The February 2024 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup360 looks at: Hip impingement after in situ pinning causes decreased flexion and forced external rotation in flexion on 3D-CT; Triplane ankle fracture patterns in paediatric patients; Improved forearm rotation even after early conversion to below-elbow; Selective dorsal rhizotomy and cerebral palsy (CP) hip displacement; Abduction bracing following anterior open reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip does not improve residual dysplasia or reduce secondary surgery; 40% risk of later total hip arthroplasty for in situ slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) pinning; Does brace treatment following closed reduction of developmental dysplasia of the hip improve acetabular coverage?; Waterproof hip spica casts for paediatric femur fractures.
The December 2023 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup360 looks at: A comprehensive nonoperative treatment protocol for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants; How common are refractures in childhood?; Femoral nailing for paediatric femoral shaft fracture in children aged eight to ten years; Who benefits from allowing the physis to grow in slipped capital femoral epiphysis?; Paediatric patients with an extremity bone tumour: a secondary analysis of the PARITY trial data; Split tibial tendon transfers in cerebral palsy equinovarus foot deformities; Liposomal bupivacaine nerve block: an answer to opioid use?; Correction with distal femoral transphyseal screws in hemiepiphysiodesis for coronal-plane knee deformity.
Aims
We aimed to assess the cumulative risk of total hip arthroplasty (THA) from in situ fixation for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) after a follow-up of almost 50 years.
Methods
In this study, 138 patients with 172 affected hips treated with in situ fixation were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 97 patients (70%) were male and the mean age was 13.6 years (SD 2.1); 35 patients (25%) had a bilateral disease. The median follow-up time was 49 years (interquartile range 43 to 55). Basic demographic, stability, and surgical details were obtained from patient records. Preoperative radiographs (slip angle; SA) were measured, and data on THA was gathered from the Finnish National Arthroplasty Register.
Aims
Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing (MoM-HR) has seen decreased usage due to safety and longevity concerns. Joint registries have highlighted the risks in females, smaller hips, and hip dysplasia. This study aimed to identify if reported risk factors are linked to revision in a long-term follow-up of MoM-HR performed by a non-designer surgeon.
Methods
A retrospective review of consecutive MoM hip arthroplasties (MoM-HRAs) using Birmingham Hip Resurfacing was conducted. Data on procedure side, indication, implant sizes and orientation, highest blood cobalt and chromium ion concentrations, and all-cause revision were collected from local and UK National Joint Registry records.
Aims
The aims of the study were to report for a cohort aged younger than 40 years: 1) indications for HRA; 2) patient-reported outcomes in terms of the modified Harris Hip Score (HHS); 3) dislocation rate; and 4) revision rate.
Methods
This retrospective analysis identified 267 hips from 224 patients who underwent an hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) from a single fellowship-trained surgeon using the direct lateral approach between 2007 and 2019. Inclusion criteria was minimum two-year follow-up, and age younger than 40 years. Patients were followed using a prospectively maintained institutional database.
Aims
The aim of this study was to inform the epidemiology and treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE).
Methods
This was an anonymized comprehensive cohort study, with a nested consented cohort, following the the Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term study (IDEAL) framework. A total of 143 of 144 hospitals treating SCFE in Great Britain participated over an 18-month period. Patients were cross-checked against national administrative data and potential missing patients were identified. Clinician-reported outcomes were collected until two years. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected for a subset of participants.
Aims.
Aims. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) has demonstrated faster administration, lower burden of data capture and reduced floor and ceiling effects compared to traditional Patient Reported Outcomes Measurements (PROMs). We investigated the suitability of PROMIS Mobility score in assessing physical function in the sequelae of childhood hip disease. Methods. In all, 266 adolscents (aged ≥ 12 years) and adults were identified with a prior diagnosis of childhood hip disease (either Perthes’ disease (n = 232 (87.2%)) or
Aims
Highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) has greatly improved the durability of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in young patients because of its improved wear characteristics. Few studies have followed this population into the second decade, and therefore the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the clinical outcome for THA patients 50 years of age and younger at a minimum of 15 years postoperatively. The second purpose was to evaluate the radiological findings secondary to wear or mechanical failure of the implant.
