the excellent, good and bad results. 2. The findings suggest that the result of an arthroplasty depends largely upon four factors: the surgical approach to the hip joint, the acetabular roof, the interposition substance, and the early post-operative complications. 3. Some important points in the technique of operation and in the post-operative management are described

Joint replacement of the hip and knee remain very satisfactory operations. They are, however, expensive. The actual manufacturing of the implant represents only 30% of the final cost, while sales and marketing represent 40%. Recently, the patents on many well established and successful implants have expired. Companies have started producing and distributing implants that purport to replicate existing implants with good long-term results. The aims of this paper are to assess the legality, the monitoring and cost saving implications of such generic implants. We also assess how this might affect the traditional orthopaedic implant companies. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:892–900

The results of excision arthroplasty on forty hips in thirty-two patients have been studied by personal review. The mean follow-up was ten years and the results were graded in the Lazansky system. The outcome was fairly predictable, most patients achieving a fair to good result. The patients were satisfied with the operation in unilateral cases as a secondary operation, but it was generally unsatisfactory as a primary procedure or when performed bilaterally. Pain relief was satisfactory, and previously infected hips achieved sound wound and bone healing. Half could walk with no aid or one stick. No correlation could be found between the radiological appearances and the quality of the result

During hip resurfacing arthroplasty, excessive valgus positioning or surgical technique can result in notching of the femoral neck. Although mechanical weakening and subsequent fracture of the femoral neck are well described, the potential damage to the retinacular vessels leading to an ischaemic event is relatively unknown. Using laser Doppler flowmetry, we measured the blood flow in 14 osteoarthritic femoral heads during routine total hip replacement surgery, before and after notching of the femoral neck. In ten hips there was a reduction in blood flow of more than 50% from the baseline value after simulated notching of the femoral neck. Our results suggest that femoral head vascularity in the osteoarthritic state is similar to the non-arthritic state, where damage to the extraosseous vessels can predispose to avascular necrosis. Surgeons who perform resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip should pay careful attention to these vessels by avoiding excessive dissection around the femoral neck and/or notching

In fifty-six patients with ankylosing spondylitis three types of arthroplasty had been performed in ninety-nine hips. Forty-one of the patients were men and fifteen were women, their average age at operation being forty-two years. Primary pseudarthrosis produced well-satisfied patients, but only a fair result in five hips, whereas cup arthroplasty resulted in a poor outcome for eight hips, all of which needed revision. Total replacement of eighty-six hips, however, led to 73 per cent being graded as good or excellent up to ten years later. The main complications were deep infection of five hips, para-articular ossification around nine hips (six leading to bony ankylosis), and fibrous ankylosis of six hips

Fourteen hips with osteoarthritis had femoral head blood flow measured with laser Doppler flowmeter while undergoing during total hip replacement through a modified lateral approach. Mean age sixty-five years (48–77); eight males & six females. Two measurements were taken within the femoral head one after anterior hip dislocation and one after simulated notching of the femoral neck. All hips had a significant decrease in blood flow with a median percentage decrease of 76% (range 4.4–90.4). During surface arthroplasty of the hip, notching of the femoral neck may not only mechanically weaken the bone but also put the femoral head at risk of osteonecrosis. To evaluate femoral head blood supply in patients with osteoarthrtis of the hip undergoing simulated notching of the femoral neck during total hip replacement and its potential implications in hip resurfacing. During surface arthroplasty of the hip, notching of the femoral neck may not only mechanically weaken the femoral neck but also put the femoral head at risk of osteonecrosis and subsequent femoral loosening. It would appear that the retinacular vessels (extraosseous blood supply) are as important in the arthritic femoral head as they are in the nonarthritic state, contradicting the notion that arthritic femoral heads in humans rely mainly on an intraosseous blood supply. Fourteen hips with a diagnosis of degenerative arthritis had femoral head blood flow measured with laser Doppler flowmeter while undergoing during total hip replacement through a modified lateral approach. With the femoral head exposed and leg in neutral position, a 3.5mm drill hole was made into the anterior lateral quadrant and the fiber optic probe of the laser Doppler flowmeter (Moor Instruments, Wilmington Delaware, 20mW laser, wavelength 780nm) was inserted. Mean age was sixty-five years (48–77). Eight males and six females. Two measurements were taken one after anterior hip dislocation and one after simulated notching of the femoral neck. All but four hips had a significant decrease of more than 50% in blood flow after neck notching with a median percentage change of 76% (range 4.4–90.4), p< 0.001

1 . The results of transplanting the greater trochanter in 225 "low-friction" arthroplasties of the hip have been examined. 2. Non-union occurred in an average of 7 per cent of cases. 3. When non-union occurred the results still showed improvement. 4. Four different methods of fixation were used, of which that using two wires, crossed in the horizontal and coronal planes, never failed to secure union. 5. Transplantation of the greater trochanter to the best position is only possible if the neck of the femur is shortened or if the centre of motion of the arthroplasty is displaced medially by deepening the acetabulum, or by a combination of both. 6. In the best position the transplanted trochanter considerably improved active abduction against gravity

