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Advocates of hydroxyapatite in primary total hip arthroplasty report enhanced fixation and early improvements in pain and function. Others report no difference in long-term outcomes with hydroxyapatite application to an already proven fixation surface. We previously reported more rapid clinical improvement with a proximally porous, plasma-sprayed titanium, tapered geometry stem. We now report the long-term followup data on 191 consecutive total hip arthroplasties in which a standard (130 hips) or the hydroxyapatite-coated stem (61 hips) was implanted. At average 12.7 years followup, one stem (noncoated) was revised for aseptic loosening. The Harris hip total and pain scores were similar. Survivorship of the femoral component with aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 99.2% for noncoated stems and 100% for hydroxyapatite stems. The long-term survivorship of plasma-sprayed titanium tapered stems was excellent regardless of hydroxyapatite application, with neither benefit nor detriment observed.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients aged 40 years and younger requires decades of increased activity demands. Between 1987 and 2000, 249 primary THAs in patients 40 years of age or younger were performed with the Mallory-Head component. The average age at THA was 34.7 years (range, 20-40 years). Follow-up averaged 91 months with 125 hips having minimum 5-year follow-up and 51 THAs having a minimum of 10 years. Four stems failed the 98.2% overall survivorship. Two stems were revised for loosening for a 99.2% (95% confidence interval, 96.4%-99.8%) survivorship with aseptic loosening as the end-point at 18 years. In young patients, this tapered titanium, proximally porous plasma-sprayed femoral component provides outstanding long-term fixation and function with significant pain relief into the second decade. Overall stem survivorship is 98.2% at up to 18 years.

Severely compromised femora because of prosthetic loosening, osteolysis, or periprosthetic fracture around total hip and knee arthroplasties are increasing. Two approaches that create an intramedullary total femoral (IMTF) replacement are reported. Twenty-three IMTF replacements in 22 patients were performed at 2 institutions. Seven revision total knee arthroplasties with a stemmed component were linked to a well-fixed hip stem with a custom intramedullary sleeve. Sixteen IMTF replacements involved revision of both hip and knee arthroplasties which were connected via an intercalary segment with morse taper junctions. Follow-up averaged 36 months. Complications included 2 dislocations, 2 deep infections, and 2 knee revisions for tibial loosening. Advantages over conventional total femoral replacement or ORIF include less dissection, maintenance of soft tissue attachments, and immediate component stability to allow for early mobilization.

Authors of reports on the outcome of isolated liner exchange for osteolysis and wear have reported high dislocation rates. Twenty-six patients (27 hips) with a minimum of 2 years of followup had isolated liner exchange for wear and osteolysis done using the abductor splitting anterolateral approach. The mean followup was 41 months. The average age at time of surgery was 51 years. Preoperative Harris hip scores averaged 70, and increased to 82 at the most recent followup. We observed improvements in pain and functional scores. The average operating time was 82 minutes, and the average blood loss was 255 mL. Only three (12%) patients required transfusion. No components were rerevised for aseptic loosening, and one patient (one hip) had a dislocation (3.7%). Isolated liner exchange for osteolysis and wear done using the anterolateral approach has a lower risk of dislocation than previously reported and provides substantial improvements in pain, function, and Harris hip score.Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Postoperative dislocation is one of the major causes of morbidity and failure of total hip arthroplasty. We reviewed 327 patients (377 hips) retrospectively with varying diagnoses and indications but all of whom received large-diameter metal-on-metal prostheses. Two surgical approaches were used: the anterolateral abductor splitting (342 procedures) and a mini-incision posterior approach (35 procedures). Average age at time of surgery was 55.9 years and average followup was 4.0 months. There were 346 (91.8%) primary procedures, 15 (4.0%) conversion procedures, and 16 (4.2%) revisions or reimplantations. The most common preoperative diagnoses included osteoarthritis (250 hips; 66.3%) and avascular necrosis (46 hips; 12.2%). There were 62 (16.4%) patients with high-risk diagnoses for dislocation. The status in terms of postoperative dislocation was known for all patients. During the short followup period, there were no dislocations. Use of large-diameter femoral heads and metal-on-metal articulations decreases the risk of dislocations, making their use a viable choice for primary and revision procedures.Therapeutic study, Level IV-1 (case series). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