Methods
Between October 1999 and December 2005, 105 THAs were performed in 95 patients (53 female, 42 male) aged 50 years and younger (mean 42 years (20 to 50)). There were 87 patients (96 hips) that were followed for a minimum of 15 years (mean 17.3 years (15 to 21)) for analysis. Posterior approach was used with cementless fixation with a median head size of 28 mm. HXLPE was the acetabular bearing for all hips. Radiographs were evaluated for polyethylene wear, radiolucent lines, and osteolysis.
Aims.
Aims
The aims of this study were to evaluate the abductor function in moderate and severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), comparing the results of a corrective osteotomy at the base of the femoral neck and osteoplasty with 1)
Patients and Methods
A total of 24 patients (mean age 14.9 years (
Aims
This study presents the long-term survivorship, risk factors for prosthesis survival, and an assessment of the long-term effects of changes in surgical technique in a large series of patients treated by metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA).
Patients and Methods
Between November 1996 and January 2012, 1074 patients (1321 hips) underwent HRA using the Conserve Plus Hip Resurfacing System. There were 787 men (73%) and 287 women (27%) with a mean age of 51 years (14 to 83). The underlying pathology was osteoarthritis (OA) in 1003 (75.9%), developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in 136 (10.3%), avascular necrosis in 98 (7.4%), and other conditions, including inflammatory arthritis, in 84 (6.4%).
Aims
This study aimed to evaluate implant survival of reverse hybrid total hip arthroplasty (THA) at medium-term follow-up.
Patients and Methods
A consecutive series of 1082 THAs in 982 patients with mean follow-up of 7.9 years (5 to 11.3) is presented. Mean age was 69.2 years (21 to 94). Of these, 194 (17.9%) were in patients under 60 years, 663 (61.3%) in female patients and 348 (32.2%) performed by a trainee. Head size was 28 mm in 953 hips (88.1%) or 32 mm in 129 hips (11.9%). Survival analysis was performed and subgroups compared using log rank tests.
Aims
High-quality clinical research in children’s orthopaedic surgery has lagged behind other surgical subspecialties. This study used a consensus-based approach to identify research priorities for clinical trials in children’s orthopaedics.
Methods
A modified Delphi technique was used, which involved an initial scoping survey, a two-round Delphi process and an expert panel formed of members of the British Society of Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery. The survey was conducted amongst orthopaedic surgeons treating children in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Aims
Preserving growth following limb-salvage surgery of the upper limb in children remains a challenge. Vascularized autografts may provide rapid biological incorporation with the potential for growth and longevity. In this study, we aimed to describe the outcomes following proximal humeral reconstruction with a vascularized fibular epiphyseal transfer in children with a primary sarcoma of bone. We also aimed to quantify the hypertrophy of the graft and the annual growth, and to determine the functional outcomes of the neoglenofibular joint.
Patients and Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 11 patients who underwent this procedure for a primary bone tumour of the proximal humerus between 2004 and 2015. Six had Ewing’s sarcoma and five had osteosarcoma. Their mean age at the time of surgery was five years (two to eight). The mean follow-up was 5.2 years (1 to 12.2).
Aims
The number of patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery of the hip has increased significantly during the past decade. It has now become an established technique for the treatment of many intra- and extra-articular conditions affecting the hip. However, it has a steep learning curve and is not without the risk of complications. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of complications during and following this procedure.
Materials and Methods
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
guidelines were used in designing this study. Two reviewers systematically
searched the literature for complications related to arthroscopy
of the hip. The research question and eligibility criteria were
established
Aims
We carried out a further study of the long-term results of the cemented Exeter femoral component in patients under the age of 40 with a mean follow-up of 13.6 years (10 to 20).
Patients and Methods
We reviewed our original cohort of 104 cemented Exeter stems in 78 consecutive patients with a mean age of 31 years (16 to 39). Only one patient was lost to radiological follow-up.
Aims
This study analysed the clinical and radiological outcome of anatomical reduction of a moderate or severe stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) treated by subcapital osteotomy (a modified Dunn osteotomy) through the surgical approach described by Ganz.
Patients and Methods
We prospectively studied 31 patients (32 hips; 16 females and five males; mean age 14.3 years) with SCFE. On the Southwick classification, ten were of moderate severity (head-shaft angle > 30° to 60°) and 22 were severe (head-shaft angle > 60°). Each underwent open reduction and internal fixation using an intracapsular osteotomy through the physeal growth plate after safe surgical hip dislocation. Unlike the conventional procedure, 25 hips did not need an osteotomy of the apophysis of the great trochanter and were managed using an extended retinacular posterior flap.
