Cemented Femoral Stem Fixation: Back to the Future

Increasing Use of Cemented Stems is Associated with Reduced Early Fracture after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative Study

INTRODUCTION

The Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Quality Collaborative Initiative (MARCQI) identified periprosthetic fracture as the most common reason for early total hip arthroplasty (THA) revision of uncemented hips. This analysis described a state-wide quality improvement project to reduce fracture and early revision.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The MARCQI reports data to participants through reports and in-person meetings and incorporated postoperative hip fracture into pay-for-performance incentives as part of a quality improvement project in 2018. The percent of cemented stems and incidence of fracture within 90 days of surgery were analyzed by age, sex, and year of surgery.

RESULTS

The overall use of cemented stems in THA rose from 2.7% in 2017 to 6.8% in 2022. Only 0.7% of men and 1.8% of women under 75 years were cemented in 2017 while 4.7 and 10.4% of patients 75 years and older were cemented, respectively. By 2022, 10.8% of men and 26.8% of women 75 years and older were cemented. In elderly women, the incidence of fracture after THA has dropped to 1.7% in 2022 from a peak of 3.5% in 2018 as the use of cement has increased.

DISCUSSION

Early fracture often leads to revision and may be preventable. This analysis demonstrated a direct correlation between the use of cemented stems and decreased postoperative fracture rates in elderly women. Statewide fractures increased from 2012 to 2018 (peak at 1.26%). Since the beginning of the MARCQI fracture reduction quality initiative, there has been a steady decline to 0.96% in 2022. Stratifying by age and sex, cementing in older women increased by 16%, and fracture rates decreased by nearly 2%. With this MARCQI initiative, there were an estimated 280 fewer revisions secondary to fractures in Michigan. Surgeons should consider using cemented femoral stems for THA in elderly women.

Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty Using the Muller Line-To-Line Cement Technique: A Propensity Score Matched Cohort Analysis

BACKGROUND

Cemented fixation in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) has seen renewed interest alongside the increasing adoption of the direct anterior (DA) approach. However, integrating cementation techniques with the DA approach poses challenges, particularly in patients who have morphologies complicating femoral exposure and access. The objective of our study was to assess the feasibility and radiographic outcomes of the Müller line-to-line ('French Paradox') cementation technique in primary cemented DA-THA, compared to a propensity score matched (PSM) cohort undergoing press-fit (cementless) DA-THA.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing primary cemented DA-THA using the Müller line-to-line ('French Paradox') cementation technique between 2016 and 2018. A PSM control cohort with comparable demographics undergoing press-fit DA-THA was generated. A total of 202 patients (101 per cohort) were included. Patients in the cemented group received a polished stainless-steel stem, while the press-fit group utilized a tapered-wedge titanium alloy stem. Radiographic outcomes, including stem malposition, radiolucency > two mm, cement mantle integrity, canal fit-and-fill, and implant stability, were assessed at a mean follow-up of 1.7 years using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Symmetric bilateral femoral cortical thinning was observed in 10.8% of the cemented DA-THA cohort, attributed to physiological aging, with no instances of stem malposition, subsidence, or cement mantle compromise. In contrast, 5.9% of patients in the PSM press-fit DA-THA cohort experienced periprosthetic fractures or subsidence requiring revision surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

While numerous clinical registry studies have driven renewed interest in primary cemented THA, most have focused on conventional cementation techniques performed via posterior or antero-lateral approaches. This study demonstrates that primary DA-THA using the Müller line-to-line cementation technique delivers excellent radiographic outcomes while improving operative efficiency and adaptability in challenging morphologies. Long-term data collection is ongoing to validate these findings.

Vancouver B Fractures After Using Cementless Femoral Fixation: A Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Cementless stems have been the predominant type of femoral component used for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the United States for several decades. However, recent literature has reported an increased periprosthetic fracture (PPFx) rate and complications associated with these components, particularly among older patients. This study evaluated the incidence and outcome of Vancouver B PPFx after primary THA using cementless stems.

METHODS

A single institution's database was used to identify 12,400 primary THAs performed from 2009 through 2023. The mean age at surgery was 64 years, and 57% of THAs were performed among women. All postoperative PPFx were identified, and those classified as Vancouver B were evaluated for treatment method and secondary reoperations.

RESULTS

Among 72 postoperative PPFx, 34 were classified as Vancouver B for an overall rate of 0.3% (34 of 12,400). The median time from THA to Vancouver B PPFx was 33 days. Patients aged > 75 years at surgery had a higher rate of Vancouver B PPFx (0.6%, 13 of 2,094) compared to patients aged 18 to 75 years at surgery (0.2%, 21 of 10,306, P < 0.001). Type C3 triple-taper collared titanium stems had a lower fracture rate (0.1%, four of 4,748) compared to Type A flat taper stems (0.7%, 23 of 3,105, P < 0.001). In patients over 75 at surgery, Type C3 stems had a lower fracture rate (0.3%, three of 923) compared to Type A stems (1.5%, seven of 472, P = 0.04). There were 28 patients who had Vancouver B fractures (82%) who underwent reoperation. Secondary reoperations were performed among 25% (seven of 28) of THAs, and three of these involved periprosthetic joint infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with other reports, the Vancouver B PPFx rate was higher in patients aged > 75 years at surgery. At our institution, Type C3 triple-taper collared titanium stems lowered the PPFx fracture rate in all age groups, including those over age 75 years at surgery. Secondary reoperations remain highly morbid to patients.

