We undertook a cemental unipolar proximal femoral endoprosthetic replacement in 131 patients with a mean age of 50 years (2 to 84). Primary malignant tumours were present in 54 patients and 67 had metastatic disease. In addition, eight patients had either lymphoma or myeloma and two had non-oncological disorders. The mean follow-up was 27 months (0 to 180). An acetabular revision was required later in 14 patients, 12 of whom had been under the age of 21 years at the time of insertion of their original prosthesis. The risk of acetabular revision in patients over 21 years of age was 8% at five years compared with 36% in those aged under 21 years. All the unipolar hips in this younger age group required revision within 11 years of the initial operation. We conclude that unipolar replacement should not be used in younger patients and should be avoided in patients with a life expectancy of more than five years

Oxidised zirconium (OxZi) has been developed as an alternative bearing surface for femoral heads in total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study has investigated polyethylene wear, functional outcomes and complications, comparing OxZi and cobalt–chrome (CoCr) as part of a three-arm, multicentre randomised controlled trial. Patients undergoing THA from four institutions were prospectively randomised into three groups. Group A received a CoCr femoral head and highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) liner; Group B received an OxZi femoral head and XLPE liner; Group C received an OxZi femoral head and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) liner. At five years, 368 patients had no statistically significant differences in short-form-36 (p = 0.176 mental, p = 0.756 physical), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (p = 0.847), pain scores (p = 0.458) or complications. The mean rate of linear wear was 0.028 mm/year (standard deviation (. sd) 0.010). for Group A, 0.023 mm/year (. sd. 0.010) for Group B, and 0.09 mm/year (. sd. 0.045) for Group C. Penetration was significantly higher in the UHMWPE liner group compared with both XLPE liner groups (p < 0.001) but no significant difference was noted between CoCr and OxZi when articulating with XLPE (p = 0.153). In this, the largest randomised study of this bearing surface, it appears that using a XLPE acetabular liner is more important in reducing THA component wear than the choice of femoral head bearing, at mid-term follow-up. There is a non-significant trend towards lower wear, coupling OxZi rather than CoCr with XLPE but long-term analysis is required to see if this observation changes with time and becomes significant. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:883–9

Most injuries to the femoral nerve are iatrogenic in origin and occur during resection of large retroperitoneal tumours. When the defect is considerable a nerve graft is mandatory to avoid tension across the suture line. We describe two cases of iatrogenic femoral nerve injury which recovered well after reconstruction with long sural nerve grafts. The probable reasons for success were that we performed the grafting soon after the injury, the patients were not too old, the nerve repairs were reinforced with fibrin glue and electrical stimulation of the quadriceps was administered to prevent muscle atrophy. Good functional results may be obtained if these conditions are satisfied even if the length of a nerve graft is more than 10 cm

In this meta-analysis we included 32 English-language articles published between January 1975 and June 2004 on the diagnostic performance of plain radiography, subtraction arthrography, nuclear arthrography and bone scintigraphy in detecting aseptic loosening of the femoral component, using criteria based on the Cochrane systematic review of screening and diagnostic tests. The mean sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 82% (95% confidence interval (CI) 76 to 87) and 81% (95% CI 73 to 87) for plain radiography and 85% (95% CI 75 to 91) and 83% (95% CI 75 to 89) for nuclear arthrography. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 86% (95% CI 74 to 93) and 85% (95% CI 77 to 91) for subtraction arthrography and 85% (95% CI 79 to 89) and 72% (95% CI 64 to 79) for bone scintigraphy. Although the diagnostic performance of the imaging techniques was not significantly different, plain radiography and bone scintigraphy are preferred for the assessment of a femoral component because of their efficacy and lower risk of patient morbidity

Between April 1992 and November 1998 we used 34 massive proximal femoral allografts for femoral reconstruction at revision hip arthroplasty. Seven patients have died and two have been lost to follow-up. There were thus 25 grafts in 24 patients for review. The mean follow-up was 53 months (16 to 101). By the time of the review two patients had undergone a further revision for failure of the allograft. Another had required secondary plating and grafting at the graft-host junction for symptomatic nonunion. One had recurrence of deep sepsis and was being managed conservatively. Trochanteric union was considered to have occurred radiologically in 16 of the 25 grafts and union at the host-graft junction in 20. Resorption of the allograft was significant in only two hips. We recommend this technique in cases in which femoral bone loss has been catastrophic

This prospective, longitudinal study documents the muscle strength and baseline function of 18 patients undergoing closed femoral shortening for discrepancy in limb length. Patients were studied for two years following surgery. Function was measured by a self-reported questionnaire, timed tests of performance and measurements of muscle strength and power. After two years, the self-reported function and ability to complete timed functional tests had returned to or improved on the pre-operative values. Muscle strength remained slightly below the pre-operative value and was more marked in the quadriceps than the hamstrings. This study suggests that small decreases in muscle strength and power following closed femoral shortening do not adversely affect the patients’ ability to perform everyday activities

