Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of a machine-learning algorithm to diagnose prosthetic loosening from preoperative radiographs and to investigate the inputs that might improve its performance. Methods. A group of 697 patients underwent a first-time revision of a total hip (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at our institution between 2012 and 2018. Preoperative anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs, and historical and comorbidity information were collected from their electronic records. Each patient was defined as having loose or fixed components based on the operation notes. We trained a series of convolutional neural network (CNN) models to predict a diagnosis of loosening at the time of surgery from the preoperative radiographs. We then added historical data about the patients to the best performing model to create a final model and tested it on an independent dataset. Results. The convolutional neural network we built performed well when detecting loosening from radiographs alone. The first model built de novo with only the radiological image as input had an accuracy of 70%. The final model, which was built by fine-tuning a publicly available model named DenseNet, combining the AP and lateral radiographs, and incorporating information from the patient’s history, had an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 88.3%, 70.2%, and 95.6% on the independent test dataset. It performed better for cases of revision THA with an accuracy of 90.1%, than for cases of revision TKA with an accuracy of 85.8%. Conclusion. This study showed that machine learning can detect prosthetic loosening from radiographs. Its accuracy is enhanced when using highly trained public algorithms, and when adding clinical data to the algorithm. While this algorithm may not be sufficient in its present state of development as a standalone metric of loosening, it is currently a useful augment for clinical decision making. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):101–106

Aims. Modular dual-mobility constructs reduce the risk of dislocation after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, questions about metal ions from the cobalt-chromium (CoCr) liner persist, and are particularly germane to patients being revised for adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR) to metal. We determined the early- to mid-term serum Co and Cr levels after modular dual-mobility components were used in revision and complex primary THAs, and specifically included patients revised for ALTR. Patients and Methods. Serum Co and Cr levels were measured prospectively in 24 patients with a modular dual-mobility construct and a ceramic femoral head. Patients with CoCr heads or contralateral THAs with CoCr heads were excluded. The mean age was 63 years (35 to 83), with 13 patients (54%) being female. The mean follow-up was four years (2 to 7). Indications for modular dual-mobility were prosthetic joint infection treated with two-stage exchange and subsequent reimplantation (n = 8), ALTR revision (n = 7), complex primary THA (n = 7), recurrent instability (n = 1), and periprosthetic femoral fracture (n = 1). The mean preoperative Co and Cr in patients revised for an ALTR were 29.7 μg/l (2 to 146) and 21.5 μg/l (1 to 113), respectively. Results. Mean Co and Cr levels were 0.30 μg/l and 0.76 μg/l, respectively, at the most recent follow-up. No patient had a Co level ≥ 1 μg/l. Only one patient had a Cr level ≥ 1 μg/l. That patient’s Cr level was 12 μg/l at 57 months after revision THA for ALTR (and decreased ten-fold from a preoperative Cr of 113 μg/l). Conclusion. At a mean of four years, no patient with a modular dual-mobility construct and ceramic femoral head had elevated Co levels, including seven patients revised specifically for ALTR. While further studies are required, we support the selective use of a modular dual-mobility construct in revision and complex primary THAs for patients at high risk for instability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(6 Supple B):57–61

Aims. Custom flange acetabular components (CFACs) are a patient-specific option for addressing large acetabular defects at revision total hip arthroplasty (THA), but patient and implant characteristics that affect survivorship remain unknown. This study aimed to identify patient and design factors related to survivorship. Patients and Methods. A retrospective review of 91 patients who underwent revision THA using 96 CFACs was undertaken, comparing features between radiologically failed and successful cases. Patient characteristics (demographic, clinical, and radiological) and implant features (design characteristics and intraoperative features) were collected. There were 74 women and 22 men; their mean age was 62 years (31 to 85). The mean follow-up was 24.9 months (. sd. 27.6; 0 to 116). Two sets of statistical analyses were performed: 1) univariate analyses (Pearson’s chi-squared and independent-samples Student’s t-tests) for each feature; and 2) bivariable logistic regressions using features identified from a random forest analysis. Results. Radiological failure and revision rates were 23% and 12.5%, respectively. Revisions were undertaken at a mean of 25.1 months (. sd. 26.4) postoperatively. Patients with radiological failure were younger at the time of the initial procedure, were less likely to have a diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis (OA), were more likely to have had ischial screws in previous surgery, had fewer ischial screw holes in their CFAC design, and had more proximal ischial fixation. Random forest analysis identified the age of the patient and the number of locking and non-locking screws used for inclusion in subsequent bivariable logistic regression, but only age (odds ratio 0.93 per year) was found to be significant. Conclusion. We identified both patient and design features predictive of CFAC survivorship. We found a higher rate of failure in younger patients, those whose primary diagnosis was not OA, and those with more proximal ischial fixation or fewer ischial fixation options. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(6 Supple B):68–76