Controversy remains whether the contralateral hip should be fixed in patients presenting with unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). This retrospective study compares the outcomes and cost of those patients who had prophylactic fixation with those who did not.
Between January 2000 and December 2010 a total of 50 patients underwent unilateral fixation and 36 had prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip. There were 54 males and 32 females with a mean age of 12.3 years (9 to 16). The rate of a subsequent slip without prophylactic fixation was 46%. The risk of complications was greater, the generic health measures (Short Form-12 physical (p < 0.001) and mental (p = 0.004) summary scores) were worse. Radiographic cam lesions in patients presenting with unilateral SCFE were only seen in patients who did not have prophylactic fixation. Furthermore, prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip was found to be a cost-effective procedure, with a cost per quality adjusted life year gained of £1431 at the time of last follow-up.
Prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip is a cost-effective operation that limits the morbidity from the complications of a further slip, and the diminished functional outcome associated with unilateral fixation.
Cite this article:
We undertook a retrospective comparative study
of all patients with an unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis presenting
to a single centre between 1998 and 2011. There were 45 patients
(46 hips; mean age 12.6 years; 9 to 14); 16 hips underwent intracapsular
cuneiform osteotomy and 30 underwent pinning
Pinning
Non-emergency intracapsular osteotomy may have a protective effect
on the epiphyseal vasculature and should be undertaken with a delay
of at least two weeks. The place of emergency pinning
Cite this article:
We report a 12- to 15-year implant survival assessment of a prospective single-surgeon series of Birmingham Hip Resurfacings (BHRs). The earliest 1000 consecutive BHRs including 288 women (335 hips) and 598 men (665 hips) of all ages and diagnoses with no exclusions were prospectively followed-up with postal questionnaires, of whom the first 402 BHRs (350 patients) also had clinical and radiological review.
Mean follow-up was 13.7 years (12.3 to 15.3). In total, 59 patients (68 hips) died 0.7 to 12.6 years following surgery from unrelated causes. There were 38 revisions, 0.1 to 13.9 years (median 8.7) following operation, including 17 femoral failures (1.7%) and seven each of infections, soft-tissue reactions and other causes. With revision for any reason as the end-point Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed 97.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 96.9 to 97.9) and 95.8% (95% CI 95.1 to 96.5) survival at ten and 15 years, respectively. Radiological assessment showed 11 (3.5%) femoral and 13 (4.1%) acetabular radiolucencies which were not deemed failures and one radiological femoral failure (0.3%).
Our study shows that the performance of the BHR continues to be good at 12- to 15-year follow-up. Men have better implant survival (98.0%; 95% CI 97.4 to 98.6) at 15 years than women (91.5%; 95% CI 89.8 to 93.2), and women < 60 years (90.5%; 95% CI 88.3 to 92.7) fare worse than others. Hip dysplasia and osteonecrosis are risk factors for failure. Patients under 50 years with osteoarthritis fare best (99.4%; 95% CI 98.8 to 100 survival at 15 years), with no failures in men in this group.
Cite this article:
The aim of this study was to determine whether an osteoplasty of the femoral neck performed at the same time as an intertrochanteric Imhäuser osteotomy led to an improved functional outcome or increased morbidity. A total of 20 hips in 19 patients (12 left, 8 right, 13 male, 6 female), who underwent an Imhäuser intertrochanteric osteotomy following a slipped capital femoral epiphysis were assessed over an eight-year period. A total of 13 hips in 13 patients had an osteoplasty of the femoral neck at the same time. The remaining six patients (seven hips) had intertrochanteric osteotomy alone. The mean age was 15.3 years (13 to 20) with a mean follow-up of 57.8 months (15 to 117); 19 of the slips were severe (Southwick grade III) and one was moderate (grade II), with a mean slip angle of 65.3° (50° to 80°); 17 of the slips were stable and three unstable at initial presentation. The mean Non-Arthritic Hip Scores (NAHS) in patients who underwent osteoplasty was 91.7 (76.3 to 100) and the mean NAHS in patients who did not undergo osteoplasty was 76.6 (41.3 to 100) (p = 0.056). Two patients required a subsequent arthroplasty and neither of these patients had an osteoplasty. No hips developed osteonecrosis or chondrolysis, and there was no increase in complications related to the osteoplasty. We recommend that for patients with a slipped upper femoral epiphysis undergoing an intertrochanteric osteotomy, the addition of an osteoplasty of the femoral neck should be considered.
