Substantially higher prevalence of postoperative periprosthetic fractures in octogenarians with hip fractures operated with a cemented, polished tapered stem rather than an anatomic stem: A prospective cohort study involving 979 hips

Cemented femoral stem design and postoperative periprosthetic fracture risk following total hip arthroplasty

Polished taper-slip (PTS) cemented stems have an excellent clinical track record and are the most common stem type used in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the UK. Due to low rates of aseptic loosening, they have largely replaced more traditional composite beam (CB) cemented stems. However, there is now emerging evidence from multiple joint registries that PTS stems are associated with higher rates of postoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) compared to their CB stem counterparts. The risk of both intraoperative and postoperative PFF remains greater with uncemented stems compared to either of these cemented stem subtypes. PFF continues to be a devastating complication following primary THA and is associated with high complication and mortality rates. Recent efforts have focused on identifying implant-related risk factors for PFF in order to guide preventative strategies, and therefore the purpose of this article is to present the current evidence on the effect of cemented femoral stem design on the risk of PFF.

Incidence and pattern of periprosthetic hip fractures around the stem in different stem geometry

BACKGROUND

The number of total hip arthroplasties (THA) is expected to increase worldwide; thus, complications are likely to increase at the same ratio. In this scenario, periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) are an increasing concern. Identifying the predisposing factors is important in order to prevent as much as possible the risk of PFF in the future.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The purpose of this study was to correlate the risk of periprosthetic femoral fractures to the most common patients' comorbidities and stem geometry. We reviewed all THA for non-oncologic indications between 2004 and 2014 with a mean follow-up of six years (range, 2-12). Three thousand two hundred forty-eight patients (3593 implants) were enrolled in the study, and 45 PFF were registered during this time period. Two thousand five hundred seventy-seven implants (71%) were straight stems, and 1015 (28.3%) were anatomic stems. All X-rays were then analyzed and classified according to the modified Vancouver classification.

RESULTS

Periprosthetic femoral fractures incidence was associated with anatomic stem geometry (p < 0.001, OR = 2.2), BMI (p < 0.001), and diabetes (p < 0.001, OR = 5.18). PFFs were not significantly associated with age, gender, and all the other variables. Fracture pattern was different between straight and anatomic stems. Clamshell fractures were more likely to occur in anatomic stems compared to straight stems (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Periprosthetic femoral fractures are highly associated with obesity and osteoporosis. Anatomic stems reported a higher incidence of PPF than straight stems. The typical fracture type for anatomical stems is the clamshell pattern, while straight stems are more likely affected by type B fractures.

Polished, Collarless, Tapered, Cemented Stems for Primary Hip Arthroplasty May Exhibit High Rate of Periprosthetic Fracture at Short-Term Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

Cemented stems are designed to follow 1 of 2 principles of fixation: composite beams or slide taper. Stems in the latter category have a collarless, polished, tapered (CPT) design and subside into the cement mantle, creating hoop stresses. We compared the rate of periprosthetic fracture (PPF) of stem designed with these 2 principles of fixation. In addition, we examined radiographic factors that may predispose to the development of PPF.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent primary THA by a single surgeon using highly polished cemented stems. PPF rates were compared between CPT stems (follow-up, 21 months; standard deviation [SD], 22) and composite beam stems (follow-up, 21.7 months; SD, 26). Demographic data were compared between patients with and without a PPF. Three preoperative radiographic parameters (canal bone ratio [CBR], canal-calcar ratio, and canal flare index), stem alignment, and cement mantle were compared in match-paired patients with and without a PPF (1:34).

RESULTS

Seven of 1460 THA patients developed a PPF (0.479%); 4 hips of 185 with a CPT stem (2.2%); and 3 of 1275 hips with a composite beam stem (0.23%; P = .0064). Three of the 4 PPFs in the CPT group and none in the composite beam group were classified as Vancouver B2. The CBR in patients with a PPF was 0.50 (SD, 0.07) and 0.43 (SD, 0.07) in the match cohort of hips without PPF (P = .013).

CONCLUSION

CPT stems may be associated with a higher risk of PPF that often require reoperation. An increased CBR may be a risk factor for postoperative PPF.

A 3- to 18-Year Follow-Up of Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty With Impacted Bone Allografts and Cemented Lubinus SP II Stem. Clinical, Radiographic, and Survivorship Analysis With Comparison to the Literature

BACKGROUND

We present the first medium- to long-term follow-up of revision total hip arthroplasty using impaction bone grafting (IBG) combined with the matte and collared Lubinus SP II stem for cases of severe osteolysis and stem loosening.

METHODS

Sixty-nine femoral revisions were identified for 67 patients consecutively operated with revision femoral arthroplasty using IBG and a cemented Lubinus SP II stem. The mean age was 69 years (standard deviation, 9.9). We retrospectively analyzed 68 cases (1 was lost to follow-up). At the time of the revision surgery, all had substantial femoral bone loss. Fifteen of the revisions were performed due to deep infection. The patients were analyzed by clinical score and radiography.

RESULTS

At follow-up, 4 femoral components (6%) had been rerevised or assessed as failure. Of these 4, 3 were assessed as mechanical failure, and 1 for dislocation; none was for infection. Three cups (4%) had been revised for dislocation; 1 of these also had a stem exchange. Three cases (4%) had been reoperated for a periprosthetic fracture in distal femur without stem exchange. Radiologic results were excellent and the clinical Merle d'Aubignè-Postel score had improved from a mean of 12.2 preoperatively to 17.5 at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

IBG combined with the Lubinus SP II stem is safe and results in a low rate of periprosthetic fractures and dislocations. The medium- to long-term clinical result was excellent, with regeneration of living bone in the femur.