Aims. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal lip position for total hip arthroplasties (THAs) using a lipped liner. There is a lack of consensus on the optimal position, with substantial variability in surgeon practice. Methods. A model of a THA was developed using a 20° lipped liner. Kinematic analyses included a physiological range of motion (ROM) analysis and a provocative dislocation manoeuvre analysis. ROM prior to impingement was calculated and, in impingement scenarios, the travel distance prior to dislocation was assessed. The combinations analyzed included nine cup positions (inclination 30-40-50°, anteversion 5-15-25°), three stem positions (anteversion 0-15-30°), and five lip orientations (right hip 7 to 11 o’clock). Results. The position of the lip changes the ROM prior to impingement, with certain combinations leading to impingement within the physiological ROM. Inferior lip positions (7 to 8 o’clock) performed best with cup inclinations of 30° and 40°. Superior lip positions performed best with cup inclination of 50°. When impingement occurs in the plane of the lip, the lip increases the travel distance prior to dislocation. Inferior lip positions led to the largest increase in jump distance in a posterior dislocation provocation manoeuvre. Conclusion. The lip orientation that provides optimal physiological ROM depends on the orientation of the cup and stem. For a THA with stem anteversion 15°, cup inclination 40°, and cup anteversion 15°, the optimal lip position was posterior-inferior (8 o’clock). Maximizing jump distance prior to dislocation while preventing impingement in the opposite direction is possible with appropriate lip positioning. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(9):571–579

Aims. Limited implant survival due to aseptic cup loosening is most commonly responsible for revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Advances in implant designs and materials have been crucial in addressing those challenges. Vitamin E-infused highly cross-linked polyethylene (VEPE) promises strong wear resistance, high oxidative stability, and superior mechanical strength. Although VEPE monoblock cups have shown good mid-term performance and excellent wear patterns, long-term results remain unclear. This study evaluated migration and wear patterns and clinical and radiological outcomes at a minimum of ten years’ follow-up. Methods. This prospective observational study investigated 101 cases of primary THA over a mean duration of 129 months (120 to 149). At last follow-up, 57 cases with complete clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated. In all cases, the acetabular component comprised an uncemented titanium particle-coated VEPE monoblock cup. Patients were assessed clinically and radiologically using the Harris Hip Score, visual analogue scale (pain and satisfaction), and an anteroposterior radiograph. Cup migration and polyethylene wear were measured using Einzel-Bild-Röntgen-Analyze software. All complications and associated treatments were documented until final follow-up. Results. Clinical assessment showed persistent major improvement in all scores. On radiological assessment, only one case showed a lucent line (without symptoms). At last follow-up, wear and migration were below the critical thresholds. No cup-related revisions were needed, indicating an outstanding survival rate of 100%. Conclusion. Isoelastic VEPE cups offer high success rates and may prevent osteolysis, aseptic loosening, and the need for revision surgeries in the long term. However, longer follow-up is needed to validate our findings and confirm the advantages offered by this cup. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(10):825–831

Aims. It is important to analyze objectively the hammering sound in cup press-fit technique in total hip arthroplasty (THA) in order to better understand the change of the sound during impaction. We hypothesized that a specific characteristic would present in a hammering sound with successful fixation. We designed the study to quantitatively investigate the acoustic characteristics during cementless cup impaction in THA. Methods. In 52 THAs performed between November 2018 and April 2022, the acoustic parameters of the hammering sound of 224 impacts of successful press-fit fixation, and 55 impacts of unsuccessful press-fit fixation, were analyzed. The successful fixation was defined if the following two criteria were met: 1) intraoperatively, the stability of the cup was retained after manual application of the torque test; and 2) at one month postoperatively, the cup showed no translation on radiograph. Each hammering sound was converted to sound pressures in 24 frequency bands by fast Fourier transform analysis. Basic patient characteristics were assessed as potential contributors to the hammering sound. Results. The median sound pressure (SP) of successful fixation at 0.5 to 1.0 kHz was higher than that of unsuccessful fixation (0.0694 (interquartile range (IQR) 0.04721 to 0.09576) vs 0.05425 (IQR 0.03047 to 0.06803), p < 0.001). The median SP of successful fixation at 3.5 to 4.0 kHz and 4.0 to 4.5 kHz was lower than that of unsuccessful fixation (0.0812 (IQR 0.05631 to 0.01161) vs 0.1233 (IQR 0.0730 to 0.1449), p < 0.001; and 0.0891 (IQR 0.0526 to 0.0891) vs 0.0885 (IQR 0.0716 to 0.1048); p < 0.001, respectively). There was a statistically significant positive relationship between body weight and SP at 0.5 to 1.0 kHz (p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses indicated that the SP at 0.5 to 1.0 kHz and 3.5 to 4.0 kHz was independently associated with the successful fixation. Conclusion. The frequency bands of 0.5 to 1.0 and 3.5 to 4.0 kHz were the key to distinguish the sound characteristics between successful and unsuccessful press-fit cup fixation. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(3):154–161

