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Bormann T, Müller U, Gibmeier J, Mai PT, Renkawitz T, Kretzer JP. Insights into Imprinting: How Is the Phenomenon of Tribocorrosion at Head-Neck Taper Interfaces Related to Corrosion, Fretting, and Implant Design Parameters? Clin Orthop Relat Res 2022; 480:1585-1600. [PMID: 35383614 PMCID: PMC9278900 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000002202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wear and corrosion at modular neck tapers in THA can lead to major clinical implications such as periprosthetic osteolysis, adverse local tissue reactions, or implant failure. The material degradation processes at the taper interface are complex and involve fretting corrosion, third-body abrasion, as well as electrochemical and crevice corrosion. One phenomenon in this context is imprinting of the head taper, where the initially smooth surface develops a topography that reflects the rougher neck taper profile. The formation mechanism of this specific phenomenon, and its relation to other observed damage features, is unclear. An analysis of retrieved implants may offer some insights into this process. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES (1) Is imprinting related to time in situ of the implants and to the taper damage modes of corrosion and fretting? (2) Are implant design parameters like neck taper profile, stem material, or head seating associated with the formation of imprinting? (3) Is imprinting created by an impression of the neck taper profile or can a different mechanistic explanation for imprinting be derived? METHODS Thirty-one THAs with cobalt-chromium-molybdenum-alloy (CoCrMo) heads retrieved between 2013 and 2019 at revision surgery from an institutional registry were investigated. Inclusion criteria were: 12/14 tapers, a head size of 36 mm or smaller, time in situ more than 1 year, and intact nonmodular stems without sleeve adaptors. After grouping the residual THAs according to stem type, stem material, and manufacturer, all groups of three or more were included. Of the resulting subset of 31 retrievals, nine THAs exhibited a still assembled head-neck taper connection. The median (range) time in situ was 5 years (1 to 23). Two stem materials (21 titanium-alloy and 10 stainless steel), three kinds of bearing couples (11 metal-on-metal, 13 metal-on-polyethylene, and seven dual-mobility heads), and two different neck taper profiles (six wavy profile and 25 fluted profile) were present in the collection. Four THAs exhibited signs of eccentric head seating. The 31 investigated THAs represented 21% of the retrieved THAs with a CoCrMo alloy head during the specified period.At the head tapers, the damage modes of corrosion, fretting, and imprinting were semiquantitatively rated on a scale between 0 (no corrosion/fretting/imprinting) and 3 (severe corrosion/fretting/imprinting). Corrosion and fretting were assessed applying the Goldberg score, with the modification that the scale started at 0 and not at 1. Imprinting was assessed with a custom scoring system. Rating was done individually at the proximal and distal head taper half and summed to one total damage score for each retrieval and damage mode. Correlations between the damage modes and time in situ and between the damage modes among each other, were assessed using the Spearman rank order correlation coefficient (ρ). Associations between imprinting and implant design parameters were investigated by comparing the total imprinting score distributions with the Mann-Whitney U-test. Metallographically prepared cross-sections of assembled head-neck taper connections were examined by optical microscopy and disassembled head and neck taper surfaces were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS The imprinting damage score increased with time in-situ (ρ = 0.72; p < 0.001) and the corrosion damage score (ρ = 0.63; p < 0.001) but not with the fretting damage score (ρ = 0.35; p = 0.05). There was no difference in total imprinting score comparing neck taper profiles or stem materials, with the numbers available. Eccentric head seating had elevated total imprinting score (median 6 [interquartile range 0]) compared with centric seating (median 1 [2]; p = 0.001). Light optical investigations showed that imprinting can be present on the head taper surfaces even if the depth of abraded material exceeds the neck taper profile height. SEM investigations showed bands of pitting corrosion in the imprinted grooves. CONCLUSION The microscopic investigations suggest that imprinting is not an independent phenomenon but a process that accompanies the continuous material degradation of the head taper surface because of circular damage on the passive layer induced by grooved neck tapers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Material loss from head-neck taper connections involving CoCrMo alloy heads is a source of metal ions and could potentially be reduced if hip stems with smooth neck tapers were used. Surgeons should pay attention to the exact centric seating of the femoral head onto the stem taper during joining of the parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Bormann
- Laboratory of Biomechanics and Implant Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Müller
- Laboratory of Biomechanics and Implant Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens Gibmeier
