Simulation of extreme loads on the proximal femur for implant fixation assessment.

Total joint replacement patients today are younger, heavier, and more active than total joint replacement patients 40 yrs ago. Consequently, patient expectations and prosthesis requirements have increased and there is a need to re-evaluate preclinical testing methods. We present the design rationale for a novel load simulator for the proximal femur, capable of applying a more aggressive load profile than previous simulators. This simulator was used to measure three-dimensional micromotion of a cemented total hip replacement femoral stem under simulated physiological loading. We assessed the influence of a separate abductor muscle force, a higher joint reaction force, and a more accurate implant stability measurement system included in the new simulator and compared the results to the lower, single joint reaction force included in a previously published simulator. Per-cycle motion at both cement interfaces and stem and cement mantle migration obtained from both simulators using the same femoral stem design, are compared. Although the new simulator applied higher loads, per-cycle motions were lower than previously reported. In both studies, regardless of the presence or lack of a separate muscle force, the greatest motions were in the medial-lateral direction (new: 27 +/- 4 mum, old: 67 +/- 21 mum). The findings indicate that magnitude and direction of peak joint reaction force and inclusion of a separate muscle force have a significant effect on femoral stem stability measurements. We recommend that future femoral stem stability studies consider using load simulation techniques and a direct motion measurement system comparable to the one presented in this study.

Effects of total hip arthroplasty cemented femoral stem surface finish, collar and cement thickness on load transfer to the femur.

Stress shielding and load transfer to the femur following total hip arthroplasty have been studied extensively. A number of models have addressed the effects of surface finish of double-tapered, non-collared cemented stems on load transfer to the femur. However, a great number of cemented femoral stem designs in wide use today are not double tapered, and many, such as the Charnley, have collars. The effects of surface finish of such stems on load transfer to the femur are not completely understood. In this study, we measured the effects of surface finish of a straight, non-tapered cemented femoral stem, with and without a collar, in two stem sizes, on load transfer to the femur, using an in vitro laboratory model. Eight types of straight stems were fabricated, with polished or rough surfaces, with and without a collar, and in two sizes. All stems were based on the same template, and varied only in the desired combination of parameters studied. Three each of the eight unique stem types (total of 24 specimens) were cyclically loaded for 77,000 cycles at 1 Hz, alternating between walking and stair-climbing load profiles. Surface strains were measured at ten locations in each femur during designated initial and final periods. Of the three design variables, stem surface finish had the greatest effect on femoral surface strains. Specifically, compared to rough stems, with polished stems, mean proximal medial compressive strains were smaller, whereas mean distal medial compressive strains were greater. In contrast, on the anterior surface, mean proximal anterior tensile strains were greater, whereas mean distal anterior strains were smaller. All femoral surface strains increased with cyclic loading, however, strains increased at a greater rate with polished stems than with rough stems. Proximal medial strains were somewhat increased with the presence of a collar, however, these differences were small (< 100 microå ) and/or not statistically significant. Similarly, distal medial strains were increased with the presence of a collar but, again, the differences were not consistent (p > 0.16). Compared to large stems, with small stems, proximal medial compressive strains were greater. The results emphasize the importance cemented femoral stem surface roughness and the manner in which this changes stem-cement bond strength, affecting the distribution of stresses in the femur. This is an important consideration in the design of femoral stems. (Journal of Applied Biomaterials & Biomechanics 2003; 1: 76-83).

Radiographic comparison of diaphyseal grit blasted with smooth surface stems by matched pair analysis.

A matched pair comparison of two groups of 42 patients who had a total hip arthroplasty with uncemented fixation of the femoral stem with proximal porous coating and distal grit blasting were compared with a stem of identical design except with diaphyseal smooth surfaces. Radiographic analysis was done to determine differences in fixation and bone remodeling at the 2-year followup, and these results were compared with clinical results. The method used for measuring cortical thickness was semiquantitative, with measurements done at 15 1-cm increments beginning at 3 cm distal to the midlesser trochanter. This study determined whether, with an identical stem design, diaphyseal biologic fixation, rather than mechanical fixation, would provide better fixation without significant stress shielding differences. Seven percent of grit blasted stems had radiolucent lines in Gruen Zones 3 to 5, compared with 79% of smooth stems. The smooth stem was on average one size larger so the stress shielding was not different between matched pairs. There was a distinct pattern of adaptive remodeling that occurred in the femur with both stem surfaces. Bone loss was greatest in the proximal medial and proximal posterior bone and occurred along the entire anterior cortex. Bone thickening occurred in the distal medial and posterior cortices and extended below the tip of the prosthesis.

