Total hip arthroplasty in children with juvenile chronic arthritis: long-term results

Characteristics of Very Young Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Contemporary Assessment

Background

This study aims to compare indications, patient characteristics, hospital factors, and complication rates between total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients aged 30 years or younger and those older than 30 years using a large national database.

Methods

The Premier Healthcare Database was utilized to identify primary THA patients from 2015 to 2021 who were aged ≤30 or >30 years. Patient demographics, hospital factors, and primary indications were compared for each cohort. Rates of complications and readmissions were assessed for each cohort by primary indication. Differences were assessed through univariate analysis.

Results

Overall, 539,173 primary THA patients were identified (age ≤30: 1849; >30: 537,234). Compared to the >30 cohort, the ≤30 cohort was more likely to be male (56.5% vs 44.9%, P < .001) and non-White (34.0% vs 14.2%, P < .001). The most common indications for THA in the ≤30 cohort were osteonecrosis (49.3%), osteoarthritis (17.8%), and congenital hip deformities (16.0%), and in the >30 cohort, they were osteoarthritis (77.0%), other arthritis (11.3%), and osteonecrosis (5.4%). Patients aged ≤30 years had lower rates of respiratory failure (0.16% vs 0.57%, P < .001), acute renal failure (0.32% vs 1.72%, P < .001), and urinary tract infection (0.38% vs 1.11%, P = .003) than those aged >30 years, but higher rates of wound dehiscence (0.59% vs 0.29%, P = .015) and transfusion (3.68% vs 2.21%, P < .001). There were no differences in 90-day readmission rates (P = .811) or 90-day in-hospital death (P = .173) between cohorts.

Conclusions

Younger patients undergoing THA differed significantly in indication, patient characteristics, and hospital factors compared to the older population on univariate analysis. Despite differences in indications, the cohorts did not differ markedly with regard to complication rates in this study.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Teenagers: A Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in teenagers is generally avoided. Nevertheless, recent THA procedures in a very young patient show improved functional outcomes and implant survival, resulting in lower revision rates. This review aims to present an overview of the available literature on THA in teenagers and to provide evidence to inform caregivers.

METHODS

In this systematic review, studies required a primary THA method and a teenage patient population. Studies must report at least one of the following outcome measures: functional outcomes, implant survival, and complications. In addition, demographic and surgical data were collected.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were analyzed, including 2040 patients and 2379 hips, with an average 7.7-year follow-up. The mean patient age was 18 years, with an average revision rate of 11.7%. The overall average relative improvement of the 2 most frequently used patient-reported (functional) outcome measures were 84.3 and 92.3% at the latest follow-up. Prosthesis, or liner loosening, was the cause of revision in 50.2% of the cases. Loosening was the most frequent complication (14.8%), together with prosthesis/liner wear (14.8%). Cementless fixation (70.7%), ceramic-on-ceramic articulation (34.7%), and the posterior surgical approach (82.3%) were the most applied techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

The functional outcomes after THA in teenagers improved at follow-up. The average revision rate is relatively high, especially in the pre-1995 studies, with post-1995 studies reporting similar revision rates to the adult patient group. Research to further improve implant survival as well as the ease of revisions in teenagers is needed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-systematic review.

What has changed in total hip arthroplasty in patients of juvenile idiopathic arthritis since 2000? A systematic review and pooled data analysis

PURPOSE

The prevalence of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is estimated to be 16-150 per 100,000 children worldwide. The hip joint may be involved in over 50% of children leading to significant morbidity which may require surgical intervention in the form of arthroplasty. The literature lacks a concise overview of the outcomes, including complication and implant survival of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The aim of this study is to systematically analyze the literature and report the outcomes of THA in JIA.

METHODS

Search was conducted in the online databases PubMed, Embase and Cochrane database. It included all original studies which evaluated clinical and/or radiological outcomes of THA in JIA with a minimum sample size of 5 patients and published in English. The level of evidence of the included studies was graded according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. The Institute of Health Economics checklist was used to assess the quality of the studies included.

RESULTS

The nine studies included were retrospective in nature with all being Level IV according to Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. 475 hips in 304 patients with majority of them being females (241/304, 79.2%) were included in this review. All the studies reported the outcome objectively using various scores. The proportion of revision surgeries (92/378), either femoral or acetabular, noted was 22% (95% CI 10-33%). The proportion of acetabular revisions (72/378) was 16% (95% CI 8-25%) as compared to 4% (95% CI 1-6%) for femoral revisions (20/378). There was no difference in survivorship when cemented and uncemented implants were compared.

CONCLUSION

JIA patients with advanced hip disease represent a unique population with need for extra-long implant longevity. THA in patients of JIA leads to improved pain relief as well as mobility but the conversion of the same outcomes to functional activity is not proportionally improved. The current trend is the use of uncemented and ceramic-on-ceramic implants. Acetabular implants require earlier revision as compared to femoral implants. Age at surgery can be delayed by early institution of methotrexate which indirectly improves implant survival.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Surgical Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in the Era of Novel Drug Therapies

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common chronic rheumatic disease encountered in children under the age of sixteen and causes significant impairments in daily life. Over the last two decades, the introduction of new drug treatments (including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologics) has changed the course of this disease, thus reducing the indication for surgery. However, some patients fail to respond to drug therapy and thus require personalized surgical management, e.g., the local reduction of joint effusion or a synovial pannus (via intra-articular corticosteroid injections, synovectomy, or soft tissue release), and management of the sequelae of arthritis (such as growth disorders and joint degeneration). Here, we provide an overview of the surgical indications and outcomes of the following interventions: intra-articular corticosteroid injections, synovectomy, soft tissue release, surgery for growth disorders, and arthroplasty.