We describe the clinical and radiological results of 38 total hip replacements (THR) using the JRI Furlong hydroxyapatite-ceramic (HAC)-coated femoral component in patients younger than 50 years. The mean age at the time of operation was 42 years (22 to 49) and the mean length of follow-up was ten years (63 to 170 months). All patients receiving a Furlong HAC THR were entered into the study regardless of the primary pathology including patients who had undergone previous hip surgery. The mean Harris hip score improved from 44 before operation to 92 at the last postoperative review. After 12 years the cumulative surivival for the stem was 100% (95% confidence interval 89 to 100). No femoral component was revised. Our results show that the Furlong HAC implant gives excellent long-term results in young patients with high demands

Vascular injuries after total hip arthroplasty are occasionally reported, but we have found only two cases of major arterial occlusion, and none at all involving the common femoral artery. We report two cases of occlusion of the common femoral artery after Charnley arthroplasties, one of which resulted in a below-knee amputation

In order to evaluate the relationship between acetabular and proximal femoral alignment in the initiation and evolution of osteoarthritis of the dysplastic hip, the acetabular and femoral angles were calculated geometrically from radiographs of 62 patients with pre-arthrosis and early osteoarthritis. The sum of the lateral opening angle of the acetabulum and the neck-shaft angle was defined as the lateral instability index (LII), and the sum of the anterior opening angle of the acetabulum and the anteversion angle of the femoral neck as the anterior instability index (AII). These two indices were compared in dysplastic and unaffected hips. A total of 22 unilateral hips with pre-arthrosis were followed for at least 15 years to determine whether the two indices were associated with the progression of osteoarthritis. The LII of the affected hips (197.4 (. sd. 6.0)) was significantly greater than that of the unaffected hips (1830 (. sd. 6.9)). A follow-up study of 22 hips with pre-arthrosis showed that only the LII was associated with progression of the disease, and an LII of 196 was the threshold value for this progression

We reviewed a consecutive series of 527 uninfected hip replacements in patients resident in the UK which had been implanted from 1981 to 1993. All had the same basic design of femoral prosthesis, but four fixation techniques had been used: two press-fit, one HA-coated and one cemented. Review and radiography were planned prospectively. For assessment the components were retrospectively placed into two groups: those which had failed from two years onwards by aseptic femoral loosening and those in which the femoral component had survived without revision or recommendation for revision. All available radiographs in both groups were measured to determine vertical migration and examined by two observers to agree the presence of radiolucent lines (RLLs), lytic lesions, resorption of the neck, proximal osteopenia and distal intramedullary and distal subperiosteal formation of new bone. We then related the presence or absence of these features and the rate of migration at two years to the outcome with regard to aseptic loosening and determined the predictive value of each of these variables. Migration of ≥2 mm at two years, the presence of an RLL of 2 mm occupying one-third of any one zone, and subperiosteal formation of new bone at the tip of the stem were predictors of aseptic loosening after two years. There were too few lytic lesions to assess at two years, but at five years a lytic lesion ≥2 mm also predicted failure. We discuss the use of these variables as predictors of femoral aseptic loosening for groups of hips and for individual hips. We conclude that if a group of about 50 total hip replacements, perhaps with a new design of femoral stem, were studied in this way at two years, a mean migration of < 0.4 mm and an incidence of < 10% of RLLs of 2 mm in any one zone would predict 95% survival at ten years. For an individual prosthesis, migration of < 2 mm and the absence of an RLL of ≤2 mm at two years predict a 6% chance of revision over approximately ten years. If either 2 mm of migration or an RLL of 2 mm is present, the chances of revision rise to 27%, and if both radiological signs are present they are 50%. If at five years a lytic lesion has developed, whatever the situation at two years, there is approximately a 50% chance of failure in the following five years. Our findings suggest that replacements using a limited number of any new design of femoral prosthesis should be screened radiologically at two years before they are generally introduced. We also suggest that radiographs of individual patients at two years and perhaps at five years should be studied to help to decide whether or not the patient should remain under close review or be discharged from specialist follow-up

The excellent long-term results for the first-generation Charnley stem may not apply to later versions with flanges. It seems possible that the early design functioned as a taper-slip system, as accepted in the Exeter prosthesis. Comparison with the requirements for the alternative composite-beam system for the femoral component shows considerable differences that have important implications. These include design, surface finish, cementing technique and the interpretation of radiological signs of loosening. A distinction should be made between the requirements for the successful use of the two different engineering systems.s

