Background: Polyethylene (PE) liner and femoral head exchange is commonly used to treat periprosthetic osteolysis associated with PE wear after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of our study was to determine long-term implant survivorship, risk factors for mechanical failure, clinical outcomes, and complications following PE liner and head exchange. Methods: We identified 116 hips in 110 patients treated with PE liner and head exchange from 1993 to 2004. There were 64 women (58%) in the series, the mean age at revision surgery was 58 years, and the mean follow-up was 11 years (range, 2 to 23 years). Radiographic review determined the location and size of osteolytic defects before the revision surgery. Implant survivorship was determined using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Cox regression analysis was used to determine factors that were predictive of failure. Results: Implant survivorship free of repeat revision for any cause was 91% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 86% to 96%) at 5 years, 81% (95% CI = 74% to 90%) at 10 years, and 69% (95% CI = 55% to 84%) at 15 years. Reasons for repeat revision included aseptic acetabular loosening in 5 hips (4%) and subsequent wear of conventional PE with osteolysis in 5 hips (4%). No patient who underwent revision with highly cross-linked PE subsequently had a repeat revision due to wear. The absolute risk of acetabular component loosening was 23% for patients with osteolysis in 3 zones, 40% for those with osteolysis involving more than half the cup circumference, and 21% for those with osteolytic defects of >600 mm 2 . The mean Harris hip score improved from 77 before the PE liner and head exchange to 87 after it (p < 0.001). The most common complication was dislocation, which occurred in 19 hips (16%). Conclusions: PE liner and head exchange provides acceptable long-term implant survivorship with good clinical outcomes. Complications are not uncommon, and steps should be taken to mitigate hip instability. Acetabular revision may be considered when in situ components have a poor track record or are malpositioned, or when preoperative radiographs demonstrate large osteolytic defects threatening cup fixation. Use of highly cross-linked PE at revision was protective against subsequent PE wear and osteolysis, although this did not reach significance. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Two-Stage Revision of Total Hip Arthroplasty for Infection Is Associated with a High Rate of Dislocation
Background: Two-stage exchange is the most common form of treatment of chronic infection following total hip arthroplasty (THA). We examined the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, hip instability following 2-stage exchange as well as the fate of reimplanted hip prostheses that dislocated. Methods: Data on 515 2-stage exchange THAs performed between 2000 and 2014 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Risk factors for instability as well as postoperative reoperations and revisions were analyzed. The impact of dislocation on these outcomes was evaluated as well. The mean age at the time of reimplantation was 65 years, and the mean duration of follow-up was 5 years (range, 2 to 15 years). Results: Dislocation occurred in 52 hips following reimplantation (cumulative probability = 8.9% at 1 year). There was a higher risk of instability in women (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.8, p = 0.038) and in those who had a history of dislocation prior to the 2-stage revision (HR = 5.1, p < 0.001). Younger age, body mass index, number of previous operations, spacer type, surgical approach, use of a constrained liner, femoral head diameter, and persistent or recurrent infection were not found to be significant risk factors. Patients with an absent or ununited greater trochanter or abductor deficiency also had a higher rate of dislocation (HR = 30, p < 0.001), as did patients who underwent reimplantation with a megaprosthesis (HR = 6.0, p < 0.001). The risk of additional reoperations (HR = 121, p < 0.001) and revision surgery (HR = 13, p < 0.001) was significantly higher in patients who experienced a dislocation after the 2-stage exchange. Conclusions: Dislocation after 2-stage exchange THA continues to be a major concern, with the 1-year cumulative probability found to be 9% in the present study. Female sex, a history of dislocation, an absent or ununited greater trochanter or abductor deficiency, and reimplantation with a megaprosthesis were identified as risk factors for dislocation. There is a remarkable 121-fold increase in the rate of reoperations and a 13-fold increase in the rate of revisions in hips that dislocated after 2-stage exchange THA. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Two-Stage Exchange Protocol for Periprosthetic Joint Infection Following Total Knee Arthroplasty in 245 Knees without Prior Treatment for Infection
Background: For patients undergoing 2-stage exchange for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total knee arthroplasty, the long-term risk of reinfection and mechanical failure and long-term clinical outcomes are not well known. The purpose of our study was to determine the long-term clinical results of 2-stage exchange for PJI following total knee arthroplasty. Methods: We identified 245 knees that had undergone total knee arthroplasty and were subsequently treated with 2-stage exchange due to infection during the period of 1991 to 2006; the cohort had no prior treatment for PJI. Major, or 4 of 6 minor, Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) diagnostic criteria were fulfilled by 179 (73%) of the knees. The cumulative incidence of reinfection and of aseptic revision, accounting for the competing risk of death, were calculated. Risk factors for reinfection