Patient education programmes prior to hip and knee arthroplasty reduce anxiety and create realistic expectations. While traditionally delivered in-person, the Covid-19 pandemic has necessitated change to remote delivery. We describe a ‘Virtual Joint School’ (VJS) model introduced at Ysbyty Gwynedd, and present patient feedback to it.

Eligible patients first viewed online educational videos created by our Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT); and then attended an interactive virtual session where knowledge was reinforced. Each session was attended by 8–10 patients along with a relative/friend; and was hosted by the MDT consisting of nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and a former patient who provided personal insight. Feedback on the VJS was obtained prospectively using an electronic questionnaire.

From July 2022 to February 2023, 267 patients attended the VJS; of which 117 (44%) responded to the questionnaire. Among them, 87% found the pre-learning videos helpful and comprehensible, 92% felt their concerns were adequately addressed, 96% felt they had sufficient opportunity to ask questions and 96% were happy with the level of confidentiality involved. While 83% felt they received sufficient support from the health board to access the virtual session, 63% also took support from family/friends to attend it. Only 15% felt that they would have preferred a face-to-face format. Finally, by having ‘virtual’ sessions, each patient saved, on average, 38 miles and 62 minutes travel (10,070 miles and 274 hours saved for 267 patients).

Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback, we recommend implementation of such ‘Virtual Joint Schools’ at other arthroplasty centres as well.

Meniscal root tears can result from traumatic injury to the knee or gradual degeneration. When the root is injured, the meniscus becomes de-functioned, resulting in abnormal distribution of hoop stresses, extrusion of the meniscus, and altered knee kinematics. If left untreated, this can cause articular cartilage damage and rapid progression of osteoarthritis. Multiple repair strategies have been described; however, no best fixation practice has been established. To our knowledge, no study has compared suture button, interference screw, and HEALICOIL KNOTLESS fixation techniques for meniscal root repairs. The goal of this study is to understand the biomechanical properties of these fixation techniques and distinguish any advantages of certain techniques over others. Knowledge of fixation robustness will aid in surgical decision making, potentially reducing failure rates, and improving clinical outcomes.

19 fresh porcine tibias with intact medial menisci were randomly assigned to four groups: 1) native posterior medial meniscus root (PMMR) (n = 7), 2) suture button (n = 4), 3) interference screw (n = 4), or 4) HEALICOIL KNOTLESS (n = 4). In 12 specimens, the PMMR was severed and then refixed by the specified group technique. The remaining seven specimens were left intact. All specimens underwent cyclic loading followed by load-to-failure testing. Elongation rate; displacement after 100, 500, and 1000 cycles; stiffness; and maximum load were recorded.

Repaired specimens had greater elongation rates and displacements after 100, 500, and 1000 cycles than native PMMR specimens (p 0.05). The native PMMR showed greater maximum load than all repair techniques (p 0.05). In interference screw and HEALICOIL KNOTLESS specimens, failure occurred as the suture was displaced from the fixation and tension was gradually lost. In suture button specimens, the suture was either displaced or completely separated from the button. In some cases, tear formation and partial failure also occurred at the meniscus luggage tag knot. Native PMMR specimens failed through meniscus or meniscus root tearing.

All fixation techniques showed similar biomechanical properties and performed inferiorly to the native PMMR. Evidence against significant differences between fixation techniques suggests that the HEALICOIL KNOTLESS technique may present an additional option for fixation in meniscal root repairs. While preliminary in vitro evidence suggests similarities between fixation techniques, further research is required to determine if clinical outcomes differ.

A Core Outcome Set (COS) for treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is essential to ensure that the most meaningful outcomes are evaluated and used consistently. Measuring the same outcomes ensures evidence from clinical trials and routine clinical practice of different treatments can be more easily compared and combined, therefore increasing the quality of the evidence base. The SPINE-COS-AYA project aims to develop a gold standard COS which can be used internationally in research and routine clinical practice to evaluate the treatment (surgical and bracing) of AIS.

In this qualitative study, the views of adolescents and young adults with AIS (10-25 years of age), their family members and healthcare professionals in a UK region were sought, via interviews, on treatment outcomes. Participants were purposively recruited from a variety of sources including NHS outpatient clinics and social media. Semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.