Evolution of total hip arthroplasty in patients younger than 30 years of age: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

While surgical technique and implant technology for total hip arthroplasty (THA) has improved over the years, it is unclear whether recent progress has translated to improved clinical outcomes for young patients. The goal of this study is to determine trends in (1) indications, (2) surgical technique (3) clinical and radiographic outcomes, and (4) survivorship for THA in patients younger than 30 years of age.

METHODS

MedLine, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched using several key phrases for articles focusing on THA performed on patients younger than 30 years of age between 1971 and 2020. A total of 34 qualifying articles were identified and stratified into three groups according to operative years and compared to one another on the basis of (1) indications; (2) fixation technique; (3) implant design; (4) clinical and radiographic outcomes; and (7) survivorship.

RESULTS

The mean patient age at index THA were 20.5 (9-30), 22.1 (11-30) and 21.5 (10-30) years, respectively, for each study group. Over time, patients underwent fewer THAs for JRA (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) (p < 0.001) but more for post-treatment and iatrogenic avascular necrosis (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Early THAs primarily used metal on UHMWPE (Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) (71.7%, p < 0.001), modern THA predominantly use ceramic on HXLPE (Highly cross-linked polyethylene) (42.5%, p < 0.001). Early fixation methods used cement (60.4%, p < 0.001), and modern fixation primarily use press fit technology (95.9%, p < 0.001). Prevalence of radiographic loosening decreased significantly (p < 0.001) over time. There was no significant difference in clinical improvement on HHS. Lastly, fewer patients required THA revision in recent decades (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Advances in surgical technique and technology have served to improve implant longevity. Surprisingly, subjective clinical scores showed no significant improvement over time, suggesting that early iterations of THA were extremely successful.

Revision rate of THA in patients younger than 40 years depends on primary diagnosis - a retrospective analysis with a minimum follow-up of 10 years

Background

Treating osteoarthritis in elderly patients with THA is very successful. However, surgeons hesitate to recommend THA in younger patients. The spectrum of etiologies for end stage hip disease in the younger population is diverse and therefore different courses may be assumed. Our objective was to evaluate THA revision rate within a minimum follow-up period of 10 years in young patients and to analyze the difference between different primary diagnoses.

Methods

We included 144 consecutive hips in 127 patients younger than 40 years, who received a primary THA from 01/1996 to 12/2007. Operative reports, clinical and radiographic documentation were reviewed to determine primary diagnosis, prior hip surgery, component specifications and revision surgery. 111 hips in 97 patients were available for outcome analysis with a minimum follow-up of 10 years.

Results

The mean age was 33 years (range 15–40 years) at the time of the index THA, 68 patients were female and 59 were male. Ten years revision rate on the prosthetic components was 13%. The most common primary diagnosis was DDH. DDH was associated with a risk of 17% for requiring a reoperation on the prosthetic components because of mechanical fatigue and therefore, significantly higher than for any other primary diagnosis (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

THA in young patients is associated with a high revision rate of 13% in 10 years. 17% of patients with DDH required revision surgery for mechanical fatigue within 10 years, which was significantly higher than for any other primary diagnosis (1.2%, OR 16.8).

Short to mid-term outcome of total hip arthroplasty with cementless implants in patients younger than 25 years old

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) was once reserved for old patients with hip arthritis but has become more common in very young patients (≤25 years old) diagnosed with various joint disease that were not relieved with conservative treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate short to mid-term outcome of THA in patients younger than 25 years old.

METHOD

This retrospective study included 45 patients younger than 25 years (mean age 21.8 ± 2.14 years) who underwent THA. The surgical indications, implant selection, leg length discrepancy, medication history, radiographic outcome, survival and clinical results including the modified Harris hip score (mHHS) and SF-36 score were assessed.

RESULT

The mean follow-up period recorded for patients was 7.82 years (range 5-12 years). The most common diagnosis was avascular necrosis (37.7%) followed by ankylosing spondylitis (24.4%), developmental dysplasia of the hip (17.7%) and rheumatoid arthritis (8.8%). The preoperative leg length discrepancy (LLD), which ranged from 0.5-7 cm significantly improved after surgery ranging from 0-1 cm. The mean preoperative mHHS was 32.44 ± 18.90 compared with the postoperative score of 94.54 ± 5.81 (p < 0.001). The preoperative p-value of SF-36 was lower compared to the postoperative value in all subgroups of SF-36 (p < 0.001). At the latest follow-up there were no radiological signs of loosening and all the implants were classified as well-integrated.

CONCLUSION

At present total hip arthroplasty is considered to be safe and a good solution for young patients below 25 years suffering from end-stage joint disease; however, longer follow-up is required to evaluate the long-term function and outcome of the prosthesis in order to restore the normal lifestyle of the patients.