Aims. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the minimum five-year outcome of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the Kerboull acetabular reinforcement device (KARD) in patients with Paprosky type III acetabular defects and destruction of the inferior margin of the acetabulum. Patients and Methods. We identified 36 patients (37 hips) who underwent revision THA under these circumstances using the KARD, fresh frozen allograft femoral heads, and reconstruction of the inferior margin of the acetabulum. The Merle d’Aubigné system was used for clinical assessment. Serial anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were used to assess migration of the acetabular component. Results. At a mean follow-up of 8.2 years (5 to 19.3), the mean Merle d’Aubigné score increased from 12.5 (5 to 18) preoperatively to 16.5 (10 to 18) (p < 0.0001). The survival rate at ten years was 95.3% (. sd. 4.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 86.4 to 100) and 76.5% (. sd. 9.9, 95% CI 57.0 to 95.9) using aseptic loosening and radiological loosening as the endpoints, respectively. Conclusion. These results show that the use of the KARD with reconstruction of the inferior margin of the acetabulum in revision THA is associated with acceptable clinical results and survival at mid-term follow-up with, however, a high rate of migration of the acetabular component of 21.6%. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:725–32

Aims. The use of trabecular metal (TM) shells supported by augments has provided good mid-term results after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with a bony defect of the acetabulum. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term implant survivorship and radiological and clinical outcomes after acetabular revision using this technique. Patients and Methods. Between 2006 and 2010, 60 patients (62 hips) underwent acetabular revision using a combination of a TM shell and augment. A total of 51 patients (53 hips) had complete follow-up at a minimum of seven years and were included in the study. Of these patients, 15 were men (29.4%) and 36 were women (70.6%). Their mean age at the time of revision THA was 64.6 years (28 to 85). Three patients (5.2%) had a Paprosky IIA defect, 13 (24.5%) had a type IIB defect, six (11.3%) had a type IIC defect, 22 (41.5%) had a type IIIA defect, and nine (17%) had a type IIIB defect. Five patients (9.4%) also had pelvic discontinuity. Results. The overall survival of the acetabular component at a mean of ten years postoperatively was 92.5%. Three hips (5.6%) required further revision due to aseptic loosening, and one (1.9%) required revision for infection. Three hips with aseptic loosening failed, due to insufficient screw fixation of the shell in two and pelvic discontinuity in one. The mean Harris Hip Score improved significantly from 55 (35 to 68) preoperatively to 81 points (68 to 99) at the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The reconstruction of acetabular defects with TM shells and augments showed excellent long-term results. Supplementary screw fixation of the shell should be performed in every patient. Alternative techniques should be considered to address pelvic disconinuity. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:311–316

Aims. Total hip arthroplasties (THAs) are performed by surgeons at various stages in training with varying levels of supervision, but we do not know if this is safe practice with comparable outcomes to consultant-performed THA. Our aim was to examine the association between surgeon grade, the senior supervision of trainees, and the risk of revision following THA. Methods. We performed an observational study using National Joint Registry (NJR) data. We included adult patients who underwent primary THA for osteoarthritis, recorded in the NJR between 2003 and 2016. Exposures were operating surgeon grade (consultant or trainee) and whether or not trainees were directly supervised by a scrubbed consultant. Outcomes were all-cause revision and the indication for revision up to ten years. We used methods of survival analysis, adjusted for patient, operation, and healthcare setting factors. Results. We included 603,474 THAs, of which 58,137 (9.6%) procedures were performed by a trainee. There was no association between surgeon grade and all-cause revision up to ten years (crude hazard ratio (HR) 1.00 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94 to 1.07); p = 0.966), a finding which persisted with adjusted analysis. Fully adjusted analysis demonstrated an association between trainees operating without scrubbed consultant supervision and an increased risk of all-cause revision (HR 1.10 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.21); p = 0.045). There was an association between trainee-performed THA and revision for instability (HR 1.14 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.30); p = 0.039). However, this was not observed in adjusted models, or when trainees were supervised by a scrubbed consultant. Conclusion. Within the current training system in England and Wales, appropriately supervised trainees achieve comparable THA survival to consultants. Trainees who are supervised by a scrubbed consultant achieve superior outcomes compared to trainees who are not supervised by a scrubbed consultant, particularly in terms of revision for instability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(3):341–351

