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Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 3, Issue 9 | Pages 692 - 700
2 Sep 2022
Clement ND Smith KM Baron YJ McColm H Deehan DJ Holland J

Aims

The primary aim of our study was to assess the influence of age on hip-specific outcome following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Secondary aims were to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and level of activity according to age.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted. All patients were fitted with an Exeter stem with a 32 mm head on highly cross-linked polyethylene (X3RimFit) cemented acetabulum. Patients were recruited into three age groups: < 65 years, 65 to 74 years, and ≥ 75 years, and assessed preoperatively and at three, 12, 24, and 60 months postoperatively. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Harris Hip Score (HHS), and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), were used to assess hip-specific outcome. EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) scores were used to assess HRQoL. The Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) were used to assess level of activity.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 104-B, Issue SUPP_4 | Pages 24 - 24
1 Apr 2022
Partridge T Osborne S Marsh M Holland J
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We present a consecutive case cohort of the first 100 Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR)'s in 90 patients with a minimum follow up of 20 years. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon having commenced the study in 1998.

The original cohort included 68 males with 75 hips (7 bilateral) and 22 females with 25 hips (3 bilateral). The mean age at index procedure was 52. Patients were recalled to review in clinic as per Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency guidelines with x-rays, metal ions and Harris Hip Scores recorded.

After a minimum of 20 year follow-up review the known overall revision rate is 11%. 11 have died and 7 have been lost to review. In males the known revision rate is 4/75 (5%), 3 of which were due to early fractures and 1 revision for infection at 5 years. The known revision rate in females is 7/25 (28%) of which 6 were due to adverse reactions to metal debris; 3 at 7–8 yrs, 1 at 15 yrs, 2 at 18 years, and 1 at 2 months for avascular necrosis. The mean 20 year metal ions results were cobalt 36.6 nmol/l (range 7.4–232.1) and chromium 32.1 nmol/l (range 6–120.8). The mean Harris hip score was 88.5 (range 38.6–99.8).

This case series with 20 years follow-up demonstrates excellent long term survival of the BHRs further to registry BHR data and similar to THR for same age recipients. Applying today's strict criteria for patient selection would likely improve survival rate further. BHR has not demonstrated the catastrophic revision rates associated with some metal-on-metal resurfacing and remains a safe option for those who meet the criteria.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 1 | Pages 125 - 131
1 Jan 2020
Clement ND Weir DJ Holland J Deehan DJ

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to assess whether pain in the contralateral knee had a clinically significant influence on the outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score. Secondary aims were to: describe the prevalence of contralateral knee pain; identify if it clinically improves after TKA; and assess whether contralateral knee pain independently influences patient satisfaction with their TKA.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 3,178 primary TKA patients were identified from an arthroplasty database. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and WOMAC scores were collected preoperatively and one year postoperatively for the index knee. In addition, WOMAC pain scores were also collected for the contralateral knee. Overall patient satisfaction was assessed at one year. Preoperative contralateral knee pain was defined according to the WOMAC score: minimal (> 78 points), mild (59 to 78), moderate (44 to 58), and severe (< 44). Multivariate regression analysis was used to adjust for confounding.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 8, Issue 6 | Pages 246 - 252
1 Jun 2019
Liddle A Webb M Clement N Green S Liddle J German M Holland J

Objectives

Previous studies have evidenced cement-in-cement techniques as reliable in revision arthroplasty. Commonly, the original cement mantle is reshaped, aiding accurate placement of the new stem. Ultrasonic devices selectively remove cement, preserve host bone, and have lower cortical perforation rates than other techniques. As far as the authors are aware, the impact of ultrasonic devices on final cement-in-cement bonds has not been investigated. This study assessed the impact of cement removal using the Orthosonics System for Cemented Arthroplasty Revision (OSCAR; Orthosonics) on final cement-in-cement bonds.

