The optimal acetabular component orientation in general or on a patient-specific basis is currently unknown. In order to answer this question, the current study uses CT to assess acetabular orientation in a group of unstable hips as compared to a control group of stable hips. Our institutional database of CT studies performed in the region of the hip beginning in February of 1998 (41,975 CT studies) was compared against our institutional database of revision total hip arthroplasties beginning in August of 2003 (2262 Revision THA) to identify CT studies of any hip treated for recurrent instability by revision of the acetabular component. Twenty hips in 20 patients with suitable CT studies were identified for the study group. Our control group consisted of 101 hips in patients who had CT studies either for computer-assisted surgery on the contralateral side or for assessment of osteolysis. Using the CT data, the AP plane (APP) was defined, supine pelvic tilt was measured, and cup orientation was calculated by fitting a best fit plane to 6 points on the rim of the acetabular component. Cup orientation was calculated in degrees of operative anteversion and operative inclination according to the definitions of Murray. Both absolute cup position relative to the APP and tilt-adjusted cup position were calculated.Introduction
Methods
Correct postoperative leg length restoration is among the most important goals of hip arthroplasty. Therefore, we developed, validated and clinically applied a novel software algorithm based on surgical navigation, which allows the surgeon to restore a defined femur position without establishing a femoral coordinate system or the hip joint center and measure the leg length accurately and simply. This new leg length algorithm was used in 154 hips (145 patients) that underwent CT-based computer-assisted THA (VectorVision Build 274 prototype; BrainLAB AG, Helmstetten, Germany) with a tissue preserving superior capsulotomy. Intraoperatively, a pelvic and a femoral dynamic reference bases (DRB) were applied and the anterior pelvic plane (APP) was set as the pelvic coordinate system. Then, the hip joint was put in a neutral position and this position, and the relative position of the femoral DRB relative to the pelvic DRB, was captured and stored by the navigation system. After implantation of the prosthesis the same above described femoral position with the same amplitude of flexion/extension, abduction/adduction and rotation was restored. Now, any resulting difference was due to linear changes. Validation of this new algorithm was performed by comparing the navigated results to measurements from calibrated antero-posterior pre- and postoperative radiographs. The radiographic results were compared to the mean leg length change measured with the navigation system.Introduction
Material and Methods
Cup malposition in hip arthroplasty and hip resurfacing is associated with instability, accelerated wear, and the need for revision. The current study similarly assesses the variation in cup position using conventional techniques as measured by CT. We have performed CT-based navigation of hip arthroplasty and revision arthroplasty on a routine basis since 2003 and also use CT imaging to quantify periprosthetic osteolysis. In our image database, we have identified 91 hips in 87 patients (51 female, 36 male) who had a previously conventionally-placed cup on CT imaging. For each hip, cup orientation was determined in operative anteversion and operative inclination (according to the definitions of Murray) using an application specific software application (HipSextant Research Application 1.0.7, Surgical Planning Associates Inc., Boston, Massachusetts). This application allows for determination of the Anterior Pelvic Plane coordinates from a 3D surface model. A multiplanar reconstruction module allows for creation of a plane parallel with the opening plane of the acetabulum and subsequent calculation of plane orientation in the AP Plane coordinate space.Introduction
Methods
Acetabular component malalignment remains the since greatest root cause for revision THA with malposition of at least ½ of all acetabular component placed using conventional methods1. The use of local anatomical landmarks has repeatedly proven to be an unreliable. The reason for this is that the position of local anatomical landmarks varies widely from one patient to another. Another alternative is to simply place acetabular components in a supine position. Unfortunately, cups placed in the supine position under fluoroscopy had the highest incidence of cup malposition in the Callanan study. This is because acetabular anteversion is critically important and pelvic tilt during surgery in the supine position is unknown, uncontrolled, and not correlated with post-operative pelvic tilt. Image-free surgical navigation can be useful for cup alignment in the absence of pelvic deformity. Image-based surgical navigation can be effective for cup alignment in the presence or absence of pelvic deformity. Unfortunately, while these technologies have been available for a decade, few surgeons employ these technologies. This is likely due to added time, complexity, and expense. Current robotic technology embodies all of these limitations in an even more extreme form. The HipSextant is a smart mechanical instrument system was developed to quickly and easily achieve accurate cup alignment. The system is image based (CT or MR) and can handle extreme asymmetry and deformity. The instrument docks on a patient-specific basis with 3 legs: one through the incision behind the posterior rim, one percutaneously on the lateral side of the ASIS, and a third percutaneously on the surface of the ilium. A direction indicator on the top of the instrument points in the desired cup orientation. Since the planning is provided, the surgeon needs to only review and adjust the plan as desired. Further the system is robust, showing greater accuracy than image-based traditional navigation. Finally, the system takes typically only 3 minutes to use, making it practical for busy practices and hospitals.
