Total Hip Arthroplasty: Past, Present, and Future. What Has Been Achieved? / 대한고관절학회지

In the 1960s, Sir John Charnley introduced to clinical practice his concept of low-friction total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although early designs were plagued by poor performance and even failure, there have been steady advances in implant designs, biomaterials, surgical techniques and an understanding of the biomechanical restoration of the hip; these advances have contributed to improvements in implant survival and clinical outcomes of THA in the past three decades. With improved wear resistance and mechanical reliability, a potential to last for at least 25 to 30 years are now available for THA. In this review, we focus on the evolution of THA and review current controversies and future directions of this procedure based on a single surgeon's 29-year of experience at a single institution.

Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Ceramic Femoral Head on Cross-Linked Ultra-High-Molecular Weight Polyethylene Liner in Patients Older than 65 Years: Minimum Five-Year Follow-Up Results / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of ceramic-on-polyethylene articular bearing surface when cementless total hip arthroplasty is performed in patients older than 65 years through an analysis of the minimum five-year follow-up results using the ceramic femoral head and cross-linked polyethylene liner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2010 to September 2012, 51 patients (56 hips) who were older than 65 years were enrolled in this retrospective study. The mean age at surgery was 70.9±5.1 years old. A clinical assessment was analyzed using the Harris hip score. For the radiographic assessment, the cup inclination and anteversion, stem alignment, and wear amount were measured. The postoperative complications were also determined. RESULTS: The mean Harris hip score was improved from preoperative 48 points to postoperative 87 points (p < 0.05). The mean cup inclination was 40.9°±6.4° and the mean cup anteversion was 20.3°±8.1°. The mean cup anteversion of the elevated liner-used group (16 cases) was 14.3°±7.9° and the mean cup anteversion of the neutral liner used group (40 cases) was 22.4°±9.1° (p < 0.05). The mean stem alignment angle was 0° (range, varus 4°–valgus 4°). The mean linear wear amount was 0.458±0.041 mm and the average annual linear wear rate was 0.079±0.032 mm/yr. Six cases (10.7%) of intraoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures were encountered. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, the use of a ceramic-on-polyethylene articular bearing surface in elderly patients with cementless total hip arthroplasty is beneficial. On the other hand, careful effort is needed to prevent intraoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures.

Is Distal Locking Constantly Necessary When Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture Is Stably Fixed in the Distal Area with Intramedullary Hip Nail? / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the constant necessity of distal locking when intertrochanteric fracture was treated with an intramedullary hip nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2010 to June 2013, 47 stable intertrochanteric fractures (AO/OTA 31-A1) were treated with second generation intramedullary hip nailing. They were followed-up for more than 12 months. In the first group of 18 cases distal locking was used, and in the second group of 29 cases, distal locking was not used. We compared the radiologic and clinical results of the two groups. RESULTS: Comparison of the two groups of patients showed no difference in terms of radiological and functional results. Postoperative thigh pain developed in eight cases (17%). A statistically difference was observed between isthmic diameter and used nail diameter (Fisher exact test, p=0.01) for postoperative thigh pain. In logistic regression analysis, the difference between isthmic diameter and used nail diameter was the most statistically significant factor in development of postoperative thigh pain (p=0.04, odd ratio=27.75). CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that the second generation intramedullary hip nail may be successfully implanted without distal interlocking in 31-A1 intertrochanteric femur fracture when the reduction status was satisfactory and stable fixation of the distal area was estimated by less than 3 mm difference between isthmic diameter and used nail diameter.

Usefulness of the Biochemical Markers in the Elderly Hip Fracture Patients / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: The authors evaluated the usefulness of the biochemical markers in the elderly hip fracture patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-two hip fractures above 65 years old were enrolled in this study. Serum level of C-telopeptide, osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium were checked and bone mineral density was assessed by DXA. RESULTS: 83% vitamin D deficiency and 43% calcium insufficiency were observed. There were statistically significance between C-telopeptide and osteocalcin, calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and calcium and DXA results in the Chi-Square test. Spearmann correlation coefficient results showed that there were statically significant correlations between C-telopeptide and osteocalcin, calcium and DXA results. In the multiple logistic regression analysis results, calcium had the statically significant correlations with DXA results. CONCLUSION: There was correlation between bone turnover markers and vitamin D deficiency, and calcium insufficiency was observed in the elderly hip fracture patients.