UNLABELLED There has been increasing use of and expanding indications for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty using minimally invasive techniques. We sought to define contraindications by examining failures. We retrospectively reviewed the early results of a consecutive series of minimally invasive medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty using two implant designs. Seventy-nine consecutive unicompartmental knee arthroplasty cases (48 instrumented and 31 noninstrumented) with minimum 2-year followup were reviewed. Patients with radiographic involvement with or without pain referable to the lateral compartment or to the patellofemoral joint were not considered candidates. Failure was defined as revision or pending revision. The average followup was 40.2 months. There were 16 failures (six tibial loosening, three plateau fracture, four persistent medial pain, one progressive arthritis, and two sepsis). Age, gender, disease severity and implant design did not predict failure. Body mass index greater than 32 did predict failure and was associated with a reduction in survivorship by log-rank and Wilcoxon analyses. These results show reliable success if obesity is considered a contraindication and technical errors resulting in fracture are eliminated. Better defining the ideal candidate for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, with obesity remaining a contraindication, will make this a more predictable and reliable procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic study, Level IV-2 (case series). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Constrained acetabular components can treat or prevent instability after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We examine long-term results of 755 consecutive constrained THA in 720 patients (1986-1993; 62 primary, 59 conversion, 565 revision, 60 reimplantation, and 9 total femur). Eighty-three patients (88 THAs) were lost before 10-year follow-up, leaving 639 patients (667 THAs) available for study. Dislocation occurred in 117 hips (17.5%), in 37 (28.9%) of 128 constrained for recurrent dislocation, and 46 (28.2%) of 163 with dislocation history. Other reoperations were for aseptic loosening (51, 7.6% acetabular; 28, 4.2% stem; 16, 2.4% combined), infection (40, 6.0%), periprosthetic fracture (19, 2.8%), stem breakage (2, 0.3%), cup malposition (1, 0.1%), dissociated insert (1, 0.1%), dissociated femoral head (1, 0.1%), and impingement of 1 broken (0.1%) and 4 (0.6%) dissociated constraining rings. Although constrained acetabular components prevented recurrent dislocation in 71.1%, they should be used cautiously, with a 42.1% long-term failure rate observed in this series. Dislocation was common despite constraint with previous history as a significant risk.

The valgus arthritic knee presents as a complex deformity characterized by bone loss involving the lateral femoral condyle, contractures of the lateral soft-tissue structures, and concomitant instability. Patients with end-stage degenerative joint disease and valgus knee deformity have pain, limitation of activities of daily living, increasing angular deformity, and increasing instability. Total knee arthroplasty with valgus release is indicated when both mechanical and pharmacological nonoperative treatment modalities for end-stage degenerative joint disease have failed to relieve pain. The major contraindication to total knee arthroplasty is infection, and relative contraindications include young age, high activity level, and obesity. The following steps should be followed as part of the standard physical examination for end-stage degenerative joint disease: (1) assess the patient's gait; (2) establish the presence of deformity (valgus-varus, flexion contracture, or extension contracture); (3) measure the range of motion; (4) evaluate the status of the extensor mechanism and the patellofemoral articulation; (5) assess stability (integrity of the medial collateral ligament); and (6) perform a neurovascular examination. Standard anteroposterior, lateral, Merchant, and alignment radiographs should be included in the diagnostic protocol for candidates for total knee arthroplasty. Fluoroscopic examination may be used to determine the amount of medial instability. A baseline electromyogram should be made for patients presenting with symptoms such as hypoesthesia, dysesthesia, and paresthesia that may be attributed to lumbosacral disease. From a surgical perspective, valgus deformities can be classified into three major variants (I, II, and III) on the basis of the degree of deformity, the status of the medial collateral ligament, and the amount of release that must be performed (Figs. 1-A, 1-B, and 1-C). Variant I, which accounts for 80% of all valgus deformities, occurs secondary to bone loss in the lateral compartment. This variant is characterized by mild deficiencies of the lateral femoral condyle …

