Comparison of 10-year clinical wear of annealed and remelted highly cross-linked polyethylene: A propensity-matched cohort study

A large preoperative pelvic oblique angle affects perception of leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

In some cases, patients feel a perceived leg length discrepancy (P-LLD) despite no radiographic leg length discrepancy (R-LLD) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We aimed to investigate the rate of postoperative P-LLD and the factors that cause postoperative P-LLD.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 100 patients with R-LLD ≤5 mm after THA. Patients were classified into two groups based on P-LLD post-THA: group P (with P-LLD) and group E (without P-LLD). Relevant data on the general characteristics and radiological findings between the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

We observed that 25 & 75% of patients belonged to group P and group E, respectively, with no significant difference in patient background. Postoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) classification of pain and activities of daily living scores were significantly lower in group P than in group E (37.2 ± 3.9 vs. 39.1 ± 2.2, respectively; P = 0.013, and 16.2 ± 4.2 vs. 18.2 ± 2.2, respectively; P = 0.011). The preoperative pelvic oblique angle (POA) was significantly larger in group P than in group E (3.3 ± 2.3° vs. -0.2 ± 2.1°; respectively; P < 0.01). The pelvis tilted toward the surgical side was significantly higher in group P than in group E(88% vs 57%; respectively; P = 0.013). The preoperative C7 coronal vertical axis (C7 CVA) was significantly larger in group P than in group E (6.7 ± 14.7 mm vs. -0.2 ± 10.3 mm; respectively; P = 0.028). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that preoperative POA (OR, 3.71; 95% CI: 1.86-8.12; P < 0.01) and the pelvis tilted toward the surgical side (OR, 4.14; 95% CI: 2.07-9.71; P = 0.022) were independent risk factors for P-LLD after THA.

CONCLUSION

Even though there was no postoperative R-LLD, 25% of patients had P-LLD. A large preoperative POA and the pelvis tilted toward the surgical side were independent risk factors for P-LLD after THA.

Head, acetabular liner composition, and rate of revision and wear in total hip arthroplasty: a Bayesian network meta-analysis

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common procedure for patients suffering from hip pain e.g. from osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, or hip fractures. The satisfaction of patients undergoing THA is influenced by the choice of implant type and material, with one key factor being the selection of the appropriate material combination for the bearing surface. In this Bayesian network meta-analysis, we investigated the impact of material combinations for the bearing surface on the longevity of hip implants. The wear penetration rate per year and the total wear penetration in the liner resulting from different material combinations, as well as the survival rate at last follow-up, were examined. We analyzed a total of 663,038 THAs, with 55% of patients being women. Mean patient age was 59.0 ± 8.1 years and mean BMI 27.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2. The combination of an aluminium oxide (Al2O3) head and an Al2O3 liner demonstrated the lowest wear penetration at last follow-up and the lowest rate of wear penetration per year. Additionally, the combination of a crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) liner and a zircon oxide (ZrO2) head demonstrated the lowest rate of revision at last follow-up. These findings underscore the importance of careful material selection for hip implant bearing surfaces to optimize their longevity and patient satisfaction after THA.

Risk factors for liner wear and head migration in total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a successful orthopaedic surgical procedure, and its longevity depends on bearing components and implant fixation. Optimizing polyethylene and ceramics has led to improved wear parameters and contributed to improved long-term outcomes. The present systematic review investigated whether time span from implantation, patient characteristics and performance status exert an influence on liner wear and head migration in THA. This study was conducted in conformity to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. All the clinical investigations which reported quantitative data on the amount of liner wear and head migration in THA were considered. Only studies which reported quantitative data at least on one of the following patient characteristics were suitable: mean age, mean BMI (kg/m2), sex, side, time span between the index THA and the last follow-up (months) were eligible. A multiple linear model regression analysis was employed to verify the association between patient characteristics and the amount of liner wear and/or head migration. The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to assess the association between variables. Data from 12,629 patients were considered. The mean length of the follow-up was 90.5 ± 50.9 months. The mean age of patients at surgery was 58.4 ± 9.4 years, and the mean BMI was 27.2 ± 2.5 kg/m2. 57% (7199 of 12,629 patients) were women, and in 44% (5557 of 12,629 patients) THAs were performed on the left. The mean pre-operative Harris hip score was 46.5 ± 6.0 points. There was evidence of a moderate positive association between the amount of liner wear and the time elapsed between the index surgery to the follow-up (P = 0.02). There was evidence of a moderate positive association between the amount of head migration and the time elapsed between the index surgery to the follow-up (P = 0.01). No further statistically significant association was found. The time elapsed between the index surgery to the follow-up was the most important factor which influence the head migration and liner wear in THA. Patients' characteristics and preoperative physical activity did not influence the amount of head migration and liner wear.