Indications for removal of well-fixed cementless femoral components include infection, improper femoral height/offset/anteversion, and fracture. More recently, removal of well-fixed but recalled femoral components that are associated with adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) has created a new indication for this procedure. The goal in all cases is to preserve bone stock and soft-tissue attachments to the greatest extent possible during implant removal. The strategy for implant removal depends to a large extent on the type of implant to be removed. Implants with limited proximal fixation can often be removed from the top using narrow osteotomes. Implants with more extensive fixation typically require more extensive exposure. When performing an extended trochanteric osteotomy, plan for the bone flap length based on measurement from the tip of the greater trochanter. Instead of devascularising the lateral bone flap, be sure to preserve the quadriceps attachment to the bone flap, exposing the lateral femur only where the transverse and posterior osteotomies are planned. The anterior osteotomy can be performed using a dotted line of osteotomes trans-muscularly as described by Heinz Wagner. Placement of a prophylactic cerclage below the osteotomy is prudent. Most importantly, if the need for a transfemoral exposure is likely, it should be performed primarily so that the posterior capsule and short rotators can be preserved. There is no need to perform a full posterior exposure and then to secondarily perform a transfemoral exposure since the former is unnecessary if the latter is performed. Discrete, limited fixation of the lateral bone flap proximally and distally should be performed to prevent strangulation of the living bone flap during the refixation process. The transfemoral technique can be applied not only to removal of well-fixed devices but also for conversion from hip fusion and for Z-shortening of the femur during Crowe 4 reconstruction instead of using a transverse osteotomy and intercalary shortening.
Distal neck modularity places a modular connection at a mechanically critical location. However, this is also the location that confers perhaps the greatest clinical utility. Assessment of femoral anteversion in 342 of our THR patients by CT showed a range from −24 to 61 degrees. The use of monoblock stems in some of these deformed femurs therefore must result in a failure to appropriately reconstruct the hip and have increased risks of impingement, instability, accelerated bearing wear or fracture, and adverse local tissue reaction (ATLR). However, the risks of failing to properly reconstruct the hip without neck modularity must be weighed against the additional risks introduced by neck modularity. There are several critical design, material, and technique variables that are directly associated with higher or lower incidences of problems associated with modular neck femoral components. These include modular neck length, design and material of both parts including the junction design, wall thickness of the receiving junction, assembly force, and bearing diameter and material. With regard to stem design and material, it has been clearly shown that the incidence of titanium neck fractures is higher in stems with a thinner wall-thickness of the receiving junction than in stems with a thicker wall-thickness. Moreover, titanium necks have been largely replaced with CoCr necks with significantly higher yield and fatigue strength. It remains to be seen if the introduction of CoCr necks will decrease or increase the risks associated with distal neck modularity. With respect to titanium necks, our experience has shown no adverse local tissue reaction, no fractures of short necks (0 of 370) and a 0.34% incidence of fractures in long necks (2/580) at 3 to 8 years following surgery. This lower incidence of neck fracture compared to other reports may relate to the relatively more rigid stem and thicker wall of the junction receiving the neck compared to other stems. With respect to CoCr modular necks, one device that mated the CoCr modular neck with a beta-titanium alloy femoral component has been shown to have a high incidence of ALTR and has been recalled. While the CoCr on Conventional Titanium Alloy modular neck experience has had a statistically significantly lower incidence of problems, we believe that we have identified two cases of ALTR. If that is the case, the CoCr neck experience may well have a higher incidence of problems that the Ti neck experience. In summary, placing a modular connection at the stem-neck junction has great clinical utility but this is a very design sensitive location. There are risks associated with the use of non-modular neck components that are incapable of properly reconstructing the spectrum of pathology that presents. This failure can lead to instability, impingement, and polyethylene fracture. Yet, the use of titanium modular necks has a small risk of component fracture while the use of cobalt-chrome modular necks may have a higher risk of adverse local tissue reaction. While the existence of a modular neck may offer great advantages at the time of primary reconstruction and of future revision, currently the risk/benefit for the use of these components is strongest in patients with more significant anatomical abnormalities or more complex revision settings.
Young patients have been reported to have a higher risk of revision following total hip arthroplasty than older cohorts. This was attributed to the higher activity level which led to increased wear, osteolysis, and component fracture. We prospectively assessed the clinical results, wear and osteolysis, the incidence of squeaking, and the survivorship of ceramic on ceramic THA in patients younger than 50 years (mean age of 42 [18–50] years). The series included 425 THAs in 370 patients with 368 hips followed for a minimum of 2 years (mean 7.1 years, range 2–14 years). All patients received uncemented acetabular components with flush-mounted acetabular liners using an 18 degree taper. No osteolysis was observed in any uncemented construct. There was osteolysis around one loose cemented femoral component. The survivorship for reoperation for implant revision was 96.7%. There were only two acetabular liner fractures (0.47%) and one femoral head fracture (0.24%). Two of the three fractures involved a fall from a significant height. There were no hip dislocations. Five patients (1.17%) noted rare or occasional squeaking. None had reproducible squeaking. In summary, the current study shows that ceramic-on-ceramic THAs in the young patient population are extremely reliable with a very low revision rate and an absence of wear-induced osteolysis. In addition, it shows that both bearing fracture in this young patient population typically occurs with polytrauma and squeaking issues that have been raised relative to ceramic bearings occur very rarely with the flush-mounted ceramic liner design used in this study.
