Ceramic bearings for total hip arthroplasty are associated with a reduced risk of revision for infection

Innovations in the Isolation and Treatment of Biofilms in Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Comprehensive Review of Current and Emerging Therapies in Bone and Joint Infection Management

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a devastating complication of joint arthroplasty surgeries that are often complicated by biofilm formation. The development of biofilms makes PJI treatment challenging as they create a barrier against antibiotics and host immune responses. This review article provides an overview of the current understanding of biofilm formation, factors that contribute to their production, and the most common organisms involved in this process. This article focuses on the identification of biofilms, as well as current methodologies and emerging therapies in the management of biofilms in PJI.

Magnetic Resonance Safety Evaluation of a Novel Alumina Matrix Composite Ceramic Knee and Image Artifact Comparison to a Metal Knee Implant of Analogous Design

Background

Image artifacts caused by metal knee implants in 1.5T and 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems complicate imaging-based diagnosis of the peri-implant region after total knee arthroplasty. Alternatively, metal-free knee prostheses could effectively minimize MRI safety hazards and offer the potential for higher quality diagnostic images.

Methods

A novel knee arthroplasty device composed of BIOLOX delta, an alumina matrix composite (AMC) ceramic, was tested in a magnetic resonance (MR) environment. American Society for Testing and Materials test methods were used for evaluating magnetically induced displacement force, magnetically induced torque, radiofrequency-induced heating, and MR image artifact.

Results

Magnetically induced displacement force and magnetically induced torque results of the AMC ceramic knee indicated that these effects do not pose a known risk in a clinical MR environment, as assessed in a 3T magnetic field. Moreover, minimal radiofrequency-induced heating of the device was observed. In addition, the AMC ceramic knee demonstrated minimal MR image artifacts (7 mm) in comparison to a cobalt-chromium knee (88 mm). The extremely low magnetic susceptibility of AMC (2 ppm) underlines that it is a nonmetallic and nonmagnetic material well suited for the manufacturing of MR Safe orthopaedic implants.

Conclusions

The AMC ceramic knee is a novel metal-free total knee arthroplasty device that can be regarded as MR Safe, as suggested by the absence of hazards from the exposure of this implant to a MR environment. The AMC ceramic knee presents the advantage of being scanned with superior imaging results in 3T MRI systems compared to alternative metal implants on the market.

Mid-term Results of Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Delta Ceramic-on-Ceramic Bearing

Background

Delta ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) articulation affords excellent outcomes in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the safety and reliability of this bearing in revision THA need more evidence. This study aimed to report complications, radiological changes, clinical results, and survivorship of revision THA using Delta CoC articulation at minimum 5-year follow-up.

Methods

We reviewed 118 revision THAs (113 patients: 68 men and 45 women) performed with use of Delta CoC bearing. Their mean age was 58.7 years (range, 30-90 years) and their mean body mass index was 24.6 kg/m² (range, 15.2-32.5 kg/m²). These patients were followed up for 5-12 years (mean, 7.2 years). We evaluated squeak, grinding sensation, ceramic fracture, dislocation, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), periprosthetic fracture, prosthetic loosening, ceramic wear, osteolysis, modified Harris hip score (mHHS), and survivorship with any reoperation after the revision as the endpoint.

Results

Two patients (1.7%) had grinding sensation, but no patient had ceramic fracture. Reoperations were necessary in 9 hips (7.6%) due to PJIs in 2, stem loosening in 2, cup loosening in 2, recurrent dislocation in 2, and periprosthetic fracture in 1. No hip had measurable wear or osteolysis. The average mHHS improved from 53.3 points before the revision to 82.3 points at the final follow-up. Survivorship was 91.6% (95% confidence interval, 86.3%-96.9%) at 12 years.

Conclusions

The Delta ceramic bearing appeared a reliable option for revision THA, showing encouraging mid-term results with acceptable survivorship and a low complication rate.

Ceramic Coatings Confer No Survivorship Advantages in Total Knee Arthroplasty-A Single-Center Series of 1641 Knees

Background

Ceramic coatings in total knee arthroplasty have been introduced with the aim of reducing wear and consequently improving implant survivorship. We studied both cobalt-chrome-molybdenum (CoCrMo) and ceramic-coated components of the same implant design from a single center to identify if the ceramic coating conferred any benefit.