Usefulness of the Biochemical Markers in the Elderly Hip Fracture Patients / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: The authors evaluated the usefulness of the biochemical markers in the elderly hip fracture patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-two hip fractures above 65 years old were enrolled in this study. Serum level of C-telopeptide, osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium were checked and bone mineral density was assessed by DXA. RESULTS: 83% vitamin D deficiency and 43% calcium insufficiency were observed. There were statistically significance between C-telopeptide and osteocalcin, calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and calcium and DXA results in the Chi-Square test. Spearmann correlation coefficient results showed that there were statically significant correlations between C-telopeptide and osteocalcin, calcium and DXA results. In the multiple logistic regression analysis results, calcium had the statically significant correlations with DXA results. CONCLUSION: There was correlation between bone turnover markers and vitamin D deficiency, and calcium insufficiency was observed in the elderly hip fracture patients.

Navigated Acetabular Cup Fixation for Acetabular Deformity or Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of navigated acetabular cup fixation for total hip arthroplasty in patients with acetabular deformity or revision total hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 28 patients with at least 12 months' follow-up. The safe zone of the acetabular cup was defined as 40degrees+/-10degreesin inclination and 15degrees+/-10degreesin anteversion. The authors used the navigation and radiographic data to determine whether the acetabular cup was located within the safe zone or not. To evaluate the clinical outcomes, preoperative and last follow-up Harris hip scores were checked, and the occurrence of complications was evaluated. RESULTS: According to the navigation data, the mean inclination and anteversion were 38.5degrees+/-4.7degrees(range, 32degrees-50degrees) and 16.6degrees+/-4.0degrees(range, 8degrees-23degrees), respectively. According to the radiographic data the mean inclination and anteversion were 40.5degrees+/-4.6degrees(range, 32degrees-50degrees) and 19.4degrees+/-4.2degrees(range, 8degrees-25degrees), respectively. In both cases, all values were within the safe zone. Harris hip score was improved in all patients from preoperative 52.3+/-14.4 points (range, 29-87 points) to 88.0+/-9.0 points (range, 65-99 points) at the last follow-up. There was no dislocation or loosening of both cases. CONCLUSION: Navigated acetabular cup fixation is a useful technique for total hip arthroplasty in patients with acetabular deformity or revision total hip arthroplasty because it prevents the malposition and related complications.

Fifteen-year Results of Precoated Femoral Stem in Primary Hybrid Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: There has been controversy whether methylmethacrylate precoating of the cemented femoral stem is a solution for aseptic loosening or rather contributes to increased failure rates in cemented total hip arthroplasties. METHODS: On a retrospective basis, we analyzed 76 primary hybrid total hip arthroplasties from 63 patients with precoated, cemented femoral stems between October 1990 and December 1995. The mean age of the patients was 46.8 years (range, 22 to 77 years) with a minimum follow-up of 14 years (mean, 15.5 years; range, 14 to 19.5 years). Third generation cementing techniques were employed in all cases. RESULTS: Twenty-four out of 76 cases (31.6%) showed aseptic loosening of the femoral stems, of which 23 stems were revised at an average revision time of 8 years (range, 3 to 14.8 years). The main mode of loosening was cement-stem interface failure in 22 hips (91.7%). Twenty-one out of 24 failed hips (87.5%) demonstrated C2 cementing grades (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis using radiographic aseptic loosening of the femoral stem as the endpoint for failure showed survival rates of 76.5% at 10 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 71.4 to 81.6) and 63.2% at 19 years (95% CI, 57.3 to 69.1). CONCLUSIONS: An early failure of the precoated femoral stem in this study was mainly due to an insufficient cementing technique. Achievement of good cement mantle may improve the survival rates.

The Usefulness of Intraoperative Radiography for Prevention of Malalignment of the Cemented Femoral Stem / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of our method, which estimated femoral stem alignment using a c-arm when the broach was inserted, for prevention of femoral stem malalignment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 103 hips were enrolled in this study. All patients underwentprimary hip arthroplasty from October 2011 to February 2013. The study was conductedretrospectively. Intraoperative estimated femoral stem alignments and final femoral stem alignments were classified into three groups. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed for analysis of factors (age, sex, diagnosis, body mass index, femoral stem size, osteoporosis, and proximal demur geometry) thatmight affect intraoperatively estimated femoral stem alignment. RESULTS: The distribution of intraoperative estimated femoral stem alignment was 80(78%) in the neutral group, 18(17%) in the varus group, and 5(5%) in the valgus group. The distribution of final femoral stem alignment was 100(97%) in the neutral group, 2(2%) in the varus group, and 1(1%) in the valgus group. There was no statistically significant factor affecting the intraoperatively estimated femoral stem alignment. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative estimated femoral stem alignment using a c-arm is an effective method for prevention of femoral stem malalignment.