"Grand-piano sign" as a femoral rotational indicator in both varus and valgus knees: a simulation study of anterior resection surface in total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

The "Grand-piano sign" is a popular indicator of the appropriate rotational alignment of the femoral component during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of the study was to investigate the shape of the anterior femoral resection surface of varus and valgus knees.

METHODS

A cohort of 80 varus knees and 40 valgus knees (hip-knee-ankle angle > 2° for varus and < - 2° for valgus knees) matched for age, sex, height, body weight, and KL grade was made using propensity score matching. Virtual TKA was performed using 3 patterns of components (anterior flange flexion angles of 3°, 5°, and 7°). The anterior femoral resection surface was evaluated for 3 patterns of rotational alignments: parallel to the surgical epicondylar axis (NR, neutral rotation), 3° internal rotation (IR), and 3°external rotation (ER) relative to the surgical epicondylar axis. In each anterior femoral resection surface, the vertical height of medial and lateral condyles was measured, and the ratio of the medial to the lateral height (M/L ratio) was evaluated.

RESULTS

The M/L ratio in NR for both varus and valgus knees was 0.57 to 0.64, with no significant difference between the cohorts (p value > 0.05). The M/L ratio showed a similar pattern of increasing at IR and decreasing at ER in both varus and valgus knees. The variation in the M/L ratio with malrotation in valgus knees was smaller than in varus knees.

CONCLUSION

During TKA, the anterior femoral resection surface was similar in varus and valgus knees; however, the variation with malrotation was smaller in valgus knees than in varus knees. TKA for valgus knees requires precise surgical technique and careful intraoperative assessment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, Case series.

Objective Activity Levels and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Total Hip Arthroplasty and Periacetabular Osteotomy: Retrospective Matched Cohort Study at Mean 12-Year Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

There is increasing interest in improving activity after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). The present study evaluated whether there were differences in the subjective and objective activity levels of THA and PAO patients at mean 12-year follow-up (range 4-20) and what factors influence the objective activity levels.

METHODS

THA and PAO patients (30 patients each; mean age: 66 and 63 years, respectively), who had undergone surgery for osteoarthritis due to acetabular dysplasia, were included. Patients were retrospectively matched based on age, gender, body mass index, follow-up duration, and preoperative University of California, Los Angeles activity score (UCLA score). Patients were surveyed for the subjective activity levels using the Oxford Hip Score and UCLA score. Objective activity levels (the number of steps, upright time, and the number of sit-to-stand transitions) were made using an accelerometer.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in subjective activity level between THA and PAO patients. The number of steps was significantly higher in PAO than in THA patients. Multivariable analyses revealed that THA and low Oxford Hip Score activities of daily living were negatively associated with the number of steps, that men and high UCLA score were negatively associated with upright time, and that high body mass index was negatively associated with sit-to-stand transitions in THA and PAO patients.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that although there was no difference in postoperative subjective activity level between THA and PAO patients, there was a difference in objective activity level. Providing guidance to these patients based on objective activity may lead to higher activity levels.

Elucidation of target implant orientations with the safety range of hip rotation with adduction or abduction during squatting: Simulation based on in vivo replaced hip kinematics

Objectives: The study aimed to elucidate target cup orientation and stem anteversions to avoid impingement between the liner and stem neck even at hip rotation with adduction during the deeply flexed posture.

Methods: A computer simulation analysis was performed on 32 total hip arthroplasty patients applying patient-specific orientation of the components and in vivo hip kinematics obtained from three-dimensional analysis of the squatting motion. The anterior/posterior liner-to-neck distance and impingement were evaluated based on a virtual change in internal/external rotation (0°–60°) and adduction/abduction (0°–20°) at actual maximum flexion/extension during squatting. Cutoff values of cup orientations, stem anteversion, and combined anteversion to avoid liner-to-neck impingements were determined.