Methods

We identified 1641 Columbus total knee arthroplasties (Aesculap AG, Tüttlingen, Germany) from a prospectively collected arthroplasty database. Of the 1641, 983 were traditional CoCrMo, and 659 had the Columbus AS ceramic coating. Patients were followed up until death or revision of any component of the implant.

Results

There was no significant difference in implant survivorship using any component revision as the endpoint between the CoCrMo femur and the ceramic-coated femur at a mean of 9.2 years in follow-up for the CoCrMo group and 5 years for the ceramic-coated group (37 vs 14; P = .76). There was no reduction in the proportion of components revised for aseptic loosening or infection in the ceramic-coated cohort.

Conclusions

At midterm follow-up, there was no benefit in terms of implant survivorship in using a ceramic coating.

Comparison of Ceramic-on-Ceramic vs. Ceramic-on-Polyethylene for Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis of 15 Randomized Trials

Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to compare ceramic-on-ceramic (COC) components and ceramic-on-polyethylene (COP) components during total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Settings: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing COC and COP during primary THA was conducted. Electronic searches were current to March 2021.

Participants: Trials were included for meta-analysis if they compared at least the bearing surfaces of COC and COP for patients undergoing primary THA and if they reported the outcomes of THA after a certain period of follow-up and only RCTs in English were included.

Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures: The primary endpoints consist of audible noise, prosthesis fracture, and revision. Secondary endpoints include dislocation, deep infection, osteolysis, and prosthesis loosening. Extracted data were statistically analyzed with the Stata11.0.

Results: A total of 15 RCTs containing 2,702 patients (2,813 hips) were included in this study. The audible noise [odds ratio (OR) = 5.919; 95% CI: 2.043, 17.146; p ≤ 0.001] and prosthesis fracture (OR = 35.768; 95% CI: 8.957, 142.836; p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the COC group. Hip function, revision rate, dislocation rate, deep infection rate, osteolysis rate, and prosthesis loosening rate were comparable between these two groups, while the wear rate was higher in the COP group.

Conclusion: This study indicated comparable outcomes of COC and COP bearing surfaces in primary THA; high-quality RCTs with a long-term follow-up are still urgently needed to provide more evidence on the optimal bearing surfaces in primary THA.

Catastrophic intraoperative failure of a ceramic femoral head

Approximately 17 years after a primary metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty, a 59-year-old female developed pain, swelling, and weakness in her right hip accompanied by laboratory findings and imaging suggestive of an adverse local tissue reaction. Acetabular revision was performed to upsize the femoral head and improve hip stability. Upon impaction of the new, non-option ceramic femoral head onto the unsleeved retained stem, the head split into two pieces without fragmentation. The surgery was completed using a cobalt-chromium head, which was impacted without issue onto the stem’s taper. Although BIOLOX delta femoral heads do not require titanium sleeves, we believe that careful consideration should be given to their use in revision total hip arthroplasty with ceramic heads, regardless of the extent of trunnion damage noted intraoperatively.

Ceramic Bearings Are Associated With a Significantly Reduced Revision Rate in Primary Hip Arthroplasty: An Analysis From the National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man

BACKGROUND

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication. Studies have suggested reduction in PJI with the use of ceramic bearings.

METHODS

Adult patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) using an uncemented acetabular component with ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC), ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP), or metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) bearing surfaces between 2002 and 2016 were extracted from the National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man. A competing risk regression model to investigate predictors of each revision outcome was used. Time-to-event was determined by duration of implantation since primary surgery with competing risks being death or revision. The results were adjusted for age, gender, American Association of Anaesthesiologists grade, body mass index, surgical indication, intraoperative complications, and implant data.

RESULTS

In total, 456,457 THAs (228,786 MoP, 128,403 CoC, and 99,268 CoP) were identified. Multivariable modeling showed that the risk of revision for PJI was significantly lower with CoC (risk ratio 0.748, P < .001) and CoP (risk ratio 0.775, P < .001) compared to MoP. Significant reduction in risk of aseptic and all-cause revision was also seen. The significant protective effect of ceramic bearing was predominantly seen 2 years after implantation. Aseptic revision beyond 2 years reduced by 18.1% and 24.8% for CoC and CoP (P < .001), respectively. All-cause revision rate beyond 2 years reduced by 21.6% for CoC and 27.1% for CoP (P < .001) CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates an association between the use of ceramic as part of the bearing, with lower rates of revision for all causes, revision for infection, and revision for aseptic causes, supporting ceramic bearings in THA.