It is accepted that resurfacing hip replacement preserves the bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur better than total hip replacement (THR). However, no studies have investigated any possible difference on the acetabular side. Between April 2007 and March 2009, 39 patients were randomised into two groups to receive either a resurfacing or a THR and were followed for two years. One patient’s resurfacing subsequently failed, leaving 19 patients in each group. Resurfaced replacements maintained proximal femoral BMD and, compared with THR, had an increased bone mineral density in Gruen zones 2, 3, 6, and particularly zone 7, with a gain of 7.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.6 to 12.5) compared with a loss of 14.6% (95% CI 7.6 to 21.6). Resurfacing replacements maintained the BMD of the medial femoral neck and increased that in the lateral zones between 12.8% (95% CI 4.3 to 21.4) and 25.9% (95% CI 7.1 to 44.6). On the acetabular side, BMD was similar in every zone at each point in time. The mean BMD of all acetabular regions in the resurfaced group was reduced to 96.2% (95% CI 93.7 to 98.6) and for the total hip replacement group to 97.6% (95% CI 93.7 to 101.5) (p = 0.4863). A mean total loss of 3.7% (95% CI 1.0 to 6.5) and 4.9% (95% CI 0.8 to 9.0) of BMD was found above the acetabular component in W1 and 10.2% (95% CI 0.9 to 19.4) and 9.1% (95% CI 3.8 to 14.4) medial to the implant in W2 for resurfaced replacements and THRs respectively. Resurfacing resulted in a mean loss of BMD of 6.7% (95% CI 0.7 to 12.7) in W3 but the BMD inferior to the acetabular component was maintained in both groups. These results suggest that the ability of a resurfacing hip replacement to preserve BMD only applies to the femoral side

We describe a new method of reconstruction after resection of tumours of the proximal tibia by grafting and arthrodesis of the knee. Two separate vascularised bone grafts from the ipsilateral limb were used, one a gastrocnemius-pedicled femoral graft and the other a pedicled fibular graft. An anatomical study of the gastrocnemius-pedicled femoral graft was made. The method was shown to be practical and reproducible. One patient with osteosarcoma has a successful result with no recurrence at two-and-a-half years

1. The combination of femoral shaft fracture with dislocation of the hip in the same limb has been recorded in eighty-one patients since 1823. 2. A further fourteen cases are reported. 3. In over half the cases the hip dislocation was diagnosed late or not at all, and this error has occurred more often in modern times. The reasons for this are outlined. 4. The diagnostic physical signs of hip dislocation in the presence of a femoral shaft fracture are described. 5. The mechanism, sequels and treatment of this combined injury are discussed

We assessed the outcome of patients with Vancouver type B2 and B3 periprosthetic fractures treated with femoral revision using an uncemented extensively porous-coated implant. A retrospective clinical and radiographic assessment of 22 patients with a mean follow-up of 33.7 months was performed. The mean time from the index procedure to fracture was 10.8 years. There were 17 patients with a satisfactory result. Complications in four patients included subsidence in two, deep sepsis in one, and delayed union in one. Concomitant acetabular revision was required in 19 patients. Uncemented extensively porous-coated femoral stems incorporate distally allowing stable fixation. We found good early survival rates and a low incidence of nonunion using this implant

We undertook a review of the literature relating to the two basic stem designs in use in cemented hip replacement, namely loaded tapers or force-closed femoral stems, and the composite beam or shape-closed designs. The associated stem fixation theory as understood from in vitro studies and finite element modelling were examined with reference to the survivorship results for each of the concepts of fixation. It is clear that both design principles are capable of producing successful long-term results, providing that their specific requirements of stem metallurgy, shape and surface finish, preparation of the bone and handling of the cement are observed

We have studied aseptic loosening of the femoral component in 76 patients with primary total hip replacement using the Capital prosthesis. The mean follow-up was 26 months (10 to 37). Twelve femoral components (16%) were definitely and eight (10%) were possibly loose. They were characterised by a thin cement mantle (p < 0.001) and excessive residual cancellous bone in the proximomedial region (p < 0.01). We recommend that the cement mantle around the prosthesis should be 2 to 3 mm and that further long-term studies are needed to evaluate the wear properties of titanium-nitride-coated titanium femoral heads

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to define and quantify three new measurements to indicate the position of the greater trochanter. Secondary aims were to define ‘functional antetorsion’ as it relates to abductor function in populations both with and without torsional abnormality.

Fractures of the femoral shaft are generally considered to affect young patients, but we have reviewed 24 cases in patients over 60 years who have been treated by locked nailing, usually by closed methods. Most were women with low-velocity injuries, but despite this, 14 fractures were significantly comminuted. The complication rate was 54% with a peri-operative mortality of 17%. Most complications were the general ones of operating on elderly patients. Specific complications included: fractures below an abnormal hip, proximal fracture related to the nail and poor purchase in the distal femur. In all survivors, the femoral shaft fractures united satisfactorily, and the fixation allowed early mobilisation. The locking nail appears to be an effective method of managing femoral shaft fractures in the elderly patient

We implanted 57 uncemented cobalt-chrome porous-coated collarless femoral components into 51 patients (mean age 49 years). At review, five to eight years postoperatively, good or excellent results were recorded in 70% by the Mayo Clinic hip evaluation and in 84% by the Harris hip score. Revision for aseptic loosening of the femoral stem was necessary in only one hip. Thigh pain diminished with time and was present in only two hips at the time of review. Endosteal bone formation was seen at the junction of the smooth and the porous segments of the stem in 94% of hips and in 60% it continued after three years. In 90% of hips, proximal femoral atrophy did not progress after three years. Discontinuous radiolucent lines were seen around 30% of stems, most commonly in zones I, IV and VII. They were not progressive in 94% and their presence did not correlate with the clinical outcome