Results: The anterior liner-to-neck distance decreased as internal rotation or adduction increased, and the posterior liner-to-neck distance decreased as external rotation or adduction increased. Negative correlations were found between anterior/posterior liner-to-neck distances at maximum flexion/extension and internal/external rotation. Anterior/posterior liner-to-neck impingements were observed in 6/18 hips (18/56%) at 45° internal/external rotation with 20° adduction. The range of target cup anteversion, stem anteversion, and combined anteversion to avoid both anterior and posterior liner-to-neck impingements during squatting were 15°–18°, 19°–34°, and 41°–56°, respectively.

Conclusion: Simulated hip rotations caused prosthetic impingement during squatting. Surgeons could gain valuable insights into target cup orientations and stem anteversion based on postoperative simulations during the deeply flexed posture.

Squatting After Total Hip Arthroplasty: Patient-Reported Outcomes and In Vivo Three-Dimensional Kinematic Study

BACKGROUND

Squatting is an important function for many daily activities, but has not been well documented after total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study investigated the participation rate of squatting and in vivo kinematics during squatting.

METHODS

A survey questionnaire about squatting was mailed to patients who underwent primary THA and 328 patients returned acceptable responses. Additionally, 32 hips were evaluated for dynamic 3-dimensional kinematics of squatting using density-based image-matching techniques. Multivariate analyses were applied to determine which factors were associated with anterior liner-to-neck distance at maximum hip flexion.

RESULTS

Patients who could easily squat significantly increased this ability postoperatively (23.5% vs 46%, P < .01). In 29.5% of the patients there was still no ability to squat after THA; the main reason was anxiety of dislocation (34.2%). Kinematic analysis revealed that maximum hip flexion averaged 80.7° ± 12.3° with 12.8° ± 10.7° of posterior pelvic tilt and 9.7 ± 3.0 mm of anterior liner-to-neck distance. Neither liner-to-neck, bone-to-bone, nor bone-to-implant contact was observed in any of the hips. Larger hip flexion and smaller cup anteversion were negatively associated with the anterior liner-to-neck distance at maximum hip flexion (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Postoperatively, approximately 70% of patients squatted easily or with support. Anxiety of dislocation made patients avoid squatting after THA. In vivo squatting kinematics suggest no danger of impingement or subsequent dislocation, but excessively large hip flexion and small cup anteversion remain as risks.

Wear analysis of the first-generation cross-linked polyethylene at minimum 10 years follow-up after THA: no significant effect of sports participation

The impact of sports on long-term wear of highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is not fully understood. We investigated (1) the wear performance of the first-generation XLPE, and (2) whether sports participation influences the steady wear rate of XLPE. The femoral head penetration into the cup was measured digitally on radiographs of hips undergoing THA with XLPE. We retrospectively reviewed data that included age, gender, body mass index, follow-up period, preoperative diagnosis, types of XLPE, ball diameter, head material, inclination of the cup, physical function score, and sports participation. Statistical analyses were applied to determine whether sports affect the wear of XLPE and which factors were associated with the steady wear rate. Creep and steady wear rate were found to be 0.18 mm and 0.005 mm/year, respectively. Sports participation, regardless of impact, provided no significant difference in the steady wear rate. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that sports did not increase the steady wear rate. Our findings showed excellent wear performance of the first-generation XLPE at a minimum of ten years after THA, without significant effect of sports participation on the liner wear.

Total hip arthroplasty after periacetabular osteotomy versus primary total hip arthroplasty: a propensity-matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

Controversy still exist regarding the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes of THA after PAO with primary THA based on balanced baseline characteristics with propensity score matching.

METHODS

Using propensity score matching, 1:2 matched cohort to facilitate comparison between patients who underwent primary cementless THA with or without previous PAO. Then, we compared the operative time, blood loss, complications, postoperative clinical score, cup size, position, and alignment of acetabular cup, and degree of bony coverage on cup between the two groups.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients with 37 hips who underwent THA after PAO were successfully matched to 70 patients with 74 hips who underwent primary THA. The operative time and blood loss in THA after PAO were significantly longer and larger than those in primary THA (P < 0.001 and = 0.0067, respectively). Clinical score showed no difference between the groups (P > 0.05). For THA after PAO, the cup size and bony coverage were larger (P = 0.0014 and < 0.001, respectively), and the hip center was significantly higher and laterally (P < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively) comparing primary THA.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated longer operative time and larger blood loss without difference in the postoperative clinical score or complications between THA after PAO and primary THA. Furthermore, THA after PAO provided larger cup size and superolaterally positioned cup center without difference in the cup inclination or anteversion comparing primary THA.

