Third-generation ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surfaces in revision total hip arthroplasty

Midterm outcome of fourth-generation ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surfaces in revision total hip arthroplasty

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) using fourth-generation ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearing surfaces.

METHODS

A total of 52 revision THAs (28 men and 19 women) using the fourth-generation CoC bearing surfaces were retrospectively evaluated. Both acetabular cup and femoral stem were revised in all cases. The mean follow-up period was 7.3 years (range, 4.0-9.9 years). The clinical results with Harris hip score (HHS), Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and radiologic outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

At the final follow-up examination, the average HHS was 90.4 (range, 67-100). The average WOMAC pain and physical function score were 2.8 (range, 0-12) and 16.4 (range, 0-42), respectively. Complications were observed in 10 hips (19.2%). However, there were no bearing surface-related complications, and no cases of dislocation and squeaking. Retroacetabular pelvic osteolysis without cup loosening was observed in one hip at the final follow-up. However, no hip showed radiographic signs of cup loosening, vertical or horizontal acetabular cup migrations, and changes of inclinations during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that clinical and radiologic outcomes after revision THA using fourth-generation CoC bearing were favorable. Hence, revision THA with the use of CoC bearing surfaces can be preferentially considered. Further studies with long-term follow-up data are warranted.

Delta-on-Delta Ceramic Bearing Surfaces in Revision Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Fourth-generation ceramic-on-ceramic couplings were developed to improve ceramic toughness and strength. Encouraging outcomes in primary total hip arthroplasty were reported. This coupling was proposed as an attractive option even in the case of revision procedures, particularly in younger patients with a longer life expectancy. However, the pertinent literature is scarce. Thus, a registry study was conducted to investigate the midterm survival rates and reasons for re-revision of the fourth-generation ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surfaces in revision hip arthroplasties.

METHODS

A total of 327 revision implants (all the components were exchanged) with BIOLOX Delta couplings were investigated using the regional orthopedic registry RIPO. The demographics, the survival rates, and the reasons for re-revision were assessed. Revisions with bearings other than Delta were compared.

RESULTS

Delta bearings achieved a survival rate of 90.5% at 7 years, with stable results. Twenty-six (8%) re-revisions occurred at a mean follow-up of 4.1 years. And 2.8% of the re-revisions were due to recurrent dislocations; 1.5% of the cases were due to cup aseptic loosening. Septic loosening occurred in 1.6% of the cases. No ceramic fractures were reported. When compared to revisions with bearings other than Delta-on-Delta, Delta coupling cohort achieved similar performances at 5 and 7 years. Lower, nonsignificant rates of aseptic and septic loosening were reported in Delta cohort.

CONCLUSION

Delta-on-Delta couplings demonstrated to be reliable bearing surfaces in revision settings at a midterm follow-up. Clinical studies and longer follow-ups are required to investigate potential adverse effects, like squeaking and fractures, and confirm these preliminary findings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Isolated revision of the acetabular component using alumina-on-alumina bearings without a metal sleeve: A preliminary study

INTRODUCTION

There has been a debate on the use of ceramic-on-ceramic coupling with the retained femoral stem in isolated acetabular revision. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review the results and complications of isolated revision of the acetabular component using alumina-on-alumina bearings.

METHODS

Between August 2010 and December 2013, 22 patients (23 hips) with a mean age of 60.74 years (40-73) underwent isolated revision of the acetabular component from metal-on-polyethylene to alumina-on-alumina bearings without using a metal sleeve on the undamaged trunnion. All patients completed clinical and radiographic evaluation.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 3 years (2-5.5), all patients had a significant improvement in the clinical outcome, including Harris Hip Score (84.9 vs. 43, p < 0.001), West Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index Score (14.4 vs. 49.2, p < 0.001), and visual analogue pain score (1.42 vs. 6.63, p < 0.001). Complications included one aseptic loosening of the acetabular component and three noisy hips (click only). No fracture of the ceramic bearings, dislocation, infection, or squeaking noise were observed in any of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Isolated revision of the acetabular component to alumina-on-alumina bearings on the undamaged trunnion may be considered if there is no available titanium sleeves. Our study showed a satisfactory early outcome with minimal complications. However, a longer term follow-up study is necessary.

