Highly crosslinked polyethylene: a safe alternative to conventional polyethylene for dual mobility cup mobile component. A biomechanical validation

What have we learned from 20 years of using highly crosslinked PE in total hip arthroplasty?

Slightly more than 20 years after its first clinical use, highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) has been widely adopted. Despite initial concerns about oxidation and lack of fatigue resistance, first generation HXLPE, with 15 years of follow-up and widespread use, continues to provide excellent results, even in a young, active population. Remelted HXLPE might have a lower wear rate than annealed HXLPE and will no doubt have a better resistance to oxidation. Second generation materials, consisting of polyethylene (PE) that is sequentially irradiated then annealed and PE that is infused with antioxidants, also have provided encouraging short- and medium-term results. Data from national joint registers confirm data from clinical trials. Even in more challenging cases (dual mobility, hip resurfacing, revision surgery and thin liners), HXLPE has generated promising results. However, failures (rim fractures) have been documented, including for all the latest HXLPE generations. Consequently, certain precautions must be taken during its use and close patient monitoring is necessary.

No dislocation and low complication rate for a modern dual mobility cup with pre-impacted femoral head in primary hip replacement: A consecutive series of 175 hips at minimum 5-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Despite its excellent results in preventing dislocation, the dual mobility cup (DMC) is still struggling to be adopted by some teams due to premature wear and loosening reported on first-generation implants. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the mid-term survivorship of a modern DMC with a pre-impacted head and the radio-clinical results at a minimum follow-up of 5 years.

METHODS

This was a retrospective single-centre study performed on patients who had a primary total hip replacement for osteoarthritis in 2016. The cup was a third-generation DMC with a pre-impacted femoral head. Clinical (harris hip score (HHS)) and radiological (cup abduction, anteversion, overhang, and radiolucent lines) results were recorded, as well as complications, particularly dislocations and survivorship. A minimum of five years of follow-ups was required.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-five hips (167 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Five hips (2.9%, 5/175) were lost to follow-up and excluded from the postoperative analysis. The mean follow-up period was 70 ± 2.9 months [63.6-76.5]. Three cups needed revision surgery (1.8%, 3/170): one for septic loosening, and two for chronic infection. At 77 months, the global survival probability was 98.2% ± 1, and the survival probability excluding septic aetiology was 100%. There was a significant improvement in the HHS from pre-operatively (48.3 ± 6.0 [14.0-70.0]) to post-operatively (96 ± 4.5 [50-100]) (p < 0.0001). There were no postoperative dislocations recorded, nor any iliopsoas-impingement or symptomatic cam-effect.

DISCUSSION

This study showed excellent survival and good radiological and clinical results of this dual mobility cup at a mid-term follow-up. None of the patients had dislocation or any specific complication feared with dual mobility cups.

Which femoral neck for a dual mobility cup? A biomechanical evaluation

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate polyethylene (PE) damage and wear lesions to the chamfer of mobile components under mobile and fixed femoral neck impingement at the third articulation, and to determine which femoral neck characteristics should be considered with a dual mobility cup to limit those lesions.

Methods

Two femoral neck geometries (cylindrical and quadrangular) with two surface finishing roughness (rough and polished), and two head-to-neck ratios (28- and 22.2-mm diameter femoral heads) were evaluated in a hip simulator testing. For each characteristic, six femoral necks were tested with six dual mobility cups under fixed and mobile femoral neck impingement conditions. Chamfer PE damage and volumetric wear were evaluated and compared for each femoral neck characteristic and impingement condition.

Results

Under mobile impingement condition, femoral neck characteristics did not significantly affect PE damage and wear lesions to the chamfer (p = 0.283 to 0.810). However, under fixed impingement condition, significantly higher PE damage and wear lesions to the chamfer were produced by the quadrangular geometry compared to the cylindrical geometry (p = 0.004 to 0.025). In addition, with the quadrangular geometry, rough surface finishing was demonstrated to increase volumetric wear of the chamfer (p = 0.009). No significant influence of head-to-neck ratio was observed on PE damage and wear lesions to the chamfer (p = 0.244 to 0.714).