The Hip in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

The hip joint is commonly affected in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), especially in cases of systemic polyarticular disease. Chronic synovitis of the hip leads to joint destruction, therefore, systemic and local control of the disease is of paramount importance. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), biologics, intra-articular corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy are the mainstay for controlling ongoing inflammation and hip joint contractures. Synovectomy with soft tissue releases is useful in the early stages of the disease, when the joint cartilage is largely preserved. Total joint arthroplasty (THA) is successful in relieving pain, and improving function, ambulation and range of motion in end-stage degenerative arthritis. With improved designs of smaller prostheses and modern bearing couples, it is hoped that the longevity of THA will facilitate a more normal and enduring lifestyle.

Bilateral Destructive Hip Disease from Untreated Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

We report a novel case of a pediatric patient with bilateral hip destruction from untreated Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). She was presented at the age of 9 with hip pain associated with bilateral acetabular dysplasia and a dislocated left femoral head. Only 1.5 years later, the patient developed complete destruction of the left femoral head and dislocated right femoral head. The authors have not identified literature describing a similar case report of bilateral femoral head destruction resulting from Persistent Oligoarticular JIA. Pediatric patients presenting with rapidly evolving destructive process should be evaluated for rheumatologic, infectious, and spinal etiologies.

Temporal trends and survivorship of total hip arthroplasty in very young patients

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe temporal trends and survivorship of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in very young patients, aged ≤ 20 years.

Patients and Methods

A descriptive observational study was undertaken using data from the National Joint Registry (NJR) for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man between April 2003 and March 2017. All patients aged ≤ 20 years at the time of THA were included and the primary outcome was revision surgery. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data and Kaplan–Meier estimates calculated for the cumulative implant survival.

Results

A total of 769 THAs were performed in 703 patients. The median follow-up was 5.1 years (interquartile range (IQR) 2.6 to 7.8). Eight patients died and 35 THAs were revised. The use of metal-on-metal (MoM) bearings and resurfacing procedures declined after 2008. The most frequently recorded indications for revision were loosening (20%) and infection (20%), although the absolute risk of these events occurring was low (0.9%). Factors associated with lower implant survival were MoM and metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) bearings and resurfacing arthroplasty ( vs ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP) and ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearings, p = 0.002), and operations performed by surgeons who undertook few THAs in this age group as recorded in the NJR ( vs those with five or more recorded operations, p = 0.030). Kaplan–Meier estimates showed 96% (95% confidence interval (CI) 94% to 98%) survivorship of implants at five years.

Conclusion

Within the NJR, the overall survival for very young patients undergoing THA exceeded 96% during the first five postoperative years. In the absence of studies that can better account for differences in the characteristics of the patients, surgeons should consider the association between early revision and the type of implant, the number of THAs performed in these patients, and the bearing surface when performing THA in very young patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1320–9.

Perioperative Complication Rates in Pediatric Total Joint Arthroplasty Patients Compared With Adults: Results of a Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

One of the least studied areas in orthopaedics is total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in pediatric patients. Recent studies have confirmed that these procedures are being performed on pediatric patients, making it critical to understand the rates of surgical complications in this patient population. We sought to examine the frequency in which surgical complications occur in pediatric patients, aged 20 and younger, undergoing TJA compared with adults.

METHODS

Data from the 2003 to 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database (ages 20 and younger) and 2002 to 2013 National Inpatient Sample (ages 21 and over) were analyzed. Pediatric patients were matched to 3 adult controls (1 per age group: 21 to 50, 51 to 65, and over 65 y) using patient characteristics including sex, race, orthopaedic diagnosis, and preoperative loss of function. Comparisons were then made between the rates and relative risks (RRs) of surgical complications between pediatric and adult patients. Finally, we examined patient factors associated with surgical complications, utilizing modified Poisson regression models with robust SEs.

RESULTS

Three adult controls (ie, 1 control from each age group) were identified for 1385 pediatric patients, for a total sample of 5540 TJA patients. Approximately 10% of pediatric patients experienced either major or minor surgical complications. The overall rate of major complications in pediatric patients was 5.05%, compared with 4.79% in adult controls [RR: 1.06 (0.81 to 1.38), P=0.69]. The overall rate of minor complications in pediatric patients was 5.78%, compared with 5.68% in adult controls [RR: 1.02 (0.80 to 1.30), P=0.78]. When adjusted for patient demographics, the RR of major complications was 49% higher in pediatric patients compared with ages 21 to 50 [RR: 1.49 (1.03 to 2.16), P=0.03] with no statistically significant differences noted for other age groups. For minor complications, the adjusted RR in pediatric patients, compared with any other age group, did not approach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric patients undergoing TJA experience major and minor surgical complications at rates comparable with their adult counterparts. Our findings offer important insight on the rates of surgical complications in pediatric TJA patients, which is valuable for preoperative education and consultation with patients and families.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-therapeutic.

