Comparison of two pressurisers for cementation of the proximal femur.

PURPOSE: To compare pressures generated by 2 different cement pressurisers at various locations in the proximal femur. METHODS: Two groups of 5 synthetic femurs were used, and 6 pressure sensors were placed in the femur at 20-mm intervals proximally to distally. Cement was filled into the femoral canal retrogradely using a cement gun with either the half-moon pressuriser or the femoral canal pressuriser. Maximum pressures and pressure time integrals (cumulative pressure over time) of the 2 pressurisers were compared. RESULTS: At all sensors, the half-moon pressuriser produced higher maximum pressures and pressure time integrals than the femoral canal pressuriser, but the difference was significant only at sensor 1 (proximal femur). This may result in reduced cement interdigitation in the proximal femur. CONCLUSION: The half-moon pressuriser produced higher maximum cementation pressures and pressure time integrals than the femoral canal pressuriser in the proximal femur region, which is critical for rotational stability of the implant and prevention of implant fracture.

Periprosthetic fracture torque for short versus standard cemented hip stems: an experimental in vitro study.

In an attempt to preserve proximal femoral bone stock and achieve a better fit in smaller femora, especially in the Asian population, several new shorter stem designs have become available. We investigated the torque to periprosthetic femoral fracture of the Exeter short stem compared with the conventional length Exeter stem in a Sawbone model. Forty-two stems; 21 shorter and 21 conventional stems both with three different offsets were cemented in a composite Sawbone model and torqued to fracture. Results showed that Sawbone femurs break at a statistically significantly lower torque to failure with a shorter compared to conventional-length Exeter stem of the same offset. Both standard and short-stem designs are safe to use as the torque to failure is 7-10 times that seen in activities of daily living.

Exeter short stems compared with standard length Exeter stems: experience from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry.

The standard Exeter stem has a length of 150 mm with offsets 37.5 to 56 mm. Shorter stems of lengths 95, 115 and 125 mm with offsets 35.5 mm or less are available for patients with smaller femurs. Concern has been raised regarding the behavior of the smaller implants. This paper analyzed data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry comparing survivorship of stems of offset 35.5 mm or less with the standard stems of 37.5 mm offset or greater. At 7 years, there was no significant difference in the cumulative percent revision rate in the short stems (3.4%, 95% CI 2.4-4.8%) compared with the standard length stems (3.5%, 95% CI 3.3-3.8%) despite its use in a greater proportion of potentially more difficult developmental dysplasia of the hip cases.

Perilymphatic fistula in children with preexisting sensorineural hearing loss.

Progression of preexisting sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in infants and children has been considered an indication for fistula exploration: is this approach warranted? On exploring 36 middle ears in 26 such children, we found a perilymphatic fistula (PLF) in four ears (11%). Although there was radiographic evidence of inner-ear deformity in one half of these children, a definite fistula was found in only four of 18 radiographically abnormal ears explored (22%). Even in the four patients with a history of an "event" that could implicate a fistula such as exertion or barotrauma, a fistula was found in only one. There are a number of possible causes for progression of a preexisting SNHL, and surgical exploration of the middle ear should not be recommended on the basis of progression alone. Instead, exploration for a suspected PLF should be strongly considered when there is also a history of an "event", and/or radiographic evidence of inner-ear abnormalities. Even under these conditions, one should be aware that fistulae are not likely to be found.