Discussion

This biomechanical study emphasized that femoral neck characteristics are critical with dual mobility cup and tend to favor a cylindrical geometry particularly whether fixed impingement at the third articulation occurs.

Late Breakage of a Dual-Mobility Polyethylene Insert in a Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: An Unusual Failure Mode

The use of dual-mobility cups has gained popularity in recent years. Thus, surgeons can expect an increase in known and new causes of failure. We report a previously undescribed form of a late intraprosthetic dislocation consisting of a complete breakage of a polyethylene mobile bearing that suffered a dislocation 3 months after its implantation. Two years later, he began feeling anterior groin pain and suffered gait changes. Computed tomography scan revealed an eccentric alignment of the mobile polyethylene bearing suggestive of poly wear. During the revision surgery, the polyethylene was found to be split in 2. Possible causes of this complication are proposed. Our case shows a previously unreported implant-specific complication, so surgeons can identify it.

Dual mobility cups for total hip arthroplasty: tips and tricks

Since its creation in 1974, the Dual Mobility Cup (DMC) has been gaining in popularity, especially in the past decade. This intensive use could lead to inappropriate use and consequently to an increased complication rate. Compliance with conceptual requirements and surgical techniques will prevent the occurrence of complications that can be wrongly attributed to implants. In this context, we feel that it is essential to share our tips and tricks as well as an overview and an explanation of common errors, based on more than 45 years of clinical and research experience. From basic principles, including indications, implant choice and implant compatibility, to surgical tips, in this article orthopedic surgeons will find a practical overview of DMC in order to use it safely and with confidence.

Recent update on crosslinked polyethylene in total hip arthroplasty

More than two decades after their clinical introduction, crosslinked polyethylenes (XLPE) have been widely adopted. Though concerns were initially raised regarding oxidation and brittleness, on a large scale, the first generation of XLPE continues to be highly effective 15 years after the surgery, even in a young and active population. Remelted XLPE might display lower wear rates than annealed XLPE. Second generation XLPEs, not only including sequentially irradiated and annealed but also associated with antioxidants, demonstrate encouraging short- to mid-term results. Registry data support clinical trial reports. Even in less favorable settings (lipped liners, dual mobility cups, revision surgery, hip resurfacing) results are promising. However, failures (fractures) have already been described. Therefore, a high level of surveillance remains crucial.

Is Isolated Mobile Component Exchange an Option in the Management of Intraprosthetic Dislocation of a Dual Mobility Cup?

BACKGROUND

Intraprosthetic dislocation is a specific complication of dual mobility cups, although it occurs less frequently with the latest generations of implants. Intraprosthetic dislocation is related to long-term polyethylene wear of the mobile component chamfer and retentive area, leading to a snap-out of the femoral head. With the increased use of dual mobility cups, even in younger and active patients, the management of intraprosthetic dislocation should be defined according to its type. However, no previous studies, except for case reports, have described the strategy to manage long-term wear-related intraprosthetic dislocation, particularly when a dual mobility cup is not loose.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

This study aimed to (1) determine the prevalence of intraprosthetic dislocation in this patient population and the macroscopic findings at the time of surgical revision and (2) evaluate whether isolated mobile component exchange could be an option to manage intraprosthetic dislocation occurring with a well-fixed dual mobility cup metal shell.

METHODS

From January 1991 to December 2009, a continuous series of 5274 THAs with dual mobility cups (4546 patients; 2773 women; mean [range] age 58 years [22-87]; bilateral THA = 728) were prospectively enrolled in our institutional total joint registry. A cementless, hemispherical dual mobility cup was systematically implanted, regardless of the patient's age or indication for THA. At the latest follow-up examination, the registry was queried to isolate each occurrence of intraprosthetic dislocation, which was retrospectively analyzed regarding the patient's demographics, indication for THA, radiographs, intraoperative findings (polyethylene wear and lesion patterns on the mobile component, periarticular metallosis, and implant damage because of intraprosthetic impingement of the femoral neck), management of intraprosthetic dislocation (isolated exchange of the mobile component or revision of the dual mobility cup), and outcome.