Early rehabilitation and discharge following minimally-invasive total hip arthroplasty has potential risks including the possibility that patients may become progressively anemic at home. The current study assess the use of pre-emptive autologous blood transfusion on the length of stay, readmission, and allogenous transfusion. Patients treated by primary total hip arthroplasty using the superior capsulotomy technique were studied. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 were patients who did donate autologous blood and received an intra-operative pre-emptive transfusion. There were 283 patients in Group 1. Group 2 were patients who were medically capable of donating autologous blood but did not for non-medical reasons. There were 71 patients in Group 2. Patients who did not donate autologous blood for medical reasons (preoperative Hgb less than 11.5, age over 80) were excluded. All patients received general anesthesia. Length of stay, allogenous transfusion and readmission were compared.Introduction
Methods
Half of all acetabular components placed using conventional methods are malpositioned1. The HipSextant™ Navigation System (Surgical Planning Associates, Boston, MA) is a mechanical navigation system, adjusted on a patient-specific basis, designed to achieve appropriate cup alignment as simply and rapidly as possible. The current study assesses the surgeon's ability to register and track the pelvis and align the cup using the system. A bioskills model pelvis (Pacific Research Laboratories, Inc., Vashon, WA) was prepared by placing screws to mark the anterior pelvic plane points and by inserting a long cup alignment pin, simulating a cup insertion handle, into the acetabulum. The bone model was then scanned using CT. The HipSextantTM Navigation System Planning Application was then used to plan the use of the HipSextant for the surgery. This is accomplished by creating a 3D model, designating the AP plane (marked by the screws), and then determining the HipSextant docking points. One of these three points is behind the posterior wall of the acetabulum (the basepoint). The second of these three points is on the lateral aspect of the anterior superior iliac spine. The third point, the landing point, is located on the surface of the ilium and equally distant from the other two points (Figure 1). The two protractors on the HipSextant planning application were then adjusted to be parallel with the cup alignment pin on the bone model. A surgeon and assistant were then asked to dock the HipSextant on the bone model and to visually align the direction indicator to be parallel with the cup alignment pin. The two protractor angles on the instrument were recorded. This allowed for calculation of error in operative anteversion and operative inclination between the plan and the actual alignment that was accomplished. Four pairs of surgeon and assistant each performed the docking and alignment procedure 10 times for a total of 40 measurements.Introduction
Methods
The current study reports on the impact of immediate mobilization of patients treated by tissue-preserving, computer-assisted total hip arthroplasty on length of stay, disposition, and complications. From March, 2010 to April, 2011, a total of 231 consecutive primary THA were performed. Of these, 218 hips met the inclusion criteria of treatment using the superior capsulotomy surgical technique1 (Fig. 1), navigation of acetabular component implantation using a patient-specific mechanical navigation device (HipSextant™ navigation System, Surgical Planning Associates, Inc., Boston, MA)2, and patient age less than 80 years. Mean age of the patients was 57.3 years (range 23.5–79.9 years). The superior capsulotomy approach1 was used in all cases. This technique allows for both the femoral and the acetabular components to be placed with the patient in a lateral position through an incision in the superior capsule, posterior to the abductors and anterior to the short external rotators. The hip is not dislocated during surgery. Rather, the femur is prepared in situ through the top of the femoral neck, the neck is then transected, and the femoral head is excised en bloc. The acetabulum is prepared under direct vision using angled reamers, and the socket is placed with an offset inserter. The final construct is then reduced in situ. The protocol also involved the use of pre-emptive oral analgesia, pre-emptive autologous blood transfusion, and immediate mobilization3. Length of stay and disposition in this study group were compared to a cohort of 698 total hip arthroplasty performed at the same institution by all other techniques.Introduction
Methods
The optimal goal for cup positioning in hip arthroplasty in individual patients is affected by many factors including surgical exposure, femoral anteversion, and pelvic tilt. Some navigation systems ignore pelvic tilt and are based strictly on the anterior pelvic plane while others incorporate pelvic tilt, as measured in the supine position on the operating table. Neither approach incorporates knowledge of preoperative spino-pelvic flexibility or predictions of the change in spino-pelvic attitude or flexibility following surgery. While prior studies have shown little change in pelvic tilt postoperatively, one recent study based on gait analysis, suggested that changes in pelvic tilt are not predictable. The current study aims to assess changes in pelvic tilt following surgery. 