Impact of stem design and cementation on postoperative femoral antetorsion in 227 patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA)

Femoral anteversion change is associated with ischiofemoral impingement after total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective CT evaluation

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the relationship between femoral anteversion (FA), FA change, and ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) and the relationship between FA, femoral offset (FO), and greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, two readers assessed FA and FO on CT images of 197 patients following primary THA with an anterior surgical approach between 2014 and 2021. FA change was calculated relative to preoperative CT, while FO change was calculated relative to preoperative radiographs and classified as decreased (≥-5 mm), increased (≥ + 5 mm), or restored (± 5 mm). Clinical and imaging data were analyzed for IFI and GTPS after surgery. Group differences were evaluated using Student's t-test, chi-square analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

The change in FA was 3.6 ± 3.3° to a postoperative FA of 22.5 ± 6.8°, while FO increased by 1.7 ± 3.5 mm to a postoperative FO of 42.9 ± 7.1 mm. FA and FA change were higher in patients with IFI (p ≤ 0.006), while no significant difference was observed for patients with and without GTPS (p ≥ 0.122). IFI was more common in females (p = 0.023). In the ROC analysis, an AUC of 0.859 was observed for FA change to predict IFI, whereas the AUC value was 0.726 for FA alone. No significant difference was found for FO change in patients with and without IFI or GTPS (p ≥ 0.187).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative FA, FA change, and female sex were associated with IFI after anterior-approached THA. The change in FA was a better predictor of IFI than absolute postoperative FA alone.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

The findings of this study suggest that preservation of the preoperative femoral anteversion may reduce postoperative ischiofemoral impingement in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.

KEY POINTS

• Higher postoperative femoral anteversion and anteversion change were associated with ischiofemoral impingement. • Femoral anteversion change was a better predictor of impingement than absolute postoperative anteversion. • No significant association was found between femoral offset and postoperative hip pain.

Outcomes of total hip arthroplasty using collared versus collarless uncemented HA-coated stems: a meta-analysis

Purpose

to systematically review comparative studies reporting revision rates, clinical outcomes, or radiographic outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) using collared versus collarless conventional-length uncemented hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated stems.

Methods

In adherence with PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was performed on Medline, Embase, and Scopus. Comparative clinical studies were eligible if they reported outcomes of collared versus collarless uncemented HA-coated stems for primary THA. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full-texts to determine eligibility; then performed data extraction; and assessed the quality of studies according to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist.

Results

The search returned 972 records, 486 were duplicates, and 479 were excluded after title/abstract/full-text screening. Three further studies were included from the references of eligible studies and from discussions with subject matter experts, resulting in 11 included studies. The JBI checklist indicated six studies scored ≥7 points and four studies ≥4 points. Pooled data revealed collared stems had significantly lower revision rates (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.31-0.64) and subsidence (MD = -1 mm; 95% CI = -1.6--0.3), but no significant difference in intraoperative complication rates (OR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.67-1.32) in the short term to mid-term. Unpooled data indicated that collared stems provide equivalent survival, equivalent or better outcomes, and equivalent or lower complication rates.

Conclusion

In comparative studies, collared stems have lower revision rates than collarless stems, as well as equivalent or better clinical and radiographic outcomes. Differences could be due to a protective effect that the collar offers against subsidence, particularly in undersized or misaligned stems. Further studies are warranted to confirm long-term results and better understand differences between registry data and clinical studies.

No significant differences in 60-day postoperative complication rates between conventional and shortened stems

PURPOSE

To compare 60-day complication rates, radiographic outcomes, and clinical outcomes following primary THA with conventional versus shortened stems, in a large cohort study.

METHODS

The authors reviewed a consecutive series of 800 primary THAs, of which 781 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria: 395 received a conventional stem and 386 received a shortened stem. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were noted. Radiographic and clinical assessments were performed preoperatively and 60 days after surgery.

RESULTS

Compared to conventional stems, shortened stems had significantly less intraoperative complications (2.8% vs 0.3%, p = 0.006), but no significant differences in complications that did not require reoperation (1.0% vs 1.3%, p = 0.620), complications that required reoperation without stem revision (2.0% vs 1.0%, p = 0.384), and complications that required stem revision (0.5% vs 0.5%, p = 1.000). Four hips (two from each group) required stem revision and were thus excluded from 60-day assessment. There were no significant differences between groups in subsidence ≥ 3 mm (1.0% vs 0.5%, p = 0.686), alignment (90.3%vs 86.7%, p = 0.192), net change in offset (within 3 mm, 32.3% vs 30.5%, p = 0.097), and limb length discrepancy (3.0 ± 2.6 mm vs 2.9 ± 2.4 mm, p = 0.695). Compared to conventional stems, shortened stems had significantly better preoperative mHHS (56.5 ± 18.5 vs 64.5 ± 13.5, p < 0.001), and significantly lower net improvement in mHHS (29.9 ± 17.1 vs 24.4 ± 15.0, p < 0.001), but no significant differences in postoperative mHHS (87.3 ± 11.9 vs 89.4 ± 9.6, p = 0.109).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences between conventional and shortened stems in terms of postoperative complication rates, radiographic outcomes, and postoperative mHHS. However, patients implanted with shortened stems had less intraoperative complications, but lower net improvement in mHHS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, Retrospective comparative cohort study.