Aims. It is important to analyze objectively the hammering sound in cup press-fit technique in total hip arthroplasty (THA) in order to better understand the change of the sound during impaction. We hypothesized that a specific characteristic would present in a hammering sound with successful fixation. We designed the study to quantitatively investigate the acoustic characteristics during cementless cup impaction in THA. Methods. In 52 THAs performed between November 2018 and April 2022, the acoustic parameters of the hammering sound of 224 impacts of successful press-fit fixation, and 55 impacts of unsuccessful press-fit fixation, were analyzed. The successful fixation was defined if the following two criteria were met: 1) intraoperatively, the stability of the cup was retained after manual application of the torque test; and 2) at one month postoperatively, the cup showed no translation on radiograph. Each hammering sound was converted to sound pressures in 24 frequency bands by fast Fourier transform analysis. Basic patient characteristics were assessed as potential contributors to the hammering sound. Results. The median sound pressure (SP) of successful fixation at 0.5 to 1.0 kHz was higher than that of unsuccessful fixation (0.0694 (interquartile range (IQR) 0.04721 to 0.09576) vs 0.05425 (IQR 0.03047 to 0.06803), p < 0.001). The median SP of successful fixation at 3.5 to 4.0 kHz and 4.0 to 4.5 kHz was lower than that of unsuccessful fixation (0.0812 (IQR 0.05631 to 0.01161) vs 0.1233 (IQR 0.0730 to 0.1449), p < 0.001; and 0.0891 (IQR 0.0526 to 0.0891) vs 0.0885 (IQR 0.0716 to 0.1048); p < 0.001, respectively). There was a statistically significant positive relationship between body weight and SP at 0.5 to 1.0 kHz (p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses indicated that the SP at 0.5 to 1.0 kHz and 3.5 to 4.0 kHz was independently associated with the successful fixation. Conclusion. The frequency bands of 0.5 to 1.0 and 3.5 to 4.0 kHz were the key to distinguish the sound characteristics between successful and unsuccessful press-fit cup fixation. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;4(3):154–161

Aims. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of implant placement with robotic-arm assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods. The study analyzed a consecutive series of 69 patients who underwent robotic-arm assisted THA between September 2018 and December 2019. Of these, 30 patients had DDH and were classified according to the Crowe type. Acetabular component alignment and 3D positions were measured using pre- and postoperative CT data. The absolute differences of cup alignment and 3D position were compared between DDH and non-DDH patients. Moreover, these differences were analyzed in relation to the severity of DDH. The discrepancy of leg length and combined offset compared with contralateral hip were measured. Results. The mean values of absolute differences (postoperative CT-preoperative plan) were 1.7° (standard deviation (SD) 2.0) (inclination) and 2.5° (SD 2.1°) (anteversion) in DDH patients, and no significant differences were found between non-DDH and DDH patients. The mean absolute differences for 3D cup position were 1.1 mm (SD 1.0) (coronal plane) and 1.2 mm (SD 2.1) (axial plane) in DDH patients, and no significant differences were found between two groups. No significant difference was found either in cup alignment between postoperative CT and navigation record after cup screws or in the severity of DDH. Excellent restoration of leg length and combined offset were achieved in both groups. Conclusion. We demonstrated that robotic-assisted THA may achieve precise cup positioning in DDH patients, and may be useful in those with severe DDH. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(10):629–638