Short-term outcomes of one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty in young patients (< 30 years old)

Total hip arthroplasty is one of the best treatments for restoring function and activity in young patients with advanced joint diseases. One-Stage Bilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty (BTHA) offers many advantages, which are important to younger patients and diminished costs and time in comparison with sequential THA. There is currently much concern about the safety of this procedure. The current study was designed to provide more information regarding THA in patients aged 30 years old or younger. Between April 2010 and September 2015, arthroplasty procedures were performed on 180 patients at the surgical centers of Erfan and Milad, Tehran, Iran. The patients that were entered in the study included those with bilateral hip involvement of Avascular Necrosis (AVN), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE), and Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH). The patients underwent one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasties through the direct lateral approach. Standardized questionnaires were used to obtain mean Postel-Merle d'Aubigné (PMA) score, Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Score, and Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS), both preoperatively and post-operatively to evaluate functional outcomes. All patients were in the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) category 1 or 2. All complications were followed closely for a period of 4.67±0.54 years. From 141 males and 39 females, 84 patients had been recognized as ASA 1, and 96 as ASA 2. Mean age of patients was 27.04±2.74 years old (range: 16 to 30). The mean operation time and the average length of hospital stay were 156±23 minutes and 5.20±2.44 days, respectively. Overall, 3 patients developed unilateral temporary peroneal nerve palsy (1.66%), 2 intraoperative fracture (1.11%), and 2 patients (1.11%) showed deep vein thrombosis. There was no wound infection. Regarding the functional scores in the diagnosis of patients, improvement was better in AVN than, RA, JRA, SCFE, and DDH, respectively. There were significant differences between diagnosis and every functional score, individually (P<0.05). The current results showed that one-stage bilateral THA led to improvement in hip function and stable implant fixation at short to midterm follow up, which suggests the efficacy of one-stage cementless THA in bilateral advanced arthritis in patients younger than 30 years old.

Total hip arthroplasty in patients 16 years of age or younger

PURPOSE

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is rarely recommended in skeletally immature patients. The goal of the present study was to report our short- to mid-term results of THA in a series of children aged 16 years or younger, including clinical outcomes and post-operative complications, signs of radiographic loosening of the prostheses, and revision rate.

METHODS

The 18 children (two male and 16 female patients, 24 hips) underwent cementless THA at a mean age of 14.6 years (11 to 16). Five patients had a bilateral, one-stage surgical procedure. Clinical assessment of these hips used the Merle d'Aubigné et Postel scale modified by Charnley to facilitate assessment of the function of walking. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was conducted at six weeks, six months and then yearly for the first three years. All post-operative complications were recorded.

RESULTS

No intra-operative or early post-operative complications occurred. At a mean follow-up of 3.8 years (1 to 8), all patients had greatly improved pain and function scores. All children in the present study improved from severely impaired gait, including four children who were wheelchair-bound, to completely unrestricted gait. All hips demonstrated good alignment with no evidence of wear or radiographic lucencies. No revision of components has been required. One patient had persistent adductor contracture which was addressed with adductor tendon release.

CONCLUSIONS

THA is a successful procedure for unsalvageable hip arthritis in children at a mean follow-up of 3.8 years. Long-term follow-up will be needed to determine implant longevity of the components in these children.

Staged total hip arthroplasty in a patient with hip dysplasia and a large pertrochanteric bone cyst

Hip arthroplasty in young patients requires thoughtful preoperative planning. Patients with proximal femoral bone loss complicate this planning and may require a staged procedure to optimize implant insertion. We report on a case of a 26-year-old woman with secondary hip arthritis from developmental dysplasia of the hip and a large pertrochanteric bone cyst that was treated with staged total hip arthroplasty. The cyst was decompressed and filled with an osteoconductive and osteoinductive bone graft substitute called EquivaBone. One year later, the patient underwent a successful primary total hip arthroplasty. Fifteen-month follow-up after her hip replacement revealed resolution of postoperative pain and significant functional improvement.

Survivorship of hip and knee implants in pediatric and young adult populations: analysis of registry and published data

BACKGROUND

One of the least researched areas in orthopaedic pediatrics is the safety and effectiveness of joint replacement, in part because it is uncommon and is undertaken for a wide range of conditions not common for adult joint replacement. This study used data from the AOANJRR (Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry) to analyze the use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the pediatric population and to provide preliminary data on the outcome of these procedures.

METHODS

The AOANJRR, which is part of the ICOR (International Consortium of Orthopaedic Registries), provided information on pediatric procedures reported to the registry by hospitals undertaking arthroplasty procedures in Australia. All THA and TKA procedures reported to the registry from 1999 to 2012 were included. The cumulative percent revision and the hazard ratio from Cox proportional-hazards models were used for analysis. All tests were two-tailed, with a 5% level of significance. Additionally, an overview of the literature is presented to provide a point of reference.

RESULTS

Primary conventional THA was performed in 297 patients twenty years of age or younger; the cumulative percent revision at five years was 4.5%. Primary conventional THA was performed in 975 young adults twenty-one to thirty years of age; the cumulative percent revision at five years was 5.4%. Primary THA was performed in 105 patients twenty years of age or younger; the cumulative percent revision at five years was 4.6%. Primary TKA was performed in 159 young adults twenty-one to thirty years of age; the cumulative percent revision at five years was 10.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with older adults, pediatric patients and young adults undergoing THA and TKA have very different diagnoses, including a high prevalence of tumor. Although the reported rate of revision surgery is currently similar to that for older patients, the number of reported procedures and the follow-up period remain limited. It is important for registries to continue to collect and analyze data relevant to this cohort and to coordinate these activities in order to better understand the safety and effectiveness of joint arthroplasty in the pediatric population.