Patients' risk factors for periprosthetic joint infection in primary total hip arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of 40 studies

BACKGROUND

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Our meta-analysis aimed to identify the individual-related risk factors that predispose patients to PJI following primary THA.

METHODS

Comprehensive literature retrieval from Pubmed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was performed from inception to Feb 20th, 2021. Patient-related risk factors were compared as per the modifiable factors (BMI, smoke and alcohol abuse), non-modifiable factors (gender, age), and medical history characteristics, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), avascular necrosis (AVN) of femoral head, femoral neck fracture, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and osteoarthritis (OA) etc. The meta-analysis was applied by using risk ratios with 95% corresponding intervals. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were performed to further assess the credibility of the results.

RESULTS

Overall, 40 studies with 3,561,446 hips were enrolled in our study. By implementing cumulative meta-analysis, higher BMI was found associated with markedly increased PJI risk after primary THA [2.40 (2.01-2.85)]. Meanwhile, medical characteristics including DM [1.64 (1.25-2.21)], AVN [1.65 (1.07-2.56)], femoral neck fracture [1.75 (1.39-2.20)], RA [1.37 (1.23-1.54)], CVD [1.34 (1.03-1.74)], chronic pulmonary disease (CPD) [1.22 (1.08-1.37)], neurological disease [1.19 (1.05-1.35)], opioid use [1.53 (1.35-1.73)] and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) [1.15 (1.13-1.17)] were also significantly correlated with higher rate of PJI. Conversely, dysplasia or dislocation [0.65 (0.45-0.93)], and OA [0.70 (0.62-0.79)] were protective factors. Of Note, female gender was protective for PJI only after longer follow-up. Besides, age, smoking, alcohol abuse, previous joint surgery, renal disease, hypertension, cancer, steroid use and liver disease were not closely related with PJI risk.

CONCLUSION

Our finding suggested that the individual-related risk factors for PJI after primary THA included high BMI, DM, AVN, femoral neck fracture, RA, CVD, CPD, neurological disease, opioid use and IDA, while protective factors were female gender, dysplasia/ dislocation and OA.

Biomaterials and technologies in the management of periprosthetic infection after total hip arthroplasty: An updated review

Although total hip arthroplasty (THA) is considered one of the most efficacious procedures for managing various hip conditions, failures due to different mechanisms are still being reported. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the devastating causes of failure and revision of THA. PJI carries a burden on the patient, the surgeon, and the health-care system. The diagnosis and management of PJIs carry many morbidities and increased treatment costs. The development of PJI is multifactorial, including issues related to the patient’s general condition, the surgeon’s efficiency, surgical technique, and the implants used. Recent advances in the area of diagnosis and predicting PJI as well as introducing new technologies and biomaterials update for the prevention and treatment of PJI. Local implant coatings, advancement in the bearing surfaces technologies, and new technologies such as immunotherapy and bacteriophage therapy were introduced and suggested as contemporary PJI eradication solutions. In this review, we aimed at discussing some of the newly introduced materials and technologies for the sake of PJI control.

Cementless ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty in post-traumatic osteoarthritis after acetabular fracture: long-term results

INTRODUCTION

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the standard procedure for post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip after acetabular fracture. However, it is not as simple as a primary THA, challenging the surgeon with anatomical deformity and intra and postoperative complications. In the current literature, there is a lack of studies reporting long-term results. May ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearings provide good clinical and radiological outcomes at a long-term follow-up in patients undergoing THA following acetabular fracture?

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 68 patients (mean age 47 years [range 22-75)] who underwent cementless modular neck stem THA, all implants CoC bearings (50 previously operatively treated and 18 non-operatively treated) after a specific CT study protocol at our Institute since 2000-2008. Clinical outcomes, prosthetic components' osseointegration, survival rate, and reasons for revision were analyzed. Minimum clinical and radiological follow-up was 10 years.