The purpose of this study was to determine if an intraoperative intraarticular and soft-tissue injection of local anaesthetic, epinephrine, and morphine has a beneficial effect for total knee arthroplasty. A control group of 138 patients (181 knees) received no intraoperative injection. The study group of 171 patients (197 knees) received intraoperative injection of 0.25% bupivacaine with epinephrine and morphine with 2/3 injected into the soft tissues and 1/3 injected into the joint. Patients having bilateral simultaneous procedures received a divided dose. The pain treatment protocol otherwise was identical. Pain, sedation, rescue narcotic usage, narcotic reversal and blood loss were examined. Pain levels during the immediate postoperative period, blood loss, and bleeding indices were reduced with injection. Considerably more control patients required rescue doses of narcotics. Preemptive analgesia with soft tissue and intra-articular injection of long-acting local anesthetic with epinephrine and morphine provides better pain control in the immediate postoperative period, decreases blood loss, and decreases the need for rescue narcotics and reversal agents. This simple, inexpensive method provides an effective adjunct to a multimodal approach in improving the postoperative course of primary total knee arthroplasty.

Initial stability is critical for fixation and survival of cementless total hip arthroplasty. Occasionally, a split of the calcar occurs intraoperatively. A review of 1,320 primary total hip arthroplasties with 2-year follow-up, performed between August 1985 and February 2001 using the Mallory-Head Porous tapered femoral component, revealed 58 hips in 55 patients with an intraoperative calcar fracture managed with single or multiple cerclage wires or cables and immediate full weight bearing. At 7.5 years average follow-up (range, 2-16 years), there were no revisions of the femoral component, radiographic failures, or patients with severe thigh pain, for a stem survival rate of 100%. Average Harris hip score improvement was 33.8 points. Fracture of the proximal femur occurs in approximately 4% of primary THAs using the Mallory-Head Porous femoral component. When managed intraoperatively with cerclage wire or cable, the mid- to long-term results appear unaffected with 100% femoral component survival at up to 16 years.

The complications and outcomes in patients who had total femoral arthroplasty for salvage of a severely compromised femur were studied. The clinical scenarios included numerous revision total hip or knee arthroplasties, failed periprosthetic fractures, or recurrent infection treated with multiple radical debridement surgeries. Fifty-nine patients (average age, 73.7 years) were identified. At an average 4.8 years followup, adequate pain relief was achieved and Harris hip pain scores averaged 33.8 of 44 points, and knee pain scores averaged 42.8 of 50 points. Good function was achieved with 98% of patients able to ambulate and 43% using no assistive device or a cane only. There were 18 complications or subsequent surgeries. Infection and dislocation occurred in eight patients and seven patients, respectively. Total femoral arthroplasty for salvage of a severely compromised femur provides acceptable results even in the most difficult of cases.

Venous thromboembolic disease (VTD), deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, causes morbidity and mortality following total hip and total knee arthroplasties, while ileus complicates up to 4.0%. The clinical courses of 2,949 patients undergoing 3,364 consecutive primary and revision total hip and total knee arthroplasties, radical debridements, and reimplantations at one institution over a 2-year period were reviewed to examine the relationship between ileus and VTD. VTD prophylaxis consisted of aspirin and intermittent plantar pulse boots for all patients except those at high risk, who received parenteral chemical prophylaxis and boots. Ileus occurred in 62 patients (2.1%) and symptomatic DVT in 51 (1.7%). With ileus, the incidence of DVT was 8.1%: odds ratio 5.5 (P =.0036). Symptomatic pulmonary embolism occurred in 7 patients (0.24%); with ileus the incidence was 3.2%: odds ratio 19.6 (P =.0082). A significant increase was observed in rates of VTD with ileus. We recommend using parenteral chemical and mechanical prophylaxis in patients with ileus following total hip and total knee arthroplasties.

