Ten-year survival of ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty in patients younger than 60 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis

A Comprehensive Literature Review of Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA): Part 1-Biomaterials

The rapid advancement of materials science has revolutionized total hip arthroplasty (THA), a critical orthopedic procedure aimed at restoring mobility and improving patient quality of life. This review investigates the evolution of biomaterials used in THA, analyzing their mechanical, biological, and chemical properties. The study outlines the transition from early natural materials to modern metals, polymers, and ceramics, highlighting their benefits and limitations in clinical applications. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of advanced materials such as highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE), zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA), and tantalum alloys (Ta), which demonstrate enhanced biocompatibility, wear resistance, and longevity. By examining emerging trends, including bioactive coatings and nanotechnology, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of current challenges and future directions in material selection for hip prostheses, ultimately aiming to minimize annual revision rates and improve long-term outcomes.

Long-Term Outcomes of Third-Generation Ceramic-on-Ceramic Bearings in Cementless Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A 25-Year Survival Analysis

BACKGROUND

The demand for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in younger patients, particularly those under 65 years, has increased markedly in recent years. Ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearings offer promising benefits, including reduced wear and osteolysis, with excellent short- to mid-term survival. However, long-term data on their performance in younger populations remain limited. This study aimed to investigate: (1) overall implant survival, (2) complications and reasons for revision, and (3) patient-reported outcomes at long-term follow-up after primary THA with third-generation CoC bearings.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 231 patients (294 hips) who underwent cementless THA with third-generation CoC bearings between May 1999 and September 2004. The mean age at surgery was 50 years (range, 17 to 76). Clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed at a minimum follow-up of 10 years, and the mean follow-up was 17 years (range, 10 to 25). Overall, 87 patients (108 hips, 38%) were lost to follow-up, leaving a total of 145 patients (186 hips) for further analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate implant survival, with implant revision for any reason defined as a primary end point. Complications, reasons for revision, and patient-reported outcomes (Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated an implant survival rate of 93% at 25 years. At long-term follow-up, 12 hips (6.5%) required revision for either bearing failure (six hips), acetabular component failure (four hips), or femoral component failure (two hips). There were six cases of hip squeaking (3.2%) reported, none requiring revision. Functional outcomes improved significantly, with mean Merle d'Aubigné-Postel scores rising from 10.7 preoperatively to 17.6 at the final follow-up. Radiographic evaluations showed no cases of osteolysis or loosening.

CONCLUSIONS

Third-generation CoC bearings in cementless THA offer excellent long-term survival, low complication rates, and good to excellent functional outcomes, highlighting their durability and performance over a 25-year period.

Age, activity, and native femoral offset are associated with articular noise in ceramic on ceramic total hip arthroplasty (THA) with custom stems

PURPOSE

To report the prevalence of articular noise following total hip arthroplasty (THA) with custom stems and ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearings, to determine the risk factors for articular noise, and the effect of articular noise on quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

A consecutive series of uncemented primary THAs using custom stems implanted between 01/02/ 2014-01/04/2017 were evaluated. The cohort comprised 479 patients (529 hips, 301 males and 228 females), aged 55.9 ± 11.6 with a BMI of 25.8 ± 4.3 kg/m2. Postoperative assessment included Oxford hip score (OHS), forgotten joint score (FJS), and a dedicated questionnaire on articular noise. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. Regression analyses were performed to study factors associated with presence of noise.

RESULTS

At a minimum follow-up of five years, 431 patients (476 hips) were available for postoperative assessment. OHS was 45.3 ± 6.1, FJS was 83.6 ± 24.7, and 69 patients (71 hips, 15%) reported articular noise. The impact of noise on QoL was 1.4 ± 2.1. Multivariable analyses confirmed that the presence of articular noise was associated with younger age (OR,0.95; 95%CI,0.93-0.97; p < 0.001), smaller native femoral offset (OR, 0.95; 95%CI,0.90-1.00;p = 0.034), as well as intense (OR, 3.15; 95%CI, 1.15-9.79; p = 0.033) and very intense physical activity (OR, 4.71; 95%CI, 1.52-16.15; p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of articular noise following primary THA with custom stems and CoC bearings was 15%, but the impact of noise on QoL was minimal for most patients. Younger, highly active patients should be advised of an increased likelihood of noise from CoC THA, particularly if they have low native femoral offset on preoperative imaging.