What every surgeon should know about Ceramic-on-Ceramic bearings in young patients

Based on the exceptional tribological behaviour and on the relatively low biological activity of ceramic particles, Ceramic-on-Ceramic (CoC) total hip arthroplasty (THA) presents significant advantagesCoC bearings decrease wear and osteolysis, the cumulative long-term risk of dislocation, muscle atrophy, and head-neck taper corrosion.However, there are still concerns regarding the best technique for implantation of ceramic hips to avoid fracture, squeaking, and revision of ceramic hips with fracture of a component.We recommend that surgeons weigh the potential advantages and disadvantages of current CoC THA in comparison with other bearing surfaces when considering young very active patients who are candidates for THA. Cite this article: Hernigou P, Roubineau F, Bouthors C, Flouzat-Lachaniette C-H. What every surgeon should know about Ceramic-on-Ceramic bearings in young patients. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:107-111. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000027.

Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty With Fourth-Generation Ceramic-on-Ceramic: Analysis of Complications in 939 Consecutive Cases Followed for 2-10 Years

BACKGROUND

Delta ceramics may be the bearing of choice for younger and active patients due to its improved toughness and wear characteristics, provided there is no risk of fracture. However, ceramic fracture is the most serious complication related to this type of bearing. Although millions of Delta ceramics have been implanted worldwide, short to midterm results have been scarcely reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to report the complication rate at short to midterm follow-up associated with the bearing surface used in a series of primary total hip arthroplasties with Delta ceramic-on-ceramic bearings performed in a single institution.

METHODS

A total of 939 cases (880 patients) undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty with fourth-generation Delta ceramic-on-ceramic bearings were retrospectively reviewed. They were followed for an average of 5.3 years (2-10 years).

RESULTS

One hip experienced a liner fracture, 2 cups presented early loosening due to friction between the acetabular screw and the backside of the liner, one femoral ball head had a fracture; one case of squeaking was reported, which is impending revision. Considering revision or impending revision in relationship with the bearing surface as the end point, the mean survival rate was 99.3% (confidence interval 95%, 98.3%-99.7%) at 2-10 years.

CONCLUSION

This study showed a low rate of ceramic fracture compared with others; however, it was much higher than the complication rate presented by the manufacturers. The complications observed were directly related to technical errors that surgeons should avoid when using this type of surface.

Cementless Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty with Ceramic Articulation

Purpose

The results of ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearing surfaces in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) were well known. However, it was not known in revision THA. The purpose of this study is to report the results of revision THA with ceramic articulation.

Materials and Methods

A total of 112 revision THAs were evaluated. The mean age at the time of surgery was 51.6 years (27.7 to 84.2 years). The mean duration of the follow-up periods was 6.3 years (2.3 to 11.4 years).

Results

The Harris hip scores improved from an average of 56.2 at the index surgery to an average of 93.3 at the last follow-up (P<0.001). None of hips showed osteolysis or ceramic head fracture. One hip showed aseptic loosening in the acetabular component with squeaking that caused a re-revision. There were nine cases of dislocation. The survivorship at 5 years was 94.5% (95% confidence interval, 87.9% to 97.6%) with revision for any reason as the endpoint and 100% with femoral revision.

Conclusion

The ceramic articulation is one of good bearing options for revision THA in patients with a long life expectancy.

The Survival Analysis in Third-Generation Ceramic-On-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty

A total of 527 patients (577 hips) who underwent primary THA using third-generation ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) articulation were retrospectively reviewed. They were followed up for an average of 5.9 years. Seven hips experienced liner fracture and 14 hips experienced head fracture. Squeaking occurred in eight hips. The revision rate in this study was 5.2%, but excluding the cases of ceramic head and liner fracture, there were nine cases (1.6%) of revision surgery. Considering revision for any reason as the end point, mean survivorship was 93% at 10 years. According to the femoral head size and neck length, 28 mm head with short neck has the worst survivorship of 89% at 10 years. Overall, our study showed a higher rate of ceramic fracture compared with other studies.