were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Knee Society Score (KSS) values were calculated. The mean age at spacer insertion was 68 years; 50% of the patients were female. The mean follow-up was 14 years (range, 2 to 25 years) following reimplantation. Results: The cumulative incidence of reinfection was 4% at 1 year, 14% at 5 years, 16% at 10 years, and 17% at 15 years. Factors that were predictive of reinfection included a body mass index of ≥30 kg/m 2 (hazard ratio [HR], 3.1; p < 0.01), previous revision surgery (HR, 2.8; p < 0.01), and a McPherson host grade of C (HR, 2.5; p = 0.04). The cumulative incidence of aseptic revision for loosening was 2% at 5 years, 5% at 10 years, and 7% at 15 years. Femoral (HR, 5.0; p = 0.04) and tibial (HR, 6.7; p < 0.01) bone-grafting at reimplantation were predictive of aseptic failure. The most common complications were wound-healing issues, requiring reoperation in 12 (5%) of the knees. The rate of death at 2 years following reimplantation was 11%. The mean KSS improved from 45 at PJI diagnosis to 76 at 10 years following reimplantation (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Long-term reinfection rates following 2-stage exchange for PJI after total knee arthroplasty were similar to those of shorter-term reports and were maintained out to 15 years. Mechanical failure rates were low if bone loss was addressed at the time of reimplantation. Improvements in clinical outcomes were maintained at long-term follow-up. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Lumbar fusion involving the sacrum increases dislocation risk in primary total hip arthroplasty
Aims Concurrent hip and spine pathologies can alter the biomechanics of spinopelvic mobility in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study examines how differences in pelvic orientation of patients with spine fusions can increase the risk of dislocation risk after THA. Patients and Methods We identified 84 patients (97 THAs) between 1998 and 2015 who had undergone spinal fusion prior to primary THA. Patients were stratified into three groups depending on the length of lumbar fusion and whether or not the sacrum was involved. Mean age was 71 years (40 to 87) and 54 patients (56%) were female. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 30 kg/m2 (19 to 45). Mean follow-up was six years (2 to 17). Patients were 1:2 matched to patients with primary THAs without spine fusion. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated. Results Dislocation in the fusion group was 5.2% at one year versus 1.7% in controls but this did not reach statistical significance (HR 1.9; p = 0.33). Compared with controls, there was no significant difference in rate of dislocation in patients without a sacral fusion. When the sacrum was involved, the rate of dislocation was significantly higher than in controls (HR 4.5; p = 0.03), with a trend to more dislocations in longer lumbosacral fusions. Patient demographics and surgical characteristics of THA (i.e. surgical approach and femoral head diameter) did not significantly impact risk of dislocation (p > 0.05). Significant radiological differences were measured in mean anterior pelvic tilt between the one-level lumbar fusion group (22°), the multiple-level fusion group (27°), and the sacral fusion group (32°; p < 0.01). Ten-year survival was 93% in the fusion group and 95% in controls (HR 1.2; p = 0.8). Conclusion Lumbosacral spinal fusions prior to THA increase the risk of dislocation within the first six months. Fusions involving the sacrum with multiple levels of lumbar involvement notably increased the risk of postoperative dislocation compared with a control group and other lumbar fusions. Surgeons should take care with component positioning and may consider higher stability implants in this high-risk cohort.
Long-Term Results of a 2-Stage Exchange Protocol for Periprosthetic Joint Infection Following Total Hip Arthroplasty in 164 Hips
Background: Limited data exist that show the long-term risks of reinfection and mechanical failure with a contemporary 2-stage exchange protocol for periprosthetic joint infection following total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term reinfection and mechanical failure rates of 2-stage exchange for periprosthetic joint infection after total hip arthroplasty. Methods: We identified 164 hips (162 patients) with infection after total hip arthroplasty between 1991 and 2006 treated with a 2-stage exchange protocol with no prior treatment for periprosthetic joint infection. With regard to Musculoskeletal Infection Society diagnostic criteria, at least 1 major criterion or 4 of 6 minor criteria were fulfilled in 129 hips (79%). The cumulative incidence with a competing risk of death was calculated for reinfection, aseptic revisions, and all-cause revisions. The risk factors for reinfection were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Harris hip scores were calculated. The mean age at the time of spacer insertion was 68 years, and 35% of the patients were female. Excluding the patients with <2 years of follow-up, the mean follow-up was 12 years (range, 2 to 21 years). Results: The cumulative incidence of recurrence of infection was 10% at 1 year, 14% at 5 years, and 15% at 10 and 15 years. Seventeen patients (11%) used chronic antibiotic suppression (>6 months), with 7 (41%) of these having recurrent infection at the time of the latest follow-up. Use of chronic antibiotic suppression was the only predictive factor for reinfection (hazard ratio, 4.5 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.9 to 10.9]; p = 0.001). The cumulative incidence of aseptic femoral and acetabular revisions was 2.6% at 5 years and 3.3% at 10 and 15 years. The cumulative incidence of all-cause revisions was 15% at 5 years and 16% at 10 and 15 years. Dislocation was the most common complication, with 28 dislocations occurring in 20 patients (12%). The mean Harris hip score improved from 52 points prior to spacer insertion to 70 points at 15 years after reimplantation (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The rate of recurrence of infection of 15% for up to 15 years after total hip arthroplasty was similar to previous shorter-term reports of 2-stage exchange for periprosthetic joint infection. Surgeons should anticipate mitigating instability after reimplantation. Implant survivorship free of aseptic loosening and clinical outcomes were preserved for the long term. The role of chronic antibiotic suppression in the long-term treatment of periprosthetic joint infection requires further investigation. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Irrigation and debridement with chronic antibiotic suppression for the management of infected total knee arthroplasty
AimsThe results of irrigation and debridement with component retention (IDCR) in the treatment of acutely infected total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) have been variable. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome after IDCR when combined with chronic antibiotic suppression. We also evaluated survivorship free from subsequent infection, removal of the components, and death, as well as the risk factors for failure.Patients and MethodsThis was a single-centre retrospective review of 134 infected primary TKAs that were treated with IDCR. Infections within four weeks of the procedure were defined as acute postoperative infections, and those occurring more than four weeks after the procedure with symptoms for less than three weeks were defined as acute haematogenous infections. Patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics for four to six weeks, followed by chronic oral antibiotic suppression. Estimates of survival were made using a competing risk analysis. The mean follow-up was five years (2.1 to 13).ResultsThe infection was an acute postoperative infection in 23 TKAs and an acute haematogenous infection in 111 TKAs. The incidence of subsequent infection was 36% in those with an acute postoperative infection and 33% in those with a haematogenous infection, five years postoperatively (p = 0.40). Age < 60 years increased the risk of subsequent infection (hazard ratio (HR) 2.4; p = 0.009) and removal of the components (HR 2.8; p = 0.007). Infection with a staphylococcal species increased the risk of subsequent infection (HR 3.6; p < 0.001), and removal of the components (HR 3.2; p = 0.002). Musculoskeletal Infection Society host type and local extremity grade, body mass index (BMI), the duration of symptoms, gender, and the presence of a monoblock tibial component had no significant effect on the outcome.ConclusionIn a rigorously defined group of acute periprosthetic infections after TKA treated with IDCR and chronic antibiotic suppression, the infection-free survival at five years was 66%. The greatest risk factor for failure was an infection with a staphylococcal species, followed by age of < 60 years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1471–76.
Effect of Physical Parameters on Outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty
Background: Increasing body mass index (BMI) has been shown to correlate with increased rates of complications after total knee arthroplasty. To our knowledge, body surface area, body mass, and height have not been investigated in this manner. BMI and body surface area are affected differently by changes in height, and they are affected similarly by changes in weight. The purpose of this study was to quantify revision for any reason, mechanical failure, aseptic loosening, polyethylene wear, reoperation, and any infection after total knee arthroplasty using BMI, body surface area, body mass, and height as continuous variables. Methods: Prospectively collected data from a single institution’s total joint registry were used to analyze 22,243 consecutive knees, in 16,106 patients, treated with a primary total knee arthroplasty from 1985 to 2012. The Kaplan-Meier survival method was used to evaluate revision and other common complications, with outcomes assessed using Cox regression analysis. Smoothing spline parameterization was used on physical parameters in these models. Results: Increasing BMI, body surface area, body mass, and height were associated with an increased risk of any revision surgical procedure, mechanical failure, and aseptic loosening after total knee arthroplasty. The risk of a revision surgical procedure was directly associated with each 1 standard deviation increase in BMI (hazard ratio [HR], 1.19; p < 0.01), body surface area (HR, 1.37; p < 0.01), body mass (HR, 1.30; p < 0.01), and height (HR, 1.22; p < 0.01). This association was especially demonstrated with revision for mechanical failure (BMI: HR, 1.15; p < 0.01; body surface area: HR, 1.35; p < 0.01; body mass: HR, 1.27; p < 0.01; and height: HR, 1.23; p < 0.01). The risk of failure in the subgroups of mechanical failure including a revision surgical procedure for aseptic loosening or polyethylene wear was also associated with increasing body surface area, body mass, and height. Increasing BMI (HR, 1.22; p < 0.01), body surface area (HR, 2.56; p < 0.01), and body mass (HR, 2.54; p < 0.01) were also associated with increased risk of any infection. Conclusions: Increasing BMI, body surface area, body mass, and height were strongly associated with the rates of revision, aseptic loosening, and other common complications following total knee arthroplasty. Body surface area and body mass appear to correlate more strongly with mechanical failure outcomes than BMI or height. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A Drug Eluting Scaffold for the Treatment of Arthrofibrosis