Patient-reported outcomes after primary or revision total hip arthroplasty: A propensity score-matched Asian cohort study

BACKGROUND

Few studies have compared patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between primary and revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). We investigated and compared PROMs between propensity score-matched primary and revision THA in an Asian cohort.

METHODS

The Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, satisfaction score, and Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12) were compared between 110 primary and 110 revision THAs after propensity score matching. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine which factors, including patients' demographics, indication for revision, and pre-operative PROMs, were associated with post-operative PROMs in the revision THA cohort.

RESULTS

The revision THA cohort demonstrated significantly lower post-operative OHS, UCLA activity score, and satisfaction score (10% decrease on average) than those in the primary THA cohort (P < .05). The difference in SF-12 mental component summary measure (MCS) between the two cohorts was statistically insignificant (P = .24). In multivariate analysis for the revision THA cohort, lower post-operative UCLA activity score was significantly associated with higher BMI and lower pre-operative UCLA activity score (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Revision THA was associated with a modest but significant decrease in physical PROMs as compared with primary THA. Pre-operative UCLA activity score significantly affected the post-operative physical outcome measures in the revision THA cohort. However, post-operative SF-12 MCS was comparable between the primary and revision THA cohorts.

Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up of Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty With a 32-mm Cobalt-Chromium Head on Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene and a Tapered, Fiber Metal Proximally Coated Femoral Stem

BACKGROUND

The clinical and radiographic results of cementless total hip arthroplasty using a 32-mm cobalt-chromium head on remelted highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) and a tapered, fiber metal proximally coated femoral stem were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 12 years.

METHODS

A total of 57 cementless total hip arthroplasties using remelted HXLPE combined with a 32-mm cobalt-chromium head, and a tapered, fiber metal proximally coated femoral stem were performed from October 2004 to December 2006. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel scoring system. Standardized anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the pelvis and femur without weight-bearing were analyzed. Radiographic measurements of two-dimensional femoral head penetration into the polyethylene were performed with a computerized method. The steady-state wear rates were measured based on the radiographs from the first year after surgery to the final follow-up.

RESULTS

The mean Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score improved significantly from 10.7 points preoperatively to 15.6 postoperatively (P < .001). No osteolysis was found around the implant. Stem fixation in all cases showed stable bone ingrowth. Third-degree stress shielding was found in 46% of all stems. The total head penetration rate was 0.05 mm/y, and the steady-state wear rate was 0.01 mm/y. The Kaplan-Meier survivorship with the end point of revision was 95% (95% confidence interval, 85%-98%) at 12 years.

CONCLUSION

A 32-mm cobalt-chromium head on remelted HXLPE demonstrated low wear properties, and a tapered, fiber metal proximally coated femoral stem showed good results at long-term follow-up.

Influencing Factors for Joint Perception After Total Hip Arthroplasty: Asian Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Perceiving replaced joints as natural is one of the best scenario after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We investigated the distribution of and influencing factors for patient's joint perception after THA in Asian cohort, which is not well known.

METHODS

We mailed a questionnaire to Asian patients who had undergone THA in our institution between 2012 and 2016, and this study included 318 Asian patients. The questionnaire assessed patient's joint perception, Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12) physical, mental, and role component summaries, and satisfaction score. Leg length discrepancy and global femoral offset before and after THA were measured using radiographs. The patients were divided into 2 groups with patient's joint perception: natural and artificial perception groups. OHS, SF-12, satisfaction, leg length discrepancy, and global femoral offset were compared between natural and artificial perception groups, and which factors significantly influenced joint perception were determined.

RESULTS

Of the 318 patients, 165 patients (51.8%) perceived their replaced joint as a natural joint. OHS, SF-12 physical and role component summaries, and satisfaction score in natural perception group were significantly higher than those in artificial perception group, without significant difference in SF-12 mental component summary. Multivariate analysis showed that less of usual pain, easier to get in or out of a car, and osteoarthritis in the contralateral hip were positively associated with natural joint perception after THA.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated to surgeons that pain relief and improvement in getting in or out of a car after THA could lead to even better patient's joint perception.