What's New in Periprosthetic Femur Fractures?

BACKGROUND

Periprosthetic femur fracture (PFF) is one of the most common indications for reoperation following total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS/RESULTS

This article provides a review of a symposium on PFF that was presented at the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons 2023 annual meeting, including an overview of the Vancouver classification and its implications on treatment and subsequent complications, an updated approach to the management of intraoperative fractures, and finally, contemporary strategies for both osteosynthesis as well as revision arthroplasty for PFFs.

CONCLUSION

As the incidence of PPF continues to increase, arthroplasty and trauma surgeons must be prepared to address this challenging complication with a contemporary understanding of the treatment options and their outcomes.

Evidence for cemented TKA and THA based on a comparison of international register data

BACKGROUND

Hip and knee implants can either be fixed without cement, press-fit, or with bone cement. Real-world data from arthroplasty registers, as well as studies provide a broad database for the discussion of cemented versus uncemented arthroplasty procedures.

OBJECTIVE

What does current evidence from international arthroplasty registries and meta-analyses recommend regarding cemented or cementless fixation of hip and knee implants?

METHODS

A recommendation is generated by means of direct data comparison from the arthroplasty registries of eight countries (USA, Germany, Australia, UK, Sweden, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands), the comparison of 22 review studies and meta-analyses based on registry data, as well as an evaluation of recommendations of healthcare systems from different nations. For this purpose, reviews and meta-analyses were selected where the results were statistically significant, as were the annual reports of the arthroplasty registries that were current at the time of writing.

RESULTS

For knee arthroplasties, long survival time as well as lower risk of revision can be achieved with the support of cemented fixation with antibiotic-loaded bone cement. In patients aged 70 years and older, cemented fixation of hip stem implants significantly reduces risk of intraoperative or postoperative periprosthetic fracture (quadruple). This applies both to elective total hip arthroplasties and to hemiarthroplasty after femoral neck fractures. Antibiotic-loaded bone cement significantly (p = 0.041) reduces the risk of periprosthetic infection, especially in patients with femoral neck fractures.

CONCLUSION

Total knee replacement with antibiotic-loaded bone cement is well established internationally and is evidence-based. Registry data and meta-analyses recommend cemented fixation of the hip stem in older patients. In Germany, USA and Australia these evidence-based recommendations still must be transferred to daily practice.

A Finite Element Analysis Study of Influence of Femoral Stem Material in Stress Shielding in a Model of Uncemented Total Hip Arthroplasty: Ti-6Al-4V versus Carbon Fibre-Reinforced PEEK Composite

Total hip arthroplasty is one of the most common and successful orthopaedic operations. Occasionally, periprosthetic osteolysis associated with stress shielding occurs, resulting in a reduction of bone density where the femur is not properly loaded and the formation of denser bone where stresses are confined. To enhance proximal load transfer and reduce stress shielding, approaches, including decreasing the stiffness of femoral stems, such as carbon fibre-reinforced polymer composites (CFRPCs), have been explored through novel modular prostheses. The purpose of the present study was to analyse, by the finite element analysis (FEA) method, the effect that the variation of material for the distal part of the femoral stem has on stress transmission between a modulable prosthesis and the adjacent bone. Methods: Through three-dimensional modelling and the use of commercially available FEA software Ansys R2023, the mechanical behaviour of the distal part of the femoral stem made of CFRPC or Ti-6Al-4V was obtained. A load was applied to the head of the femoral stem that simulates a complete walking cycle. Results: The results showed that the use of a material with mechanical characteristics close to the bone, like CFRPC, allowed for optimisation of the transmitted loads, promoting a better distribution of stress from the proximal to the distal part of the femur. This observation was also found in some clinical studies in literature, which reported not only an improved load transfer with the use of CFRPC but also a higher cell attachment than Ti-6Al-4V. Conclusions: The use of a material that has mechanical properties that are close to bone promotes load transfer from the proximal to the distal area. In particular, the use of CFRPC allows the material to be designed based on the patient’s actual bone characteristics. This provides a customised design with a lower risk of prosthesis loss due to stress shielding.