24 patients, 12 male and 12 female, underwent THA using CT-based navigation. Each patient had supine and standing AP pelvis radiographs both pre-operatively and at a minimum of 1 year post-operatively. Pelvic tilt on each radiograph was measured using a noncommercial two-dimensional/three-dimensional matching application. (HipMatch; Institut for Surgical Technology and Biomechanics, Bern, Switzerland). This software application uses a fully auto- mated registration procedure that can match the three- dimensional model of the preoperative CT with the projected pelvis on a postoperative radiograph. This method has been validated and for measurement of cup position for example showed a mean accuracy of 1.7° +/− 1.7° (rang-4.6° to 5.5°) in the coronal plane and 0.9° +/− 2.8° (rang-5.2° to 5.7°) in the sagittal plane compared with postoperative CT measurements. The software showed a good consistency with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for inclination of 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93 to 0.98) and for anteversion of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91 to 0.98). A good reproducibility and reliability for both inclination and anteversion was found with an ICC ranging from 0.95 to 0.99. No systematic errors in accuracy were detected with the Bland- Altman analysis. Using the HipMatch 2D/3D application, changes in pelvic tilt before and after surgery were assess in both the supine and standing positions.Introduction
Methods
Acetabular component malpositioning is the most common reason for instability and wear resulting in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). The current study aimed to assess a novel mechanical navigation device which was designed to simply and efficiently indicate appropriate cup orientation during surgery. The accuracy was compared to a series of hip arthroplasties performed using CT-based computer-assisted cup placement. The study group consisted of 70 THAs performed using the mechanical device. The control group consisted of 146 THAs performed using CT-based computer navigation. Postoperative cup positioning was measured using a validated 2D/3D-matching method. An outlier was defined outside a range of ± 10 degrees from the planned inclination or anteversion. In the study group the mean accuracy for inclination was 1.3 ± 3.4 (-6.6 – 8.2) and 1.0 ± 4.1 (-8.8 – 9.5) for anteversion with no outliers for either parameter. In the control group the accuracy for anteversion (3.0 ± 5.8 [-11.8 - 19.6]; p=0.6%) and the percentage of outliers (6.8%; p=3.3%) differed significantly. The accuracy for inclination (3.5 ± 4.1 [-12.7 - 9.5]; p=21.4%) and the percentage of ouliers (4.8%; p=9.9%) did not differ significantly. The use of this mechanical navigation device can result in similar accuracy of acetabular cup orientation compared with CT-based surgical navigation. All cups were placed within a zone of ± 10 degree range of inclination and anteversion. This mechanical navigation device allows accurate cup navigation with minimal additional time and equipment.
The use of less invasive techniques for total hip arthroplasty (THA) has remained controversial with some studies showing a higher incidence of complications. The technique of performing total hip arthroplasty through a superior capsulotomy was developed to maximally preserve the soft tissue envelope surrounding the hip. The current study assesses the recovery and complications of hips replaced using conventional and tissue preserving techniques. 206 hips in 191 patients with a mean follow-up of 4.3 ± 1.0 (range, 3.2 – 5.9) years underwent total hip arthroplasty using the superior capsulotomy technique. The mean age at operation was 55.7 ± 12.9 (19 – 85) years and the operation was performed for 106 hips (51%) in men. The surgical technique involves exposing the superior hip joint capsule posterior to the medius and minimus, and anterior to the short external rotators. The femur is prepared with the femoral head in place and then the femoral head is excised without dislocation. These 206 hips were compared to a cohort of 279 hips replaced using the transgluteal exposure (control group). These 2 series were controlled for complexity and demographic factors. Recovery was evaluated using the Merle d'Aubigné score at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively.Introduction
Methods
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) has been associated with increased rates of complications and revision. Hip instability and wear-induced osteolysis are among the more common and serious of these problems. The current investigation prospectively assessed the survivorship and clinical results of patients with DDH treated by alumina ceramic-ceramic THA. We investigated 161 consecutive hips in 145 patients with DDH classified as Crowe type I (131 hips, 81%), II (26 hips, 16%), III (2 hips, 1%), and IV (2 hips, 1%). All patients had an uncemented titanium acetabular component with a flush mounted alumina ceramic-ceramic bearing. The mean age at operation was 48.0 ± 12.2 years (range, 18 – 79 years). The preoperative Merle d'Aubigné score was 11.4 ± 1.7 (6 – 15). 27 hips (17%) had at least one previous surgical procedure. 92 hips (57%) were replaced with the use of surgical navigation for acetabular component positioning. The mean cup diameter was 49.9 ± 3.4 mm (46 – 60 mm). 88 (55%) bearings were 28mm and 73 (45%) bearings were 32mm. At a mean follow-up of 6.1 ± 2.5 years (2 – 11.3 years), the mean Merle d'Aubigné score was 17.4 ± 0.9 (14 – 18). There were no cases of osteolysis or dislocation. There was one reoperation of an early displaced cup. In addition, there was one calcar crack that was cerclaged, one intraoperative trochanteric fracture also repaired at surgery. No patient complained of squeaking. 94 patients with 100 hips (61%) completed a questionnaire specifically asking for squeaking. None of these patients reported squeaking. The 10-year Kaplan Meier survivorship of the implants (revision of any component for any reason) was 99.4% (95% confidence interval 98.2-100%). Results of ceramic-ceramic THA in young patients with low to middle graded DDH after two to eleven years follow-up are promising with no radiographic signs of osteolysis or dislocation.