Aims. Recurrent infection following two-stage revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication. The purpose of this study was to report the survival of repeat two-stage revision hip arthroplasty, describe complications, and identify risk factors for failure. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively identified 19 hips (19 patients) that had undergone repeat two-stage revision THA for infection between 2000 to 2013. There were seven female patients (37%) and the mean age was 60 years (30 to 85). Survival free from revision was assessed via Kaplan–Meier analysis. The patients were classified according to the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) system, and risk factors for failure were identified. Mean follow-up was four years (2 to 11). Results. Gram-positive bacteria were responsible for 16/17 (94%) of the re-infections where microbes were identified. Following the repeat two-stage exchange arthroplasty, survival free from any revision was 74% (95% confidence interval (CI) 56% to 96%, 14 at risk) at two years and 45% (95% CI 25% to 75%, five at risk) at five years. Failure to control infection resulted in re-operation or revision in 42%A of patients (8/19). Survival free from revision was not dependent on host grade. Conclusion. Re-infection after two-stage exchange hip arthroplasty for PJI presents a challenging scenario. Repeat two-stage exchange arthroplasty has a low survival free from revision at five years (45%) and a high rate of re-infection (42%). Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1157–61

Aims

Our aim was to estimate the total costs of all hospitalizations for treating periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) by main management strategy within 24 months post-diagnosis using activity-based costing. Additionally, we investigated the influence of individual PJI treatment pathways on hospital costs within the first 24 months.

Aims. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a challenging complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA). It is associated with high levels of morbidity, mortality and expense. Guidelines and protocols exist for the management of culture-positive patients. Managing culture-negative patients with a PJI poses a greater challenge to surgeons and the wider multidisciplinary team as clear guidance is lacking. Patients and Methods. We aimed to compare the outcomes of treatment for 50 consecutive culture-negative and 50 consecutive culture-positive patients who underwent two-stage revision THA for chronic infection with a minimum follow-up of five years. Results. There was no significant difference in the outcomes between the two groups of patients, with a similar rate of re-infection of 6%, five years post-operatively. Culture-negative PJIs were associated with older age, smoking, referral from elsewhere and pre-operative antibiotic treatment. The samples in the culture-negative patients were negative before the first stage (aspiration), during the first-stage (implant removal) and second-stage procedures (re-implantation). Conclusion. Adherence to strict protocols for selecting and treating culture-negative patients with a PJI using the same two-stage revision approach that we employ for complex culture-positive PJIs is important in order to achieve control of the infection in this difficult group of patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;(1 Supple A)100-B:3–8

Aims

Isolated acetabular liner exchange with a highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) component is an option to address polyethylene wear and osteolysis following total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the presence of a well-fixed acetabular shell. The liner can be fixed either with the original locking mechanism or by being cemented within the acetabular component. Whether the method used for fixation of the HXLPE liner has any bearing on the long-term outcomes is still unclear.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with revision surgery for the surgical management of Unified Classification System (UCS) type B periprosthetic femoral fractures around cemented polished taper-slip femoral components following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

The advent of modular porous metal augments has ushered in a new form of treatment for acetabular bone loss. The function of an augment can be seen as reducing the size of a defect or reconstituting the anterosuperior/posteroinferior columns and/or allowing supplementary fixation. Depending on the function of the augment, the surgeon can decide on the sequence of introduction of the hemispherical shell, before or after the augment. Augments should always, however, be used with cement to form a unit with the acetabular component. Given their versatility, augments also allow the use of a hemispherical shell in a position that restores the centre of rotation and biomechanics of the hip. Progressive shedding or the appearance of metal debris is a particular finding with augments and, with other radiological signs of failure, should be recognized on serial radiographs. Mid- to long-term outcomes in studies reporting the use of augments with hemispherical shells in revision total hip arthroplasty have shown rates of survival of > 90%. However, a higher risk of failure has been reported when augments have been used for patients with chronic pelvic discontinuity.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(4):312–318.