Key findings will be presented, to include potential core outcome domains identified by the different subgroups.

The core outcome domains identified in this research programme will subsequently form part of an international consensus survey to agree a COS. In future, if the COS is used by healthcare staff and researchers, it will be easier for everyone, including patients and their families, to assess which treatment works best.

A large proportion of our patients are not salaried and many had expressed concerns about the amount of time taken off work following carpal tunnel surgery. Impressions were formed from information given by other health professionals or by friends and relatives who had previously undergone surgery. Some patients declined surgery because of their concerns over this particular issue. We therefore set out to challenge these traditional beliefs. This prompted us to adopt a more aggressive postoperative approach by encouraging immediate and unrestricted hand use following surgery. We found that patients were able to tolerate early activity and were able to return to work sooner than they had expected. For the purposes of this study, our aim was to identify when a return to any form of meaningful employment occurred, such that the individual was earning a salary. Consequently, we did not differentiate between the individual returning to either light or full duties. Subsequently, in a cohort of 494 patients prospectively studied, we have seen 93.1% patients return to work by two weeks and 99.4% by four weeks.

This has obvious benefits in terms of reducing loss of income. Individuals undergoing surgery now do not have to be concerned with taking lengthy periods of time off work with the financial implications for them and their families.

There are obvious economic implications to our findings. An individual back at work should not be claiming related sickness benefit. The Confederation of British Industry (May 2007) report a cost of £76.70 for each day an employee is off work due to sickness. An individual who is able to return to work even one week earlier than previously would have been expected following carpal tunnel surgery could theoretically produce a saving to the economy of £383. In this series there were 318 (64.4%) patients in employment indicating a potential economic saving of £121,794. Given that nationally there are about 50 000 carpal tunnel procedures carried out each year then the potential savings are significant.

There may be a number of reasons for our observations. The absence of a bulky restrictive dressing and sling following surgery clearly allows immediate mobilization to occur. Our service allows the development of a close professional relationship based on trust between the operator and the patient. This ultimately reassures patients who, we believe, feeling more involved in decisions about their post-operative care, are consequently well-motivated and have the confidence to use their hand immediately following surgery. We have seen a low postoperative complication rate in this group of patients, in particular, a low incidence of swelling, stiffness and scar sensitivity. Reasons for these low complication rates are unclear, but we would suggest that early mobilisation protects patients against these particular problems.

Aims: To investigate the effect of age and occupation on the outcome of carpal tunnel decompression.

Patients and Methods: A total of 271 patients undergoing primary carpal tunnel decompression by a single surgeon were studied. Patients with inflammatory joint disease, thyroid disease and diabetes mellitus were excluded. Outcome was assessed using the Levine-Katz carpal tunnel questionnaire at two weeks preoperatively and six months postoperatively. Cases were divided into six age groups (less than 40 years of age, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and over 80 years of age) and 12 occupational groups according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-88). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post ad-hoc analyses.

Results: Overall there was an improvement in total Levine scores in 269 (99.3%) patients (mean change 33.1, 95%CI: 31.5 to 34.7). This change was greatest in those over 80 years of age (mean 35.8, 95%CI: 29.0 to 42.6) and in those who were service or sales workers (mean 39.6, 95%CI: 34.9 to 44.2), and least in the 70–79 age group (mean 30.7, 95%CI 25.7 to 35.8) and craft and trade workers (mean 29.8, 95%CI: 21.8 to 37.9). Patients reported a greater improvement in symptoms (mean score change 21.4, 95%CI: 20.2 to 22.2), than function (mean 12, 95%CI: 11.1 to 12.7). We found no significant difference in the total, functional or symptomatic Levine score changes between the six age groups (p=0.05) and the 12 occupation groups (p=0.05) following carpal tunnel decompression.

Conclusion: Almost all patients improved after carpal tunnel decompression. However, we found no influence of age and occupation on the outcome of carpal tunnel decompression in our series of patients.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate if 2 week Levine score can provide an adequately responsive outcome measure in Carpal Tunnel Decompression by comparing it with 6 month score.