Introduction: ‘Revisability’ has been touted as one of the major advantages of resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip. However, this theoretical advantage has never been clearly demonstrated. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that a failed, modern generation metal-on-metal resurfacing arthroplasty (MMRA) can be converted to a total hip (THA) as easily and with comparable results as a primary (THA). Methods: Twenty-two failed MMRA’s in 21 patients with an average age of 49.5 years (23 – 72 years) were converted to a THA. In 18 hips, the acetabular component was retained, and in 4 hips both components were revised. The control group of primary THA’s, implanted during the same time period by the same surgeon, consisted of 64 patients with an average age of 50.8 years (27 – 64 years). Results: There was no significant difference in operative time, blood loss and complication rates between the conversions and the controls. The average follow-up was 47 months (12 – 113 months) for the conversions and 57 months (24 – 105 months) for the controls. Clinical outcomes measures were comparable with average Harris Hip Scores of 92.7 and 90.3 for the MMRA conversions and primary THA’s, respectively. The UCLA activity scores were 6.6 and 6.4 in the conversion group and THA group, respectively. There have been no cases of aseptic loosening of the femoral or acetabular components in either group, and there have been no dislocations after MMRA conversion. Conclusion: Conversion of failed MMRA to a THA appears to be as safe and effective as a primary THA

A prospective study of serum and urinary ion levels was undertaken in a triathlete who had undergone a metal-on-metal resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip four years previously. The one month study period included the final two weeks of training, the day of the triathlon, and the two weeks immediately post-race. Serum cobalt and chromium levels did not vary significantly throughout this period, including levels recorded on the day after the 11-hour triathlon. Urinary excretion of chromium increased immediately after the race and had returned to pre-race levels six days later. The clinical implications are discussed

Aim

Analysis of microbiological spectrum and resistance patterns as well as the clinical outcome of patients who underwent a Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) procedure in the early phase following failed two-stage exchange arthroplasty of the knee and hip.

Narrowing of the femoral neck after resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip has been described previously in both cemented and uncemented hip resurfacing. The natural history of narrowing of the femoral neck is unknown. We retrospectively measured the diameter of the femoral neck in a series of 163 Birmingham hip resurfacings in 163 patients up to a maximum of six years after operation to determine the extent and progression of narrowing. There were 105 men and 58 women with a mean age of 52 years (18 to 82). At a mean follow-up of five years, the mean Harris hip score was 94.8 (47 to 100) and the mean flexion of the hip 112.5° (80° to 160°). There was some narrowing of the femoral neck in 77% (125) of the patients reviewed, and in 27.6% (45) the narrowing exceeded 10% of the diameter of the neck. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant association (chi-squared test (derived from logistic regression) p = 0.01) of narrowing with female gender and a valgus femoral neck/shaft angle. There was no significant association between the range of movement, position or size of the component or radiological lucent lines and narrowing of the neck (chi-squared test; p = 0.10 (flexion), p = 0.08 (size of femoral component), p = 0.09 (size of acetabular component), p = 0.71 (femoral component angulation), p = 0.99 (lucent lines)). There was no significant difference between the diameter of the neck at a mean of three years (2.5 to 3.5) and that at five years (4.5 to 5.5), indicating that any change in the diameter of the neck had stabilised by three years (sign rank test, p = 0.60). We conclude that narrowing of the femoral neck which is found with the Birmingham hip resurfacing arthroplasty is in most cases associated with no adverse clinical or radiological outcome up to a maximum of six years after the initial operation

We report a surgical technique for arthroplasty of the deformed hip after poliomyelitis. A fifty three year old man presented to our unit with a long-standing history of hip problems since contracting poliomyelitis at the age of two. Unusually, both of his hips were affected. He had been operated on twice for his right hip. This had left him with a deformed upper femur with significant shortening. The right hip was sub-luxed on presentation; this was due to a markedly dysplastic acetabulum. The polio and subluxation meant his muscles were weak and stretched. Like other authors, we were keen to achieve a stable hip. The senior author felt that a fully constrained socket would carry the following disadvantages:. Reduced range of movement. It would be difficult to fit a constrained socket into the small amount of pelvic bone available. Constrained sockets are more likely to loosen. An alternative approach, using a large diameter unconstrained metal on metal articulation, was employed; stability was achieved with the large head and the relatively small socket still preserved bone stock. The components chosen were a 52mm MMT, Birmingham acetabular resurfacing prosthetic, articulating with a 46mm chromium cobalt head. A fluted stem CAD CAM (computer aided design, computer aided manufacture) femoral prosthesis was used, as he needed to fully weight-bear from the outset, because of the weakness in his left leg. He has a good, pain-free range of movement. This represents a novel solution for arthroplasty in hips surrounded by weakened musculature. It avoids dramatic limitation of movement whilst minimising the bone stock loss and risk of dislocation. The patient is delighted with the medium term results

1. A complete replacement arthroplasty of the hip is described in which both components are inherently stable. 2. The arthroplasty does not require the use of acrylic cement. 3. It is appropriate for the treatment of the severely arthritic hip in which arthrodesis is not indicated, and for the mobilisation of two stiff and painful hips at any age. 4. It can be performed on both sides at the same time. 5. It produces a stable, pain-free and mobile joint in a high proportion of cases, and has appeared not to deteriorate over periods of up to four years