Comparative postoperative prognosis of ceramic-on-ceramic and ceramic-on-polyethylene for total hip arthroplasty: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To compare the clinical outcomes between ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) and ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP) bearing surfaces in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) through a pooled analysis and evidence update.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science up to March 2023 for studies that compared the bearing surfaces of CoC and CoP in patients undergoing THA. The primary outcomes were the incidence of common postoperative complications and the rate of postoperative revision. The secondary outcome was the Harris Hip Score.

Results

A total of 10 eligible studies involving 1,946 patients (1.192 CoC-THA versus 906 CoP-THA) were included in the evidence synthesis. Pooled analysis showed no significant difference in the rates of common postoperative complications (dislocation, deep vein thrombosis, infection, wear debris or osteolysis) and of revision. After eliminating heterogeneity, the postoperative Harris Hip Score was higher in the CoC group than in the CoP group. However, the strength of evidence was moderate for the Harris Hip Score.

Conclusion

CoC articulations are more commonly used in younger, healthier, and more active patients. While the performance of conventional polyethylene is indeed inferior to highly cross-linked polyethylene, there is currently a lack of sufficient research comparing the outcomes between highly cross-linked polyethylene and CoC bearing surfaces. This area should be a focal point for future research, and it is hoped that more relevant articles will emerge. Given the limited number of studies included, the heterogeneity and potential bias of those included in the analysis, orthopaedic surgeons should select a THA material based on their experience and patient-specific factors, and large multicentre clinical trials with >15 years of follow-up are needed to provide more evidence on the optimal bearing surface for initial THA.

Proof of Concept of a New Revision Procedure for Ceramic Inlays of Acetabular Cups Using a Shape-Memory Alloy Actuator System

The revision of ceramic inlays of acetabular cups is a challenging surgical procedure. The mechanical impact during the inlay extraction process can damage the ceramic or metal cup rim. To avoid these risks, a concept for a new revision procedure was developed. It is based on an actuator system, which allows a non-destructive release of the ceramic inlay. To integrate the actuator system, different design concepts of acetabular cup components were investigated, and an actuator based on shape-memory alloy (SMA) wires was developed. The process chain for the actuator, starting from nickel-titanium wires manufactured into the actuator geometry by laser welding and thermo-mechanical treatment for the shape setting process up to the functionality evaluation of the actuator system, was implemented on a laboratory scale. The new revision procedure is based on a phase transformation of the SMA wire actuator, which was obtained through two methods-applying an electrical current by an instrument and rinsing the wire with heated water. The phase transformation of the actuator resulted in a contraction between 3.2% and 4.3% compared to its length after pre-stretching and was able to release the ceramic inlay from the cup. Therefore, the developed actuator design and process chain is a proof of concept towards a new revision procedure for modular acetabular cups.

Etiology, Outcomes, and Complications of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Younger Patients: A Nationwide Big Data Analysis

Background: This study investigates the rising trend of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients under 55 years old, commonly referred to as "younger" THA patients. Traditionally a procedure for older adults with osteoarthritis, THA is increasingly performed on younger patients. Methods: Using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2016 to 2019, we analyze the factors driving this trend, including the causes of hip issues, patient characteristics, and coexisting medical conditions. The study examines in-hospital mortality, length of stay, post-surgical complications, and hospitalization costs for 231,630 THA patients aged 18-54.9, identified using ICD-10 codes. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that younger patients (aged 18-34.9) had higher rates of chronic anemia, inflammatory bowel disease, sickle cell disorders, connective tissue disorders, and coagulation defects compared to patients aged 35-44.9 and 45-54.9. They also experienced the longest hospital stays (2.08 days) and highest costs ($70,540). Significant odds ratios were found for sickle cell disorders (36.078), coagulation defects (1.566), inflammatory bowel disease (2.582), connective tissue disorders (11.727), hip dislocation (3.447), and blood transfusion (1.488) in younger patients compared to other THA patients. Conclusions: Comprehensive analysis of these unique needs is crucial for optimizing care, tailoring treatment, managing co-existing conditions, and personalizing recovery strategies to improve outcomes and quality of life for younger THA patients.