The treatment outcome of 300 patients with Carpal Tunnel Decompression was determined by using Levine score at 2 weeks and 6 months after surgery. The mean age of patients was 55 years and 6 months, 71.3% (214) were female with 55.33% (167) operations being performed on right hand. All patients were scored through Levine questionnaire pre operatively and at 2 weeks and 6 months from date of surgery. The correlation between the scores was evaluated.

Although statistical significance was found between the pre operative score and the scores at both 2 weeks and 6 months, no statistical difference was found between the scores at 2 weeks and 6 months post surgery. Multiple regression analysis with the 2 week–6 month score difference as the dependable variable shows a predictable outcome at 2 weeks.

We conclude that the Levine score at 2 weeks is a reliable, responsive and practical instrument for outcome measure in Carpal Tunnel Surgery. It coincides with suture removal and provides a convenient and predictive assessment of the medium term results in a high percentage of treated patients.

Elevated serum cobalt and chromium ion levels associated with carcinogenesis and chromosomal damage in animals have raised concerns that metal-on-metal (MOM) total hip replacement (THR) in humans may produce the same effects over time. Considering that the risks may be related to the level of these ions in the body, this study compared the serum cobalt and chromium ion levels in patients with unilateral versus bilateral 28 mm diameter MOM THR.

All patients having THR at our institution were prospectively registered on a computerised database. From our database, we identified 108 patients with Ultima (Johnson and Johnson, Leeds) MOM THR with 28 mm bearing made of cobalt-chromium alloy. After patient review in clinic and before blood results were known, patient matching was performed by date after surgery at blood sampling, activity level and body mass. Using these stringent criteria, 11 unilateral THR could be adequately matched with 11 bilateral THR. Blood serum was taken with full anti-contamination protocols and serum analysed via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

The serum cobalt ion level after unilateral MOM THR was 4.4 times normal (median 22 nmol/L, range 15 to 37 nmol/L) compared to 8.4 times normal (median 42 nmol/L, range 19 to 221 nmol/L) for bilateral MOM THR (p=0.001). The serum chromium ion level after unilateral MOM THR was 3.8 times normal (median 19 nmol/L, range 2 to 35 nmol/L) compared to 10.4 times normal (median 52 nmol/L, range 19 to 287 nmol/ L) for bilateral MOM THR (p=0.04).

This study has shown that the serum cobalt and chromium ion levels in patients with bilateral MOM THR are significantly higher than those in patients with unilateral MOM THR. With levels of up to 50 times the upper limit of normal, this finding may be of relevance for the potential development of long-term side effects.

Prior studies have compared the bacterial load observed in laminar flow operating theatres (LFOTs) and standard operating theatres (STOTs) by wound culture and air sampling during surgery. However many organisms responsible for low grade infection after THR are not readily identified on routine culture and may be detectable only by more sensitive techniques such as the poly-merase chain reaction (PCR). This study assessed the wound contamination rate during THRs and compared the results in STOT with that in LFOTs using PCR.

We recruited patients undergoing primary THR for osteoarthritis. Surgery was performed in either STOTs or LFOTs, using identical skin preparation solutions, surgical drapes and operating attire. Specimens of the deep tissue, taken at the beginning and end of surgery, were each immediately separated into two sterile containers, one sent for culture (aerobic, anaerobic and enriched meat broth) and the other frozen at minus 80 degrees Celsius for PCR at a later date.

In each theatre type, 40 specimens from 20 THRs were analysed by both PCR and culture. Using PCR, bacterial DNA was identified on 12 of 40 specimens (30%) from STOTs, of which 3 were taken at the start of surgery and 9 at the end of the surgery, giving a 45% wound contamination rate (9 of 20). Two specimens (5%), both taken at the end of surgery, were positive on enriched culture. In LFOTs, bacterial DNA was identified by PCR on 8 of 40 specimens (20%), of which 2 were taken at the start of surgery and 6 at the end of surgery, giving a 30% wound contamination rate (6 of 20). No specimens were positive on enriched culture.