Concerns exist with cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) femoral fixation in the elderly patient population. This study reviews the outcomes of a tapered cementless femoral component in elderly patients 75 years of age and older. Forty-seven patients (49 hips) older than 74 years of age (average age, 79 years) underwent primary cementless THA with a double-tapered stem between 1996 and 2000. Radiographs and clinical data were reviewed. At a mean follow-up of 5 years, the mean postoperative Harris Hip Score was 84, with 87% having no or minimal pain; none had severe thigh pain. Two cases of stem subsidence and no progressive radiolucencies were seen. One well-fixed stem was revised for unexplained pain (2%). Survival with aseptic loosening as an end-point was 100%. Overall implant survival was 98% at an average of 5 years. No perioperative deaths or significant orthopedic complications were identified. Advanced age is not a contraindication for tapered cementless THA.

Scheduled preoperative and postoperative analgesia should be offered in a multimodal management model. By a combined drug synergy effect, the central nervous system, afferent pathways, and peripheral wound site are modified collectively. In an ongoing effort to improve perioperative pain management, we retrospectively compared the results of a previously reported pain management protocol with 2 more recent groups of patients managed with modified pain protocols. In the earlier control protocol, epidural anesthesia was discontinued on arrival to the postanesthesia care unit, and regularly scheduled oral opioids and intravenous hydromorphone for breakthrough pain were initiated. The first more recent group used epidural anesthesia, and the second group used spinal anesthesia. Both protocols featured the use of cyclooxygenase-2-inhibiting anti-inflammatory medication administered for 2 weeks preoperatively and continued for 10 days postoperatively and patient-controlled analgesia for 24 hours followed by scheduled oral opioids.

The purpose of this study was to substantiate the continued use of a cementless plasma-sprayed, proximal-to-distal dual-tapered-geometry femoral-component design on the basis of long-term clinical and radiographic evidence. This justification is particularly pertinent in cementless total hip arthroplasty, in which bone-stock preservation and prosthetic-host compatibility are essential. A series of 101 patients managed with 120 primary arthroplasties who had a minimum follow-up of ten years was retrospectively reviewed. A meta-analysis of published reports of cementless tapered femoral components with a minimum follow-up of five years then was performed to validate the results of this review. At a mean follow-up of 12.2 years, a mean 38-point improvement in the Harris hip score was observed. Thigh pain was mild or absent after 97.5% (117) of the 120 arthroplasties. Distal femoral osteolysis was observed after 1.7% (two). Three femoral components had been revised secondary to aseptic loosening, yielding a 97.5% survivorship. Tapered geometries are an important feature in cementless femoral-component design, and the use of this design typically results in minimal thigh pain, a low incidence of stress shielding, and a low incidence of distal osteolysis. Designs with porous coating remain durable and continue to produce positive osseous responses, as observed radiographically. The Harris hip score improvement, the low incidence of severe thigh pain, and the high survivorship, coupled with a low incidence of substantial stress shielding and distal osteolysis, suggest excellent long-term results with the use of this specific cementless tapered design, adding credence to the design rationale and justifying its continued use. These data were supported by the results of an evidence-based meta-analysis, indicating similar results among cementless tapered designs. Although early reports of cementless total hip arthroplasties revealed low rates of aseptic loosening and stable bone ingrowth 1-5, other concerns regarding cementless fixation arose, including a higher …

A polyethylene-free, metal-on-metal acetabular system (M2a-taper [Biomet, Inc., Warsaw, IN]) was designed in an effort to improve total hip arthroplasty (THA) longevity. Minimum 2-year follow-up results involving 72 polyethylene liner THAs and 78 metal liner THAs from a multicenter, randomized, controlled, investigational device exemption study are reported. Mean Harris hip scores of 95.54 (polyethylene liner group) and 95.23 (metal liner group) were reported at mean follow-up intervals of 3.29 and 3.23 years. Radiographic evaluation revealed no evidence of early failure. No acetabular components have been revised or are pending revision. No statistically significant differences in the data were calculated between liner types except for the immediate postoperative (P=.0415) and minimum 2-year follow-up (P=.0341) angles of inclination. The M2a-taper metal-on-metal articulation may represent a viable alternative for THA in younger, higher demand patients.