Revision total hip arthoplasty: factors associated with re-revision surgery

BACKGROUND

The survivorship of implants after revision total hip arthroplasty and risk factors associated with re-revision are not well defined. We evaluated the re-revision rate with use of the institutional total joint replacement registry. The purpose of this study was to determine patient, implant, and surgeon factors associated with re-revision total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The total joint replacement registry was used to identify patients who had undergone revision total hip arthroplasty for aseptic reasons from April 1, 2001, to December 31, 2010. The end point of interest was re-revision total hip arthroplasty. Risk factors evaluated for re-revision total hip arthroplasty included: patient risk factors (age, sex, body mass index, race, and general health status), implant risk factors (fixation type, bearing surface, femoral head size, and component replacement), and surgeon risk factors (volume and experience). A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used.

RESULTS

Six hundred and twenty-nine revision total hip arthroplasties with sixty-three (10%) re-revisions were evaluated. The mean cohort age (and standard deviation) was 57.0 ± 12.4 years, the mean body mass index (and standard deviation) was 29.5 ± 6.1 kg/m(2), and most of the patients were women (64.5%) and white (81.9%) and had an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of <3 (52.9%). The five-year implant survival after revision total hip arthroplasty was 86.8% (95% confidence interval, 83.57% to 90.25%). In adjusted models, age, total number of revision surgical procedures performed by the surgeon, fixation, and bearing surface were associated with the risk of re-revision. For every ten-year increase in patient age, the hazard ratio for re-revision decreases by a factor of 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.58 to 0.90). For every five revision surgical procedures performed by a surgeon, the risk of revision decreases by a factor of 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.86 to 0.99). At the time of revision, a new or retained cemented femoral implant or all-cemented hip implant increases the risk of revision by a factor of 3.19 (95% confidence interval, 1.22 to 8.38) relative to a retained or new uncemented hip implant. A ceramic on a highly cross-linked polyethylene bearing articulation decreases the hazard relative to metal on highly cross-linked polyethylene by a factor of 0.32 (95% confidence interval, 0.11 to 0.95). Metal on constrained bearing increases the hazard relative to metal on highly cross-linked polyethylene by a factor of 3.32 (95% confidence interval, 1.16 to 9.48).

CONCLUSIONS

When evaluating patient, implant, and surgical factors at the time of revision total hip arthroplasty, age, surgeon experience, implant fixation, and bearing surfaces had significant impacts on the risk of re-revision.

Isolated acetabular revision with ceramic-on-ceramic bearings using a ceramic head with a metal sleeve

The purpose of this study is to evaluate results of isolated acetabular revision with ceramic-on-ceramic bearings using a ceramic head with a metal sleeve. A retrospective review of fifty-three hips was performed. The mean patient age was 49.9years and the mean follow-up period was 5.7years. The mean modified Harris hip score improved from 47.5, pre-operatively, to 84.7 at the time of last follow-up (P<0.001). Two patients reported squeaking of the hip. Three patients experienced loosening cup, necessitating re-revision surgery. There was a significant difference of acetabular bone defect between loose cup group and stable cup group (P=0.018). There were no ceramic fractures and no osteolysis. The survival rate of the acetabular cup at the mid-term follow-up was 94.3%. In conclusion, ceramic head with a metal sleeve can be a reliable option for isolated acetabular revision.