Wound contamination of primary THR occurs frequently in both STOTs and LFOTs. Although STOTs showed evidence of more frequent wound contamination than LFOTs, with the numbers available, no significant difference was detected. These data remind us the importance of aseptic surgical technique as significant wound contamination can occur despite the use of ultra clean air operating theatres.

Metal-on-metal (MOM) bearings after total hip arthroplasty are known to elevate the serum concentrations of metal ions, raising concerns about the long-term effects. One potential modifier of ion release is the bearing diameter used. Resurfacing MOM bearings have a large surface area available for corrosion compared to the typical bearing size of 28 mm in total hip replacement (THR) but may benefit from improved lubrication and reduced production of corrodible wear debris. The net effect of these two variables on metal ion release is unknown. In this study, we compared the level of ion release in patients after large bearing MOM hip resurfacing arthroplasty with patient after small bearing MOM THR.

We measured the serum cobalt and chromium levels from 22 patients with large bearing diameter MOM hip resurfacing arthroplasty (Cormet 2000 and Birmingham Hip Resurfacing) and compared them to the serum cobalt and chromium levels of 22 patients with small bearing diameter (28 mm) MOM THR (Ultima). Patients were prospectively matched for activity level, body mass and date after surgery at blood sampling. All were at least 6 months after surgery.

We found the median cobalt and chromium levels after hip resurfacing arthroplasty to be 7.6 times normal (median 38 nmol/L, range 14 to 144 nmol/L) and 10.5 times normal (median 53 nmol/L, range 25 to 165 nmol/ L) respectively. This is compared to 4.4 times normal (median 22 nmol/L, range 15 to 87 nmol/L) for cobalt and 3.8 times normal (median 19 nmol/L, range 2 to 58 nmol/L) for chromium after 28 mm MOM THR (p=0.0021 and p< 0.0001).

Conclusion: Large diameter MOM bearings result in greater release of cobalt and chromium ions than do small diameter MOM bearings. This may be of relevance when the potential effects of long-term exposure to elevated these metal ions is considered.

Distal tibial fractures may be satisfactorily held in reduction by fine-wire external fixation techniques, avoiding the need for open reduction and internal fixation. However, as the use of external fixation is associated with pin-site infection, extra-articular placement of the wires is recommended. This study assesses the proximal extension of the capsule of the ankle joint in order to provide information on the safety of wire placement for distal tibia fractures.

We recruited 7 patients who were electively scheduled for an MRI ankle investigation with the suspicion of osteochondral defect and/or meniscoid lesion. Patients with a history of ankle fracture or ankle surgery were excluded from the study. Just prior to MRI, the ankle joint was injected with 5 to 15 ml of contrast solution (1 mM dimeglumine gadopentetate). Selected fat-saturated T1-weighted MRI scans with sagittal, coronal and axial views were obtained. The site and proximal extent of the capsular reflection with reference to the anterior joint line were measured.

All contrast-enhanced MRIs of the ankle joint space were well defined and unambiguous. Proximal capsular extensions above the plane of the anterior joint line were noted at the antero-medial and antero-lateral aspect of the joint (mean 8.9 mm, range 4.9 to 13.4 mm) and at the tibia-fibular recess (mean 18.7 mm, range 13.3 to 23.6 mm), areas that are frequently traversed by wire insertion.

Conclusion: This in vivo contrast-enhanced MRI ankle study demonstrates an appreciable capsular extension above the joint line of the ankle. The proximal capsular extensions at the antero-medial and antero-lateral aspect of the joint and at the tibio-fibular recess run the risk of being traversed during fine-wire placement for distal tibia fractures. Surgeons using these techniques should be aware of this anatomy.

Introduction: In the 1970’s, ‘viscosupplementation’ with hyaluronan was proposed as a potential treatment for OA with the idea that it would improve joint lubrication. However, despite studies showing its ability to reduce pain, the fact that the resident time within a joint (48 hours) is much less than its clinical effect (several months) along with pharmacological effects on chondroctyes and synoviocytes has confirmed that injected hyaluronan acts as a pharmaceutical rather than as a lubricant as originally thought. In this regard, the effects of inert synthetic lubricants on arthritic joints have not previously been adequately investigated.