Methods

A total of 24 specimens were manufactured by pouring cement (Simplex P Bone Cement; Stryker) into stainless steel moulds, with a central rod polished to Stryker Exeter V40 specifications. After cement curing, the rods were removed and eight specimens were allocated to each of three internal surface preparation groups: 1) burr; 2) OSCAR; and 3) no treatment. Internal holes were recemented, and each specimen was cut into 5 mm discs. Shear testing of discs was completed by a technician blinded to the original grouping, recording ultimate shear strengths. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was completed, inspecting surfaces of shear-tested specimens.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 8, Issue 6 | Pages 275 - 287
1 Jun 2019
Clement ND Bardgett M Merrie K Furtado S Bowman R Langton DJ Deehan DJ Holland J

Objectives

Our primary aim was to describe migration of the Exeter stem with a 32 mm head on highly crosslinked polyethylene and whether this is influenced by age. Our secondary aims were to assess functional outcome, satisfaction, activity, and bone mineral density (BMD) according to age.

Patients and Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted. Patients were recruited into three age groups: less than 65 years (n = 65), 65 to 74 years (n = 68), and 75 years and older (n = 67). There were 200 patients enrolled in the study, of whom 115 were female and 85 were male, with a mean age of 69.9 years (sd 9.5, 42 to 92). They were assessed preoperatively, and at three, 12 and, 24 months postoperatively. Stem migration was assessed using Einzel-Bild-Röntgen-Analyse (EBRA). Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Harris Hip Score (HHS), Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), EuroQol-5 domains questionnaire (EQ-5D), short form-36 questionnaire (SF-36,) and patient satisfaction were used to assess outcome. The Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and activPAL monitor (energy expelled, time lying/standing/walking and step count) were used to assess activity. The BMD was assessed in Gruen and Charnley zones.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 101-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 1 - 1
1 May 2019
Watkins C Ghosh K Bhatnagar S Rankin K Weir D Hashmi M Holland J
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Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with congenital dysplasia of the hip (CDH) is complex and challenging. The Crowe and Hartofilakidis classification systems are the most commonly used. However, neither encompasses the whole spectrum of disease and deformity and therefore does not guide modern surgical options.

We present a new classification system which aims to guide surgical strategy by focusing on the three main areas of disease and deformity: Cup defect; De-rotation of femoral neck ante-version; Height of femoral subluxation. Each component is graded from 1–3 based on the severity of deformity and the potential surgical strategy required (with 3 being the most severe). A total numerical score will reflect the overall degree of difficulty which may be used when assessing surgical outcomes.

The aim of this study is to assess the reliability of this new adult CDH classification system in the setting of THA.

Study design and Methods

A sample size calculation showed 28 evaluations were required to reach a power of 85% (based on a kappa value of 0.4). The anterior-posterior pelvis and lateral hip radiographs of 30 hips, in 26 patients were evaluated by three Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons using the classification detailed in table 1. A second evaluation, with the case order randomised, was performed after a minimum period of 1month. Randolph's free multi-rater Kappa co-efficient was used to assess for inter and intra- observer reliability and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 101-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 25 - 25
1 May 2019
Langton D Sidaginamale R Wells S Wainwright B Holland J Deehan D Joyce T Jafri A Nargol A Natu S
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Introduction

We aimed to identify genes associated with the development of ALVAL at relatively low levels of wear.

Methods

At our unit all patients undergoing revision of a MoM hip prosthesis have periprosthetic tissue samples graded for ALVAL. Explants undergo volumetric wear testing of the bearing and taper surfaces. We identified patients with moderate/severe ALVAL who had been exposed to lower than the median wear rate of all recorded patients who had developed ALVAL (<3mm3/year). This was termed the “ALVAL” group. We then identified all patients whose tissues had shown no signs of ALVAL. The patients in the two groups were sent buccal DNA collection kits. DNA was examined using next generation sequencing. Alleleic frequencies in the two groups were compared using Fisher's test and compared to a background UK population group (n=8514). We then conducted binary logistic regression with patient age, sex, primary source of debris (taper/bearing) and HLA genotype as the predictors. With the hypothesis that a cobalt/albumin metalloprotein acts as the epitope, we used validated binding prediction software to determine the relative affinities of the binding grooves created by different DQA1/DQB1 genetic combinations for albumin derived peptides. Given the protection that male sex and younger age appears to confer against ALVAL, we hypothesized that testosterone peptides may compete for these binding sites.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 101-B, Issue SUPP_5 | Pages 110 - 110
1 Apr 2019
Farrier A Manning W Moore L Avila C Collins S Holland J
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INTRODUCTION