Comparing In Vivo Performance of Two Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Thermal Treatments: Remelting vs Annealing in Acetabular Liners

BACKGROUND

The introduction of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) acetabular liners has greatly improved the wear performance of metal-on-PE bearing surfaces used in total hip arthroplasty. Changing the sterilization environment and adding thermal treatments, such as remelting or annealing, were introduced to limit on-shelf and in vivo oxidation of cross-linked liners. This study compares the wear properties of the remelted A-CLASS (MicroPort) HXLPE liner to a sequentially annealed HXLPE.

METHODS

This retrospective study assessed linear and volumetric wear rates using Martell Hip Analysis Suite, and clinical performance through incidences of revision surgeries. A total of 80 remelted and 53 annealed liners were included in the wear analysis. All hips were reviewed for revisions.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in steady-state linear or volumetric wear rates for remelted and annealed liners, 0.01 (-0.07 to 0.14) vs -0.01 (-0.11 to 0.1) mm/y (P = .28) and -1.03 (-30.99 to 45.43) vs -1.31 (-32.23 to 23.70) mm³/y (P = .30), respectively. Both cohorts were below the 0.1 mm/y linear wear threshold. The wear rates for patients with femoral head sizes ≥36 mm were not significantly different than those with 32 and 28 mm femoral head sizes (P = .60). Similarly, wear rates for patients with an excessively vertical acetabular component (>50°) were not significantly different than those with standard acetabular component orientations (P = .97). No hips were revised due to liner-related complications.

CONCLUSION

The wear rates of the A-CLASS remelted HXLPE acetabular liner wear rates were comparable to those of a sequentially annealed HXLPE. Further long-term studies are required to ensure acceptable resistance to fatigue and in vivo oxidation.

Do component position and muscle strength affect the cup-head translation during gait after total hip arthroplasty?

INTRODUCTION

This study examined whether the component position or muscle strength affects the cup-head translation under in vivo weight-bearing conditions after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We hypothesized that there was a correlation between the hip offset or abductor strength and cup-head translation during gait.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively evaluated 31 patients undergoing unilateral cementless primary THA. The cup height, cup/stem offset, and limb length discrepancy were measured on anterior-posterior bilateral hip radiographic images. The isometric muscle strength of the lower limbs was quantified using a handheld dynamometer. Continuous radiographic images were recorded during gait, and cup-head translation was analysed using a computer-assisted method.

RESULTS

The average cup height, cup/stem offset, and limb length discrepancy were - 3.8 ± 5.1 mm, 1.2 ± 5.2 mm/- 0.7 ± 7.7 mm, and - 2.1 ± 5.2 mm, respectively. The average hip abductor/flexor and knee extensor strength were 86% ± 18%/85% ± 17% and 88% ± 17% of the contralateral healthy hip, respectively. The average cup-head translation during swing phase of gait was - 0.003 ± 0.31 mm. Multiple regression analyses found no significant independent predictors of cup-head translation (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The component position or muscle strength did not significantly influence cup-head translation during gait after well-positioned primary THA.

Dynamic hip kinematics during recreational classical ballet and hula dance after total hip arthroplasty: two case reports

Background

The in vivo assessment of the three-dimensional kinematics of the hip during dance activities in patients after total hip arthroplasty has not been previously reported. We evaluated the replaced hip kinematics during recreational classical ballet and hula dance using radiographic-based image-matching techniques.

Case presentation

A 58-year-old Japanese woman (patient 1; height, 157 cm; weight, 74.5 kg) and a 73-year-old Japanese woman (patient 2; height, 153 cm; weight, 48 kg) were still doing classical ballet and hula dance, respectively, after primary total hip arthroplasty. For ballet, there were gradual three-dimensional hip movements with 48° flexion, 36° abduction, and 49° external rotation in développé and 34° flexion, 29° abduction, and 43° external rotation in plié. For hula, there were small three-dimensional hip movements with 31° flexion, 15° adduction, and 11° external rotation in kao and 17° flexion, 11° adduction, and 11° external rotation in kaholo. No liner-to-neck contact was found in any dance activities.

Conclusion

Both classical ballet and hula dance produced complex ranges of hip movements and activity-dependent kinematics. These kinematic data could be useful for recommending each patient with total hip arthroplasty to continue recreational dance activities.

Contemporary Dual Mobility Head Penetration at Five Years: Concern for the Additional Convex Bearing Surface?

BACKGROUND

Dual mobility (DM) bearings are increasingly popular and second-generation designs contain highly cross-linked polyethylene. The purpose of this study is to report head penetration rates in modern DM bearings.