Subtrochanteric Femoral Fracture during Trochanteric Nailing for the Treatment of Femoral Shaft Fracture

We report on three cases of subtrochanteric femoral fractures during trochanteric intramedullary nailing for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures. Trochanteric intramedullary nails, which have a proximal lateral bend, are specifically designed for trochanteric insertion. When combined with the modified insertion technique, trochanteric intramedullary nails reduce iatrogenic fracture comminution and varus malalignment. We herein describe technical aspects of trochanteric intramedullary nailing for femoral shaft fractures to improve its application and prevent implant-derived complications.

Deep Femoral Vessel Injury Following Subtrochanteric Hip Fracture: A Case Report

Arterial trauma associated with hip fracture treatment is still a rare complication. We present a case in which an arterial injury was discovered during closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation of a subtrochanteric hip fracture. The preoperative thigh circumference was increased due to severe swelling, and the vascular injury was located substantially proximal to the fracture and the instrumentation area. An interventional angiogram revealed a damaged vessel originating from one of the minor proximal branches of the right deep femoral artery while filling a 2 cm-sized pseudoaneurysm. Embolization was performed without further complications.

External Fixation Under Local Anesthesia in Intertrochanteric Fracture Patients with High Anesthetic Risk: 3 Case Reports / 대한고관절학회지

The goals of surgical treatment are to obtain anatomical reduction, obtain stable fixation, and allow early rehabilitation. Results of conservative management of intertrochanteric fractures are not satisfactory due to the increased risk of cardiopulmonary complications related to immobilization. External fixation has been well-established as an alternative treatment modality for intertrochanteric fractures in elderly and medically-compromised patients. The authors reviewed the related literature and reported on three cases of elderly patients that suffered from intertrochanteric fractures and had severe medical co-morbidities. They were successfully treated by external fixation under local anesthesia.

External Fixation Under Local Anesthesia in Intertrochanteric Fracture Patients with High Anesthetic Risk: 3 Case Reports / 대한고관절학회지

The goals of surgical treatment are to obtain anatomical reduction, obtain stable fixation, and allow early rehabilitation. Results of conservative management of intertrochanteric fractures are not satisfactory due to the increased risk of cardiopulmonary complications related to immobilization. External fixation has been well-established as an alternative treatment modality for intertrochanteric fractures in elderly and medically-compromised patients. The authors reviewed the related literature and reported on three cases of elderly patients that suffered from intertrochanteric fractures and had severe medical co-morbidities. They were successfully treated by external fixation under local anesthesia.

Repeated Periprosthethic Femoral Fracture in a Below Knee Amputee with Ipsilateral Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Report / 대한고관절학회지

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is rarely performed in below-knee amputee patients. To the best of the authors' knowledge, periprosthetic femoral fracture in such patients has not been previously reported. Such devastating complication can occur even with minor trauma. To prevent occurrence of such events, there may be several important factors to be considered in performance of THA surgery in below-knee amputee patients and during the course of rehabilitation. In this report, we describe a case involving a below-knee amputee patient who experienced multiple periprosthetic femoral fractures after THA.