RESULTS

At a mean (range) follow-up duration of 14 years (3-26), 3% of intraprosthetic dislocations (169 of 5274) were reported, with a mean (range) time from THA of 18 years (13-22). Intraprosthetic dislocation occurred predominantly in younger men (mean [range] age at THA, 42 years [22-64] versus 61 years [46-87]; p < 0.001, and sex ratio (male to female, 1:32 [96 male and 73 female] versus 0.62 [1677 male and 2700 female]; p < 0.001) in patients with intraprosthetic dislocation and those without, respectively, but was not influenced by the indication for THA (105 patients with intraprosthetic dislocation who underwent THA for primary hip osteoarthritis and 64 with other diagnoses versus 3146 patients without who underwent THA for primary hip osteoarthritis and 1959 for other diagnoses (p = 0.9)). In all patients with intraprosthetic dislocation, a macroscopic analysis of the explanted mobile component revealed circumferential polyethylene wear and damage to the chamfer and retentive area, with subsequent loss of retaining power for the femoral head. Nine percent of intraprosthetic dislocations (16 of 169 patients with intraprosthetic dislocations) were associated with aseptic loosening of the dual mobility cup and were managed with acetabular revision without recurrence at a mean (range) follow-up duration of 7.5 years (5-11). Ninety-one percent of intraprosthetic dislocations (153 of 169) were pure, related to wear of the mobile component chamfer and retentive area without aseptic loosening of the dual mobility cup, and managed with isolated mobile component exchange. Intraprosthetic dislocation recurred in 6% (nine of 153) at a mean (range) follow-up interval of 3 years (2-4.5). Additionally, severe premature polyethylene wear of the mobile component with loosening of the dual mobility cup occurred in 12% of patients (19 of 153) at a mean (range) follow-up duration of 1.5 years (0.5-3).

CONCLUSIONS

A failure rate of 18% (28 of 153 patients undergoing isolated mobile component exchange) was reported within 5 years after isolated mobile component exchange to manage intraprosthetic dislocation occurring with a well-fixed dual mobility cup metal shell. The two modes of failure were early recurrence of intraprosthetic dislocation or severe premature metallosis-related polyethylene wear of the mobile component with loosening of the dual mobility cup. Acetabular revision with synovectomy should remain the standard procedure to manage intraprosthetic dislocation, particularly if periarticular metallosis is present. The exception is intraprosthetic dislocation occurring in elderly or frail patients, for whom a conventional acetabular revision procedure would be associated with an unjustified surgical or anesthetic risk.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prognostic study.

Ten- to 16-Year Results of a Modern Cementless Dual-Mobility Acetabular Implant in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to assess the radiographic results, clinical outcomes, and survivorship of a modern cementless dual-mobility cup (DMC) implant as a primary THA with a minimum of 10 years follow-up.

METHODS

This study retrospectively assessed a series of 310 primary THAs using a modern-generation cementless DMC (Saturne acetabular cup) between April 2001 and December 2005 at a single center. Patients were followed prospectively clinically and radiographically after surgery. Hips with follow-up less than 120 months were excluded from the study (5 lost to follow-up and 167 deceased). In total, a cohort of 138 hips were included for preoperative and postoperative analysis with an average follow-up of 152.4 months. All complications were collected, and a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in the mean Harris and Postel-Merle d'Aubigne scores between preoperative and postoperative cohorts (P < .001). No loosening of the cup and no acetabular osteolysis were found at final follow-up. No prosthetic dislocation, no intraprosthetic dislocation, and no infections were reported. The survival curve of THA in the total cohort (N = 310) was about 98% at 10 years with 3 stem revisions for femoral fracture. One psoas impingement was also described.

CONCLUSION

This study showed no acetabular component failure and no reported cases of acetabular osteolysis with this DMC acetabular component retention at 10 years. No prosthetic or intraprosthetic dislocation was reported.

Dual mobility total hip arthroplasty in the treatment of femoral neck fractures: a retrospective evaluation at mid-term follow-up

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK

Partial or total hip replacement is the method of choice for displaced femoral neck fractures (FNF) treatment. Dislocation is a major complication, accounting for about 3.8% of cases for hemiarthroplasty (HA) and 10% for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Dual-mobility (DM) socket in total hip arthroplasty showed a very low rate of dislocation in both primary and revision setting THA. Some literature reports show good results with low dislocation rates also in FNF treatment at short term follow-up. Aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic results of DM-THA in FNF treatment at mid-term follow up.