Total hip arthroplasty with use of the Metasul metal-on-metal articulation. Four to seven-year results.

BACKGROUND: Total hip replacements with a metal-on-metal articulation were commonly used until the mid-1970s; most were then abandoned in favor of hip replacement with a metal-on-polyethylene articulation. The reason for this change was primarily early cup loosening, which was more prevalent with these metal-on-metal designs than it was with metal-on-polyethylene designs. In the late 1980s, a metal-on-metal design with improved clearance (adequate space between the femoral head and the acetabular articulation surface to allow fluid film lubrication and clearance of any debris from within this joint), metal hardness, and reproducible surfaces was introduced by Sulzer Orthopedics in Switzerland. Orthopaedic surgeons were interested in this Metasul articulation because the contribution of polyethylene wear particles to the failure of total hip replacements had become evident. This study was undertaken to review the clinical performance of this implant and to determine if early acetabular loosening or revision and wear and osteolysis were prevalent. METHODS: Between 1991 and 1994, seventy patients (seventy hips) had a total hip replacement with the Metasul metal-on-metal articulation and a cemented Weber cup. Nine patients died less than four years after the replacement; none of these deaths were related to the operation. Five patients were not available for radiographic evaluation, but they were contacted and it was known that the hip was not painful and had not been revised. Fifty-six patients (fifty-six hips) had complete clinical and radiographic data four to 6.8 years after the operation, and they made up the study group. The patients were evaluated with use of the Harris hip score, a patient-self-assessment form, and radiographs. RESULTS: At an average of 5.2 years (range, four to 6.8 years) after the operation, the average total Harris hip score for the fifty-three patients who did not have a revision was 89.6 points (range, 62 to 100 points). The average Harris pain score was 41.0 points (range, 30 to 44 points), and the average Harris limp score was 9.4 points (range, 5 to 11 points). One patient had revision of a loose cup, but there were no other loose acetabular components in the series. Two patients had revision of the acetabular component because of dislocation. No patient had a loose or revised femoral component. Therefore, the mechanical failure rate was one (2 percent) of fifty-six patients. Thirty-six of forty-seven patients who completed the patient-self-assessment form rated their result as excellent; seven, as very good; two, as good; one, as fair; and one, as poor. Wear could not be measured on radiographs because of the metal-on-metal articulation. No hip had radiographic evidence of acetabular osteolysis and two hips had calcar resorption, but there was no other radiographic evidence of focal osteolysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our four to seven-year experience with this articulation surface indicates that the clinical results are similar to those of total hip replacements with a metal-on-polyethylene articulation. We believe that the Metasul articulation may have a role in reducing the wear that occurs with total hip replacement. The Metasul articulation appears to be particularly indicated for more active patients. A historical comparison with the reports in the literature of which we are aware indicated that the hips in our study had a lower rate of acetabular revision and loosening than did those with previous metal-on-metal designs and that they had no more acetabular loosening or osteolysis than did those with metal-on-polyethylene articulations followed for an average of five years.

Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of the epiphysis.

Acute primary infection of the epiphysis is uncommon. This article presents 2 cases. An acute osteomyelitis of the distal femoral epiphysis, which was not diagnosed until 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms, developed in a 4-year-old boy. The epiphyseal infection spread into the knee joint, necessitating surgical debridement. An acute osteomyelitis of the proximal tibial epiphysis developed in a 23-month-old girl. Although the diagnosis was not confirmed until 1 week after the onset of symptoms, she responded well to a course of intravenous antibiotics followed by oral antibiotics. The epiphysis is a potential site for acute hematogenous osteomyelitis. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment may prevent spread of the infection into the adjacent joint.