Eight to Eighteen Years Follow Up Study of Primary Hybrid Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Precoat Femoral Stem / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 15.5 year long term survival rate of the Precoat femoral stem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the results of 105 primary hybrid total hip replacements (98 patients) that were performed by one surgeon between October 1990 and August 1995 using a cemented polymethyl-methacrylate coated femoral prosthesis (Precoat) and contemporary cementing techniques. Thirty four patients (34 hips) died and seventeen patients (17 hips) were lost to follow-up. Forty seven patients (54 hips) were available for clinical follow-up, with an average follow-up period of 15.5 years (range: 8.4 to 18.3 years). The average age of the patients at the time of the index operation was 46 years (range: 22 to 67 years). There were 32 male patients (37 hips) and 15 female patients (17 hips). RESULTS: For the acetabular component, 15 hips (27.8%) were revised for cup loosening and isolated liner exchange was performed in 12 hips (22.2%) for liner wear and osteolysis. For the femoral component, 12 hips (22.2%) were revised due to aseptic loosening. Of these twelve hips, 3 hips had Grade B cement mantles and 9 had Grade C cement mantles. The clinical results of the 54 retained hips were good or excellent in 52 hips (96.3%) with the average Harris hip score being 88 points (range: 72 to 96 points). CONCLUSION: The mean 15.5 years' survival rate of the Precoat cemented femoral stem was 78%. We think that there were several factors for the failure of femoral stem fixation, including age, physical activity and the body weight, as well as the stem design and the surgical technique had an influence on the stem's survival.

Reliability of the Radiologic Measurement Methods for Assessment of Osteoporosis Using the Digital Hip Radiograph

PURPOSE: We evaluated the usefulness of radiographic parameters for osteoporosis by analyzing the results of radiographic parameters determined by digital hip radiographs and bone mineral density T-scores, as assessed by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors reviewed 100 subjects in the hip fracture group and 50 in the non-fracture control group. Digital hip radiographs were assessed to determine the values of Singh index, Canal-to-Calcar Ratio, and Cortical Thickness Index (CTI). Bone mineral density was assessed by DEXA. RESULTS: Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) results of the CTI were above 0.8 in the fracture group. Compared to the control group, the fracture group showed higher ICCs. Interobserver ICCs were especially lower in the control group. There were statistically significant correlations between CTI and DEXA (r=0.50~0.58, p<0.05). In the analysis of ROC curves, a mean threshold for CTI set a value of 0.54 (0.53~0.55), and mean sensitivity and specificity were 75.5% (69~79%) and 67.8% (65~78%), respectively. CONCLUSION: CTI showed reasonable reliability and correlation with DEXA results. CTI was a useful radiographic parameter to alert the surgeon to recommend referral for osteoporosis evaluation in elderly hip fracture patients.

Follow-up Study of the Cemented Polished Femoral Stem for More than Five Years

PURPOSE: Surface finishing of a cemented femoral stem is a subject of controversy even though the contemporary cementing techniques have improved results. Using the Versys Heritage femoral stem, we evaluated the outcome of using a polished surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects of this study were 95 hip arthroplasties in 82 patients and we used a cemented polished femoral stem with the 3rd generation cement technique and all the surgeries were done between October 2000 and August 2003. There were 58 male patients (64 hips) and 24 female patients (31 hips). The mean age at the time of the index arthroplasty was 52.3 years (26~74 years), and the average body mass index was 24.2+/-2.75 (19.1~29.8). The average follow up period was 80.7 months (64~109 months). All the hips were evaluated clinically by the Harris hip score and the thigh pain, and they were radiologically assessed by the cement grade and the presence of osteolysis around the femoral stem, as well as the presence of stress shielding of the proximal femur. RESULTS: At the final follow up, the Harris hip score for all the patients had improved from preoperative 58.9 (17-83) to post operative 91.7 (72~100). The cement grade was measured using Barrack's method. Of the 95 hips, 45 (47.3%) cases were grade A, 48 (50.5%) cases were grade B and 2 (2.1%) cases were grade C1 at the final follow up. There was 1 case of definite loosening. Stress shielding was noted in 65 (68.4%) cases of the zero grade and 19 (20.0%) cases of the 1st grade. CONCLUSION: In this study, the cemented polished femoral stem showed excellent results at the mid term with a minimum follow up of 5 years. But a longer-term follow-up study will be needed for further understanding the implications of cemented polished femoral stem.

Rapidly Destructive Coxarthrosis in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Report on 3 Cases

Rapidly destructive coxarthrosis may be caused by osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis of the femoral head and rheumatoid arthritis, but its etiology has not been clarified. Rapidly destructive coxarthrosis generally occurs in old age patients and the patients clinically show severe pain, but a relatively preserved range of motion. Rapidly destructive coxarthrosis is characterized by a rapid destruction, resorption and subluxation of the femoral head, destruction of the articular area in the acetabulum, above 50% or 2 mm/year loss of the joint space and minimal osteophyte formation. The radiologic changes are dramatic and they may mimic neuropathic or septic arthritis. We report here on three cases of rheumatoid arthritis that had acute destruction of the hip joint and rapid resorption of the femoral head, and we also review the relevant medical literature. We recommend taking repetitive radiographs for rheumatoid arthritis patients who suffer with continuing severe hip pain.