Aims

Uncemented implants are now commonly used at reimplantation of a two-stage revision total hip arthoplasty (THA) following periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, there is a paucity of data on the performance of the most commonly used uncemented femoral implants – modular fluted tapered (MFT) femoral components – in this setting. This study evaluated implant survival, radiological results, and clinical outcomes in a large cohort of reimplantation THAs using MFT components.

Aims. There is evidence that prior lumbar fusion increases the risk of dislocation and revision after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The relationship between prior lumbar fusion and the effect of femoral head diameter on THA dislocation has not been investigated. We examined the relationship between prior lumbar fusion or discectomy and the risk of dislocation or revision after THA. We also examined the effect of femoral head component diameter on the risk of dislocation or revision. Methods. Data used in this study were compiled from several Finnish national health registers, including the Finnish Arthroplasty Register (FAR) which was the primary source for prosthesis-related data. Other registers used in this study included the Finnish Health Care Register (HILMO), the Social Insurance Institutions (SII) registers, and Statistics Finland. The study was conducted as a prospective retrospective cohort study. Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used for analysis. Results. Prior lumbar fusion surgery was associated with increased risk of prosthetic dislocation (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.393, p < 0.001) and revision (HR = 1.528, p < 0.001). Head components larger than 28 mm were associated with lower dislocation rates compared to the 28 mm head (32 mm: HR = 0.712, p < 0.001; 36 mm: HR = 0.700, p < 0.001; 38 mm: HR = 0.808, p < 0.140; and 40 mm: HR = 0.421, p < 0.001). Heads of 38 mm (HR = 1.288, p < 0.001) and 40 mm (HR = 1.367, p < 0.001) had increased risk of revision compared to the 28 mm head. Conclusion. Lumbar fusion surgery was associated with higher rate of hip prosthesis dislocation and higher risk of revision surgery. Femoral head component of 32 mm (or larger) associates with lower risk of dislocation in patients with previous lumbar fusion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(8):1003–1009

Aims

Our objective was describing an algorithm to identify and prevent vascular injury in patients with intrapelvic components.

Aims

Periprosthetic femoral fracture (PPF) is a major complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Uncemented femoral components are widely preferred in primary THA, but are associated with higher PPF risk than cemented components. Collared components have reduced PPF rates following uncemented primary THA compared to collarless components, while maintaining similar prosthetic designs. The purpose of this study was to analyze PPF rate between collarless and collared component designs in a consecutive cohort of posterior approach THAs performed by two high-volume surgeons.

Aims

Nonagenarians (aged 90 to 99 years) have experienced the fastest percent decile population growth in the USA recently, with a consequent increase in the prevalence of nonagenarians living with joint arthroplasties. As such, the number of revision total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in nonagenarians is expected to increase. We aimed to determine the mortality rate, implant survivorship, and complications of nonagenarians undergoing aseptic revision THAs and revision TKAs.

Aims

The number of revision arthroplasties being performed in the elderly is expected to rise, including revision for infection. The primary aim of this study was to measure the treatment success rate for octogenarians undergoing revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) compared to a younger cohort. Secondary outcomes were complications and mortality.

Aims

When performing revision total hip arthroplasty using diaphyseal-engaging titanium tapered stems (TTS), the recommended 3 to 4 cm of stem-cortical diaphyseal contact may not be available. In challenging cases such as these with only 2 cm of contact, can sufficient axial stability be achieved and what is the benefit of a prophylactic cable? This study sought to determine, first, whether a prophylactic cable allows for sufficient axial stability when the contact length is 2 cm, and second, if differing TTS taper angles (2° vs 3.5°) impact these results.