Experience with Metal on Metal (MoM) hip resurfacing devices has shown adequate cementation of the femoral head is critical for implant survival. Bone necrosis can be caused by the temperature change in the peri-prosthetic bone whilst the cement cures during implantation. This can lead to implant loosening, head/neck fracture and implant failure. During the implantation it is known that implants change shape potentially altering joint clearance and causing loosening.

Given the history of Metal on Metal implant failure due adverse tissue reactions from Cobalt and Chromium particles we sought to test a novel Ceramic on Ceramic (CoC) bearing which may mitigate such problems.

AIM

We set out to compare the behaviour of a novel ceramic femoral head component to a standard metal component in a hip resurfacing system after cemented implantation in a physiological warmed cadaveric model.

Our first aim was to perform heat transfer analysis: To document time to, and extent of, maximum temperature change on the metal/ceramic surface and inside the resurfaced femoral head bone.

Our second aim was to perform a dimensional analysis: To document any resulting deformation in the metal/ceramic femoral head bearing diameter during cementation.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 101-B, Issue SUPP_5 | Pages 112 - 112
1 Apr 2019
Farrier A Manning W Moore L Avila C Collins S Holland J
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INTRODUCTION

The cup component of modern resurfacing systems are often coated creating a cementless press-fit fixation in the acetabulum based on surgical under-reaming, also enabling osseoconduction/integration. Due to the higher density of cortical bone along the antero-superior and postero-inferior regions of the acetabulum, the greatest forces occur between the anterior and posterior columns of the pelvis. This produces pinching of the implant that can result in deformation of the cup. Metal shell/modularpress-fit acetabular cups are susceptible to substantial deformation immediately after implantation. This deformation may affect the lubrication, producing point loading and high friction torques between the head and the cup that increase wear and may lead to head clamping and subsequent cup loosening. We sought to test a novel ceramic on ceramic (CoC) hip resurfacing system that should allay any concerns with the Adverse Reaction to Metal Debris associated with metal on metal (MoM) resurfacing devices.

AIM

We sought to quantify the deformation of a novel CoC hip-resurfacing cup after implantation, using a standard surgical technique in a cadaveric model, and compare to the MoM standard. We also assessed if the design clearances proposed for this CoC hip resurfacing implant are compatible with the measured deformations, allowing for an adequate motion of the joint.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 6 | Pages 740 - 748
1 Jun 2018
Clement ND Bardgett M Weir D Holland J Gerrand C Deehan DJ

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to assess the rate of patient satisfaction one year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) according to the focus of the question asked. The secondary aims were to identify independent predictors of patient satisfaction according to the focus of the question.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective cohort of 2521 patients undergoing a primary unilateral TKA were identified from an established regional arthroplasty database. Patient demographics, comorbidities, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) scores were collected preoperatively and one year postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was assessed using four questions, which focused on overall outcome, activity, work, and pain. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent preoperative predictors of increased stiffness when adjusting for confounding variables.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 2 | Pages 161 - 169
1 Feb 2018
Clement ND Bardgett M Weir D Holland J Gerrand C Deehan DJ