Evaluation the Reliability of Singh Index in Elderly Patients with Proximal Femoral Fractures Using Digital Radiographic Image / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reliability of Singh index (SI) values, determined on image software processed digital radiographs in elderly patients with proximal femoral fractures, with respect to its value as a simple and inexpensive method to evaluate osteoporosis in acute trauma situations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed 210 patients (98 femur neck fractures, 112 intertrochanter fractures) treated between March 2005 and March 2009. Preoperative digital radiographs of each patient were assessed by four observers to determine SI values. The reliability of SI was expressed in terms of intraobserver and interobserver agreements in pairs using Fleiss's overall Kappa, Stuart's tau-c index, and Kendall's coefficiency of concordance. RESULTS: Fleiss's overall kappa values for intraobserver agreement ranged from 0.278 to 0.586 (mean, 0.452) and did not reach good reliability overall. Fleiss's overall kappa values for interobserver agreement ranged from 0.120 to 0.241 (mean, 0.180), and thus, did not reach acceptable reliability. CONCLUSION: The result suggest that the image adjustment tools provided by digital radiography cannot improve the usefulness of SI as a simple and inexpensive method of assessing the osteoporosis. Therefore, the reliability of SI good enough to be used for clinical and research work is questionable.

Measurements of Socket Osteolysis with using 3D CT and their Correlation with the Clinical Outcome

PURPOSE: We wanted to measure the size of the osteolysis of the pelvis and to quantify its location and we wanted to assess the correlation of these measurements with the clinical result. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 40 hips (31 patients) that showed definitive osteolysis among 116 hips (97 patients) that underwent 3 dimensional CT scanning post-operatively after total hip arthroplasties with using cementless acetabular cups. The inclusion criteria were a follow up duration of more than 18 months and no history of infection. The radiographs were obtained at the 6th to 12th week postoperatively. The size of pelvic osteolysis was divided into 4 groups (less than 1 cm3 (A), between 1 cm3 to 2 cm3 (B), between 2 cm3 to 3 cm3 (C), more than 3 cm3 (D)), and the location of osteolysis was divided into 5 groups (anterior, posterior, superior, inferior and central) The size and location of osteolysis and the wear of the polyethylene were analysed in relation to the clinical outcome, which was assessed using the Harris Hip Score). RESULTS: The average size of the osteolysis was 3.2 cm3 (A 14 cases in group A, B 11 cases in group B, C 4 cases in group C, and D 11 cases in group D). There was significant correlation between the size of the osteolysis and the clinical outcome (Rs=-0569). However, there was no significant correlation between the osteolysis location (Anterior: 18 cases, Superior: 5 cases, Posterior: 10 cases, Inferior: 33 cases and Central: 32 cases) and the clinical outcome (P=0.35). CONCLUSION: There is a significant correlation between the size of the osteolysis and the Harris Hip Score (Rs=- 0569). Especially, a pelvic osteolysis of more than 3 cm3 was found to be correlated with a decreased postoperative HHS (P=0.022). We hope that these results may be useful to help guide the treatment of osteolysis.

Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement with Surgical Dislocation

BACKGROUND: The authors report the results of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) treated with a surgical dislocation. METHODS: From April 2005 to May 2007, 15 FAI hips were treated with a surgical dislocation. The male/female ratio, mean age and mean symptom duration was 12/2, 35.8 years and 2.3 years, respectively. Radiographs and MR arthrograms were taken. The clinical evaluation involved changes in the pre- and postoperative Harris hip score (HHS). RESULTS: There were 12 hips (80%) with at least one structural abnormality in the radiographs, with 11 (79%) labral tears and 8 (73%) abnormally high angles in the MR arthrograms. We performed 15 osteochondroplasties, 12 labral repairs, 12 acetabuloplasty, and 3 debridements. The mean HHS improved from 76 to 93 points. Three non-unions of the trochanteric osteotomy sites were encountered as complications. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographs and MR arthrograms are important for making a proper diagnosis of FAI and planning treatment. A surgical dislocation can be used to treat FAI but further technical improvements will be needed for fixation of the greater trochanteric osteotomy sites.