The fate of the posterior cruciate ligament in primary total knee arthroplasty is controversial. An algorithmic approach is presented that is based on pathologic criteria for evaluating and treating patients with primary total knee arthroplasty that will aid in the posterior cruciate ligament decision-making process, producing more predictable procedures and outcomes. A consecutive series of the first 120 patients (171 knees) who had primary posterior cruciate-retaining arthroplasty and the first 120 patients (180 knees) who had primary posterior-stabilized arthroplasty with a minimum 5-year followup in which the Maxims Complete Total Knee System and the algorithmic approach were used were compared. No statistically significant differences in outcome between the groups were observed. Among the patients who had posterior cruciate-retaining arthroplasty, no revisions attributable to aseptic loosening have been reported at an average followup of 6.39 years. The average followup Knee Society total score was 162.16 points, with 91 (54.8%) knees having excellent outcome ratings. No revisions attributable to aseptic loosening have been reported among the patients who had posterior-stabilized arthroplasty at an average followup of 5.98 years. The average followup Knee Society total score was 158.05 points, with excellent outcome ratings reported in 96 (54.9%) knees. The use of a standardized algorithm has streamlined the treatment of patients having primary total knee arthroplasty, consistently providing excellent clinical results when either retaining or sacrificing the posterior cruciate ligament.

The strategy for retention or removal of the acetabular component to address osteolytic activity is becoming an increasingly debated issue among joint replacement surgeons. It is paramount to the success of the revision surgery to eliminate the particulate debris source and thoroughly debride and graft the periacetabular regions. Visualization and complete access to all periacetabular regions require acetabular component removal. The authors present an opinion on acetabular component removal and introduce an impaction grafting method for addressing periacetabular osteolysis. The intermediate results at an average of 41 months are excellent with one patient requiring rerevision of the acetabular component at 83 months postoperative because of aseptic loosening. The outcome of revision total hip arthroplasty has been shown to be inferior to primary total hip arthroplasty, with each following revision having less probability for success equaling the preceding procedure. However, it is the authors' opinion that removing the entire acetabular component is the most prudent choice to eliminate and to avoid the introduction of adverse variables such as particulate debris and component malposition and nonconformity, which may contribute to the continuation of the osteolytic process.

A 59-year-old healthy man presented with osteoarthritis of his left hip that was recalcitrant to nonoperative treatment. He subsequently elected to have arthroplasty of the hip performed. At 3 months after arthroplasty, he returned reporting progressive groin pain: most remarkable was a palpable mass in the groin region. An arteriogram showed a radiodense mass adjacent to the acetabulum, and a computed tomography scan with contrast confirmed a large false aneurysm originating from the common femoral artery. In this particular case, a pointed Hohmann retractor punctured the common femoral artery, creating the dynamics of the development of a false aneurysm. Primary suture repair of the vascular defect was performed, followed by a complete and uncomplicated recovery of the patient to full activity. Since this case, the authors have discontinued the use of pointed. Hohmann retractors and now use a blunt, rounded Hohmann retractor during total hip arthroplasty without compromising acetabular exposure. However, care must be taken in blunt retractor placement to avoid retractor slippage during the procedure. This case shows the need for awareness of potential mechanisms for vascular injury related to total hip arthroplasty.

Between 1984 and 1986, 177 nonconsecutive, primary total hip arthroplasties were performed in 150 patients using the Mallory—Head Porous femoral component (Biomet, Warsaw, IN) inserted without cement. Average time to follow-up evaluation for the entire population (including all early revisions) was 76 months (6.3 years). There were 10 revisions (6%) with an average time to revision of 50 months (4.2 years). Two revisions were for component undersizing; three revisions were for aseptic loosening; four revisions were for acetabular component failure and one revision was due to a femoral fracture secondary to trauma. At the most recent follow-up visit, the average Harris hip score for all hips increased from 41.5 before surgery to 86.8 (P < .001). Radiographic assessments yielded an average Engh fixation score of 20.7. The Kaplan—Meier survival estimate for the average time to follow-up evaluation was 0.98. Based on our patient selection criteria and excellent intermediate clinical and radiographic results, the initial design strategies of the Mallory—Head Porous femoral prosthesis have been confirmed.