RESULTS

HHS improved significantly after surgery from 37.6 ± 14.1 to 88.4 ± 11.6. 8 revision surgeries were performed, none for infection: we reported 2 stem aseptic loosening, 2 periprosthetic femoral fractures and 4 modular neck fractures. One implant noise (third-generation ceramic coupling) was described. Cup osseointegration was present (according to Moore the presence of at least 3 radiological criteria defines an effective osseointegration) in 67 patients (98.5%). After a 10 years follow-up, survival rate resulted 88.4%, sensibly higher than most of results reported in the current literature.

CONCLUSION

The high survival rate may be related to CoC: no osteolysis and no infections were reported. Also acetabular cup loosening incidence was sensibly lower (1.47%) among loosening rate described by other authors. Clinical and radiological outcomes were decent, probably due to modular prosthesis design. Modular necks are a solution which can help achieving a proper functional reconstruction of the hip (offset, center of rotation), but should be avoided in young and overweight patients because of the high risk of fracture. CoC bearings in THAs in post-traumatic OA after acetabular fracture showed good results despite the fact that specific ceramic-related issues have to be considered.

Ceramic-on-Ceramic Bearing in Total Hip Arthroplasty Reduces the Risk for Revision for Periprosthetic Joint Infection Compared to Ceramic-on-Polyethylene: A Matched Analysis of 118,753 Cementless THA Based on the German Arthroplasty Registry

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most common complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The influence of bearing material on the risk of PJI remains unclear to date. This registry-based matched study investigates the role of bearing partners in primary cementless THA. Primary cementless THAs recorded in the German Arthroplasty Registry since 2012 with either a ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) or ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP) bearings were included in the analysis. Using propensity score matching (PSM) for age, sex, obesity, diabetes mellitus, Elixhauser comorbidity index, year of surgery and head size, we compared the risk for revision for PJI for CoC and CoP. Within the 115,538 THAs (87.1% CoP; 12.9% CoC), 977 revisions were performed due to PJI. There was a significantly higher risk for revision for PJI for CoP compared with CoC over the whole study period (p < 0.01) after 2:1 matching (CoP:CoC) with a hazard ratio of 1.41 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09 to 1.80) After 3 years, the risk for revision for PJI was 0.7% (CI 0.5–0.9%) for CoC and 0.9% (CI 0.8–1.1%) for CoP. The risk for revision for all other reasons except PJI did not significantly differ between the two groups over the whole study period (p = 0.4). Cementless THAs with CoC bearings were less likely to be revised because of infection in mid-term follow-up. In the future, registry-embedded studies focusing on long-term follow-up, including clinical data, as well as basic science studies, may give a deeper insight into the influence of the bearing partners.

Ceramic Coating in Cemented Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty is Not Associated With Decreased Risk of Revision due to Early Prosthetic Joint Infection

BACKGROUND

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most frequent and devastating causes of short-term revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In vitro evidence suggests ceramic surfaces demonstrate resistance to biofilm, but the clinical effect of bearing surface modifications on the risk of PJI remains unclear. This premier registry-based study examines the influence of ceramic bearing surface coatings on the outcome in cemented primary TKA.

METHODS

In total, 117,660 cemented primary TKAs in patients with primary osteoarthritis recorded in the German arthroplasty registry since 2012 were followed up for a maximum of 3 years. The primary endpoint was risk of revision for PJI on ceramic coated and uncoated cobalt-chromium-molybdenum femoral components. Propensity score matching for age, gender, obesity, diabetes mellitus, depression and Elixhauser comorbidity index, and substratification on common design twins with and without coating was performed.

RESULTS

In total, 4637 TKAs (85.1% female) with a ceramic-coated femoral component were identified, 42 had been revised for PJI and 122 for other reasons at 3 years. No survival advantage due to the risk of revision for PJI could be determined for ceramic-coated components. Revision for all other reasons demonstrated a significant higher rate for TKAs with ceramic-coated components. However, the results of this were confounded by a strong prevalence (20.7% vs 0.3%) of metal sensitivity in the ceramic-coated group.

CONCLUSION

No evidence of reduced risk for PJI due to ceramic-coated implants in cemented primary TKA was found. Further analysis for revision reasons other than PJI is required.