We have compared the survival of two hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated cups, 1208 Atoll hemispheric and 2641 Tropic threaded, with cemented Charnley all-polyethylene cups (16 021) using the Cox regression model. The Tropic cup used in combination with an alumina ceramic femoral head, had good results, similar to those of the Charnley cup. When used in combination with a stainless-steel head, however, the risk of revision beyond four years was increased 3.4 times for the Tropic cup compared with the Charnley cup (p < 0.001). Over the same period, the Atoll cup had an increased risk of revision of 3.8 times when used with the alumina heads (p < 0.001) and an increased risk of 6.1 times when used with stainless-steel heads (p < 0.001). Revision because of wear and osteolysis was more common with both types of HA-coated cup than with the Charnley cup. The rate of revision of the Atoll cup because of aseptic loosening was also increased. We found that HA-coated cups did not perform better than the Charnley cup

Orientation of the acetabular component influences wear, range of movement and the incidence of dislocation after total hip replacement (THR). During surgery, such orientation is often referenced to the anterior pelvic plane (APP), but APP inclination relative to the coronal plane (pelvic tilt) varies substantially between individuals. In contrast, the change in pelvic tilt from supine to standing (dPT) is small for nearly all individuals. Therefore, in THR performed with the patient supine and the patient’s coronal plane parallel to the operating table, we propose that freehand placement of the acetabular component placement is reliable and reflects standing (functional) cup position. We examined this hypothesis in 56 hips in 56 patients (19 men) with a mean age of 61 years (29 to 80) using three-dimensional CT pelvic reconstructions and standing lateral pelvic radiographs. We found a low variability of acetabular component placement, with 46 implants (82%) placed within a combined range of 30° to 50° inclination and 5° to 25° anteversion. Changing from the supine to the standing position (analysed in 47 patients) was associated with an anteversion change < 10° in 45 patients (96%). dPT was < 10° in 41 patients (87%). In conclusion, supine THR appears to provide reliable freehand acetabular component placement. In most patients a small reclination of the pelvis going from supine to standing causes a small increase in anteversion of the acetabular component. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1326–31

Dual mobility cups have two points of articulation, one between the shell and the polyethylene (external bearing) and one between the polyethylene and the femoral head (internal bearing). Movement occurs at the inner bearing; the outer bearing only moves at extremes of movement. Dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a cause of much morbidity and its treatment has significant cost implications. Dual mobility cups provide an increased range of movement and a may reduce the risk of dislocation. . This paper reviews the use of these cups in THA, particularly where stability is an issue. Dual mobility cups may be of benefit in primary THA in patients at a high risk of dislocation, such as those who are older with increased comorbidities and a higher American Association of Anesthesiology grade and those with a neuromuscular disease. They may be used at revision surgery where the risk of dislocation is high, such as in patients with many prior dislocations, or those with abductor deficiency. They may also be used in THA for displaced fractures of the femoral neck, which has a notoriously high rate of dislocation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B(1 Suppl A):60–3

Aims. Dislocation remains a significant complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA), being the third leading indication for revision. We present a series of acetabular revision using a dual mobility cup (DMC) and compare this with our previous series using the posterior lip augmentation device (PLAD). Methods. A retrospective review of patients treated with either a DMC or PLAD for dislocation in patients with a Charnley THA was performed. They were identified using electronic patient records (EPR). EPR data and radiographs were evaluated to determine operating time, length of stay, and the incidence of complications and recurrent dislocation postoperatively. Results. A total of 28 patients underwent revision using a DMC for dislocation following Charnley THA between 2013 and 2017. The rate of recurrent dislocation and overall complications were compared with those of a previous series of 54 patients who underwent revision for dislocation using a PLAD, between 2007 and 2013. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean distribution of sex or age between the groups. The mean operating time was 71 mins (45 to 113) for DMCs and 43 mins (21 to 84) for PLADs (p = 0.001). There were no redislocations or revisions in the DMC group at a mean follow-up of 55 months (21 to 76), compared with our previous series of PLAD which had a redislocation rate of 16% (n = 9) and an overall revision rate of 25% (n = 14, p = 0.001) at a mean follow-up of 86 months (45 to 128). Conclusion. These results indicate that DMC outperforms PLAD as a treatment for dislocation in patients with a Charnley THA. This should therefore be the preferred form of treatment for these patients despite a slightly longer operating time. Work is currently ongoing to review outcomes of DMC over a longer follow-up period. PLAD should be used with caution in this patient group with preference given to acetabular revision to DMC. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):423–425

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.