- Institute for Applied Materials, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Phuong Thao Mai
- Institute for Applied Materials, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Tobias Renkawitz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Philippe Kretzer
- Laboratory of Biomechanics and Implant Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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McGrory BJ. High Incidence of Mechanically Assisted Crevice Corrosion at 10 Years in Non-Cemented, Non-Recalled, Contemporary Total Hip Arthroplasties. J Arthroplasty 2022; 37:S941-S946. [PMID: 34822931 DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2021.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One percent to 3% of contemporary non-cemented total hip arthroplasties (THAs) present with symptomatic mechanically assisted crevice corrosion (MACC). The incidence of this problem, however, as well as the rate of asymptomatic elevations in serum cobalt, is unknown. METHODS Cobalt and chromium levels were obtained in conjunction with radiographs at routine 10-year surveillance follow-up of THAs from a single manufacturer with a titanium stem, cobalt alloy femoral head, and cross-linked polyethylene countersurface. RESULTS Ten-year follow-up of patients with 162 consecutive THAs revealed that 17 patients with 18 hips had died of unrelated causes prior to metal ion testing. Two hips were revised for other reasons, and of the remaining 142 hips, 33 were in patients who were lost, leaving 109 hips (77% of those in alive patients and unrevised for other reasons and 67% of the entire cohort) for investigation. Sixty-three patients (58%) had a serum cobalt less than 1 ppb, and 35 (32%) a cobalt of ≥1 ppb, a cutoff consistent with MACC. Of the 32 hips with definite MACC, 15 of 32 (47%) patients were symptomatic, 16 of 30 (53%) patients had adverse local tissue reaction on magnetic resonance imaging, and 19 of 32 (59%) patients have undergone revision surgery for MACC to date. CONCLUSION At 10-year follow-up, a minimum of 22% (35/162) of hips had a cobalt level more than 1 ppb, consistent with MACC. Symptoms and adverse local tissue reactions are each present about one-half of the time, and 59% of those with documented MACC have undergone revision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J McGrory
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine
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Bormann T, Nebel L, Müller U, Mai PT, Gibmeier J, Renkawitz T, Kretzer JP. Influence of FeCl 3 and H 2O 2 in corrosion testing of modular taper connections in total hip arthroplasty: An in vitro study. Acta Biomater 2022; 145:427-435. [PMID: 35417798 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Corrosion at the modular taper junctions in total hip arthroplasty is clinically relevant because wear particles and ions generated at this interface can lead to adverse local tissue reactions or even implant failure. In vitro tribo-corrosion tests are usually accomplished in saline solutions or calf serum (CS), but the addition of H2O2 and FeCl3 have been suggested to mimic inflammatory conditions in the joint. Inflammatory conditions may aggravate corrosive processes and, therefore, should lead in vitro to a more severe and realistic tribo-corrosive material attack. Corrosion testing at 12/14 tapers comprising a CoCrMo head taper and a Ti6Al4V trunnion was accomplished in five electrolytes (Ringer's solution (RS), RS with 30 mM H2O2 and/or 0.7 mM FeCl3 and CS) under dynamical loading for five million cycles. Resulting material loss was determined gravimetrically and by ion analysis. The tribo-corrosive material degradation was investigated by light and electron microscopy. FeCl3 enhanced the material loss from taper connections while H2O2 did not lead to a significant alteration of total material loss. In comparison to pure RS, corrosion testing in CS decreased material loss at the head taper while it increased material loss at the trunnion. The combination of FeCl3 and H2O2 led to an enhanced occurrence of micro cracks at the trunnion surface. Adding FeCl3 and optionally also H2O2 aggravates material loss in in vitro corrosion testing of taper junctions and leads to harsher and probably more realistic testing conditions. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Tribo-corrosive processes at taper connections in hip implants are complex and can lead to major clinical implications. Joint inflammation is assumed to aggravate taper corrosion in vivo, why FeCl3 and H2O2 have been proposed as additives to electrolytes to simulate inflammatory conditions in vitro. Often used fretting test setups, however, do not involve real taper geometries. Besides, testing is often accomplished in saline solutions or calf serum, which do not induce a clinically significant amount of corrosive material degradation. This study presents an approach to increase tribo-corrosive processes at realistic taper connections by adding FeCl3 and/or H2O2. Unlike H2O2, FeCl3 increased material loss from taper connections. The combination of both additives enhanced micro crack formation at the trunnion surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Bormann
- Laboratory of Biomechanics and Implant Research, Department of Orthopaedics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200a, Heidelberg 69118, Germany.
