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Background: Both dual-mobility (DM) constructs and large femoral head bearings (⩾36 mm) reduce dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA). There is limited research comparing DM with large bearings. Methods: A systematic review of published literature was performed including studies that compared DM with large femoral head bearings in primary or revision THA according to PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcome was revision surgery for dislocation. The secondary outcome was all-cause revision surgery. Other complications were recorded. 2 authors independently selected studies, performed data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Treatment effects were assessed using odds ratios and data were pooled using a fixed-effect model, where appropriate. Results: 9 studies, all retrospective, met the final inclusion criteria. 2722 patients received DM and 9,789 large femoral head bearings. The difference in the odds of revision surgery for dislocation (OR 0.67; 95% CI, 0.45–1.01; p = 0.06) and aseptic loosening are unclear (OR 0.61; 95% CI, 0.36–1.05; p = 0.07); including important benefits and no difference. There was a benefit favouring DM for the risk of all-cause revision (OR 0.70; 95% CI, 0.56–0.86; p = 0.001), revision for fracture (OR 0.49; 95% CI, 0.29–0.81; p = 0.005) and dislocation not requiring revision (OR 0.29; 95% CI, 0.14–0.57; p < 0.001). The estimate in the difference in the odds of revision surgery for infection was imprecise (OR 0.78; 95% CI, 05.1–1.20; p = 0.26). Conclusions: This study provides evidence that there may be clinically relevant benefits of DM constructs over large femoral head bearings. Prospective randomised studies are warranted given these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: High-energy femoral neck fractures in young patients can be devastating, with the risk of osteonecrosis, nonunion, malunion and lifelong morbidity. The aim of this study is to define the effects of patient, fracture and surgical factors on the outcome of high-energy femoral neck fractures in patients aged from 15 to 50 years. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of high-energy femoral neck fractures in patients aged 15–50 managed surgically at a Level 1 Trauma Centre, using a prospectively recorded trauma database. Low energy trauma (including falls from <1 m), medical conditions adversely affecting bone density, and pathological fractures were excluded. A clinical and radiological review was performed. The primary outcome measures were the development of osteonecrosis or nonunion leading to total hip arthroplasty (THA). Secondary outcome measures included osteotomy or other surgical procedures, quality of reduction and malunion. Results: 32 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were identified between January 2008 and July 2015. The mean follow-up was 58.5 months (range 980–3,048 days). 3 patients (9.4%) required THA. No other surgical procedures were performed. None of the 29 other patients developed radiologically apparent osteonecrosis. Fracture type, displacement, anatomical reduction and fixation type were not statistically significant risk factors affecting these outcomes. For all patients, an average of 8% loss of femoral neck height and 10% femoral neck offset were seen. Conclusions: At a mean 4.9-year follow-up, the incidence of high-energy femoral neck fractures leading to THA was 9.4%, as a consequence of osteonecrosis or nonunion. Malunion was common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a response to a letter to the editor commenting on the article "Tap Into Science 24-7," published in the August 1 issue.