While alumina ceramic-ceramic THA has been performed in the US for more than 12 years, the phenomenon of frequent, clinically reproducible squeaking is relatively new. The current study investigates the influence of implant design on the incidence of squeaking. We reviewed implant information on 1275 consecutive revision THAs performed from 10/2002 through 10/2007 to identify any patients who had complained of squeaking or grinding. We also identified, 2778 consecutive primary ceramicceramic THA. Of these, we reviewed the clinical records of 1,039 patients (37%) to date. Any patient complaint of squeaking or grinding at the time of an office visit or by phone interview was recorded. Hips were divided into group 1: flush mounted ceramic liner; group 2a: recessed ceramic liner mated with a stem made of TiAlV and using a 12/14 neck taper; and group 2b: recessed ceramic liner mated with a stem made of a beta titanium alloy comprised of 12% molybdenum, 6% Zirconium, and 2% Iron and using a neck taper smaller than a 12/14 taper. Of the revision THAs, 5 hips (0.4%) were in patients who had complained of squeaking or grinding. All 5 hips had a recessed, metal-backed ceramic liner and evidence of metallosis. In primary THAs, Group 2b had statistically significantly (p=0.04) more squeaking (7.6%) than group 2a (3.2%) which had statistically significantly (p=0.002) more squeaking than group 1 (0.6%). Squeaking following ceramic-ceramic THA is associated with use of a recessed metal-backed ceramic liner in combination with a femoral component made of a betatitanium alloy and using a relatively small head-neck taper. Since all revised hips in our study had metallosis, it is possible that metal debris is adversely affecting the bearing and that the elevated metal rim combined with a small head neck taper and the beta-titanium alloy contribute to this problem. Use of bearings with a flush-mounted ceramic liner mated with femoral components made of TiAlV and using a 12/14 taper appears to be prudent.
Patients who are less than 50 years old at the time of total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been known to have higher failure rates than patients who are older. Wearinduced osteolysis and associated component loosening is the most common mode of failure reported. The current investigation prospectively assessed the survivorship and clinical results of alumina ceramic-ceramic THA in patients younger than 50 years. 238 consecutive hips in 201 patients treated by alumina ceramic-ceramic THA were studied. The mean age at operation was 41.4 ± 7.5 years (range, 18 – 50 years). The preoperative Merle d’Aubigné score was 11.1 ± 1.6 (6 – 15). The preoperative diagnosis included primary osteoarthritis or impingement (105 hips, 44%), developmental dysplasia of the hip (90 hips, 38%), osteonecrosis of the femoral head (17 hips, 7%), post-traumatic osteoarthrosis (16 hips, 7%), and rheumatoid arthritis (6 hip, 3%). 144 hips (61%) were replaced with the use of surgical navigation for acetabular component positioning. The mean cup diameter was 51.8 ± 3.7 (range, 46 – 60 mm). 73 (31%) bearings were 28 mm and 165 (69%) bearings were 32 mm. At mean follow-up of 5.6 ± 2.3 years (2 – 11 years), the mean Merle d’Aubigné score was 17.4 ± 0.9 (14 – 18). There were no radiographic signs of osteolysis. There were two revisions (0.8%): one for acute cup displacement and one for a ceramic liner fracture. In addition, one hip was treated by I&
D for acute infection and another with I&
D but without evidence of infection. Other complications included one greater trochanter fracture and one calcar fracture, both repaired at surgery, and one transient peroneal nerve palsy. The 10-year Kaplan Meier survivorship of the implants (revision of any component for any reason) was 98.7% (95% confidence interval 96.3–100%). There were no hip dislocations. Results of THA in patients less than 50 years using alumina ceramic-ceramic bearings at two to eleven years follow-up are promising with no case of osteolysis or dislocation.
Acetabular component malpositioning increases the risk of impingement, dislocation, and wear. The goal of computer-assisted techniques is to improve the accuracy of component positioning, in particular optimizing the orientation of the acetabular cup. The goal of the current study was to measure accuracy of cup placement in a large clinical series of hips that underwent CT-based computer-assisted THA. 146 hips in 140 patients underwent CT-based computer-assisted THA between 2006 and 2008. In all cases cup orientation was planned according to the individual preoperative CT and the anterior pelvic plane with an inclination of 41° and anteversion of 30°. For the procedure, all patients were placed in the lateral position and the cup was implanted using angled instruments. Intra-operatively all cases were navigated using an optoelec-tronic camera and tracked instruments (Vector Vision prototype, BrainLab, Germany). Post-operatively, cup orientation was measured using a previously validated technique of 2D/3D-matching using the preoperative CT and post-operative radiographs. This technique allows for accurate measurement of cup position from plain radiographs corrected for individual pelvic orientation. The mean accuracy for inclination was −2.5° ± 4.0° (−12° – 10°) and for anteversion it was 0.7° ± 5.3° (−11° – 15°). In 2 hips (1.4%) a deviation of more then 10° in inclination and in 4 hips (2.7%) a deviation of more then 10° in anteversion were found. The current study demonstrates that the acetabular component can routinely be implanted with the assistance of CT-based navigation with reasonable agreement between the navigation measurements of component orientation at the time of surgery. Nonetheless, outliers still occasionally occur. These might be due to unrecognized loosening of the pelvic reference base, inaccurate registration or the use of the ipsilateral surface-based registration algorithms which rely heavily on points near the center of rotation of the hip.