Surgical management of the juvenile idiopathic arthritis patient with multiple joint involvement

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is recognized as a heterogenous group of disorders in which the common factor is persistent arthritis in at least 1 joint occurring before the age of 16 years. Although conservative management with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs can be effective, approximately 10% of JIA patients have end-stage degenerative changes requiring total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). This article discusses the overall epidemiology, coordination of care, and medical and surgical management of JIA patients undergoing THA and TKA.

High complication rate in revision total hip arthroplasty in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND

Revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is challenging as a result of the patient's young age, systemic disease, multiple affected joints, small proportions, and bone loss. The intermediate- to long-term results of these surgeries remain unknown.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purpose of this study is to determine the (1) functional outcomes; (2) surgical complications; and (3) frequency of reoperation or revision after revision THA for JIA.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of all patients from one center who underwent revision THA for JIA who had a minimum of 5 years of followup (mean, 9 years; range, 5-19 years). This resulted in a series of 24 revision THAs in 15 patients. All patients were Charnley Class C. Age at revision averaged 35 years (range, 21-53 years). The 20 acetabular and 12 femoral revision components included 15 cementless cups, five reconstruction/roof rings with a cemented cup, and four cemented and eight cementless femoral stems.

RESULTS

The Harris hip scores improved from 54 (range, 34-85) to 77 (range, 37-100) (p < 0.001). Complications included two proximal femoral fractures associated with severe osteolysis and one sciatic nerve palsy in a patient with severe acetabular deficiency. A total of seven hips (29%) required reoperation or revision surgery, including three for infection (one early and two late) and four for mechanical loosening.

CONCLUSIONS

Revision THA in JIA is very challenging owing to patients' small proportions and compromised bone stock. The intraoperative and early complication rates are relatively high. Prognosis for long-term survivorship is guarded; limiting factors include periprosthetic osteolysis associated with older implants that used conventional polyethylene and cemented stems.

Has total hip arthroplasty in patients 30 years or younger improved? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The evolution of total hip arthroplasty (THA) generally has led to improved clinical results. However, THA in very young patients historically has been associated with lower survivorship, and it is unclear whether this, or results pertaining to pain and function, has improved with contemporary THA.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We performed a systematic review of the English literature on THA in patients 30 years of age and younger to assess changes in (1) indications; (2) implant selection; (3) clinical and radiographic outcomes; and (4) survivorship when comparing contemporary and historical reports.

METHODS

Multiple databases were searched for articles published between 1965 and 2011 that reported clinical and radiographic outcomes of THA in patients 30 years and younger. Sixteen retrospective case series were identified. Surgical indications, implant selection, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and survivorship of patients undergoing THAs before 1988 were compared with those performed in 1988 and after.

RESULTS

Reported THAs performed more recently were less likely to be performed for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis than earlier procedures. Cementless fixation became more prevalent in later years. Although clinical outcome scores remained constant, aseptic loosening and revision rates decreased substantially with more contemporary procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

This review of the literature demonstrates an improvement in radiographic outcomes and survivorship of THA, but no significant differences in pain and function scores, in very young patients treated over the past two decades when compared with historical controls.

Mean 5-year clinical and radiographic outcomes of cementless total hip arthroplasty in patients under the age of 30

We performed a retrospective review of 40 consecutive modern cementless THAs with 65-month mean followup in 34 patients under the age of 30 primarily for diagnoses other than inflammatory arthritis. We found acceptable functional improvement and radiographic outcomes at mean 5-year followup. We found a high transfusion rate, dislocation rate (10%), and midterm overall aseptic revision rate (17%). Twenty-eight (67.5%) of hips in this series were metal on metal, with a large percentage of aseptic revisions related to metallosis (57%). When revisions due to metallosis were excluded, the aseptic revision rate was 7.5%. The high prevalence of prior pediatric hip surgery in these patients (50%) may predispose to increased technical difficulty resulting in increased complications and higher revision rates. Although our revision rate was high in these young patients, it is favorable compared to older techniques and consistent with the limited data available with modern cementless techniques in patients of similar age. Cementless THA with modern designs remains a viable option for the treatment of arthritis in the young patient.

Long-term results of cemented total hip arthroplasty in patients younger than 30 years and the outcome of subsequent revisions

BACKGROUND

The number of total hip arthroplasties in patients under 30 years is increasing over the years. Almost all of them will face at least one or more future revisions in their life. Therefore, the implant used should have a high survival rate, and needs to be easily revisable resulting in a low re-revision rate. Several studies have evaluated the outcome of total hip arthroplasties in patients under 30 years. However, only a few reported on the follow-up outcome of 10 years or more. In addition, none of these reports published data of the subsequent revisions of these implants within their original report.

METHODS

We studied historically prospective collected data of 48 consecutive patients (69 hips) younger than 30 years, treated with a cemented primary total hip prosthesis between 1988 and 2004. Since the last evaluation of this cohort, two patients were lost to follow-up. For all hip revisions in this cohort, again cemented implants were used, mostly in combination with bone impaction grafting. Kaplan-Meier survival curves at 10- and 15 years for the primary total hip arthroplasties and revisions were determined.