Seventy-four primary total hip arthroplasties were performed in sixty-eight patients between August 1990 and September 1991. Clinical assessments were made with use of the Harris hip score and, specifically, the pain component of that score. The preoperative radiographs were digitally quantified for calculation of the so-called canal-to-calcar ratio and the so-called cortical index. The postoperative radiographs were evaluated for the percentage of the cross-sectional area of the femoral canal that was occupied by the prosthesis; subsidence of the prosthesis; and adaptive osseous changes, including hypertrophic cortical remodeling, osteolysis, formation of sclerotic radiolucent lines around the prosthesis, and formation of a pedestal at the tip of the prosthesis. The indication for the arthroplasty was osteoarthrosis in fifty hips (68 per cent), avascular necrosis in fourteen (19 per cent), congenital dysplasia in six (8 per cent), and another diagnosis in four (5 per cent). The average duration of follow-up was thirty-one months (range, eleven to forty-six months). The average Harris hip score (and standard deviation) was 75 +/- 16.8 points (range, 29 to 100 points), and the average score for the pain component was 37 +/- 7.5 points (range, 0 to 44 points). The average canal-to-calcar ratio of the hips was 0.44 (range, 0.32 to 0.74), and the average cortical index was 0.54 (range, 0.33 to 0.66). The average subsidence of the component was 0.6 centimeter (range, 0.0 to 2.3 centimeters). The average fill of the canal was 100 per cent proximally, 97 per cent at the middle of the stem, and 92 per cent distally as measured on the anteroposterior radiographs made immediately postoperatively and 100, 95, and 90 per cent, respectively, as measured on the lateral radiographs. A failure occurred in twenty-one hips (28 per cent) in twenty-one patients, with an average time to failure of 21 +/- 13 months (range, one to forty-four months). The Kaplan-Meier survival estimate (and standard error) for this population was 0.45 +/- 0.11 (confidence interval, 0.67 to 0.23) at forty-four months. The average subsidence of the components that failed was 0.7 centimeter (range, 0.1 to 2.3 centimeters). There was no significant relationship between failure of the component and the age or sex of the patient, the diagnosis, or the side of the operation. Postoperative severity of pain (p = 0.09) or subsidence (p = 0.08) alone did not reach significance for predicting outcome. The Harris hip score alone (p = 0.05), the Harris hip score in combination with subsidence of the femoral component (p = 0.01), and the pain component of the Harris hip score in combination with subsidence of the femoral component (p = 0.01) were all significant for predicting outcome. No other measured radiographic variable was predictive of failure. Despite optimization of the fit of the component within the femoral canal and the percentage of the cross-sectional area of the femoral canal occupied by the component, the clinical results indicated a high rate of failure. Thus, these criteria are not the only requisites for stabilization of these femoral components without cement. On the basis of these data, we have discontinued the use of these intraoperatively customized, non-porous, smooth femoral prosthesis.

In an attempt to study the incidence of intraoperative femoral intercondylar fractures, two large series of posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (TKA) systems were reviewed. Eight hundred ninety-eight nonconsecutive primary posterior-stabilized TKAs were compared with a second nonconsecutive series of 532 posterior-stabilized TKAs. Unique to the secondary TKA system is an intercondylar sizing guide to aid in verification of the intercondylar resection size. In the initial series, 40 distal femoral intercondylar fractures were noted (rate = 1:22; nondisplaced, 35; displaced, 5). In the secondary series, one displaced distal femoral intercondylar fracture occurred (rate = 1;532). The difference in the rate of fracture between the two populations was statistically significant (P