This study examines the effect of injecting an inert synthetic lubricant, perfluoroalkylether (PFAE16350), as a mechanical joint lubricant to prevent the development of osteoarthritis in a surgically induced model of osteoarthritis in the adult guinea pig.

Materials & Methods: Osteoarthritic changes were initiated in the hind knee joint of 12 adult male Dunkin-Hartley guinea-pigs by excision of the medial meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament.

After wound closure, the animals were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: (1) Single intra-articular injection of 1ml synthetic, sterile lubricant (PFAE16350) or (2) Control group with single intra-articular injection of 1ml 0.9% sterile saline.

At 9 weeks after surgery, after sacrifice, knee arthrotomy was performed, the presence of synthetic lubricant noted and the articular cartilages examined for macroscopic evidence of osteoarthritis. These cartilages were then fixed, embedded, sectioned, stained and graded histologically for osteoarthritis according to a modified Mankin scoring system.

Immunohistochemical studies were performed to assess for any inflammatory or cytotoxic effect by the lubricant.

Results: All guinea-pigs remained healthy and mobile throughout the study.

Subjective macroscopic assessment of the medial tibial plateau osteophyte was noted to be larger and the articular surface more roughened in the control cases compared to the lubricated cases. Synthetic lubricant was noted at arthrotomy in all cases where it was injected.

Guinea-pig joints treated with the synthetic lubricant showed a mean modified Mankin score of 3.0 points compared with the guinea-pig joints treated with saline where the median modified Mankin score was 8.5 points (p< 0.001). There was no evidence of an inflammatory or cytotoxic response by immunohistochemical studies.

Discussion: This study has confirmed that inert synthetic perfluoroalkylether lubricants can remain in the articular space for prolonged periods and inhibit the development of osteoarthritis without initiating an inflammatory response. Synthetic lubricants such as PFAE16350 warrant further investigation for potential use in osteoarthritis.

Introduction: Although there is evidence that laminar flow operating theatres (LFOTs) can reduce the incidence of wound infection over standard operating theatres (STOTs) when no routine peri-operative antibiotics were used, the evidence for the use with concurrent parenteral antibiotics is less compelling. A number of prior studies have compared the bacterial load observed in LFOTs and STOTs by wound culture and air sampling during surgery. However many organisms responsible for low grade infection after THR are not readily identified on routine culture and may be detectable only by more sensitive techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a molecular biology test for the presence of bacterial DNA. The purpose of this study was to compare the wound contamination rate during THRs performed in STOT with that in LFOTs using PCR.

Method: Patients undergoing primary THR for osteoarthritis without a history of joint infection were recruited for the study. Surgery was performed in either STOTs or LFOTs, using identical skin preparation solutions, surgical drapes and operating attire. Specimens of the deep tissue, taken at the beginning and end of surgery, were each immediately separated into two sterile containers, one sent for culture (aerobic, anaerobic and enriched meat broth) and the other frozen at minus 80 degrees Celsius for PCR at a later date.

Results: In each theatre type, 40 specimens from 20 THRs were analysed by both PCR and culture (80 specimens and 40 THRs in total).

Using PCR, bacterial DNA was identified on 12 of 40 specimens (30%) from STOTs. Of these 12, three were taken at the start of surgery and nine at the end of the surgery, equivalent to a 45% wound contamination rate (9 of 20). Only two specimens (5%), both taken at the end of surgery, were positive on enriched culture.

In LFOTs, bacterial DNA was identified by PCR on eight of 40 specimens (20%). Of these eight, two were taken at the start of surgery and six at the end of surgery, equivalent to a 30% wound contamination rate (6 of 20). None of the specimens were positive on enriched culture.

Discussions: We concluded that wound contamination of primary THR occurs frequently in both STOTs and LFOTs. Although STOTs showed evidence of more frequent wound contamination than LFOTs, with the numbers available, no significant difference was detected. These data are important in that they confirm that continued vigilance to technique continue to be important as significant wound contamination can occur despite the use of ultra clean air operating theatres.