METHODS

A review of 63 consecutive DM bearings was performed. Radiographs were analyzed for head penetration using Martell methodology at regular postoperative intervals.

RESULTS

Thirty-four DM bearings were analyzed. Mean linear head penetration was 1.59 mm/y at 1 year, 1.07 mm/y at 2 years, and 0.27 mm/y at 5 years following an exponential regression model (R² = 0.999). Mean volumetric wear was 783 mm³/y at 1 year, 555 mm³/y at 2 years, and 104 mm³/y at 5 years following an exponential regression model (R² = 0.986).

CONCLUSION

Initial head penetration of DM bearings is larger than contemporary cross-linked polyethylene bearings; however, rates approach steady state after 2 years, analogous to traditional bearings. The larger "bedding-in" head penetration may be due to the additional convex bearing surface, creating 2 surfaces for deformation/wear.

Sports Participation in Patients After Total Hip Arthroplasty vs Periacetabular Osteotomy: A Propensity Score-Matched Asian Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

No studies have compared sports participation between total hip arthroplasty (THA) and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) in matched Asian cohorts. We investigated sports participation and activity levels in Asian THA cohort, and compared them between THA and PAO cohorts.

METHODS

Multivariate analyses were applied to determine which factors were associated with postoperative sports participation and University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score in (1) 524 THA patients and (2) 487 acetabular dysplasia patients (295 THA patients and 192 PAO patients). In addition, postoperative sports participation and UCLA score were compared between 62 THA and 62 PAO patients after adjusting for baseline characteristics with propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Sports participation and UCLA score significantly increased after THA (P < .001 in both analyses). Preoperative sports participation was the factor most associated with both postoperative sports participation and UCLA score in both 524 THA patients and 487 acetabular dysplasia patients (P < .001 in all analyses). Multivariate analysis in 487 acetabular dysplasia patients demonstrated that THA, compared with PAO, was negatively associated with postoperative sports participation (P < .001), but not postoperative UCLA score (P = .22). THA patients showed significantly lower rate of postoperative sports participation (32.3% and 51.6%, respectively, P = .046), but not postoperative UCLA score (5.0 ± 1.6 and 5.2 ± 1.9, respectively, P = .47) compared with matched PAO patients.

CONCLUSION

THA significantly increased both sports participation and activity levels. Both multivariate and propensity score-matched analyses showed that postoperative activity levels were comparable between THA and PAO cohorts.

Comparison of wear rate and osteolysis between second-generation annealed and first-generation remelted highly cross-linked polyethylene in total hip arthroplasty. A case control study at a minimum of five years

BACKGROUND

There is no previous report that directly compared wear resistance of second-generation annealed highly cross-linked polyethylene with that of first-generation remelted highly cross-linked polyethylene. We therefore performed a retrospective study at a minimum of 5-year follow-up comparing second-generation annealed and first-generation remelted highly cross-linked polyethylene in order to: (1) assess wear rates and (2) compare the incidence of osteolysis between, (3) identify the frequency of complication related to the two types of highly cross-linked polyethylene.

HYPOTHESIS

There is a difference in the linear wear rate and the incidence of osteolysis between the two types of highly cross-linked polyethylene in total hip arthroplasty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a single centre study, we reviewed 123 primary cementless total hip arthroplasties between 2010 and 2011 that were performed with 32mm alumina ceramic on second-generation annealed (X3) or first-generation remelted (Longevity) highly cross-linked polyethylene liner. There was no specific reason for the choice of the type of highly cross-linked polyethylene. There were no significant differences between the two groups in respect of gender, diagnosis, body mass index, pre- and post-operative functional and activity score, cup size, and cup orientation except the younger age in the X3 group. The mean wear rate and the incidence of osteolysis were evaluated at the latest follow-up.

RESULTS

One hundred nine cases followed over 5 years post-operatively (88.6% in all consecutive cases) were evaluated. X3 and Longevity were used in 54 and 55 cases, respectively. The mean follow-up was 5.3 years in both groups. The mean linear wear rate of X3 and Longevity group was 0.045±0.023mm/year and 0.076±0.031mm/year, respectively (P<0.001). No osteolysis was found on plain X-rays in both groups and no specific complication was related to these highly cross-linked components.

DISCUSSION

Excellent wear resistance of both types of highly cross-linked polyethylene liner was revealed in our study. The difference of wear rate between two materials should be monitored in a longer follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III retrospective case control study.