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Background: Highly porous-coated titanium acetabular components have a high coefficient of friction and ultraporous surfaces to enhance bone ingrowth and osseointegration in total hip arthroplasty (THA). There have been concerns with the development of early radiolucent lines and aseptic loosening of highly porous acetabular components. It is unclear whether these concerns relate to a specific implant or the entire class. The aim of this study is to compare the revision rates for aseptic loosening of highly porous acetabular combinations in primary THA using data from a large joint replacement registry.Methods: Data were retrieved from the Australian Orthopedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry for the study period September 1999 to December 2019. All primary THA procedures recorded and performed for osteoarthritis using the most common combinations for each highly porous acetabular component with highly cross-linked polyethylene and a 32-mm or 36-mm femoral head were included. The primary outcome measure was revision for aseptic loosening of the acetabular component. Results were adjusted for patient age and gender.Results: There were 20,993 primary THA procedures performed for osteoarthritis using a highly porous acetabular component across 6 combinations. Relative to the POLARSTEM/R3 (StikTite), the Exeter V40/Tritanium had a significantly higher risk of revision for aseptic loosening of the acetabular component (hazard ratio 0.21, 95% confidence interval 0.06-0.74, P = .014). There was no difference between any other highly porous acetabular component combination and no late revisions for aseptic loosening.Conclusion: Highly porous-coated titanium acetabular components have low rates of aseptic loosening with long-term follow-up. A difference between components may exist.Level Of Evidence: Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dual mobility (DM) and large femoral head bearings (≥36 mm) both decrease the risk of dislocation in total hip arthroplasty (THA). There is limited comparable data in primary THA. This study compared the revision rates for dislocation and aseptic causes between DM and large femoral heads and subanalyzed by acetabular component size.Methods: Data from the Australian Orthopedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry were analyzed for patients undergoing primary THA for osteoarthritis from January 2008 (the year of first recorded DM use) to December 2019. All DM and large femoral head bearings were identified. The primary outcome measure was the cumulative percent revision (CPR) for dislocation and for all aseptic causes. The results were adjusted by age, sex, and femoral fixation. A subanalysis was performed stratifying acetabular component diameter <58 m and ≥58 mm.Results: There were 4942 DM and 101,221 large femoral head bearings recorded. There was no difference in the CPR for dislocation (HR = 0.69 (95% CI 0.42, 1.13), P = .138) or aseptic causes (HR = 0.91 (95% CI 0.70, 1.18), P = .457). When stratified by acetabular component size, DM reduced the CPR for dislocation in acetabular component diameter <58 mm (HR = 0.55 (95% CI 0.30, 1.00), P = .049). There was no difference for diameter ≥58 mm. There was no difference in aseptic revision when stratified by acetabular component diameter.Conclusion: There is no difference in revision rates for dislocation or aseptic causes between DM and large femoral heads in primary THA. When stratified by acetabular component size, DM reduces dislocation for acetabular component diameter <58 mm.Level Of Evidence: Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hip hemiarthroplasty is the most common arthroplasty option for fractured neck of femur (FNOF). Revision to total hip arthroplasty (THA) is occasionally required. This study aimed to assess the outcome of hemiarthroplasty revised to THA and to assess the impact of femoral head size, dual mobility (DM), and constrained liners.Methods: All aseptic 1st revisions reported to the Australian Joint Replacement Registry after hemiarthroplasty performed for FNOF when a THA was used as the revision procedure were included from September 1999 to December 2019. The primary outcome measure was the cumulative percent revision for all-causes and dislocation. The impact of prosthesis factors on revision THA was assessed: standard head THA (≤32 mm), large head THA (≥36 mm), DM, and constrained liners. Outcomes were compared using Kaplan Meyer and competing risk.Results: There were 96,861 hemiarthroplasties performed, with 985 revised to THA. The most common reasons for 1st revision were loosening (49.3%), fracture (17.7%), and dislocation (11.0%). Of the hemiarthroplasty procedures revised to THA, 76 had a 2nd revision. The most common reasons for 2nd revision were fracture (27.6%), dislocation (26.3%), loosening (23.7%), and infection (18.4%). Femoral head size, DM, or constrained liner use did not alter the incidence of all-cause 2nd revision. This did not change when solely looking at patients still alive. A 2nd revision was more likely in patients aged <75 years.Conclusion: The outcome of hemiarthroplasty performed for FNOF revised to THA is influenced by patient age, not by the articulation used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ceramic-on-ceramic bearing breakage is a rare but significant complication of total hip arthroplasty. This study aimed to identify risk factors for breakage and to determine the outcome of different revision options.Methods: All ceramic-on-ceramic primary total hip arthroplasty procedures reported to the Australian Joint Replacement Registry from September 1999 to December 2019 were included. Procedures were subdivided into alumina or mixed ceramic (alumina/zirconia). All breakages were identified. The association between ceramic type and head size was assessed. Subsequent revision rates were compared and cause of revision assessed.Results: There were 23,534 alumina and 71,144 mixed ceramic procedures. Breakage was the reason for 1st revision in 84 alumina (5.27% of all revisions and 0.36% of procedures) and 56 mixed ceramic procedures (2.46% of all revisions; 0.08% of procedures). Alumina had a higher breakage rate than mixed ceramic (HR 2.50 (95% CI 1.75, 3.59), P < .001), and breakage was higher for 36-38mm head sizes using alumina (HR 2.84 (1.52, 5.31), P = .001). 