Cite this article:
Revision total hip replacement (THR) for young
patients is challenging because of technical complexity and the potential
need for subsequent further revisions. We have assessed the survivorship,
functional outcome and complications of this procedure in patients
aged <
50 years through a large longitudinal series with consistent treatment
algorithms. Of 132 consecutive patients (181 hips) who underwent
revision THR, 102 patients (151 hips) with a mean age of 43 years
(22 to 50) were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 11 years (2 to 26)
post-operatively. We attempted to restore bone stock with allograft
where indicated. Using further revision for any reason as an end point,
the survival of the acetabular component was 71% (
This overall perspective on the mid- to long-term results is valuable when advising young patients on the prospects of revision surgery at the time of primary replacement.
Cite this article:
We compared the accuracy of the growth remaining method of assessing leg-length discrepancy (LLD) with the straight-line graph method, the multiplier method and their variants. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 44 patients treated by percutaneous epiphysiodesis for LLD. All were followed up until maturity. We used the modified Green–Anderson growth-remaining method (Method 1) to plan the timing of epiphysiodesis. Then we presumed that the other four methods described below were used pre-operatively for calculating the timing of epiphysiodesis. We then assumed that these four methods were used pre-operatively. Method 2 was the original Green–Anderson growth-remaining method; Method 3, Paley’s multiplier method using bone age; Method 4, Paley’s multiplier method using chronological age; and Method 5, Moseley’s straight-line graph method. We compared ‘Expected LLD at maturity with surgery’ with ‘Final LLD at maturity with surgery’ for each method. Statistical analysis revealed that ‘Expected LLD at maturity with surgery’ was significantly different from ‘Final LLD at maturity with surgery’. Method 2 was the most accurate. There was a significant correlation between ‘Expected LLD at maturity with surgery’ and ‘Final LLD at maturity with surgery’, the greatest correlation being with Method 2. Generally all the methods generated an overcorrected value. No method generates the precise ‘Expected LLD at maturity with surgery’. It is essential that an analysis of the pattern of growth is taken into account when predicting final LLD. As many additional data as possible are required.
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The reported prevalence of an asymptomatic slip of the contralateral hip in patients operated on for unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is as high as 40%. Based on a population-based cohort of 2072 healthy adolescents (58% women) we report on radiological and clinical findings suggestive of a possible previous SCFE. Common threshold values for Southwick’s lateral head–shaft angle (≥ 13°) and Murray’s tilt index (≥ 1.35) were used. New reference intervals for these measurements at skeletal maturity are also presented.
At follow-up the mean age of the patients was 18.6 years (17.2 to 20.1). All answered two questionnaires, had a clinical examination and two hip radiographs.
There was an association between a high head–shaft angle and clinical findings associated with SCFE, such as reduced internal rotation and increased external rotation. Also, 6.6% of the cohort had Southwick’s lateral head–shaft angle ≥ 13°, suggestive of a possible slip. Murray’s tilt index ≥ 1.35 was demonstrated in 13.1% of the cohort, predominantly in men, in whom this finding was associated with other radiological findings such as pistol-grip deformity or focal prominence of the femoral neck, but no clinical findings suggestive of SCFE.
This study indicates that 6.6% of young adults have radiological findings consistent with a prior SCFE, which seems to be more common than previously reported.
Cite this article:
We present our experience of the modified Dunn
procedure in combination with a Ganz surgical dislocation of the hip
to treat patients with severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis
(SCFE). The aim was to prospectively investigate whether this technique
is safe and reproducible. We assessed the degree of reduction, functional
outcome, rate of complications, radiological changes and range of
movement in the hip. There were 28 patients with a mean follow-up
of 38.6 months (24 to 84). The lateral slip angle was corrected
by a mean of 50.9° (95% confidence interval 44.3 to 57.5). The mean
modified Harris hip score at the final follow-up was 89.1 (
Cite this article:
The aim of this prospective randomised study was to compare the clinical and radiological results of a cemented all-polyethylene Ultima acetabular component with those of a cementless porous-coated acetabular component (PFC) following total hip replacement (THR). A total of 287 patients received either a polyethylene acetabular component (group A) or a cobalt–chromium porous-coated component (group B) with an identical cemented femoral component and 28 mm cobalt-chromium head, thus making it the largest study of its type. Patients were evaluated radiologically and clinically using the Harris hip score (HHS). Group A comprised 183 patients (73 male, 110 female) with a mean age of 71.3 years (55 to 89). Group B comprised 104 patients (48 male, 56 female) with a mean age of 69.8 years (56 to 89). A total of 16 patients (13 in Group A, three in Group B) did not have post-operative data for analysis. The mean follow-up in group A was 7.52 years (0.4 to 15.0) and in Group B 7.87 years (0.5 to 14.0).