Between March 1990 and May 1991 we performed 85 primary total hip replacements in 74 patients using the Landos Atoll hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated cup and the Corail HA-coated stem. The patients were followed up for a mean of ten years. Of the 85 cups, 26 (31%) have already been revised and a further six are radiologically unstable and awaiting revision. Two femoral stems have been revised for infection without loosening. The retrieved acetabular cups were studied by SEM and image-processing techniques to quantify the amount of residual HA on the cup. This was correlated with the clinical variables and modes of failure. The residual HA (as a percentage of the surface) on the loose cups correlated negatively with the duration of implantation (r = −0.732, p < 0.001). Six cups were stable at revision and had more residual HA coating than those which were loose (p < 0.01). The rate of failure of the Landos Atoll HA-coated, smooth hemispherical cup with screw fixation is unacceptably high. Resorption of the HA coating is markedly increased in loose cups compared with stable cups. HA coating cannot substitute for stable mechanical fixation

The Cambridge Cup has been designed to replace the horseshoe-shaped articular cartilage of the acetabulum and the underlying subchondral bone. It is intended to provide physiological loading with minimal resection of healthy bone. The cup has been used in 50 women with displaced, subcapital fractures of the neck of the femur. In 24 cases, the cup was coated with hydroxyapatite. In 26, the coating was removed before implantation in order to simulate the effect of long-term resorption. The mean Barthel index and the Charnley-modified Merle d’Aubigné scores recovered to their levels before fracture. We reviewed 30 women at two years, 21 were asymptomatic and nine reported minimal pain. The mean scores deteriorated slightly after five years reflecting the comorbidity of advancing age. Patients with the hydroxyapatite-coated components remained asymptomatic, with no wear or loosening. The uncoated components migrated after four years and three required revision. This trial shows good early results using a novel, hydroxyapatite-coated, physiological acetabular component

Since wear and loosening of the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene cup are factors which limit the life of an arthroplasty we have attempted to identify factors associated with either low wear (0.02 mm/year or less) or high wear (0.2 mm/year or more). In a series of 1434 Charnley low-friction arthroplasties (1092 patients) 190 (13.2%) showed low wear while 149 (10.4%) showed high wear. We used chi-squared test to assess the significance of various factors. The significant factors of the low-wear group were female gender (p = 0.042), rheumatoid arthritis (p = 0.014), Charnley grade C (p = 0.03) and varus position of the stem (p = 0.003). The use of acetabular cement pressurisation (p = 0.07) and medialisation of the cup (p = 0.07) approached significance. In the high-wear group there was a predominance of men (p = 0.042) with osteoarthritis (p = 0.006) as the underlying hip pathology, and the stem in a valgus position (p = 0.023). Support of the cup by the rim of the acetabulum approached significance (p = 0.07). There was no statistical significance between the two groups for revision for aseptic loosening of the stem or fracture of the stem (p = 0.49). There was a highly significant difference (p < 0.0001) between the two groups for revision for wear and aseptic loosening of the cup, 5.3% compared with 39%. Changes in the cup geometry are probably sufficient to explain the increasing incidence of loosening and revisions with the increasing depth of penetration of the cup. There is much to be gained from the use of a low-wearing ceramic-ultra-high-molecular-weight combination. Tissue reaction to the polyethylene particles cannot be the cause of aseptic loosening of the stem

We selected randomly a consecutive series of 162 patients requiring hip replacement to receive either a cementless, hemispherical, modular, titanium acetabular cup or a cemented, all-polyethylene cup. These replacements were performed by two surgeons in four general hospitals. The same surgical technique was used and a 26 mm metal-head femoral component was used in every case. After exclusions, 115 hips were studied for differences in rates of wear and osteolysis. The mean clinical follow-up was eight years and the mean radiological follow-up, 6.5 years. The cementless cups wore at a mean rate of 0.15 mm per year and the cemented cups at 0.07 mm per year. This difference was significant (p < 0.0001). Our findings in this mid-term study suggest that cementless cups wear more than cemented cups

The technique of femoral cement-in-cement revision is well established, but there are no previous series reporting its use on the acetabular side at the time of revision total hip replacement. We describe the technique and report the outcome of 60 consecutive acetabular cement-in-cement revisions in 59 patients at a mean follow-up of 8.5 years (5 to 12). All had a radiologically and clinically well-fixed acetabular cement mantle at the time of revision. During the follow-up 29 patients died, but no hips were lost to follow-up. The two most common indications for acetabular revision were recurrent dislocation (46, 77%) and to complement femoral revision (12, 20%).