Long-term follow-up of total hip arthroplasty using polyethylene-ceramic composite (sandwich) liner

INTRODUCTION

Ceramic-on-ceramic bearings have been widely used since their introduction in the 1970s. First-generation ceramics have very high fracture (breakage) rates. To overcome this, in the 1990s, modular cotyloid insert designs were developed, consisting of a ceramic and polyethylene composite (sandwich-type) liner; however, high implant fracture rates were observed in the medium term. We aimed to estimate the cumulative incidences of revision surgery (implant failure) and implant failure due to fractures, survival rates (time-to-revision surgery and time-to-fracture), and the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes in our series.

METHODS

This was an observational, longitudinal, ambispective, single-centre study based on patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a sandwich-type liner (Cerasul), only available in our tertiary hospital between January 1999 and December 2002. Cumulative incidences were estimated and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess the time-to-revision surgery and time-to-fracture.

RESULTS

54 patients (49 men) were included, accounting for 59 sandwich-type linear implants. The mean (range) age was 47.4 (22-57) years. The primary THA indications were osteoarthritis (28 patients), osteonecrosis (14), childhood pathology sequelae (11), and inflammatory arthritis (6). The cumulative incidence of revision surgery by implants was 8.5% (5/59, 95% CI, 3.5-19.2%), 9.3% by patients (5/54, 95% CI, 4.0-19.9%), and 5.1% by implant fractures (3/59, 95%CI, 1.7-13.9%). The median (Interquartile Range, IQR) time-to-revision surgery was 158 (72.5-161) months, and the time to fracture was 182 (138-215) months. All primary THAs had good clinical and long-term survival outcomes. All implants had signs of solid fixation.

CONCLUSIONS

After a 20-year follow-up period, the polyethylene-ceramic sandwich-type liner showed a long survival rate and low cumulative incidence of implant fracture; however, implant fractures remain the main complication. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware that some patients still have this type of prosthesis and must be capable of responding quickly if a fracture occurs.

Influence of a Modified Procedure of Joining Ceramic Head and Adapter Sleeve on the Stem Taper in Revision: An Experimental Study

In revision operations, ceramic heads of modular hip implants can be replaced. As the surface of the stem taper can be damaged, additional adapter sleeves are applied. The components are usually connected manually by the surgeon in a one-step procedure by hammer impacts. In this study, we investigated a two-step joining procedure with reproducible impaction force. First, the adapter sleeve and head were joined quasi-statically with a force of 2 kN using an assembly device. In the second step, these components were applied to the stem taper using a pulse-controlled instrument. For reference, the joints were assembled according to standard conditions using a tensile testing machine. An average pull-off force of 1309 ± 201 N was achieved for the components joined by the instrument, and the average measured values for the components joined by the testing machine were 1290 ± 140 N. All specimens achieved a force >350 N when released and therefore met the acceptance criterion defined for this study. This study showed that a modified procedure in two steps with a defined force has a positive effect on the reproducibility of the measured joining forces compared to previous studies.

Feasibility of a Shape-Memory-Alloy-Actuator System for Modular Acetabular Cups

Hip implants have a modular structure which enables patient-specific adaptation but also revision of worn or damaged friction partners without compromising the implant-bone connection. To reduce complications during the extraction of ceramic inlays, this work presents a new approach of a shape-memory-alloy-actuator which enables the loosening of ceramic inlays from acetabular hip cups without ceramic chipping or damaging the metal cup. This technical in vitro study exam-ines two principles of heating currents and hot water for thermal activation of the shape-memory-alloy-actuator to generate a force between the metal cup and the ceramic inlay. Mechanical tests concerning push-in and push-out forces, deformation of the acetabular cup according to international test standards, and force generated by the actuator were generated to prove the feasibility of this new approach to ceramic inlay revision. The required disassembly force for a modular acetabular device achieved an average value of 602 N after static and 713 N after cyclic loading. The actuator can provide a push-out force up to 1951 N. In addition, it is shown that the necessary modifications to the implant modules for the implementation of the shape-memory-actuator-system do not result in any change in the mechanical properties compared to conventional systems.