17.8% of 2nd revisions occur by 3 years, due to dislocation, infection, metal-related pathology, and loosening. A neck adapter sleeve did not reduce 2nd revisions. Numbers were too low to compare revision bearing surface options.Conclusion: Ceramic breakage has reduced with mixed ceramics but has a 0.79/1000 incidence at 15-year follow-up. It is unclear what the risk factors are for modern ceramics with increasing head size a risk for alumina only. Risk of 2nd revision is high and occurs early. The optimal revision option is unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cementless Corail is one of the most commonly used stems in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was a difference in revision rate for smaller stems.Methods: All primary THA procedures recorded by the Australian Joint Replacement Registry from September 1999 to December 2017 performed for osteoarthritis using the Corail stem, a cementless acetabular cup, modern bearing surfaces (ceramic/ceramic, ceramic/cross-linked polyethylene, and metal/cross-linked polyethylene), and 28 mm, 32 mm, and 36 mm head sizes were included. The primary outcome measure was femoral component revision. Data were analyzed and adjusted for age, gender, and head size. Further analysis investigated the effects of surgical approach.Results: There was 41,265 primary THAs recorded. The cumulative percent revision (CPR) at 13 years was 7.7% (5.5, 10.7) for stem sizes 8 and 9 and 3.0% (2.4, 3.8) for sizes 10-20 (P < .001). When adjusted for age and gender, the sizes 8 and 9 collared (hazard ratio [HR]: 6.22 [3.84-10.06], P < .001) and collarless (HR: 3.28 [2.41-4.45], P < .001) had a higher CPR than the collared and collarless size 10-20. The size 8 and 9 stems performed with an anterior approach had the highest CPR (HR: 14.44 [6.21-33.56], P < .001). The main reason for revision of size 8 and 9 femoral stems was loosening (65.2%, compared to 31.5% for 10-20 femoral stems).Conclusions: Smaller Corail stems have 4 times the rate of revision compared with the larger femoral sizes with loosening being the most common diagnosis. This is most evident when using an anterior approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractures of the distal femur occur in a bimodal age distribution. Many are complicated by intra-articular extension and comminution. Periprosthetic fractures add to the complexity of their management. Open fractures can occur with high energy trauma. Surgical treatment is the standard of care, with fixed angle plate fixation and intramedullary nailing being the most common techniques used. Surgical management can be technically challenging. Complications include malunion, delayed union, non-union and implant failure. Persistent disability and poor clinical outcome often results. Despite the development of modern implants, no clear advantage exists for one particular implant and some poorer outcomes may relate to the surgical technique applied to management. Knowledge and correct application of the principles of fracture management are required to optimize the chance of successful outcome. This article will discuss the epidemiology, anatomy, management and surgical techniques for distal femur fractures and review the evidence for the different surgical options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Subtrochanteric neck of femur fractures are a challenge to treat due to anatomical and biomechanical factors. Poor reduction, varus deformity, nonunion and return to theatre risks are high. A cerclage wire can augment an intramedullary nail to help fracture reduction and construct stability. Concerns exist regarding the use of cerclage wire on fracture zone vascularity. The aim of this study was to assess the benefits and adverse outcomes associated with the use of cerclage wiring.Patients and Methods: A 7-year retrospective review of all subtrochanteric fractures at a Level 1 trauma centre was performed. Pathological fractures, those associated with bisphosphonate use and segmental fractures were excluded. A clinical and radiographic review was performed. Our primary outcome measure was a composite of the major complications of this surgery, defined as either return to theatre for fixation failure, nonunion or implant failure. Fracture displacement, angulation and quality of reduction were measured as secondary outcome measures. Specific complications of the use of cerclage wiring were also reported.Results: One hundred and thirty four cases met the inclusion criteria for primary outcome. Reduction was achieved closed in 51.9% (n=70), open in 33.3% (n=45) and open with cerclage wire in 14.8% (n=20). Overall there were a total of 13 (9.7%) major complications. No cases with cerclage wire had a return to theatre. If cerclage wire was not used the major complication rate was 11.4%. Fracture displacement (11.0mm vs. 7.69mm) and distraction were related to return to theatre (p<0.05). Cerclage wire use improved fracture displacement (3.2mm vs. 8.8mm), angulation and quality of reduction (p<0.05).Conclusions: Anatomical reduction is the key to success of subtrochanteric fractures. Cerclage wire use results in better fracture reduction. Some subtrochanteric fractures can be successfully treated with indirect reduction alone. If fractures cannot be reduced closed, reduction should be achieved by open methods. If a fracture is opened, a cerclage wire should be used, if the fracture pattern allows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]