METHODS

Study population counted 31 implants in 30 patients treated with DM-THA for FNF between January 2010 and December 2012. Dislocation rate was identified, and HHS and OHS were completed. Twenty-four patients underwent also radiographic evaluation to assess cup integration and sings of loosening.

RESULTS

No episodes of hip dislocation nor intraprosthetic dislocation were found. Other postoperative complications were recorded in 9,67%. HHS and OHS showed a mean value of 81,22 and 37,37, respectively. There were no cases of clinical and radiographic signs of implant loosening.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study confirms the good clinical results, low complications and very low dislocation rate with DM THA for FNF treatment.

Effects of vitamin E incorporation in polyethylene on oxidative degradation, wear rates, immune response, and infections in total joint arthroplasty: a review of the current literature

Highly cross-linked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was introduced to decrease wear debris and osteolysis. During cross-linking, free radicals are formed, making highly cross-linked polyethylene vulnerable to oxidative degradation. In order to reduce this process, anti-oxidant vitamin E can be incorporated in polyethylene. This review provides an overview of the effects of vitamin E incorporation on major complications in total joint arthroplasty: material failure due to oxidative degradation, wear debris and subsequent periprosthetic osteolysis, and prosthetic joint infections. Secondly, this review summarizes the first clinical results of total hip and knee arthroplasties with vitamin E incorporated highly cross-linked polyethylene. Based on in vitro studies, incorporation of vitamin E in polyethylene provides good oxidative protection and preserves low wear rates. Incorporation of vitamin E may have the beneficial effect of reduced inflammatory response to its wear particles. Some microorganisms showed reduced adherence to vitamin E-incorporated UHMWPE; however, clinical relevance is doubtful. Short-term clinical studies of total hip and knee arthroplasties with vitamin E-incorporated highly cross-linked UHMWPE reported good clinical results and wear rates similar to highly cross-linked UHMWPE without vitamin E.

Dislocations after use of dual-mobility cups in cementless primary total hip arthroplasty: prospective multicentre series

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of dislocation and specific complications of the dual-mobility cup.

METHODS

The arthroplasties involved 167 hips in 165 patients; 51 hips (30.5%) were in men and 116 (69.4%) were in women. The active articulation E1® dual-mobility cup (Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA) was used, and the surgical approach was posterolateral in 120 hips and anterolateral in 47 hips.

RESULTS

Four (2.3%) dislocations were observed. Mean time of dislocation was 30.5 days post-operatively. Three incomplete reductions occurred during closed reduction. When comparing parameters between dislocation and no-dislocation groups, there were no differences in patient and surgical parameters. However, all dislocations occurred in patients with femoral neck fractures and in the posterolateral approach group.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of dislocation in total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a dual-mobility cup was acceptable, and cup diameter of the dislocation group was substantially larger than that of no-dislocation group. Based on clinical outcomes of our study, we conclude that the dual-mobility cup is a reliable option in THA, and further studies are necessary.

The evolution of outcomes and indications for the dual-mobility cup: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Instability following total hip arthroplasty remains a common and disabling complication. The dual mobility cup (DMC) allows a reduction in the dislocation rate. An increasing number of studies have been undertaken to better understand DMC long term outcomes and complications. The goal of this systematic review was to clarify its different uses and outcomes according to the indications.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was performed using the keywords 'dual mobility' and 'tripolar cup' with no limit regarding the year of publication. One hundred seventy six publications were identified.

RESULTS

Current literature shows that "contemporary" dual mobility cup are a significant indication to manage instability following primary and revision hip arthroplasty. Survivorship at midterm is comparable to other articulations for primary THA, but is more difficult to evaluate in revision. Intra-prosthetic dislocation, wear, and loosening are now uncommon with new generations of DMC.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to previous generations of DMC, the current "contemporary" DMC presents a significant improvement. Current literature reveals a tendency to increase the indications but further studies with long term follow up remain important to consolidate these findings.