Alumina ceramic-ceramic bearings have the benefit of very low wear and studies showing the complete absence of osteolysis during the first decade of close study. However, good results depend on several critical factors including surgical exposure, surgical technique, component placement, and choice of component design. The following abstract discusses our experience with several of these factors. Initially, there were concerns that the use of ceramic-ceramic bearings would lead to a higher incidence of hip dislocation since the bearings have fewer femoral head-length choices and the absence of lipped-liners. In our prospective study of 418 hips the incidence of hip dislocation at 1 to 10 year followup is 0.5% (2/418). This experience suggests that the use of alumina ceramic-ceramic bearings is not associated with an increased incidence of dislocation. More recently, concerns about squeaking of alumina ceramic-ceramic bearings have been reported, particularly from centers in the United States. To investigate this issue, we reviewed information on 1275 consecutive revision THAs and 1039 consecutive primary ceramic-ceramic THA that had been performed at two institutions between 1996 and 2007. To identify the influence of the implant design on the incidence of squeaking we divided the primary hips into three groups with group 1: flush mounted ceramic liner; group 2a: recessed ceramic liner mated with a stem made of TiAlV; and group 2b: recessed ceramic liner mated with a stem made of a beta titanium alloy comprised of 12% molybdenum, 6% Zirconium, and 2% Iron. Analysis of the 1275 revision hips revealed 5 alumina ceramic-ceramic hips in patients who complained of squeaking or grinding. All 5 hips were designs that included a ceramic liner that was recessed inside of an elevated metal rim. All 5 hips also demonstrated metallosis at the time of revision. In primary THA, Group 2b had statistically significantly more squeaking (9 of 118) than group 2a (10 of 321) which had statistically significantly more squeaking than group 1 (6 of 700). In addition, the severity of squeaking between the groups was qualitatively different. Patients in Group 2b who complained of squeaking would often experience squeaking frequently throughout the day and could be demonstrated in the physician’s office. By contrast, patients in Group 1 who noted squeaking stated that the hip squeaked once a day to once a year. No patient in Group 1 complained of frequent squeaking or could demonstrate squeaking in the physicians’ office. Further, joint fluid analysis from a patient in Group 2b who complained of squeaking revealed metal from both the femoral (Molybdenum) and acetabular (Aluminum) components. As reported in another abstract at this meeting, 10 year survivorship of flush-mounted alumina ceramic-ceramic THA is 98.4% (95% confidence interval 97.1–100%) and no patient in that prospective clinical studies demonstrated radiographic evidence of osteolysis or wear. These experiences demonstrate that THA using alumina ceramic-ceramic is extremely reliable with low revision and dislocation rates and an absence of osteolysis. Significant squeaking is not associated with flush-mounted alumina ceramic liners and is clearly associated with elevated metal rims and metallosis. Finally, squeaking is statistically significantly associated with femoral components made of a beta titanium alloy consisting of Titanium, Molybdenum, Aluminum, and Iron.
The software is based on a spline-based multi-resolution 2D-3D image registration algorithm and a Markov random field theory based on similarity measurement. Based on a cone projection (imitating the path of the x-rays), the software is able to match the three-dimensional CT-based data set with the contours of the projected pelvis on the AP pelvic radiograph. This gives the possibility to correct the measured cup orientation (inclination and anteversion) by measuring it according to an anatomical defined coordinate system (anterior pelvic plane). The validation of the software consisted of accuracy, reproducibility and observer reliability measurements using cadaver and clinical data. For the cadaver validation 10 human pelves (20 hips) were used. From each pelvis 2 CT scans, one with and one without an inserted cup were acquired. The CT scan with the cup was used as the ground truth. With the cup inserted 4 AP pelvic radiographs with the pelvis in an unknown arbitrary position during acquisition were performed resulting in 80 measurements for accuracy. These measurements were performed by 2 observers at 2 different occasions resulting in a total of 320 measurements for reproducibility and observer reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for quantification of reproducibility and observer reliability and the Bland-Altman analysis was used to detect systemic errors. The clinical validation included 33 patients with a pre- and a postoperative CT and 49 patients with only a postoperative CT in addition to the postoperative radiographs. In the cases with only a postoperative CT, for the 2D-3D matching the postoperative CT after manual excision of the cup from the CT slice sticks was used. In all cases the postoperative CT was used as the ground truth. For each patient all the available postoperative radiographs were used resulting in 236 measurements of accuracy. In the cadaver validation the cup orientation ranged from 34° – 57° for the inclination and from 1° – 24° for the anteversion measured on the CT. The accuracy showed a mean difference for the inclination of 0.9° ± 1.6° (−3.2° – 4.0°) and of 1.2 ± 2.4° (−5.3° – 5.6°) for the anteversion. The ICC for the reproducibility ranged from 0.96 to 0.99 and for the interobserver reliability from 0.95 to 0.98. No relevant systematic error was detected. In the clinical validation the cup orientation measured on the postoperative CT ranged for the inclination from 22° – 57° and for the anteversion from 7° – 35°. In the clinical setup the accuracy showed a mean difference for inclination of 1.8° ± 1.6° (−4.0° – 5.3°) and of −1.1° ± 2.9° (−5.9° – 5.7°) for the anteversion. The 2D-3D matching technique showed a good accuracy and a very good reproducibility and observer reliability. This technique allows to measure the exact cup orientation out of an AP pelvic radiograph with the help of a preoperative CT and to correct the parameters for the individual pelvic position. Therefore this software is a powerful tool to measure accuracy of CT-based computer-assisted cup placement in a large clinical series.