Introduction: Metal-on-metal (MOM) bearings after total hip arthroplasty are known to elevate the serum concentrations of metal ions, raising concerns about the long term effects. One potential modifier of ion release is the bearing diameter used. Resurfacing MOM bearings have a large surface area available for corrosion compared to the typical bearing size of 28 mm in total hip replacement (THR) but may benefit from improved lubrication and reduced production of corrodible wear debris. The net effect of these two variables on metal ion release is unknown. In this study, we compared the level of ion release in patients after large bearing MOM hip resurfacing arthroplasty with patient after small bearing MOM THR.

Methods: We measured the serum cobalt and chromium levels from 22 patients with large bearing diameter MOM hip resurfacing arthroplasty (Cormet 2000 and Birmingham Hip Resurfacing) and compared them to the serum cobalt and chromium levels of 22 patients with small bearing diameter (28 mm) MOM THR (Ultima). Patients were prospectively matched for activity level, body mass and date after surgery at blood sampling. All were at least 6 months after surgery.

Results: We found the median cobalt and chromium levels after hip resurfacing arthroplasty to be 7.6 times normal (median 38 nmol/L, range 14 to 144 nmol/L) and 10.5 times normal (median 53 nmol/L, range 25 to 165 nmol/L) respectively. This is compared to 4.4 times normal (median 22 nmol/L, range 15 to 87 nmol/L) for cobalt and 3.8 times normal (median 19 nmol/L, range 2 to 58 nmol/L) for chromium after 28 mm MOM THR (p=0.0021 and p< 0.0001).

Discussion: We concluded that large diameter MOM bearings result in greater release of cobalt and chromium ions than do small diameter MOM bearings. This may be of relevance when the potential side-effects of long-term exposure to elevated these metal ions is considered. It is not known to what extent this difference is due to corrosion of the component surfaces or of the wear particles produced.

Aims: Elevated serum cobalt and chromium ion levels associated with carcinogenesis and chromosomal damage in animals has raised concerns that metal-on-metal (MOM) total hip replacement (THR) in humans may produce the same effects over time. Considering that the risks may be related to the level of these ions in the body, this study compared the serum cobalt and chromium ion levels in patients with unilateral versus bilateral 28 mm diameter MOM THR.

Methods: All patients having THR at our institution were prospectively registered on a computerised database. From our database, we identified 108 patients with Ultima (Johnson and Johnson, Leeds) MOM THR with 28 mm bearing made of cobalt-chromium alloy. After patient review in clinic and before blood results were known, patient matching was performed by date after surgery at blood sampling, activity level and body mass. Using these stringent criteria, 11 unilateral THR could be adequately matched with 11 bilateral THR. Blood serum was taken with full anti-contamination protocols and serum analysed via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Statistical analysis used the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results: The serum cobalt ion level after unilateral MOM THR was 4.4 times normal (median 22 nmol/L, range 15 to 37 nmol/L) compared to 8.4 times normal (median 42 nmol/L, range 19 to 221 nmol/L) for bilateral MOM THR (p=0.001). The serum chromium ion level after unilateral MOM THR was 3.8 times normal (median 19 nmol/L, range 2 to 35 nmol/L) compared to 10.4 times normal (median 52 nmol/L, range 19 to 287 nmol/L) for bilateral MOM THR (p=0.04).

Conclusions: This study has shown that the serum cobalt and chromium ion levels in patients with bilateral MOM THR are significantly higher than those in patients with unilateral MOM THR. With levels of up to 50 times the upper limit of normal, this finding may be of relevance for the potential development of long-term side effects.

Aims: Cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) ion associated carcinogenesis and chromosomal damage in animals has raised concerns that metal-on-metal (MOM) total hip replacement (THR) in humans may produce the same effects over time. Considering that the risks may be related to the level of these ions in the body, this study compared the serum Co and Cr levels in patients with unilateral versus bilateral 28 mm diameter MOM THR. Methods: All patients having THR at our institution were prospectively registered on a computerised database. From our database, 108 Ultima MOM THR with 28 mm CoCrMo bearing were identiþed. After patient review in clinic and before blood results were known, patient matching was performed by date after surgery, activity level and weight. Using these stringent criteria, 11 unilateral THR could be adequately matched with 11 bilateral THR. Blood serum was taken with full anti-contamination protocols and serum analysed via atomic absorption spectrometry. Statistical analysis used the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The median serum Co level after unilateral MOM THR was 22 nmol (range 15 to 37 nmol) compared to 42 nmol (range 19 to 221 nmol) for bilateral MOM THR (p=0.001). The median serum Cr level after unilateral MOM THR was 19 nmol (range 2 to 35 nmol) compared to 52 nmol (range 19 to 287 nmol) for bilateral MOM THR (p=0.04). Conclusions: This study has shown that the serum Co and Cr levels in patients with bilateral MOM THR are signiþcantly higher than those with unilateral MOM THR. With levels of up to 50 times the upper limit of normal, this þnding may be of relevance for the potential development of long-term side effects.