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to assess whether patient satisfaction one year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) changed with longer follow-up. The secondary aims were to identify predictors of satisfaction at one year, persistence of patient dissatisfaction, and late onset dissatisfaction in patients that were originally satisfied at one year.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective cohort consisting of 1369 patients undergoing a primary TKA for osteoarthritis that had not undergone revision were identified from an established arthroplasty database. Patient demographics, comorbidities, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, and Short Form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire scores were collected preoperatively, and one and five years postoperatively. In addition, patient satisfaction was assessed at one and five years postoperatively. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of satisfaction at one and five years.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 99-B, Issue SUPP_12 | Pages 4 - 4
1 Jun 2017
Liddle A German M Green S Townsend A Webb M Holland J
Full Access

Numerous studies have evidenced cement-in-cement techniques as reliable in revision arthroplasty. The original cement mantle is commonly reshaped to aid accurate placement of the new stem.

Ultrasonic devices selectively remove cement, preserve host bone and have lower cortical perforation rates than other techniques. As far as the authors are aware, their impact on final cement-cement bonds has not been investigated. This study assessed the impact of cement removal using OSCAR (Orthosonics System for Cemented Arthroplasty Revision, ORTHOSONICS) on final cement-cement bonds.

Twenty-four specimens were manufactured by pouring cement (Simplex P Bone Cement, Stryker) into stainless-steel moulds with a central rod polished to Stryker Exeter V40 specifications. After cement curing, rods were removed and eight specimens allocated to each of three internal surface preparation groups: 1) burr; 2) OSCAR; or 3) no treatment. Internal holes were re-cemented, then each specimen was cut into 5mm discs. Shear testing of discs was completed by a technician blinded to original grouping (Instron 5567, UK), recording ultimate shear strengths.

The mean shear strength for OSCAR-prepared specimens (17 MPa, 99% CI 14.9 to 18.6, SD=4.0) was significantly lower than that measured for the control (23 MPa, 99% CI 22.5 to 23.7, SD=1.4) and burr (23 MPa, 99% CI 22.1 to 23.7, SD=1.9) groups (P<0.001, one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc analysis). There was no significant difference between control and burr groups (P>0.05).

Results show that cement removal technique impacts on final cement-cement bonds. This in vitro study shows a significantly weaker bond when using OSCAR prior to re-cementation into an old cement mantle, compared to cement prepared with a burr or no treatment.

These results have implications for surgical practice and decision-making about specific cement removal techniques used during cement-in-cement revision arthroplasty, suggesting that the risks and benefits of ultrasonic cement removal need careful consideration.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 99-B, Issue SUPP_12 | Pages 12 - 12
1 Jun 2017
Holland J Deehan D Manning W Pandorf T
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Modular un-cemented acetabular components are used in over 50% of UK hip replacements. Mal-seating of hard liners has been reported as a cause of failure which may be a result of errors in assembly, but also could be affected by deformation of the acetabular shell on insertion. Little information exists on in vivo shell deformation. Previous work has confirmed the importance of shell diameter and thickness upon shell behaviour, but mostly using single measurements in models or cold cadavers.

Exploration of deformation and its relaxation over the first twenty minutes after implantation of eight generic metal cups at body temperature.

Using a previously validated cadaveric model at controlled physiological temperature with standardised surgical technique, we tested the null hypothesis that there was no consistency for time dependent or directional change in deformation for a standard metal shell inserted under controlled conditions into the hip joint. Eight custom made titanium alloy (TiAl6V4) cups were implanted into 4 cadavers (8 hips). Time dependent cup deformation was determined using the previously validated ATOS Triple Scan III (ATOS) optical measurement system. The pattern of change in the shape of the surgically implanted cup was measured at 3 time points after insertion.

We found consistency for quantitative and directional deformation of the shells. There was consistency for relaxation of the deformation with time. Immediate mean change in cup radius was 104μm (sd 32, range 67–153) relaxing to mean 96 μm (sd 32, range 63–150) after 10 minutes and mean 92 μm (sd 28, range 66–138) after 20 minutes.