Cemented Stem Design in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Fixation Philosophies, Biomechanics, and an Updated Classification System

There is renewed interest in cemented femoral fixation in total hip arthroplasty in the United States, and to fully appreciate the evolution of cemented femoral stem designs, an understanding of their history and design rationale is essential. To adequately study the outcomes of modern-day designs, a comprehensive classification system is also necessary. The biomechanical principles, failure mechanisms, and clinical outcomes associated with various cemented femoral stems are described in this comprehensive review. In addition, an updated version of an existing classification system is described that incorporates the primary design characteristics which differentiate implants currently in use. In this classification, implants are categorized as taper-slip (Type I), which are subdivided by Anatomic (IA), Double-Taper (IB), and Triple-Taper (IC) with subclassification for Traditional and Line-to-Line implants. Composite beam (Type II) implants are similarly divided into Anatomic (IIA), Straight (IIB), and Wedge (IIC) with subclassification for Polished, Satin, or Roughened finish. This classification system provides a basis for comparing cemented femoral stems, thereby improving our understanding of the effect of design characteristics on survivorship to guide future advancements and improve clinical outcomes.

Trends in Cemented Fixation in Hemiarthroplasty for Hip Fractures in Canada

Bacground

The use of cemented fixation is widely recommended in hip arthroplasty for hip fractures, although it is not used universally.

Methods

We describe the trends in cementing prevalence in hemiarthroplasty for hip fractures in Canada for patients ≥55 years old between April 2017 and March 2022.

Results

The national prevalence of cemented fixation increased from 43% in 2017/18 to 58% in 2021/22, but there was a large variety of both the baseline prevalence and the trends across the country and between individual hospitals. The proportion of surgeons only performing cementless fixation fell from 30% to 21% between 2018/19 and 2021/22.

Conclusions

As cemented fixation is now universally recommended, more coordination is needed to track these trends and to help drive implementation of this evidence-based practice across Canada.

Risk factors influencing periprosthetic fracture and mortality in elderly patients following hemiarthroplasty with a cemented collarless polished taper stem for an intracapsular hip fracture

Aims

The aims of this study were to evaluate the incidence of reoperation (all cause and specifically for periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF)) and mortality, and associated risk factors, following a hemiarthroplasty incorporating a cemented collarless polished taper slip stem (PTS) for management of an intracapsular hip fracture.

Methods

This retrospective study included hip fracture patients aged 50 years and older treated with Exeter (PTS) bipolar hemiarthroplasty between 2019 and 2022. Patient demographics, place of domicile, fracture type, delirium status, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, length of stay, and mortality were collected. Reoperation and mortality were recorded up to a median follow-up of 29.5 months (interquartile range 12 to 51.4). Cox regression was performed to evaluate independent risk factors associated with reoperation and mortality.

Results

The cohort consisted of 1,619 patients with a mean age of 82.2 years (50 to 104), of whom 1,100 (67.9%) were female. In total, 29 patients (1.8%) underwent a reoperation; 12 patients (0.7%) sustained a PFF during the observation period (United Classification System (UCS)-A n = 2; UCS-B n = 5; UCS-C n = 5), of whom ten underwent surgical management. Perioperative delirium was independently associated with the occurrence of PFF (hazard ratio (HR) 5.92; p = 0.013) and surgery for UCS-B PFF (HR 21.7; p = 0.022). Neither all-cause reoperation nor PFF-related surgery was independently associated with mortality (HR 0.66; p = 0.217 and HR 0.38; p = 0.170, respectively). Perioperative delirium, male sex, older age, higher ASA grade, and pre-fracture residential status were independently associated with increased mortality risk following hemiarthroplasty (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The cumulative incidence of PFF at four years was 1.1% in elderly patients following cemented PTS hemiarthroplasty for a hip fracture. Perioperative delirium was independently associated with a PFF. However, reoperation for PPF was not independently associated with patient mortality after adjusting for patient-specific factors.

[Register data on cemented arthroplasty : A proof for cementless fixation?]

BACKGROUND

Hip and knee implants can be either fixated without cement, press-fit, or with bone cement. Real-world data from arthroplasty registers, as well as studies, provide a broad database for the discussion of cemented versus uncemented arthroplasty procedures.

OBJECTIVES

What is the recommendation for cemented or cementless anchorage of hip and knee implants based on the current evidence from international arthroplasty registries and meta-analyses?

METHODS

A recommendation is generated by means of a direct comparison of data from the arthroplasty registries of eight different countries (USA, Germany, Australia, UK, Sweden, Norway, New Zealand, and The Netherlands), the comparison of 22 review studies and meta-analyses based on registry data, as well as the evaluation of the recommendation of healthcare systems of different nations. For this purpose, reviews and meta-analyses whose results were statistically significant were selected, as were the annual reports of the arthroplasty registries that were current at the time of writing.

RESULTS

For knee endoprostheses, a long survival time, as well as a lower risk of revision can be achieved with the help of cemented anchorage with antibiotic-laden bone cement. In patients aged 70 years and older, cemented anchorage of the hip stem implant significantly reduces the risk of intraoperative or postoperative periprosthetic fracture (times four), this applies both to elective total hip arthroplasties (TEPs) and to hemiarthroplasty after femoral neck fractures. Antibiotic-loaded bone cement significantly (p = 0.041) reduces the risk of periprosthetic infection, especially in patients with femoral neck fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

Total knee replacement with antibiotic-loaded bone cement is well established in Germany and evidence based. Registry data and meta-analyses recommend cemented fixation of the hip stem in older patients-in Germany the evidence-based recommendations must still be transferred to daily practice.