RESULTS

The mean age at time of primary surgery was 25 years (range, 16 to 29 years). Mean follow-up of the primary hips was 11.5 years (range, 7 to 23 years). During follow-up 13 revisions were performed; in 3 cases a two-stage total revision was performed for septic loosening and 9 cups were revised for aseptic loosening. There were no aseptic stem revisions. The 10 and 15-year survival rates with endpoint revision for aseptic loosening of the primary total hip were 90% (95% CI: 79 to 96) and 82% (95% CI: 65 to 92) respectively. None of our 13 subsequent revisions needed a re-revision within 10 years after re-implantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Cemented total hip implants in patients under 30 years have an encouraging outcome at 10 and 15 years after surgery in these young patients. The 13 revised hips, treated with bone grafting and the third generation cement technique, were performing well with no re-revisions within ten years after surgery.

The results of uncemented total hip replacement in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at ten years

The inherent challenges of total hip replacement (THR) in children include the choice of implant for the often atypical anatomical morphology, its fixation to an immature growing skeleton and the bearing surface employed to achieve a successful long-term result. We report the medium-term results of 52 consecutive uncemented THRs undertaken in 35 paediatric patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The mean age at the time of surgery was 14.4 years (10 to 16). The median follow-up was 10.5 years (6 to 15). During the study period 13 THRs underwent revision surgery. With revision as an endpoint, subgroup analysis revealed 100% survival of the 23 ceramic-on-ceramic THRs and 55% (16 of 29) of the metal- or ceramic-on-polyethylene. This resulted in 94% (95% CI 77.8 to 98.4) survivorship of the femoral component and 62% (95% CI 41.0 to 78.0) of the acetabular component. Revision of the acetabular component for wear and osteolysis were the most common reasons for failure accounting for 11 of the 13 revisions.

The success seen in patients with a ceramic-on-ceramic articulation seems to indicate that this implant strategy has the potential to make a major difference to the long-term outcome in this difficult group of patients.

Juvenile arthritis patients report favorable subjective outcomes of hip arthroplasty despite poor standard outcome scores

We evaluated midterm patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction with total hip arthroplasty in patients who had severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Thirty-one patients (49 hips), with a mean age of 29 years (range, 16-43 years), reported low hip pain and stiffness at follow-up (mean, 7 years; range, 3-17 years). Up to 92% were satisfied with their ability to perform various activities; 96% were satisfied with pain relief. A mean postoperative flexion arc of 96° was observed. Final 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, EuroQol in 5 dimensions, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, and Harris Hip scores were lower than reference populations, particularly for mobility, physical functioning, and social functioning subscores. Young adults with end-stage hip involvement and severe longstanding juvenile idiopathic arthritis expressed high satisfaction with total hip arthroplasty, which improved range of motion, pain, and stiffness, despite poor performance on widely used outcome measures.

Total hip arthroplasty in the very young patient

The surgical management of end-stage hip disease in patients aged <30 years remains a challenge. Hip-preserving surgical procedures in the setting of advanced disease often do not provide adequate pain relief, but the implications of joint arthroplasty surgery in the very young patient are a matter of concern. The outcome of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in these patients varies, largely because of the wide spectrum of diagnoses associated with hip disease in this group, the complexity of deformities requiring THA, and the need for prolonged durability. The greatest number of THAs in this population is performed for secondary osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis, whereas most reports in the orthopaedic literature have focused on the outcomes of cemented THA in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Given the frequent complexity of THA in the very young patient, special attention should be given to preoperative planning, implant selection, and patient education as well as to joint-preservation techniques to facilitate future hip arthroplasty surgery.

Alumina-on-alumina THA in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a 5-year followup study

BACKGROUND

THA is a concern in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) owing to patients' youth, poor bone stock, and small physical size.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We asked whether (1) uncemented alumina-on-alumina THAs have good clinical and radiographic results at midterm followup in young patients with inflammatory arthritis and end-stage hip disease secondary to JIA, and (2) the anatomic center of rotation of the hip could be reconstructed in patients with acetabular protrusion. We also assessed the rate of surgical complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 31 alumina-on-alumina THAs in 21 patients with a mean age of 30.9 years (range, 14-48 years). Minimum followup until the time of revision of any component or the latest evaluation was 16 months. For nonrevised cases, the minimum followup was 60 months (range, 60-108 months). Acetabular protrusion was mild in 17 hips (Group 1) and moderate-severe in 14 (Group 2). Bone autograft was used to reconstruct the acetabulum in Group 2. Acetabular reconstruction was evaluated according to Ranawat et al.

RESULTS

One cup was revised owing to aseptic loosening at 16 months; the remaining hips showed good clinical and radiographic results. The mean postoperative horizontal distance and the distance between the center of the head of the prosthesis and the true center of the femoral head improved in Group 2. There were no complications related to alumina.

CONCLUSIONS

Although THA is a technically demanding procedure in patients with JIA, uncemented alumina-on-alumina THA provides pain relief and improves quality of life. In patients with acetabular protrusion, bone grafts enable anatomic cup positioning. Continued followup will be required to determine whether the alumina-on-alumina bearings in patients with JIA result in less osteolysis and loosening.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Use of cementless, tapered femoral stems in patients who have a mean age of 20 years

Young patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty are a unique group who has been challenging to successfully treat; however, newer prosthetic materials and designs have the potential to increase implant longevity. Fifty-three hips (40 patients who had a mean age of 20 years) underwent a total hip arthroplasty using a cementless, proximally hydroxyapatite-coated, tapered, femoral stem and a cementless acetabular cup. There was a 96% overall survivorship at approximately 5 years of mean follow-up (range, 2-7 years) with no femoral side failures. Younger patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty with newer component designs and materials may have similar excellent outcomes to older patients.