Traditional total hip arthroplasty (THA) using metal-on-polyethylene bearings has been established as a reliable procedure but wear and wear debris-associated osteolysis are among the most frequent reasons for revision. Ceramic-ceramic bearings represent an alternative for THA with improved wear characteristics and low biological reactivity of wear particles. We investigated the clinical outcome of alumina ceramic-ceramic THA in a series of more than 400 THAs. A total 418 alumina ceramic-ceramic THAs performed in 360 patients treated between 1997 and 2007 were studied prospectively. All patients had an uncemented titanium acetabular component with a flush mounted alumina ceramic-ceramic bearing (Wright Medical Technology, Inc. and Ceramtec AG). The mean age at operation was 51.7 ± 12.3 years (range, 18 – 79 years). 47 cases (11%) had previous hip surgery. The indication for surgery included primary osteoarthritis or impingement (58%), developmental dysplasia of the hip (32%), osteonecrosis of the femoral head (5%), post-traumatic osteoarthrosis (2%), and other indications (3%). In 202 (48%) a minimally invasive approach, the superior capsulotomy, was used with the help of the surgical navigation for acetabular component placement. There were no cases of osteolysis or wear. We found 7 (1.1%) implant revisions: 1 acute cup displacement, 1 acetabular liner fracture, 1 case with failure of osseointegration of the cup, and 4 trochanteric wafer nonunions. A dislocation of the hip was found in 2 (0.5%) cases. The 10-year Kaplan Meier survivorship of the implants (revision of any component for any reason) was 98.4% (95% confidence interval 97.1–100%). The results of alumina ceramic-ceramic THA after one to ten years are promising, especially considering the young age and high incidence of previous surgery in this patient population. The data are especially encouraging since no hip has demonstrated osteolysis. In particular, we are not aware of any other bearing that has shown an absence of lysis and 10 years follow-up. Since many of these patients are quite young, we await further assessment at 15 and 20 years.
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) has been associated with increased rates of complications and revision. Hip instability and wear-induced osteolysis are among the more common and serious of these problems. The current investigation prospectively assessed the clinical results and the survivorship of patients with DDH treated by alumina ceramic-ceramic THA. We investigated 164 consecutive hips in 147 patients with DDH. Twenty-five hips (15%) had prior surgery to improve acetabular coverage, 108 hips (66%) were classified as Crowe type I, 21 (13%) as type II, and 10 (6%) as type III. All patients had an uncemented titanium acetabular component with a flush mounted alumina ceramic-ceramic bearing and were treated between 1997 and 2006. The mean age at operation was 48.5 ± 12.2 years (range, 18–75 years). The preoperative Merle d’Aubigné score was 11.3 ± 1.6 (6–15). Ninety-four hips (57%) were replaced with the use of surgical navigation for acetabular component positioning. The mean cup diameter was 51.2 ± 3.9 mm (46–60 mm). Seventy-seven (47%) bearings were 28mm and 87 (53%) bearings were 32mm. At a mean follow-up of 4.5 ± 2.3 years (2–10 years), the mean Merle d’Aubigné score was 17.5 ± 1.2 (14–18). There were no cases of osteolysis or dislocation. There was one reoperation of an early displaced cup. In addition, there was one calcar crack that was cerclaged, one intraoperative trochanteric fracture also repaired at surgery. No patient complained of squeaking. Ninety-four patients with 100 hips (61%) completed a questionnaire specifically concerning squeaking. None of these patients reported on squeaking either. The 10-year Kaplan Meier survivorship of the implants (revision of any component for any reason) was 99.1% (95% confidence interval 98.0–100%). Results of ceramic-ceramic THA in young patients with low to middle graded DDH after two to ten year follow-up are promising with no radiographic signs of osteolysis or dislocation.
