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Abstract: Periacetabular radiolucent lines (RLLs) on postoperative radiographs have been associated with early loosening of the acetabular component. It has also been shown that excessive migration of an implant corresponds to an increased incidence of later clinical failure. This study relates RLLs on anterior-posterior hip radiographs taken 10 days and 6 months postoperatively to implant migration detected by roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis. We have shown that RLLs in DeLee and Charnley zone III in the first week postoperatively as well as at 6 months are positively and significantly (P < .05) associated with migration detected by roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis. No significant association was found for zone I or II at either 10 days or at 6 months. Considering the limitations in observing RLLs, their presence in zone III appears to reflect on the mechanical stability of the acetabular cup from the beginning. This indicates that zone III, which represents the inferomedial aspect of the acetabulum, might have to receive special attention when preparing the acetabulum and implanting the acetabular cup. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Orthopaedic surgery involves tools which could cause noise-induced hearing loss in theatre staff. Threshold levels for occupational noise exposure have been developed in the U.K., above which action is required to reduce exposure. The aims of our study were to determine whether equivalent continuous sound pressure levels during elective arthroplasty can be measured using readily available materials, and to assess whether noise exposure levels stand within acceptable occupational noise exposure levels.Materials and Methods: Sound pressure levels of orthopaedic saws were recorded using the MicW i436 connected to an iPhone 4S and the iOS SoundMeter application, and using a professional sound meter. Equivalent sound pressure levels were recorded for total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) using the MicW i436 SoundMeter application. Data obtained was then used to calculate a "worst case" daily exposure value to assess if sound levels were compliant with U.K.Guidelines: Results: Sound pressure levels recorded using the MicW i436 and Soundmeter application were accurate compared to professional soundmeter readings. THR showed equivalent sound pressure levels (LAeq) of 77 dBA and TKR showed a LAeq of 80 db. Calculated "worst case" scenarios for daily noise exposure using these values did not meet the lower exposure action values set out by U.K.Guidelines: Conclusions: It is possible to accurately measure continuous sound pressure levels during elective orthopaedic surgery using readily available materials. Noise exposure values during TKR meet lower exposure action values, and when "worst case" daily exposure levels are calculated this level is still lower than the threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]