Cemented or uncemented fixation: Which allows a more acceptable prosthetic femoral version in total hip arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional computed-tomography (3D-CT) planning for primary Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) typically uses the external femoral surface; as a result, it is difficult to predict the prosthetic femoral version (PFV) for uncemented femoral stems that press-fit to the internal surface of the bone. Cemented fixation allows the surgeon to adjust the version independent of the internal femoral anatomy. We aimed to better understand the effect of the fixation type on PFV.

METHODS

This was a case series study including a total of 95 consecutive patients (106 hips), who underwent uncemented (n = 81 hips) and cemented (n = 25 hips) primary THA using the posterior approach. The surgeon aimed for a PFV of 20°. Our primary objective was to compare PFV in both groups; our secondary objective was to evaluate the clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

The mean (± SD) PFV was 13° (± 9°) and 23° (± 8°) for the uncemented and cemented THA groups (P < 0.001), respectively. In the uncemented THA group, 36% of the patients had a PFV of < 10°. In the cemented THA group, this clinically important threshold dropped to 8%. Similarly, the Bland-Altman (BA) plots showed wider 95% limits of agreement for the uncemented group. Satisfactory clinical outcomes were recorded.

CONCLUSION

We found that the PFV was more clinically acceptable, for the posterior surgical approach, in the cemented group when compared to the uncemented group. Both THA groups reported high variability indicating the need to develop surgical tools to guide the PFV closer to the surgical target.

Can version of the proximal femur be used for CT planning uncemented femoral stems?

Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography (3D-CT) planning can predict the prosthetic femoral size in uncemented primary Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Correct sizing usually results in optimal varus/valgus femoral alignment; however, its effect on the Prosthetic Femoral Version (PFV) is poorly understood. Most 3D-CT planning systems use Native Femoral Version (NFV) to plan PFV. We aimed to assess the relationship between PFV and NFV in primary uncemented THA using 3D-CT analysis. Pre- and post-operative CT data was retrospectively collected from 73 patients (81 hips) undergoing primary uncemented THA with a straight-tapered stem. 3D-CT models were used to measure PFV and NFV. The clinical outcomes were evaluated. The discrepancy between PFV and NFV was low (<5°) in 43%, moderate (5-10°) in 40%, high (10-15°) in 11% and very high (>15°) in 6% of the cases. We found that NFV is not a useable guide for planning PFV. The 95% limits of agreement were both high at 17° and 15°, respectively. Satisfactory clinical outcomes were recorded. The discrepancy was large enough to recommend against the use of NFV for planning PFV when using straight-tapered uncemented stems. Further work should focus on the internal bony anatomy and the influence of stem design when planning uncemented femoral stems.

Femoral Anteversion in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Retrospective Comparison of Short- and Straight-Stem Models Using CT Scans

Data on reconstruction of the femoral anteversion (FA) and the center of rotation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) are rare. We aimed to answer whether a short-stem fixation enables improved anatomical reconstruction of the FA compared to a straight-stem. Methods: One hundred and thirty patients who underwent short- (n = 89, group A, prospective) or straight-stem THA (n = 41, group B, retrospective) were included. CT scans of the hip, knee, and ankle were performed pre- and postoperatively in group A and in group B during the last follow-up. Femoral torsion was determined using three-dimensional models. Results: The mean preoperative FA was 22.4° ± 11.0°, and the mean postoperative FA was 23.4° ± 10.1°. The relative difference was −0.8° ± 8°, and the absolute difference was 6.4° ± 4.9°. Gender analysis revealed significant differences in preoperative FA between female (f) and male (m) patients (28.1° ± 11.2° (f) vs. 18.4° ± 8.3° (m); p > 0.001) as well as in postoperative FA (26.7° ± 23.5° (f) vs. 21.0° ± 9.7° (m); p < 0.007) in group A. Postoperative FA was higher in group A (mean 6.8°; 23.9° ± 10.1° (f) vs. 16.6° ± 8.6° (m); p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study’s findings suggest that short-stem THA leads to improved anatomical FA reconstruction; however, a substantial postoperative gender-related FA difference was detectable, which may warrant consideration by surgeons when determining the final stem anteversion. It should be noted that the impact of the postoperative gender-related FA difference on clinical outcomes is not entirely clear, and further research is warranted to elucidate this relationship.