Of the 60 hips, there were two cases of aseptic loosening of the acetabular component (3.3%) requiring re-revision. No other hip was clinically or radiologically loose (96.7%) at the latest follow-up. One hip was re-revised for infection, four for recurrent dislocation and one for disarticulation of a constrained component. At five years the Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 100% for aseptic loosening and 92.2% (95% CI 84.8 to 99.6), with revision for any cause as the endpoint.

These results support the use of cement-in-cement revision on the acetabular side in appropriate cases. Theoretical advantages include preservation of bone stock, reduced operating time, reduced risk of complications and durable fixation.

We assessed differences in the incidence and appearance of the radiological signs of loosening of the cup for various types of design. This was an observational study based on hip registry data of 15 340 patients with 17 951 total hip arthroplasties collected over a period of 33 years in 49 hospitals in Central Europe. The threaded and the press-fit titanium cups showed significantly less aseptic loosening than the other systems. The direction of migration and the frequency of the radiological signs of loosening differed between the cup systems and were time-dependent. Our findings indicate the superiority of uncemented threaded cups and press-fit titanium cups over other designs of cup

We report the long-term radiological results of 58 total hip arthroplasties (THA) using the Charnley offset-bore acetabular socket. Wear was measured at four sites and radiolucent lines and possible migration were recorded. Four cups were retrieved at revision and were examined using light microscopy, SEM and X-ray microanalysis. At a mean follow-up of seven years the mean wear in the DeLee and Charnley zone I was 0.4 mm and in zone II 0.26 mm. The wear rate was 0.06 and 0.04 mm/year, respectively. Progression of radiolucent lines was seen in five cases (8.6%). Three sockets (5.2%) were revised because of aseptic migration at a mean follow-up of 9.8 years and one socket for infection at two years. The offset-bore acetabular cup had excellent wear behaviour and a low migration and revision rate. We recommend that it should be considered in THA since the use of small cups is increasing, particularly in revision cases

We reviewed 264 consecutive primary total hip replacements in 244 patients in which the Harris-Galante I porous-coated acetabular component had been used. The mean follow-up was 95 months (69 to 132). In 221 arthroplasties a 32 mm ceramic head had been used, and in the other 43 one of cobalt-chrome alloy. There were 124 women and 120 men with a mean age at operation of 56.8 years (21 to 83). Survival analysis of the acetabular components was performed using the following definitions of failure: 1) infection; 2) removal because of aseptic loosening; 3) removal for any cause; and 4) a worst-case analysis including removal of the cup or infection or loss to follow-up. Two well-fixed cups had been removed because of deep infection and three, similarly sound cups had been exchanged at the time of femoral revision. None of the acetabular components had required revision for aseptic loosening. After 11 years survival was 97.7% using the worst-case criterion. Radiological analysis of 187 acetabular components at a mean of 82 months (41 to 132) revealed no case of aseptic loosening. Pelvic osteolysis was seen in only one patient, but was not progressive and showed signs of regression. The results using these acetabular components are encouraging but the need for regular follow-up remains since complications such as significant wear of the liner, massive osteolysis of the pelvis, aseptic loosening and late infection may increase in the second decade

The Wroblewski golf ball acetabular cup was introduced by surgeons using the trochanteric osteotomy approach for revision total hip replacement (THR) in order to reduce the rate of dislocation. We have routinely used the Ogee long posterior wall (Ogee LPW) and the Wroblewski angle bore cups in THR. Although the new Wroblewski golf ball cup performed well there was a significant early rate of dislocation of 20%. Our rate of dislocation over a period of ten years using the Ogee LPW and Wroblewski angle bore cups had been 0.52%. We present our findings and an investigation as to why the new cup has such a high rate of dislocation when used with the posterior approach. We show that a relatively small change in the design of the acetabular component resulted in significant adverse clinical results

The need for supplementary screw fixation in acetabular revisions is still widely debated. We carried out 439 acetabular revisions over an eight-year period. In 171 hips with contained or small segmental defects, the Morscher press-fit cup was used. These revisions were followed prospectively. No screws were used for additional fixation. A total of 123 hips with a mean follow-up of 7.4 years (5 to 10.5) were available for clinical and radiological review. There was no further revision of a press-fit cup for aseptic loosening. Radiological assessment revealed osteolysis in three hips. Of the original 171 hips there was cranial and medial migration of up to 6 mm at two years in 44 (26%). No further migration was seen after the second post-operative year. Acetabular revision without screws is possible with excellent medium-term results in well selected patients