ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Despite the many perceived benefits of metal-on-metal (MoM) articulation in total hip arthroplasty (THA), there have been growing concerns about metallosis and adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD). Analysis of size 36 mm MoM articulation THAs is presented. These patients were evaluated for patient characteristics, relationship between blood metal ions levels and the inclination as well as the version of acetabular component, cumulative survival probability at final followup and functional outcome at final followup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 288, size 36 mm MoM THAs implanted in 269 patients at our institution from 2004 to 2010 were included in this retrospective study. These patients were assessed clinically for hip symptoms, perioperative complications and causes of revision arthroplasty were analysed. Biochemically, blood cobalt and chromium metal ions level were recorded and measurements of acetabular inclination and version were examined. Radiological evaluation utilizing Metal Artefact Reduction Sequence (MARS) MRI was undertaken and implant cumulative survivorship was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean followup was 5 years (range 2-7 years), mean age was 73 years and the mean Oxford hip score was 36.9 (range 5-48). Revision arthroplasty was executed in 20 (7.4%) patients, of which 15 patients underwent single-stage revision THA. The causes of revision arthroplasty were: ARMD changes in 6 (2.2%) patients, infection in 5 (1.9%) patients and aseptic loosening in 5 (1.9%) patients. Three (1.1%) patients had their hips revised for instability, 1 (0.3%) for raised blood metal ions levels. The implant cumulative survival rate, with revision for any reason, was 68.9% at 7 years. CONCLUSIONS: Although medium-sized MoM THA with a 36 mm head has a marginally better survivorship at midterm followup, compared to larger size head MoM articulating THA, our findings nonetheless are still worryingly poor in comparison to what has been quoted in the literature. Furthermore, ARMD-related revision remains the predominant cause of failure in this cohort with medium-sized MoM articulation. No correlation was found between blood metal ions levels and the inclination as well as the version of acetabular component.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The removal of well-fixed broken femoral component and cement mantle can be extremely demanding, time consuming and potentially damaging to the host bone. Different methods have been described to extract broken femoral stem yet this remains one of the most challenging prospect to the revision hip surgeon. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The authors present two cases underwent a modified sliding cortical window technique utilising a tungsten carbide drill, Charnley pin retractor and an orthopaedic mallet to aid extraction of a fractured cemented femoral stem in revision total hip arthroplasty. DISCUSSION: The modified technique offers a simple and controlled method in extracting a well fixed fractured cemented femoral stem. It has the advantage of retaining the cement mantle with subsequent good seal of the femoral cortical window secured with cable ready system. Furthermore, tungsten carbide drill bit and Charnley pin retractor are relatively readily available to aid the extraction of the broken stem. Finally, it yields the option of implanting a standard femoral stem and obviates the need for bypassing the cortical window with long revision femoral component. CONCLUSION: Fractured femoral stem is a rare yet a complex and very demanding prospect to both patients and hip surgeons. The sliding cortical window technique utilising tungsten carbide drill and Charnley pin retractor is technically easy and most importantly; preserves host bone stock with cement-in-cement revision hip arthroplasty. We believe this technique can be added to the armamentarium of revision hip surgeon when faced with the challenge of extracting a fractured cemented femoral stem.
ABSTRACT
STUDY DESIGN: A prospective test-retest study was conducted to investigate both new and follow-up patients with low back pain presenting to an orthopedic surgeon specializing in back pain. OBJECTIVES: To further validate the internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Low Back Outcome Score, and to compare these results with other condition-specific disability scales. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To be useful in clinical practice, health-specific questionnaires must demonstrate reliability and validity. Several disease-specific questionnaires for low back pain have been validated to different extents. METHODS: In this study, 102 new and 42 follow-up patients consecutively attending a consultant clinic completed the Low Back Outcome Score on their visit, then again after an interval of 1 week in postal form. This instrument also was completed by 230 patients presenting to a physiotherapist. RESULTS: A response rate of 90% was achieved for the postal questionnaire. A test of internal consistency conducted with the study sample achieved a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.85. Overall agreement for test-retest reliability was 84%, and the reliability coefficient (K) reached a range of 0.51 to 0.86 (P < 0.05). A Bland/Altman plot was calculated, demonstrating that only 5% of patient scores change by more than 11.6 scale points between test and retest, which is not sufficient to change outcome categories. CONCLUSION: The Low Back Outcome Score appears to have good internal consistency and test-retest reliability for use in clinical practice.