Imaging in Hip Arthroplasty Management Part 2: Postoperative Diagnostic Imaging Strategy

Hip arthroplasty (HA) is a frequently used procedure with high success rates, but 7% to 27% of the patients complain of persistent postsurgical pain 1 to 4 years post-operation. HA complications depend on the post-operative delay, the type of material used, the patient’s characteristics, and the surgical approach. Radiographs are still the first imaging modality used for routine follow-up, in asymptomatic and painful cases. CT and MRI used to suffer from metallic artifacts but are nowadays central in HA complications diagnosis, both having their advantages and drawbacks. Additionally, there is no consensus on the optimal imaging workup for HA complication diagnosis, which may have an impact on patient management. After a brief reminder about the different types of prostheses, this article reviews their normal and pathologic appearance, according to each imaging modality, keeping in mind that few abnormalities might be present, not anyone requiring treatment, depending on the clinical scenario. A diagnostic imaging workup is also discussed, to aid the therapist in his imaging studies prescription and the radiologist in their practical aspects.

MRI findings of ischiofemoral impingement after total hip arthroplasty are associated with increased femoral antetorsion

BACKGROUND

Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) is a known complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

PURPOSE

To assess if increased postoperative (FA) is associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of IFI.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 221 patients with THA, two independent readers measured FA, ischiofemoral space (IFS), quadratus femoris space (QFS), edema, and fatty infiltration of quadratus femoris muscle. Three sets of IFI-imaging features were defined: acute IFI (set 1): IFS ≤15 mm or QFS ≤10 mm and edema in the quadratus femoris muscle; chronic IFI (set 2): IFS ≤15 mm or QFS ≤10 mm and fatty infiltration of quadratus femoris muscle Goutallier grade ≥2; acute and chronic IFI (set 3) with both criteria applicable. For each set, FA angles were compared between positive findings of IFI and negative findings of IFI. The t-test for independent samples tested statistical significance.

RESULTS

In 7.2% (16/221) of patients, findings of IFI (IFS ≤15 mm or QFS ≤10 mm and edema, n = 1; fatty infiltration, n = 9; or both, n = 6) were observed. In women, 11.4% (14/123) exhibited findings of IFI compared to 2.0% (2/98) in men. Comparison in set 1 (n = 7): mean antetorsion of 23.9° ± 9.8° (findings of acute IFI) compared to 14.4° ± 9.7° (P = 0.01). Comparison in set 2 (n = 15): mean antetorsion of 16.2° ± 6.3° (findings of chronic IFI) compared to 14.5° ± 9.9° (P = 0.49). Comparison in set 3 (n = 6): mean antetorsion of 20.4° ± 3.8° (findings of acute and chronic IFI) compared to 14.5° ± 9.9° (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

After THA, high postoperative FA is associated with MRI findings of acute as well as acute and chronic IFI. Findings of IFI were commonly seen in women.

Design and Fabrication of a Customized Partial Hip Prosthesis Employing CT-Scan Data and Lattice Porous Structures

As a larger elderly human population is expected worldwide in the next 30 years, the occurrence of aging-associated illnesses will also be increased. The use of prosthetic devices by this population is currently important and will be even more dramatic in the near future. Hence, the design of prosthetic devices able to reduce some of the problems associated with the use of current components, such as stress shielding, reduced mobility, infection, discomfort, etc., becomes relevant. The use of additive manufacturing (AM) and the design fabrication of self-supported cellular structures in the biomedical area have opened up important opportunities for controlling the physical and mechanical properties of hip implants, resulting in specific benefits for the patients. Different studies have reported the development of hip prosthetic designs employing AM, although there are still opportunities for improvement when it comes to customized design and tuning of the physical and mechanical properties of such implants. This work shows the design and manufacture by AM of a personalized stainless-steel partial hip implant using tomography data and self-supported triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) cell structures; the design considers dimensional criteria established by international standards. By employing tomography data, the external dimensions of the implant were established and the bone density of a specific patient was calculated; the density and mechanical properties in compression of the implant were modulated by employing an internal gyroid-type cell structure. Using such a cell structure, the patient's bone density was emulated; also, the mechanical properties of the implant were fine-tuned in order to make them comparable to those reported for the bone tissue replaced by the prosthesis. The implant design and manufacturing methodology developed in this work considered the clinical condition of a specific patient and can be reproduced and adjusted for different types of bone tissue qualities for specific clinical requirements.