Aims: Identifying low-grade infection in failed total hip replacements (THR) is an important but often difficult task. Recently, there has been interest in the use of molecular biology techniques as potential sensitive tests for low-grade infection by identifying fragments of bacterial DNA within human tissue. Methods: We investigated the ability of a molecular biology technique known as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify low-grade infection during revision of THR considered to have failed from aseptic causes. We analysed 113 specimens of tissue and synovial fluid from 31 THR revised for aseptic loosening and compared them to 105 control specimens taken during 28 primary THR. All cases were performed in laminar flow theatres. No primary or revision specimen had positive microbiological cultures. No revision specimen had histological evidence suggestive of infection. Results: Using PCR, we identified bacterial DNA in 39 of 85 revision THR tissue specimens (46%) compared to 18 of 84 primary THR specimens (21.4%, p=0.001). Bacterial DNA was identified within the synovial fluid in three specimens taken from 28 revision THR (10.7%) and in two specimens taken from 21 primary THR (9.5%, p=0.36). As multiple specimens were sent per case, 16 of 31 revision THR (52%) and eight of 28 primary THR (29%) were considered to be infected (p=0.072). Conclusions: Our results suggest that many aseptically loose revision THR actually contain bacterial DNA within the peri-prosthetic tissue, but infrequently within the synovial fluid. With an overall specimen contamination rate of 19%, however, PCR has poor specificity for routine diagnostic use in revision THR.

Lubricated metal-on-metal (MOM) bearing surfaces are not easily separated, unlike ceramic- or metal-on-UHMWPE (COP, MOP), due to interfacial forces and low diametric clearance that provides a ‘suction-fit’. In vivo videofluoroscopic studies have shown that patients with MOP/COP THRs exhibit separation of bearing surfaces by up to 3.1 mm during normal gait and 5.4 mm during active abduction while patients with MOM bearings do not. In this regard, MOM bearings may have similarities to constrained bearings with the potential to lower dislocation rates.

All patients under 70 years old undergoing primary THRs for primary osteoarthritis were prospectively registered on a computer database. From 1993–8, patients were offered a 28 mm COP bearing. After 1998, as part of a clinical trial, a 28 mm MOM bearing was inserted instead. For all cases, we used a metal-backed, uncemented acetabulum allowing a modular 10-degrees posteriorly augmented insert (Duraloc/PFC/Ultima, J& J) and the same cemented femoral stem (Ultima, J& J). The same experienced surgeon performed all operations using the posterior approach. Interfacial forces between bearing surfaces were assessed in vitro with a variable-speed-motor winch (APT) and a load-cell (E375/RDP) by recording peak-retaining-forces of bearing couples during separation with variable impact-distraction velocities. Statistical analysis used the Chi-square and student’s t-test.

We identified 140 COP THRs in 129 patients and 109 MOM THRs in 100 patients. Nine of 140 (6.4%) COP bearings dislocated within 3 months of surgery compared to 1 of 109 (0.9%) in the MOM group (p=0.024). No significant differences were identified between groups when comparing patient and prosthesis factors. In vitro assessment demonstrated that MOM bearing possessed interfacial retaining forces up to 30N more than COP bearing (p< 0.001).

This study demonstrates a significantly lower dislocation rate in THR with MOM bearing compared with COP. A potential explanation is the differential ease of separation that the two lubricated bearing couples possess due to interfacial retaining forces (viscous tension and ionic adhesive forces) exerted by the lubricating fluid.