This work shows the time dependent deformation and relaxation of acetabular titanium shells and may aid determining the optimal time for insertion of the inner liner at surgery.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 99-B, Issue SUPP_8 | Pages 23 - 23
1 Apr 2017
Lawrence H Deehan D Holland J Kirby J Tyson-Capper A
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Background

Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip arthroplasty has been associated with adverse reactions including pseudotumours, and osteolysis. Tissues surrounding failed MoM hip implants are often infiltrated by inflammatory cells such as monocytes and neutrophils. The mechanisms by which these cells are recruited to the tissues remain unclear. Cobalt from MoM implants activates Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), an immune cell surface receptor usually responsible for recognition of bacteria and prevention of sepsis. Activation by bacteria leads to secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines which guide other immune cells to the site of inflammation. The effect of cobalt on this response is unknown and therefore this study aims to determine the effect of cobalt-mediated TLR4 activation on the migration of inflammatory cells.

Methods

A human macrophage cell line (MonoMac 6) was stimulated with a physiologically-relevant range of cobalt ions for 24h with or without pre-treatment with a TLR4 antagonist. Conditioned media was collected and used in a trans-well migration assay to determine its effect on migration of primary monocytes and neutrophils isolated from whole human blood. Migrated cells were stained with haematoxylin and counted at ×40 magnification.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_11 | Pages 4 - 4
1 Jun 2016
O'Hare J Langton D Nargol A Joyce T Brewster N Cooke N Jafri A Lord J Duffy P Holland J
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Introduction

Historical studies have reported incidences of taper corrosion in retrieved MoP hips of 20–50%. These studies relied on visual assessments, rather than using modern analytical techniques.

Patients/Materials and Methods

The Northern Retrieval Registry was initiated to routinely analyse all retrieved hips. The volumetric wear rates of retrieved Exeter head tapers were measured using a coordinate measuring machine using validated methods and compared to the available results obtained from an ongoing study of failed MoM prostheses. Power analysis suggested that we would need at least fifty Exeter head tapers to provide significant results. Non-parametric tests were used to assess differences. We have previously identified head diameter/offset/taper angle and taper surface roughness as variables associated with taper wear. The effect of bearing material combination remains unquantified. These design variables were entered into a multiple regression model following log normalisation of taper wear.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_7 | Pages 115 - 115
1 May 2016
Dold P Pandorf T Flohr M Preuss R Bone M Holland J Deehan D
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INTRODUCTION

Deformation of modular acetabular press-fit shells is of much interest for surgeons and manufacturers. Initial fixation is achieved through press-fit between shell and acetabulum with the shell mechanically deforming upon insertion. Shell deformation may disrupt the assembly process of modular systems and may adversely affect integrity and durability of the components and tribology of the bearing. The aim of the study was to show shell deformation as a function of bone and shell stiffness.

METHODS

The stiffness of the generic shells was determined using a uniaxial/ two point loading frame by applying different loads, and the change in dimension was measured by a coordinate measurement machine (CMM). Cadaver lab deformation measurements were done before and after insertion for 32 shells with 2 wall thicknesses and 11 shell sizes using the ATOS Triple Scan III (ATOS) optical system previously validated as a suitable measurement system to perform those measurements. Multiple deformation measurements per cadaver were performed by using both hip sides and stepwise increasing the reamed acetabulum by at least 1 mm, depending on sufficient residual bone stock. The under-reaming was varied between 0mm and 1mm, respectively. From the deformations, the resulting forces on the shells and bone stiffness were calculated assuming force equilibrium as well as linear-elastic material behaviour in each point at the rim of the shell.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 3 | Pages 313 - 319
1 Mar 2016
Baker P Rankin K Naisby S Agni N Brewster N Holland J

Aims

The highly cross-linked polyethylene Exeter RimFit flanged cemented acetabular component was introduced in the United Kingdom in 2010. This study aimed to examine the rates of emergence of radiolucent lines observed when the Rimfit acetabular component was implanted at total hip arthroplasty (THA) using two different techniques: firstly, the ‘rimcutter’ technique in which the flange sits on a pre-prepared acetabular rim; and secondly, the ‘trimmed flange’ technique in which the flange is trimmed and the acetabular component is seated inside the rim of the acetabulum.