Common problems following total knee arthroplasty include tibial component malpositioning, ligament imbalance, and clinical and subclinical fat embolism associated with intramedullary alignment guides. Tibial component malaligment can lead to component loosening. Ligament imbalance can lead to dysfunction and the need for revision. Fat embolism had been shown to occur in 46% of unilateral and 65% of bilateral total knee arthroplasty patients with neurological sequelae in 2 and 4% of patients respectively (Kim YH, J. Arth. 1999). All three of these common problems can be addressed with the use of surgical navigation. Instruments designed for the Genesis II total knee arthroplasty (Smith-Nephew, Memphis, TN) are tracked optically using the ION virtual fluoroscopy surgical navigation system (Medtronics SNT, Louisville, CO). A software system specifically designed for TKR navigation is employed. Following exposure, reference frames are attached to the femur and tibia and fluoroscopic images of the knee are obtained. Hip and Ankle centres can be determined either kinematically or with images. Proper alignment and component rotation is determined using navigation without intramedullary alignment guides. Proper implant sizing is determined before the cuts are made by superimposing images of the proposed implants into the fluoroscopic images of the knee. Motion and ligament integrity can be quantified kinematically. The system was used to perform total knee arthroplasty on 14 cadavers. Post-operative alignment was measured radiographically. As compared to the mechanical axis measured radiographically, the coronal femoral alignment measured 0.03 degrees of valgus (95% confidence:−1.81 to 1.88 degrees). Coronal tibial aligment measured 0.88 degrees of valgus (95% confidence: −2.17 to 0.41 degrees). Sagittal tibial aligment measured 1.81 degrees of posterior slope (95% confidence: −0.14 to 3.76 degrees) The use of surgical navigation for TKA results in appropriately aligned implants. Surgical navigation has the potential to improve many of the most common problems encountered during and following total knee arthroplasty including component malaligment and malsizing, malrotation, ligament imbalance, and fat embolism.
Acetabular component malposition is the cause of half of all cases of recurrent hip dislocation. Intraoperative xrays after component insertion are helpful, yet it is certainly more useful to know the exact component position before final component insertion. The current study reviews results of acetabular component positioning using surgical navigation. A prospective study of acetabular component positioning using surgical navigation was conducted in 22 hips of 21 patients. The technique involves insertion of a dynamic reference frame onto the pelvis during the surgical exposure and the acquisition of AP fluoroscopic views of each hip. Using the Fluoronav software and the ION surgical navigation system (Medtronics, Louisville, Colorado) a virtual horizontal line was then drawn between the teardrops. Acetabular component abduction was then aimed for 41 degrees. Component abduction was measured intra-operatively during component insertion by measuring the angle between the acetabular insertion handle and the virtual horizontal line between the teardrops. Post-operative xrays were analyzed for acetabular component abduction angle. Using surgical navigation and aiming for 41 degrees of abduction resulted in post-operative cup positions averaging 40.8 degrees (range 37 to 44 degrees). These results show dramatically improved accuracy as compared to 85 acetabular component inserted without navigation showing a mean abduction of 42.8 degrees but with a range of 25 to 59 degrees. Frame placement and image acquisition required about 10 minutes. All intra-operative imaging after component insertion in complex cases was unnecessary. Having the dynamic reference frame in place also allowed assessment of pelvic position during surgery. Pelvic orientation varied greatly between patients on the operating table from about 12 degrees abducted to 12 degrees adducted. Further, pelvic orientation varied during surgery. Surgical navigation allows extremely accurate positioning of the acetabular component at the time of total hip replacement surgery with an accuracy far greater than any study of acetabular component positioning reported in the literature. The pelvis is typically not orthogonal to the operating table during total hip arthroplasty and its position varies widely between patients and in the same patient during the procedure. Since acetabular component malposition represents the cause of half of all cases of recurrent dislocation, surgical navigation has been shown to directly address and potentially eliminate the problem of acetabular component malposition.
We report our early Boston experience with the technique of Ganz, et al., for surgical dislocation of the hip, which provides a safe, powerful approach to certain major intraarticular hip problems. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven hips with various mechanical disorders have been treated using the Ganz technique of trochanteric flip osteotomy and anterior dislocation (JBJS 83-B: 1119-1124, 2001). Diagnoses include slipped epiphysis 14, Perthes 12, aspherical head/ anterior offset 12, dysplasia 14, multiple exostoses 2, other 3.Seven patients had simultaneous femoral oste-otomies; four had subcapital osteotomies for epiphys-iolysis. All patients had pain and limitation of motion preoperatively, and more than fifty percent had severe deformity and/or some arthrosis. Follow-up was six months to five years. Ages at surgery were eight to forty-eight years (mean twenty years). Results: The variety of pathologies render objective analysis difficult, though all patients reported greatly reduced pain and increased motion post operatively. Only five patients were totally pain free and had objectively totally normal hips. No patient felt unimproved. No patient had radiographic signs of osteonecrosis. Conclusion: Paralleling the Bernese experience of more than eight hundred cases, we find the Bernese technique of surgical dislocation to be a safe, effective tool for treating intra-articular hip pathology, increasing treatment possibilities for hip joint preservation. We anticipate greatly expanding its use in the future.