Revision hip arthroplasty in patients with a previous total hip replacement for osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head are typically relatively young and active and often require high rates of revision after primary total hip arthroplasty. However, outcomes of revision hip arthroplasty in this patient population have rarely been reported in the literature. The authors conducted a retrospective review of 72 patients (75 hips) who underwent revision hip arthroplasty with a primary diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Mean age at index revision was 53.3 years (range, 34-76). Components of acetabular revision included a cementless porous-coated cup in 58 hips and an acetabular cage in 3 hips. Components of femoral revision included a fully grit-blasted tapered stem in 30 hips and a proximally porous-coated modular stem in 9 hips. Mean duration of follow-up was 7 years (range, 3-17). Mean Harris Hip Score improved from 49 points preoperatively to 90 points postoperatively. At final follow-up, 11 hips (14.7%) required reoperation because of aseptic loosening (6 hips), infection (2 hips), recurrent dislocation (1 hip), periprosthetic fracture (1 hip), and ceramic fracture (1 hip). Kaplan-Meier survivor-ship with an endpoint of re-revision for any reason was 81% and for mechanical failure was 87.5% for the cup and 100% for the stem at 10 years. Unlike the previous report, the authors' study showed a lower failure rate of the femoral stem after revision hip arthroplasty using modern cementless femoral components in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Aseptic cup loosening or osteolysis is the most common mechanism of failure at medium-term follow-up.

An estimation of the incidence of squeaking and revision surgery for squeaking in ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacement: a meta-analysis and report from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Registry

Squeaking arising from a ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) total hip replacement (THR) may cause patient concern and in some cases causes patients to seek revision surgery. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the incidence of squeaking and the incidence of revision surgery for squeaking. A total of 43 studies including 16,828 CoC THR that reported squeaking, or revision for squeaking, were entered into the analysis. The incidence of squeaking was 4.2% and the incidence of revision for squeaking was 0.2%. The incidence of squeaking in patients receiving the Accolade femoral stem was 8.3%, and the incidence of revision for squeaking in these patients was 1.3%.

The use of ceramic-on-ceramic bearings in isolated revision of the acetabular component

The practice of removing a well-fixed cementless femoral component is associated with high morbidity. Ceramic bearing couples are low wearing and their use minimises the risk of subsequent further revision due to the production of wear debris. A total of 165 revision hip replacements were performed, in which a polyethylene-lined acetabular component was revised to a new acetabular component with a ceramic liner, while retaining the well-fixed femoral component. A titanium sleeve was placed over the used femoral trunnion, to which a ceramic head was added. There were 100 alumina and 65 Delta bearing couples inserted. The mean Harris hip score improved significantly from 71.3 (9.0 to 100.0) pre-operatively to 91.0 (41.0 to 100.0) at a mean follow up of 4.8 years (2.1 to 12.5) (p < 0.001). No patients reported squeaking of the hip. There were two fractures of the ceramic head, both in alumina bearings. No liners were seen to fracture. No fractures were observed in components made of Delta ceramic. At 8.3 years post-operatively the survival with any cause of failure as the endpoint was 96.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 85.7 to 99.3) for the acetabular component and 94.0% (95% CI 82.1 to 98.4) for the femoral component. The technique of revising the acetabular component in the presence of a well-fixed femoral component with a ceramic head placed on a titanium sleeve over the used trunnion is a useful adjunct in revision hip practice. The use of Delta ceramic is recommended.

Revision total hip arthroplasty using an alumina-on-alumina bearing surface in patients with osteolysis

We evaluated the outcomes of 64 consecutive revision total hip arthroplasties with an alumina-on-alumina bearing surface in 61 patients with osteolysis. No implants had been rerevised nor was osteolysis detected at a mean of 9.8 years (range, 7.0-13.1 years) postoperatively. There was 1 case of stem loosening but no cup loosening or alumina bearing fractures. Two surgical procedures were performed for an infection in 1 patient. Three dislocations occurred in 3 hips; all were treated with closed reduction and abduction bracing for 3 months. No further dislocations occurred. With any reoperation or radiographic evidence of osteolysis or loosening as the end point, the 7-year survival rate was 96.9% (95% confidence interval, 90.8%-100%). The alumina-on-alumina bearing surfaces used for revision total hip arthroplasty in patients with osteolysis were found to produce encouraging clinical results and implant survival rates at a minimum of 7 years postoperatively.

Development of ceramic-on-ceramic implants for total hip arthroplasty

Over the past three decades, alumina ceramic, now in its third/fourth generation, has been markedly improved in terms of its mechanical properties, including purity, grain microstructure, and burst strength. In the clinic, it is particularly suitable for young and for very active patients. This paper discusses the development and characteristics of different kinds of ceramics. In addition, ceramics in the third/fourth generation which are used in total hip arthroplasty clinically are reviewed in detail.