| | - Laura Nebel
- Laboratory of Biomechanics and Implant Research, Department of Orthopaedics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200a, Heidelberg 69118, Germany
| | - Ulrike Müller
- Laboratory of Biomechanics and Implant Research, Department of Orthopaedics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200a, Heidelberg 69118, Germany
| | - Phuong Thao Mai
- Institute for Applied Materials, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engelbert-Arnold-Strasse 4, Karlsruhe 76131, Germany
| | - Jens Gibmeier
- Institute for Applied Materials, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engelbert-Arnold-Strasse 4, Karlsruhe 76131, Germany
| | - Tobias Renkawitz
- Laboratory of Biomechanics and Implant Research, Department of Orthopaedics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200a, Heidelberg 69118, Germany
| | - J Philippe Kretzer
- Laboratory of Biomechanics and Implant Research, Department of Orthopaedics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200a, Heidelberg 69118, Germany
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McCarthy SM, Hall DJ, Mathew MT, Jacobs JJ, Lundberg HJ, Pourzal R. Are Damage Modes Related to Microstructure and Material Loss in Severely Damaged CoCrMo Femoral Heads? Clin Orthop Relat Res 2021; 479:2083-2096. [PMID: 34019490 PMCID: PMC8373544 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000001819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fretting and corrosion in metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthoplasty (THA) modular junctions can cause adverse tissue reactions that are responsible for 2% to 5% of revision surgeries. Damage within cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy femoral heads can progress chemically and mechanically, leading to damage modes such as column damage, imprinting, and uniform fretting damage. At present, it is unclear which of these damage modes are most detrimental and how they may be linked to implant alloy metallurgy. The alloy microstructure exhibits microstructural features such as grain boundaries, hard phases, and segregation bands, which may enable different damage modes, higher material loss, and the potential risk of adverse local tissue reactions. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES In this study, we asked: (1) How prevalent is chemically dominated column damage compared with mechanically dominated damage modes in severely damaged metal-on-polyethylene THA femoral heads made from wrought CoCrMo alloy? (2) Is material loss greater in femoral heads that underwent column damage? (3) Do material loss and the presence of column damage depend on alloy microstructure as characterized by grain size, hard phase content, and/or banding? METHODS Surgically retrieved wrought CoCrMo modular femoral heads removed between June 2004 and June 2019 were scored using a modified version of the Goldberg visually based scoring system. Of the total 1002 heads retrieved over this period, 19% (190 of 1002) were identified as severely damaged, exhibiting large areas of fretting scars, black debris, pits, and/or etch marks. Of these, 43% (81 of 190) were excluded for metal-on-metal articulations, alternate designs (such as bipolar, dual-mobility, hemiarthroplasty, metal adaptor sleeves), or previous sectioning of the implant for past studies. One sample was excluded retroactively as metallurgical analysis revealed that it was made of cast alloy, yielding a total of 108 for further analysis. Information on patient age (57 ± 11 years) and sex (56% [61 of 108] were males), reason for removal, implant time in situ (99 ± 78 months), implant manufacturer, head size, and the CoCrMo or titanium-based stem alloy pairing were collected. Damage modes and volumetric material loss within the head tapers were identified using an optical coordinate measuring machine. Samples were categorized by damage mode groups by column damage, imprinting, a combination of column damage and imprinting, or uniform fretting. Metallurgical samples were processed to identify microstructural characteristics of grain size, hard phase content, and banding. Nonparametric Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests were used to examine volumetric material loss compared with damage mode and microstructural features, and linear regression was performed to correlate patient- and manufacturer-specific factors with volumetric material loss. RESULTS Chemically driven column damage was seen in 48% (52 of 108) of femoral heads, with 34% (37 of 108) exhibiting a combination of column damage and imprinting, 12% (13 of 108) of heads displaying column damage and uniform fretting, and 2% (2 of 108) exhibiting such widespread column damage that potentially underlying mechanical damage modes could not be verified. Implants with column damage showed greater material loss than those with mechanically driven damage alone, with median (range) values of 1.2 mm3 (0.2 to 11.7) versus 0.6 mm3 (0 to 20.7; p = 0.03). Median (range) volume loss across all femoral heads was 0.9 mm3 (0 to 20.7). Time in situ, contact area, patient age, sex, head size, manufacturer, and stem alloy type were not associated with volumetric material loss. Banding of the alloy microstructure, with a median (range) material loss of 1.1 mm3 (0 to 20.7), was associated with five times higher material loss compared with those with a homogeneous microstructure, which had a volume loss of 0.2 mm3 (0 to 4.1; p = 0.02). Hard phase content and grain size showed no correlation with material loss. CONCLUSION Chemically dominated column damage was a clear indicator of greater volume loss in this study sample of 108 severely damaged heads. Volumetric material loss strongly depended on banding (microstructural segregations) within the alloy. Banding of the wrought CoCrMo microstructure should be avoided during the manufacturing process to reduce volumetric material loss and the release of corrosion products to the periprosthetic tissue. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Approximately 30% of THAs rely on wrought CoCrMo femoral heads. Most femoral heads in this study exhibited a banded microstructure that was associated with larger material loss and the occurrence of chemically dominated column damage. This study suggests that elimination of banding from the alloy could substantially reduce the release of implant debris in vivo, which could potentially also reduce the risk of adverse local tissue reactions to implant debris.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Deborah J. Hall
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Joshua J. Jacobs
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hannah J. Lundberg
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Robin Pourzal
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Stockhausen KE, Riedel C, Belinski AV, Rothe D, Gehrke T, Klebig F, Gebauer M, Amling M, Citak M, Busse B. Variability in stem taper surface topography affects the degree of corrosion and fretting in total hip arthroplasty. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9348. [PMID: 33931680 PMCID: PMC8087796 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88234-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Degradation at the modular head-neck interface in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is predominately expressed in the form of corrosion and fretting, potentially causing peri-prosthetic failure by adverse reactions to metal debris. This retrieval study aimed to quantify variations in stem taper surface topographies and to assess the influence on the formation of corrosion and/or fretting in titanium alloy stem tapers combined with metal and ceramic heads. Four hip stem designs (Alloclassic, CLS, Bicontact and SL-Plus) were characterized using high-resolution 3D microscopy, and corrosion and fretting were rated using the Goldberg scoring scheme. Quantification of the taper surface topographies revealed a high variability in surface characteristics between threaded stem tapers: Alloclassic and CLS tapers feature deeply threaded trapezoid-shaped profiles with thread heights over 65 µm. The sawtooth-shaped Bicontact and triangular SL-Plus taper are characterized by low thread heights below 14 µm. Significantly lower corrosion and fretting scores were observed in lightly threaded compared to deeply threaded tapers in ceramic head combinations. No significant differences in corrosion or fretting scores with thread height were found in pairings with metal heads. Understanding the relationship between stem taper surface topography and the formation of corrosion and fretting could help to improve the performance of modern THAs and lead to longer-lasting clinical results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kilian Elia Stockhausen
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Lottestr. 55a, 22529, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Riedel
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Lottestr. 55a, 22529, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alex Victoria Belinski
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Lottestr. 55a, 22529, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, 6141 Etcheverry Hall, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Dorothea Rothe
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Helios ENDO-Klinik, Holstenstraße 2, 22767, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Gehrke
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Helios ENDO-Klinik, Holstenstraße 2, 22767, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Felix Klebig
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Helios ENDO-Klinik, Holstenstraße 2, 22767, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Gebauer
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Helios ENDO-Klinik, Holstenstraße 2, 22767, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Amling
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Lottestr. 55a, 22529, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mustafa Citak
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Helios ENDO-Klinik, Holstenstraße 2, 22767, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Björn Busse
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Lottestr. 55a, 22529, Hamburg, Germany. .,Interdisciplinary Competence Center for Interface Research (ICCIR), Martinistr. 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany. .,Forum Medical Technology Health Hamburg (FMTHH), Butenfeld 34, 22529, Hamburg, Germany.