[Tribology in hip arthroplasty : Benefits of different materials]

When it comes to total hip replacements, choosing the suitable material combination is of clinical relevance. The present review article examines the technical differences in wear and corrosion of the relevant material combinations of ceramics, metals, ceramized metals and various types of polyethylene. The material characteristics, which were often tested under standardized conditions in the laboratory, are compared with clinical results on the basis of evidence-graded clinical studies and on the basis of register studies. This article thus represents an up-to-date snapshot of the expectations and actual clinical outcomes of the present choice of material combinations. It shows that some tendencies from the field of materials research, e.g. with regard to cross-linked polyethylene, coincide with observations from practical clinical experience, while for other materials, a proven technical superiority has not yet been confirmed as an evident advantage in clinical practice.

Prevention of Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI): A Clinical Practice Protocol in High-Risk Patients

Background: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents 25% of failed total knee arthroplasties (TKA). The European Knee Associates (EKA) formed a transatlantic panel of experts to perform a literature review examining patient-related risk factors with the objective of producing perioperative recommendations in PJI high-risk patients. Methods: Multiple databases (Pubmed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library) and recommendations on TKA PJI prevention measures from the International Consensus Meetings on PJI from the AAOS and AAHKS were reviewed. This represents a Level IV study. Results: Strong evidence was found on poor glycemic control, obesity, malnutrition, and smoking being all associated with increased rates of PJI. In the preoperative period, patient optimization is key: BMI < 35, diet optimization, Hemoglobin A1c < 7.5, Fructosamine < 292 mmol/L, smoking cessation, and MRSA nasal screening all showed strong evidence on reducing PJI risk. Intraoperatively, a weight-based antibiotic prophylaxis, accurate fluid resuscitation, betadine and chlorhexidine dual skin preparation, diluted povidone iodine solution irrigation, tranexamic acid administration, and monofilament barbed triclosan-coated sutures for soft tissues closure all represented effective prevention measures. In the postoperative period, failure to reach normalization of ESR, CRP, D-dimer, and IL-6 six weeks postoperatively suggested early PJI. Conclusion: The current recommendations from this group of experts, based on published evidence, support risk stratification to identify high-risk patients requiring implementation of perioperative measures to reduce postoperative PJI.

Prevention of infection in primary THA and TKA

Rates of peri-prosthetic joint infection (PJI) in primary total hip and total knee arthroplasty range between 0.3% and 1.9%, and up to 10% in revision cases. Significant morbidity is associated with this devastating complication, the economic burden on our healthcare system is considerable, and the personal cost to the affected patient is immeasurable.

The risk of surgical site infection (SSI) and PJI is related to surgical factors and patient factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), co-morbidities, and lifestyle. Reducing the risk of SSI in primary hip and knee arthroplasty requires a multi-faceted strategy including pre-operative patient bacterial decolonization, screening and avoidance of anaemia, peri-operative patient warming, skin antisepsis, povidone-iodine wound lavage, and anti-bacterial coated sutures.

This article also considers newer concepts such as the influence of bearing surfaces on infection risk, as well as current controversies such as the potential effects of blood transfusion, laminar flow, and protective hoods and suits, on infection risk.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:604-613. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200004

Mixed ceramic combinations in primary total hip arthroplasty achieved reassuring mid-to-longterm outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Ceramic-on-ceramic couplings demonstrated to be reliable bearings in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), with long-term remarkable results. Like-on-like configurations were widely described. On the contrary, mixed material combinations from the same manufacturer, Delta-on-Forte or Forte-on-Delta, were poorly studied. In particular, it is unknown whether mixed ceramic combinations are more at risk of ceramic fractures. Thus, a registry study was conducted to investigate the long-term survival rates and reasons for revision of mixed ceramic combinations. A comparison with Delta-on-Delta couplings was also performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The regional arthroplasty registry RIPO was enquired about three cohorts of ceramic bearings (head-on-liner: Delta-on-Forte, Forte-on-Delta, Delta-on-Delta). Demographics, survival rates and reasons for revision were evaluated and compared.