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.

Updates on Biomaterials Used in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA)

One of the most popular and effective orthopedic surgical interventions for treating a variety of hip diseases is total hip arthroplasty. Despite being a radical procedure that involves replacing bone and cartilaginous surfaces with biomaterials, it produces excellent outcomes that significantly increase the patient's quality of life. Patient factors and surgical technique, as well as biomaterials, play a role in prosthetic survival, with aseptic loosening (one of the most common causes of total hip arthroplasty failure) being linked to the quality of biomaterials utilized. Over the years, various biomaterials have been developed to limit the amount of wear particles generated over time by friction between the prosthetic head (metal alloys or ceramic) and the insert fixed in the acetabular component (polyethylene or ceramic). An ideal biomaterial must be biocompatible, have a low coefficient of friction, be corrosion resistant, and have great mechanical power. Comprehensive knowledge regarding what causes hip arthroplasty failure, as well as improvements in biomaterial quality and surgical technique, will influence the survivability of the prosthetic implant. The purpose of this article was to assess the benefits and drawbacks of various biomaterial and friction couples used in total hip arthroplasties by reviewing the scientific literature published over the last 10 years.

Imaging of total hip arthroplasty: Part I – Implant design, imaging techniques, and imaging of component wear and fracture

Despite being one of the most reliable procedures in orthopedic surgery, complications can occur after total hip arthroplasty, and radiology plays an essential role in their evaluation. This article will review the various types of hip arthroplasty and their normal appearances on imaging, followed by mechanisms and imaging appearances of component wear and fracture.

Imaging in Hip Arthroplasty Management Part 2: Postoperative Diagnostic Imaging Strategy

Hip arthroplasty (HA) is a frequently used procedure with high success rates, but 7% to 27% of the patients complain of persistent postsurgical pain 1 to 4 years post-operation. HA complications depend on the post-operative delay, the type of material used, the patient’s characteristics, and the surgical approach. Radiographs are still the first imaging modality used for routine follow-up, in asymptomatic and painful cases. CT and MRI used to suffer from metallic artifacts but are nowadays central in HA complications diagnosis, both having their advantages and drawbacks. Additionally, there is no consensus on the optimal imaging workup for HA complication diagnosis, which may have an impact on patient management. After a brief reminder about the different types of prostheses, this article reviews their normal and pathologic appearance, according to each imaging modality, keeping in mind that few abnormalities might be present, not anyone requiring treatment, depending on the clinical scenario. A diagnostic imaging workup is also discussed, to aid the therapist in his imaging studies prescription and the radiologist in their practical aspects.

Factors influencing the outcomes of minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review

Introduction

The present systematic review investigated possible factors which may influence the surgical outcome of minimally invasive surgery for total hip arthroplasty (MIS THA).

Methods

In January 2022, the Embase, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases were accessed. All the clinical trials investigating the clinical outcome of MIS THA were considered.

Results

Data from 9486 procedures were collected. Older age was moderately associated with greater Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (P = 0.02) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) (P = 0.009) at last follow-up, and shorter surgical duration (P = 0.01). Greater body mass index (BMI) at baseline was moderately associated with greater cup anteversion (P = 0.0009), Oxford Hip Score (OHS) at last follow-up (P = 0.04), longer surgical duration (P = 0.04), increased leg length discrepancy (P = 0.02), and greater rate of infection (P = 0.04). Greater VAS at baseline was weakly associated with greater VAS at last follow-up (P < 0.0001), total estimated blood lost (P = 0.01), and lower value of Harris Hip Score (HHS) (P = 0.0005). Greater OHS at baseline was associated with greater post-operative VAS (P = 0.01). Greater WOMAC at baseline was associated with lower cup anteversion (P = 0.009) and greater VAS (P = 0.02). Greater HHS at baseline was associated with shorter hospitalisation (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Older age and greater BMI may represent negative prognostic factors for MIS THA. The clinical outcome is strongly influenced by the preoperative status of patients.