Gene expression profile of the synovium and cartilage in a chronic arthritis rat model

BACKGROUND

Primary osteoarthritis (OA) is a polygenic disease. To investigate the gene expression profile of cartilage and synovium from osteoarthritis and healthy rats using cDNA microarray is beneficial to recognize the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and provide evidence for gene therapy of osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to investigate the gene expression profile of the cartilage and synovium of chronic arthritis and healthy rats through cDNA microarray assay, and identify the differentially expressed genes. This study may be helpful for understanding the role of differentially expressed genes in osteoarthritis and the gene polymorphism of osteoarthritis.

METHODS

A total of 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group and osteoarthritis group (n = 12 per group). The synovial and cartilage were obtained and total RNA was extracted. cDNA microarray assay was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes, and cluster analysis was conducted.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

A total of 82 differentially expressed genes were identified, among which 27 were up-regulated and 55 down-regulated. Gene microarray assay is effective to identify differentially expressed genes and may find out novel osteoarthritis associated genes. Multiple genes are involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. The differentially expressed genes provide important information for further studies on the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and gene therapy of osteoarthritis.

Cemented hip designs are a reasonable option in young patients

BACKGROUND

Young patients with degenerative cartilage disease of the hip remain a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. Different treatment options are available of which uncemented hips are the most popular owing to long-term concerns about cemented implants. As an alternative, we have used a cemented hip design in combination with bone impaction grafting in patients with acetabular defects.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We therefore determined the survival rates and radiological failures of cemented THA in patients younger than 30 years and reported clinical scores, complications and current state of the revised THAs.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all 48 patients (69 hips) younger than 30 years at the time of surgery who had a primary cemented THA performed between 1988 and 2004. Acetabular defects were reconstructed using bone impaction grafting in 29 hips. Mean age at surgery was 24.6 years (range, 16-29 years). Revisions were documented, radiographs were analyzed, and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine survival for different end points. No patient was lost to followup, three patients (four hips) had died. Minimum followup was 2 years (mean, 8.4 years; range, 2-18 years).

RESULTS

Eight hips were revised (three for infection and five for aseptic loosening) and one hip dislocated for which open reduction was necessary. One additional cup was considered a radiographic failure. The 10-year survival was 83% (95% confidence interval, 69%-92%) with revision for any reason as the end point and 90% (95% confidence interval, 77%-96%) with revision for aseptic loosening.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a high survival rate of these cemented THA in young patients. In young patients with acetabular bone defects we recommend reconstruction using cemented implants with bone impaction grafting.

Function and fixation of total hip arthroplasty in patients 25 years of age or younger

BACKGROUND

The treatment of end-stage hip disease in very young patients is controversial, with advocates for nonoperative treatment, hip arthrodesis and replacement procedures. The functional improvements in this group of patients are not well documented and whether the condition for which the surgery is performed influences function.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We determined whether (1) modern THA provides major functional improvements; (2) disease-specific factors impact the magnitude of improvement; (3) these procedures are associated with early failures and complications; and (4) radiographically secure implant fixation is achieved with contemporary implants.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 88 patients (102 hips) who had THA and were 25 years or younger at surgery. The most common diagnoses were osteonecrosis (44%) and secondary osteoarthritis (41%). All patients received a cementless socket of varying designs and all except five a cementless stem. Demographic data, Harris hip score, and Charnley classification were recorded. Radiographic evaluation was used to determine implant fixation. We identified complications and failure mechanisms. The minimum followup was 2 years (median, 4.2 years; range, 2-16 years).

RESULTS

The 95 nonrevised hips were followed clinically an average of 61 months. The mean Harris hip scores improved from 42 preoperatively to 83 postoperatively. Lower Harris hip scores were associated with systemic disease (Charnley Class C). Seven hips (7%) underwent revision. There were nine (9%) major complications. One hundred percent of femoral stems and 98% of acetabular components were well-fixed at last followup.

CONCLUSION

Contemporary total hip arthroplasty in patients 25 years of age and younger is associated with improved hip function, and secure fixation of cementless implants at early followup.

Severe hip infection after a prophylactic contralateral fixation in slipped upper femoral epiphysis: a case report

The rate of infection is extremely low after a prophylactic contralateral fixation in slipped upper femoral epiphysis, and exclusively involves superficial wound infection. We report an unusual case of hip infection after a prophylactic pinning with a single cannulated screw. The evolution was unfavorable, with necrosis and epiphysiolysis of the femoral head. A total hip arthroplasty was performed after 1 year of evolution.