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Kretzer JP, Uhler M, Jäger S, Bormann T, Sonntag R, Schonhoff M, Schröder S. [Tribology in hip arthroplasty : Benefits of different materials]. DER ORTHOPADE 2021; 50:259-269. [PMID: 33630110 DOI: 10.1007/s00132-021-04077-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Philippe Kretzer
- Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Labor für Biomechanik und Implantatforschung, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Schlierbacher Landstraße 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Deutschland.
| | - Maximilian Uhler
- Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Labor für Biomechanik und Implantatforschung, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Schlierbacher Landstraße 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Sebastian Jäger
- Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Labor für Biomechanik und Implantatforschung, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Schlierbacher Landstraße 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Therese Bormann
- Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Labor für Biomechanik und Implantatforschung, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Schlierbacher Landstraße 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Robert Sonntag
- Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Labor für Biomechanik und Implantatforschung, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Schlierbacher Landstraße 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Mareike Schonhoff
- Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Labor für Biomechanik und Implantatforschung, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Schlierbacher Landstraße 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Stefan Schröder
- Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Labor für Biomechanik und Implantatforschung, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Schlierbacher Landstraße 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Deutschland
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Head-Neck Taper Corrosion in Metal-on-Polyethylene Total Hip Arthroplasty: Risk Factors, Clinical Evaluation, and Treatment of Adverse Local Tissue Reactions. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2020; 28:907-913. [PMID: 32694319 DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-20-00475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) associated with mechanically assisted crevice corrosion of metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) head-neck modular total hip arthroplasty (THA), similarly observed in the metal-on-metal bearing, is a growing concern in MoP THA patients. Given the complex pathogenesis as well as variable clinical presentation, the diagnosis can be challenging. This article focuses on providing surgeons with an evidence-based update on (1) implant, surgical, and patient risk factors associated with ALTRs; (2) clinical systematic evaluation; and (3) surgical management options for ALTRs in MoP THA patients based on the currently available evidence.
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Morlock MM, Hube R, Wassilew G, Prange F, Huber G, Perka C. Taper corrosion: a complication of total hip arthroplasty. EFORT Open Rev 2020; 5:776-784. [PMID: 33312704 PMCID: PMC7722945 DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The focus on taper corrosion in modular hip arthroplasty increased around 2007 as a result of clinical problems with large-head metal-on-metal (MoM) bearings on standard stems. Corrosion problems with bi-modular primary hip stems focused attention on this issue even more. Factors increasing the risk of taper corrosion were identified in laboratory and retrieval studies: stiffness of the stem neck, taper diameter and design, head diameter, offset, assembly force, head and stem material and loading. The high variability of the occurrence of corrosion in the clinical application highlights its multi-factorial nature, identifying the implantation procedure and patient-related factors as important additional factors for taper corrosion. Discontinuing the use of MoM has reduced the revisions due to metal-related pathologies dramatically from 49.7% (MoM > 32 mm), over 9.2% (MoM ⩽ 32 mm) to 0.8% (excluding all MoM). Further reduction can be achieved by omitting less stiff Ti-alloys and large metal heads (36 mm and above) against polyethylene (PE). Standardized taper assembly of smaller and ceramic heads will reduce the clinical occurrence of taper corrosion even further. If 36 mm heads are clinically indicated, only ceramic heads should be used. Taper-related problems will not comprise a major clinical problem anymore if the mentioned factors are respected.
Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:776-784. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200013
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Georgi Wassilew
- Department for Orthopaedics and Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Felix Prange
- TUHH Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerd Huber
- TUHH Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Perka
- Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Orthopedic Department, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Influence of Different Damage Patterns of the Stem Taper on Fixation and Fracture Strength of Ceramic Ball Heads for Total Hip Replacement. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:7542062. [PMID: 32509869 PMCID: PMC7244970 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7542062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Modularity finds frequent application in total hip replacement, allowing a preferable individual configuration and a simplified revision by retaining the femoral stem and replacing the prosthetic head. However, micromotions within the interface between the head and the stem taper can arise, resulting in the release of wear debris and corrosion products. The aim of our experimental study was to evaluate the influence of different taper damages on the fixation and fracture stability of ceramic femoral heads, after static and dynamic implant loading. Methods Ceramic ball heads (36 mm diameter) and 12/14 stem tapers made of titanium with various mild damage patterns (intact, scratched, and truncated) were tested. The heads were assembled on the taper with a quasistatic load of 2 kN and separated into a static and a dynamic group afterwards. The dynamic group (n = 18) was loaded over 1.5 million gait cycles in a hip wear simulator (ISO 14242-1). In contrast, the static group (n = 18) was not mechanically loaded after assembly. To determine the taper stability, all heads of the dynamic and static groups were either pulled off (ASTM 2009) or turned off (ISO 7206-16). A head fracture test (ISO 7206-10) was also performed. Subsequent to the fixation stability tests, the taper surface was visually evaluated in terms of any signs of wear or corrosion after the dynamic loading. Results In 10 of the 18 cases, discoloration of the taper was determined after the dynamic loading and subsequent cleaning, indicating the first signs of corrosion. Pull-off forces as well as turn-off moments were increased between 23% and 54% after the dynamic loading compared to the unloaded tapers. No significant influence of taper damage was determined in terms of taper fixation strength. However, the taper damage led to a decrease in fracture strength by approximately 20% (scratched) and 40% (truncated), respectively. Conclusion The results suggest that careful handling and accurate manufacturing of the stem taper are crucial for the ceramic head fracture strength, even though a mild damage showed no significant influence on taper stability. Moreover, our data indicate that a further seating of the prosthetic head may occur during daily activities, when the resulting hip force increases the assembly load.
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Di Laura A, Hothi HS, Henckel J, Kwon YM, Skinner JA, Hart AJ. Retrieval Findings of Recalled Dual-Taper Hips. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2018; 100:1661-1672. [PMID: 30277996 PMCID: PMC6211785 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.17.00790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent high-profile recalls of several dual-taper hip designs pose questions regarding why those designs perform poorly. We aimed to characterize taper damage in 1 recalled design to understand failure mechanisms to inform surgeons on which patients should be considered at risk of revision and when to revise. METHODS High-precision measurement equipment was used to characterize the metal loss from the neck-stem interface of 116 retrieved Rejuvenate femoral stems (Stryker Howmedica Osteonics) revised because of an adverse reaction to metal debris. Head-neck taper surfaces were also investigated, and clinical and laboratory data were examined. RESULTS The neck-stem junction of each implant was moderately to severely corroded and showed a characteristic wear pattern on both male and female taper surfaces. The severity of taper damage was positively correlated with time to revision (coefficient, 0.040 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.028 to 0.051]; p < 0.0001) and with serum cobalt concentration (coefficient, 0.02 [95% CI, 0.01 to 0.02]; p < 0.0001) and serum chromium concentration (coefficient, 0.04 [95% CI, 0.009 to 0.070]; p = 0.0142). CONCLUSIONS A forensic examination of the retrieved components that failed secondary to an adverse reaction to metal debris showed, in all cases, visible corrosion. Of the implant and patient factors investigated, we did not identify any predictors of corrosion. The severity of damage was found to increase with time; cobalt was significantly elevated over chromium. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Surgeons should scrupulously follow and consider revision for patients with this implant design to avoid extensive tissue excision. Blood metal ion tests may aid in identifying the mechanisms of taper corrosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Di Laura
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, United Kingdom,E-mail address for A. Di Laura:
| | - Harry S. Hothi
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, United Kingdom
| | - Johann Henckel
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, United Kingdom
| | - Young-Min Kwon
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John A. Skinner
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, United Kingdom
| | - Alister J. Hart
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, United Kingdom
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