Ceramic-on-ceramic bearings in hip arthroplasty: state of the art and the future

This systematic review of the literature summarises the clinical experience with ceramic-on-ceramic hip bearings over the past 40 years and discusses the concerns that exist in relation to the bearing combination. Loosening, fracture, liner chipping on insertion, liner canting and dissociation, edge-loading and squeaking have all been reported, and the relationship between these issues and implant design and surgical technique is investigated. New design concepts are introduced and analysed with respect to previous clinical experience.

An analysis of stably fixed femoral components retained during revision total hip arthroplasty

This study was conducted to analyze the clinical and radiographic results of isolated acetabular revisions during which intact femoral stems were retained. Twenty-nine hips of 26 patients who were followed up for a minimum of 3 years were examined. The average time from primary operation to revision surgery was 9.2 years, and the average follow-up time after revision was 5 years. The average Harris hip scores improved from 56.4 to 89.8 points after revision surgery, and in all cases, the acetabular components and femoral stems were assessed as stable at the final follow-up. The average length of service of the femoral components was 14.2 years. In conclusion, we recommend that isolated acetabular revision be considered in cases with an acetabular component failure and a stable femoral component.

Fracture of a titanium sleeve-encased third-generation ceramic liner in a modern THA

Due to their excellent tribology, ceramics are increasingly used for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in young patients. Fracture rates for contemporary ceramics range from 0% to 0.004%. Recently, ceramic liners are encased in a titanium sleeve to further decrease the chances of fracture. We encountered 1 case of a metal-encased acetabular liner fracture in a ceramic-on-ceramic articulation in a series of 764 hips. Our literature review revealed no reports of metal-encased ceramic liner fracture. A 60-year-old woman presented 27 months after a bilateral ceramic-on-ceramic THA. She reported mechanical grinding and clicking from the left hip on extension. There was no history of trauma or fall. Examination revealed a nonantalgic gait and audible-palpable crepitations on the left hip. Range of motion of the left hip was intact with no subluxation. Radiographs revealed fractured ceramic insert and an excessively anteverted socket on the left side. Intraoperative findings revealed gross impingement in the form of indentation of the metal femoral neck against the elevated metal rim encasing the liner. Revision THA was performed using an uncemented polyethylene liner while retaining the well-fixed cup and stem. The Harris Hip Score at 4.5-year follow-up was 100, with no evidence of osteolysis or polyethylene wear.

Early reactive synovitis and osteolysis after total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Little is known about intraarticular pathology following THA prior to the radiographic appearance of osteolysis, primarily due to imaging limitations. MRI has recently been applied to imaging the postarthroplasty hip with the ability to detect periarticular bony and soft tissue pathology; specifically, it is able to detect abnormal synovial patterns and focal bone loss well before the radiographic appearance of osteolysis.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We therefore used MRI to determine the incidence of early reactive synovitis and osteolysis in asymptomatic patients after THA, and whether there is an association between these MRI findings and clinical outcomes or radiographic wear measurements at this early stage.

METHODS

We recruited 31 patients (33 hips) who underwent routine noncemented THA with one of three types of bearing surfaces: metal-on-cross-linked polyethylene (n = 7), ceramic-on-ceramic (n = 12), and ceramic-on-cross-linked polyethylene (n = 14). Patients underwent specialized MRI at a minimum of 12 months (mean, 23 months; range, 12-37 months) after surgery. MR images were analyzed for the presence of synovitis or osteolysis. WOMAC scores, patient assessment questionnaires, and radiographic wear measurements were correlated with MRI findings.

RESULTS

Reactive synovitis was observed in 13 of 33 patients (39%) and focal osteolysis in one of 33 (3%). The presence of synovitis did not correlate with pain, activity level, patient satisfaction or clinical outcome scales, nor did it correlate with radiographic wear measurements at early followup.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations suggest reactive synovitis is common yet asymptomatic at short-term followup. We do not know either the etiology or the long-term implications of these observations.