Patients and Methods

The radiographs of 150 THAs (75 ‘rimcutter’, 75 ‘trimmed flange’) involving this component were evaluated to assess for radiolucencies at the cement/bone interface by three observers.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_1 | Pages 114 - 114
1 Jan 2016
Dold P Bone M Flohr M Preuss R Joyce TJ Deehan D Holland J
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INTRODUCTION

Deformation of modular acetabular press-fit shells is a topic of much interest for surgeons and manufacturer. Such modular components utilise a titanium shell with a liner manufactured from metal, polyethylene or ceramic. Initial fixation is achieved through a press-fit between shell and acetabulum with the shell mechanically deforming upon insertion. Shell deformation may disrupt the assembly process of inserting the bearing liner into the acetabular shell for modular systems. This may adversely affect the integrity and durability of the components and the tribology of the bearing.

OBJECTIVE

Most clinically relevant data to quantify and understand such shell deformation can be achieved by cadaver measurements. ATOS Triple Scan III was identified as a measurement system with the potential to perform those measurements. The study aim was to validate an ATOS Triple Scan III optical measurement system against a co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM) using in-vitro testing and to check capability/ repeatability under cadaver lab conditions.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 4 | Pages 473 - 477
1 Apr 2015
Bone MC Dold P Flohr M Preuss R Joyce TJ Aspden RM Holland J Deehan D

Concerns have been raised that deformation of acetabular shells may disrupt the assembly process of modular prostheses. In this study we aimed to examine the effect that the strength of bone has on the amount of deformation of the acetabular shell. The hypothesis was that stronger bone would result in greater deformation. A total of 17 acetabular shells were inserted into the acetabula of eight cadavers, and deformation was measured using an optical measuring system. Cores of bone from the femoral head were taken from each cadaver and compressed using a materials testing machine. The highest peak modulus and yield stress for each cadaver were used to represent the strength of the bone and compared with the values for the deformation and the surgeon’s subjective assessment of the hardness of the bone. The mean deformation of the shell was 129 µm (3 to 340). No correlation was found between deformation and either the maximum peak modulus (r² = 0.011, t = 0.426, p = 0.676) or the yield stress (r² = 0.024, t = 0.614, p = 0.549) of the bone. Although no correlation was found between the strength of the bone and deformation, the values for the deformation observed could be sufficient to disrupt the assembly process of modular acetabular components.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:473–7.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 9 | Pages 1172 - 1177
1 Sep 2014
Lawrence H Deehan D Holland J Kirby J Tyson-Capper A

Abnormal wear of cobalt-containing metal-on-metal joints is associated with inflammatory pseudotumours. Cobalt ions activate human toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), which normally responds to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in sepsis. Activation of TLR4 by LPS increases the expression of chemokines IL-8 and CXCL10, which recruit leukocytes and activated T-cells, respectively. This study was designed to determine whether cobalt induces a similar inflammatory response to LPS by promoting the expression of IL-8 and CXCL10. A human monocytic cell line, derived from acute monocytic leukaemia, was treated with cobalt ions and expression of IL-8 and CXCL10 measured at mRNA and protein levels. Cobalt-treated macrophages showed a 60-fold increase in IL-8 mRNA, and an eightfold increase in production of the mature chemokine (both p < 0.001); expression of the CXCL10 gene and protein was also significantly increased by cobalt (both p < 0.001). Experiments were also performed in the presence of CLI-095, a TLR4-specific antagonist which abrogated the cobalt-mediated increase in IL-8 and CXCL10 expression.

These findings suggest that cobalt ions induce inflammation similar to that observed during sepsis by the simultaneous activation of two TLR4-mediated signalling pathways. These pathways result in increased production of IL-8 and CXCL10, and may be implicated in pseudotumour formation following metal-on-metal replacement.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1172–7.