Anatomic and physiologic rationale for various technologies for primary total hip arthroplasty

A number of patients have anatomic or physiologic variations that may adversely affect the performance of a primary total hip arthroplasty. Various technologies have been utilized in an attempt to improve the outcomes for these patients; however, some of these potential solutions are controversial. The authors examined the complete body of literature for scientific evidence regarding the use of these new technologies. The anatomic and physiologic anomalies that were studied include extra-articular deformities, developmental dysplasia, Perthes disease, Type C femoral bone, acetabular bone deficiency, femoral rotational abnormalities, variations that increase the risk of hip dislocation, sickle cell anemia, and extremely small or large bone sizes. This article presents the current scientific evidence and imparts an unbiased view of the use of various technologies to provide individualized solutions for patients who have anatomic or physiologic variations.

The medium-term results of the cemented Exeter femoral component in patients under 40 years of age

We evaluated the outcome of 104 consecutive primary cemented Exeter femoral components in 78 patients (34 men, 44 women) under the age of 40 years who underwent total hip replacement between October 1993 and May 2004. The mean age at operation was 31 years (16 to 39). No hip was lost to follow-up, but three patients (four hips) died. None of the deaths were related to the surgery. At a mean follow-up of 6.2 years (2 to 13), three femoral components had been revised for septic loosening. Using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the seven-year survival of the component with revision for any reason as the endpoint was 95.8% (95% confidence interval 86.67 to 98.7). The seven-year survival with aseptic femoral loosening as the endpoint was 100% (95% confidence interval 100). The cemented Exeter femoral component in patients under the age of 40 shows promising medium-term results. As it is available in a wide range of sizes and offsets, we could address all types of anatomical variation in this series without the need for custom-made components.

Replacement of the hip in children with a tumor in the proximal part of the femur

BACKGROUND

Children rarely require hip replacement, and therefore very little is known about the most effective procedure for children who require hip replacement after proximal femoral resection for a tumor.

METHODS

We reviewed the outcome of forty hip replacements in children between two and fifteen years old who had a proximal femoral replacement for malignant disease. Twenty-one children survived the illness and were followed for three to twenty-one years. Cemented acetabular components were used initially to restore hip function, but, in more recent procedures, unipolar replacements and uncemented implants were used.

RESULTS

Children who were over the age of eleven years at the time of surgery had a rate of failure (defined as revision of the acetabular component) of 25% at ten years compared with a rate of 75% in younger children. Unipolar replacements in children of all ages failed by ten years, either because of pain or subluxation that led to revision. In children over the age of eleven years, both cemented and uncemented acetabular implants performed well.

CONCLUSIONS

The preferred method for restoration of hip function in children under the age of eleven years following proximal femoral resection for a tumor remains unclear. We recommend that at the initial hip surgery an attempt should be made to cause as little damage as possible to the acetabulum, but most children will inevitably need revision surgery as they get older. We hope that this study will guide others in their decision-making with regard to this relatively rare condition.

Functional problems and treatment solutions after total hip arthroplasty

Dissatisfaction after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is linked to complications due to comorbitities, radiographic loosening, and poor prosthetic alignment. However, some patients have functional problems without obvious causes. This study elucidated soft tissue abnormalities that may lead to THA dysfunction and assessed the efficacy of customized physical therapeutic modalities. Seventy-eight THA patients complaining of poor functionality capabilities at 3 months after index THA were studied with a detailed physical examination and gait analysis with videotape, 3-dimensional gait studies, and isokinetic strength assessments used when necessary. Patients had muscle weakness (57), muscle tightness (32), limb length differences (11), and/or limb malalignment (10). Treatment protocols included physical therapy, electrical stimulation, shoe lifts, intramuscular botulinum, and corticosteroid injections. At 61-month mean follow-up, 73 (94%) patients had good to excellent clinical outcomes. Patient satisfaction averaged 8.7 of 10 possible points. These results suggest that various assessments and 3-dimensional gait studies are valuable tools in identifying problems after THA and help direct customized rehabilitation modalities.

Treatment of chronic pain in pediatric rheumatic disease

Pain in children with rheumatic disease is common, and is most often caused by arthritis. Despite the widespread use of effective new biologic agents, pain continues to be a problem in these patients, and it greatly impairs their daily functioning and quality of life. The pathogenesis of pain in children with rheumatic diseases is multifactorial, and disease treatment alone is often not enough to alleviate it. No standard of care or detailed algorithm for managing pain in these patients exists. Specific pain treatments often include acetaminophen, NSAIDs and medications that treat arthritis, such as methotrexate and etanercept. Other approaches should include nonpharmacologic interventions, for example exercise and cognitive-behavioral therapy, as well as the use of analgesics such as opioids in patients whose pain is refractory to standard therapies. The use of systemic corticosteroids to treat pain in children with arthritis should be avoided.

Pain in children with rheumatic diseases

Pain is common in rheumatic diseases in children. Despite recent advances in arthritis treatment, pain continues to be a problem impacting daily functioning and quality of life, and no standard of care for pain management exists. The pathogenesis of pain in children with rheumatic diseases is multifactorial, and treatment of the disease alone may not be enough. Current pain treatment often includes acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and medications that treat arthritis such as methotrexate and etanercept. Nonpharmacologic interventions, such as exercise and cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as the use of analgesics such as opioids in patients whose pain is refractory to standard therapies, should also be considered. The use of systemic corticosteroids to treat pain in children with arthritis should be avoided. Idiopathic pain may coexist in children with rheumatic disease, but treatment of idiopathic pain is different than that of pain due to inflammatory disorders.