At final follow-up the mean HHS was similar between groups A and B (74.5 (25 to 100) and 78.0 (37 to 100), respectively; p = 0.068). The total number of revisions for any cause was 28, 17 of which were in group A and 11 in group B. The ten-year survivorship was 86.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 78.4 to 92.1) and 89.2% (95% CI 78.3 to 94.8) for groups A and B, respectively (log-rank p-value = 0.938). A total of 20 cemented and two cementless acetabular components had evidence of acetabular radiolucencies or acetabular component migration at last follow-up (p = 0.001).
These results indicate that patients with a cemented all-polyethylene and cementless porous-coated polyethylene lined acetabular component have similar long-term clinical outcomes.
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) causes pain and chondrolabral damage via mechanical overload during movement of the hip. It is caused by many different types of pathoanatomy, including the cam ‘bump’, decreased head–neck offset, acetabular retroversion, global acetabular overcoverage, prominent anterior–inferior iliac spine, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and the sequelae of childhood Perthes’ disease.
Both evolutionary and developmental factors may cause FAI. Prevalence studies show that anatomic variations that cause FAI are common in the asymptomatic population. Young athletes may be predisposed to FAI because of the stress on the physis during development. Other factors, including the soft tissues, may also influence symptoms and chondrolabral damage.
FAI and the resultant chondrolabral pathology are often treated arthroscopically. Although the results are favourable, morphologies can be complex, patient expectations are high and the surgery is challenging. The long-term outcomes of hip arthroscopy are still forthcoming and it is unknown if treatment of FAI will prevent arthrosis.
It is probable that both genetic and environmental factors play some part in the aetiology of most cases of degenerative hip disease. Geneticists have identified some single gene disorders of the hip, but have had difficulty in identifying the genetics of many of the common causes of degenerative hip disease. The heterogeneity of the phenotypes studied is part of the problem. A detailed classification of phenotypes is proposed. This study is based on careful documentation of 2003 consecutive total hip replacements performed by a single surgeon between 1972 and 2000. The concept that developmental problems may initiate degenerative hip disease is supported. The influences of gender, age and body mass index are outlined. Biomechanical explanations for some of the radiological appearances encountered are suggested. The body weight lever, which is larger than the abductor lever, causes the abductor power to be more important than body weight. The possibility that a deficiency in joint lubrication is a cause of degenerative hip disease is discussed. Identifying the phenotypes may help geneticists to identify genes responsible for degenerative hip disease, and eventually lead to a definitive classification.
We describe three cases of infantile tibia vara resulting from an atraumatic slip of the proximal tibial epiphysis upon the metaphysis. There appears to be an association between this condition and severe obesity. Radiologically, the condition is characterised by a dome-shaped metaphysis, an open growth plate and disruption of the continuity between the lateral borders of the epiphysis and metaphysis, with inferomedial translation of the proximal tibial epiphysis. All patients were treated by realignment of the proximal tibia by distraction osteogenesis with an external circulator fixator, and it is suggested that this is the optimal method for correction of this complex deformity. There are differences in the radiological features and management between conventional infantile Blount’s disease and this ‘slipped upper tibial epiphysis’ variant.
The August 2012 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup360 looks at: whether 3D-CT gives a better idea of coverage than plain radiographs; forearm fractures after trampolining accidents; forearm fractures and the Rush pin; the fractured distal radius; elastic stable intramedullary nailing for long-bone fractures; aponeurotic recession for the equinus foot; the torn medial patellofemoral ligament and the adductor tubercle; slipped capital femoral epiphysis; paediatric wrist arthroscopy; and Pirani scores and clubfoot.
The June 2012 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup360 looks at; open reduction for DDH; growing rod instrumentation for scoliosis; acute patellar dislocation; management of the relapsed clubfoot; clubfoot in Iran; laughing gas and fracture manipulation; vascularised periosteal fibular grafting for nonunion; slipped upper femoral epiphysis; intramedullary leg lengthening and orthopaedic imaging and defensive medicine.