RESULTS

In total, 346 (1.5%) implants had a Delta-on-Forte coupling (mean follow-up: 6.4 years). In total, 1163 (5%) THAs had a Forte-on-Delta articulation (mean follow-up: 8.2 years). Delta-on-Delta surfaces were implanted in 21,874 (93.5%) hips (mean follow-up: 3.9 years). Mixed material combinations were implanted between 2003 and 2007. The survival rates of the three cohorts were similar and were higher than 95% at 10 years. In Forte-on-Delta group, four liners failed (0.3% of the implants), whereas ceramic fractures occurred in 15 cases (0.1%) in Delta-on-Delta couplings (3 heads and 12 liners). Considering ceramic fracture as endpoint, there was no significant difference between the three survival rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Mixed ceramic bearing configurations from the same manufacturer in primary THA showed mid-to-longterm dependable outcomes, not inferior to the most recent like-on-like ceramic bearings. No additional risks of ceramic fractures were evident. Thus, closer follow-ups are not required.

Delta-on-Delta Ceramic Bearing Surfaces in Revision Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Fourth-generation ceramic-on-ceramic couplings were developed to improve ceramic toughness and strength. Encouraging outcomes in primary total hip arthroplasty were reported. This coupling was proposed as an attractive option even in the case of revision procedures, particularly in younger patients with a longer life expectancy. However, the pertinent literature is scarce. Thus, a registry study was conducted to investigate the midterm survival rates and reasons for re-revision of the fourth-generation ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surfaces in revision hip arthroplasties.

METHODS

A total of 327 revision implants (all the components were exchanged) with BIOLOX Delta couplings were investigated using the regional orthopedic registry RIPO. The demographics, the survival rates, and the reasons for re-revision were assessed. Revisions with bearings other than Delta were compared.

RESULTS

Delta bearings achieved a survival rate of 90.5% at 7 years, with stable results. Twenty-six (8%) re-revisions occurred at a mean follow-up of 4.1 years. And 2.8% of the re-revisions were due to recurrent dislocations; 1.5% of the cases were due to cup aseptic loosening. Septic loosening occurred in 1.6% of the cases. No ceramic fractures were reported. When compared to revisions with bearings other than Delta-on-Delta, Delta coupling cohort achieved similar performances at 5 and 7 years. Lower, nonsignificant rates of aseptic and septic loosening were reported in Delta cohort.

CONCLUSION

Delta-on-Delta couplings demonstrated to be reliable bearing surfaces in revision settings at a midterm follow-up. Clinical studies and longer follow-ups are required to investigate potential adverse effects, like squeaking and fractures, and confirm these preliminary findings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Results of 200 Consecutive Ceramic-on-Ceramic Cementless Hip Arthroplasties in Patients Up To 50 Years of Age: A 5-24 Years of Follow-Up Study

BACKGROUND

Ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearings due to their mechanical properties can be used in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) especially in young patients requiring a long-lasting implant. The goal of this study is to analyze the results of a series of 200 consecutive CoC THAs in patients aged 50 years or less at the time of surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on the first 200 consecutive CoC arthroplasties performed using the direct lateral approach on 105 females and 81 males (14 bilateral cases) with an average age of 44.2 (16-50) years. The diagnosis was primary or post-traumatic osteoarthritis in 94 cases, avascular necrosis of the femoral head in 47, displaced intracapsular femoral neck fracture in 29, osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip/Legg-Calvè-Perthes disease/slipped capital femoral epiphysis in 20, and rheumatic diseases in 10 cases. The preoperative Harris Hip Score was 32.5 on average (range 15-55). All the implants were cementless. In 177 THAs the coupling was alumina-on-alumina, and in 23 cases the coupling was AMC-on-AMC (alumina matrix composite).

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients with 28 THAs were lost at the final follow-up, 2 stems were revised due to subsidence, 1 cup was revised due to malposition, 1 femoral head was changed because of impingement, and 1 THA was revised for periprosthetic infection. Three patients sustained a Vancouver B1 periprosthetic femoral fracture. At the final follow-up (mean 14.9 years; minimum 5 years to maximum 24 years), 172 THAs were eligible for clinical and radiographic evaluation: none was revised for wear and/or breakage of the ceramic components. Harris Hip Score rose up to a mean value of 90.1 (52-100).

CONCLUSION

The present report demonstrates that CoC coupling offers excellent long-term results in THA performed in young patients with very low wear and no adverse effects caused by the material.