Steinman pin technique for the removal of well-fixed femoral stems

Endofemoral Shooting Technique for Removing Well-fixed Cementless Stems

Background

The removal of a well-fixed cementless stem poses technical challenges. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of our endofemoral extraction technique established in 2001.

Methods

Between January 2001 and December 2016, 118 consecutive revisions following bipolar or total hip arthroplasty, which required cementless femoral stem removal, were performed at our institution. This retrospective study evaluated 106 patients (108 hips) who were followed up for a mean of 9.2 years (range, 5-20 years). The patients included 15 men and 91 women with a mean age of 65 years (range, 33-87 years). Endofemoral extracted stem removal was performed as follows. Multiple Kirschner wires were sequentially inserted into the interface between the implant and cortical bone, after which the implant was detached using a thin chisel. After the cementless stem was removed, it was replaced with a cemented stem using an autograft, as needed. Radiological loosening of the femoral stem was defined as definite or probable loosening, based on the criteria of Harris et al. Prosthesis survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with the endpoint set as repeat revision surgery for stem loosening or femoral fracture.

Results

Re-revision surgery was performed in 7 hips. Stem loosening was observed in 4 hips, and the mean subsidence was 0.3 mm (0-3 mm). The 10-year survival rate was 97.7% (95% confidence interval, 93.2-100).

Conclusions

Our technique for removing well-fixed cementless stems yielded successful results.

Treatment of the Failed Modular Neck Stems: Tips and Tricks

BACKGROUND

Modular femoral components emerged because of the advantages of recreating limb length, offset, and native femoral version in total hip arthroplasty. Despite its potential benefits, the increase in modularity at the head-neck junction can lead to corrosion and subsequently failure of the implant.

METHODS

We present 3 case examples of patients who underwent revision surgery secondary to corrosion of their modular femoral components.

RESULTS

Issues addressed include understanding corrosion at the head-neck junction, presentations of adverse local tissue reactions, efficacy of metal ion testing and metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance imaging, and approaches to revision surgery for failed modular neck stems.

CONCLUSIONS

When revision surgery is indicated for failed modular neck stems, we recommend a thoughtful approach with contemporary extraction techniques and options to enhance stability. Furthermore, long-term follow-up is needed to define the growing effect of modularity in total hip arthroplasty.

Revision for taper corrosion at the neck-body junction following total hip arthroplasty: pearls and pitfalls

The management of the patient with a recalled, modular neck-body total hip arthroplasty can be complex, as it involves a combination of clinical, technical, and medicolegal challenges. Management begins with a thorough history and physical exam, radiographic evaluation, infection workup, and serum metal ion levels. Three-dimensional imaging is obtained based on patient symptomatology and metal ion levels and is used to evaluate for the presence of an adverse local tissue response as well as the integrity of the existing soft tissue envelope. The decision to perform revision surgery is based on a combination of patient symptomatology, laboratory values, and imaging findings. Revision surgery involves the entire armamentarium of femoral revision techniques, and the acetabulum may need to be revised at the surgeon's discretion. The femoral implant can often be removed without disrupting the femoral bone envelope; however, the surgeon should have a low threshold to perform an extended trochanteric osteotomy.

Modular taper junction corrosion and failure: how to approach a recalled total hip arthroplasty implant

Corrosion at the modular neck-stem taper junction has become an increasingly important topic as several reports have identified this couple as a possible source for early failure with findings similar to failed metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties. Recently, two different modular stem systems from a single manufacturer were voluntarily recalled due to concerns of failure of the modular taper junction. We discuss how to approach the diagnosis and management of patients with these particular stem systems. We further reviewed the literature to evaluate whether this is a manufacturer-specific defect or indicative of a broader trend. Recent studies appear to implicate the basic design of the neck-stem taper junction, rather than a single manufacturer, which is at high risk for fretting and corrosion.