Hip arthroscopy is particularly attractive in children as it confers advantages over arthrotomy or open surgery, such as shorter recovery time and earlier return to activity. Developments in surgical technique and arthroscopic instrumentation have enabled extension of arthroscopy of the hip to this age group. Potential challenges in paediatric and adolescent hip arthroscopy include variability in size, normal developmental change from childhood to adolescence, and conditions specific to children and adolescents and their various consequences. Treatable disorders include the sequelae of traumatic and sports-related hip joint injuries, Legg–Calve–Perthes’ disease and slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and the arthritic and septic hip. Intra-articular abnormalities are rarely isolated and are often associated with underlying morphological changes.
This review presents the current concepts of hip arthroscopy in the paediatric and adolescent patient, covering clinical assessment and investigation, indications and results of the experience to date, as well as technical challenges and future directions.
A. R. Nguyen, J. Ling, B. Gomes, G. Antoniou, L. M. Sutherland, P. J. Cundy.
We analysed the incidence of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in South Australia, investigating possible associations between an increased incidence of SCFE, the local indigenous population and the Australian obesity epidemic during the last 20 years. Data including race, age and gender were collected to obtain a profile of the South Australian SCFE patient, and were then compared with epidemiological data for South Australian adolescents. We concluded that the incidence of both obesity and SCFE is increasing. We also noted that the median weight of SCFE patients has increased and the mean age at diagnosis has decreased. Despite weight profiles comparable with those of the general population, we noted that an indigenous child was three times more likely to develop SCFE than a non-indigenous child. As far as we know there is no published literature on the predisposition of Aboriginal Australians to SCFE.
We have evaluated the in vivo migration patterns of 164 primary consecutive Charnley-Kerboull total hip replacements which were undertaken in 155 patients. The femoral preparation included removal of diaphyseal cancellous bone to obtain primary rotational stability of the stem before line-to-line cementing. We used the Ein Bild Roentgen Analyse femoral component method to assess the subsidence of the femoral component.
At a mean of 17.3 years (15.1 to 18.3) 73 patients were still alive and had not been revised, eight had been revised, 66 had died and eight had been lost to follow-up. The mean subsidence of the entire series was 0.63 mm (0.0 to 1.94). When using a 1.5 mm threshold, only four stems were considered to have subsided. Our study showed that, in most cases, a highly polished double-tapered stem cemented line-to-line does not subside at least up to 18 years after implantation.
The original forged Müller straight stem (CoNiCr) has shown excellent ten- to 15-year results. We undertook a long-term survival analysis with special emphasis on radiological changes within a 20-year period of follow-up.
In all, 165 primary total hip replacements, undertaken between July 1984 and June 1987 were followed prospectively. Clinical follow-up included a standardised clinical examination, and radiological assessment was based on a standardised anteroposterior radiograph of the pelvis, which was studied for the presence of osteolysis, debonding and cortical atrophy.
Survival of the stem with revision for any reason was 81% (95% confidence interval (CI), 76 to 86) at 20 years and for aseptic loosening 87% (95% CI, 82 to 90). At the 20-year follow-up, 15 of the surviving 36 stems showed no radiological changes. Debonding (p = 0.005), osteolysis (p = 0.003) and linear polyethylene wear (p = 0.016) were associated with aseptic loosening, whereas cortical atrophy was not associated with failure (p = 0.008).
The 20-year results of the Müller straight stem are comparable to those of other successful cemented systems with similar follow-up. Radiological changes are frequently observed, but with a low incidence of progression, and rarely result in revision. Cortical atrophy appears to be an effect of ageing and not a sign of loosening of the femoral component.
In 2004 we described the ten-year prospective results of 38 total hip replacements using the Furlong hydroxyapatite-ceramic-coated femoral component in 35 patients < 50 years old. We have now reviewed the surviving 35 arthroplasties in 33 patients at a mean of 16 years (10.3 to 19.9). The mean age of the surviving patients at the time of operation was 41.3 years (26.0 to 49.0). Of these, eight have undergone revision of their acetabular component for aseptic loosening. None of the femoral components has had revision for aseptic loosening giving a survival rate of 100% at 16 years (95% confidence interval 89% to 100%).
The Furlong hydroxyapatite-ceramic-coated femoral component gives excellent long-term survival in young and active patients.