The overall success or failure of knee arthroplasty is predicated on the successful combination of patient selection, meticulous surgical technique, and prosthetic design. Discussions regarding the outcome of knee arthroplasty frequently focus on the implants used and the surgical technique employed, with a less frequent focus on patient profile. However, the patient experience was further highlighted to me when I became the patient and experienced the consequences of knee arthroplasty firsthand. This experience offered me a greater insight into patient expectations, the importance of preoperative counseling, the severity of perioperative pain, and the issues involved in the rehabilitative period. Joint arthroplasty outcomes are dependent on the harmony existing between the patient's perioperative status, expectation level, motivational status, physician diagnostic and surgical skill, and the design characteristics of the prosthesis. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From 1981 through 1991, 3,032 primary total knee arthroplasties were performed using the Insall-Burstein Posterior Stabilized Condylar Prosthesis (IB-I, IB-II, and IB-II modified) (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN). Fifteen posterior dislocations occurred: 4 with the IB-I system occurring 2 or more years after surgery, 10 with the IB-II system (8 occurring 6 months after surgery and 2 occurring 2-3 years after surgery), and 1 with the IB-II modified system occurring 9 months after surgery. Statistically significant differences for the rate of dislocation between both the IB-I and IB-II modified arthroplasties versus the IB-II arthroplasties were found (P.001). In an attempt to identify a cause for these dislocations, the authors retrospectively assessed the 15 dislocated cases with respect to sex, age, weight, height, preoperative and postoperative Hospital for Special Surgery scores, preoperative and postoperative alignment, preoperative versus postoperative reconstruction dimensions, patellar thickness and height, and postoperative flexion and compared the results with those patients who did not experience dislocation. Possible etiologies and mechanisms of dislocation were sought. There were no significant differences between the control and study groups for any variable assessed, with the exception of postoperative flexion, which averaged 118 degrees for the study group and 105 degrees for the control group (P.001). Conservative management was successful in 11 cases. In September 1988 the IB-II system was introduced; modification of the tibial insert was made in January 1990.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Background As longevity of cementless femoral components enters the third decade, concerns arise with long-term effects of fixation mode on femoral bone morphology. We examined the long-term consequences on femoral remodeling following total hip arthroplasty with a porous plasma-sprayed tapered titanium stem. Methods Clinical data and radiographs were reviewed from a single center for 97 randomly selected cases implanted with the Mallory-Head Porous femoral component during primary total hip arthroplasty. Measurements were taken from preoperative and long-term follow-up radiographs averaging 14 years postoperative. Average changes in the proximal, middle and diaphyseal zones were determined. Results On anteroposterior radiographs, the proximal cortical thickness was unchanged medially and the lateral zone increased 1.3%. Middle cortical thickness increased 4.3% medially and 1.2% laterally. Distal cortical thickness increased 9.6% medially and 1.9% laterally. Using the anteroposterior radiographs, canal fill at 100 mm did not correlate with bony changes at any level (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient of -0.18, 0.05, and 0.00; p value = 0.09, 0.67, 0.97). On lateral radiographs, the proximal cortical thickness increased 1.5% medially and 0.98% laterally. Middle cortical thickness increased 2.4% medially and 1.3% laterally. Distal cortical thickness increased 3.5% medially and 2.1% laterally. From lateral radiographs, canal fill at 100 mm correlated with bony hypertrophy at the proximal, mid-level, and distal femur (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient of 0.85, 0.33, and 0.28, respectively; p value = 0.001, 0.016, and 0.01, respectively). Conclusion Stress shielding is minimized with the Mallory-Head titanium tapered femoral stem with circumferential proximal plasma-sprayed coating in well-fixed and well-functioning total hip arthroplasty. Additionally, the majority of femora demonstrated increased cortical thickness in all zones around the stem prosthesis. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III.

In an effort to identify prognostic indicators for knee manipulation, the authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 60 osteoarthritic patients with posterior stabilized knee implants who required manipulation (94 knees) between January 1984 and December 1986. They also studied the records of 28 consecutive osteoarthritic patients who were implanted with 41 posterior stabilized knees between January 1985 and September 1985 whose knees did not require manipulation (control group). In both patient groups the following parameters were assessed and compared: overall knee alignment, joint line elevation, anterior to posterior (AP) dimension of the knee, AP placement of the tibial component, patellar height, obesity, age, preoperative flexion, time of manipulation, single vs bilateral knee implants, final flexion, final Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, and the development of heterotopic ossification. The findings of this study showed that an increase in the AP knee dimension by 12% or greater was a critically independent variable that significantly pre- disposed patients to manipulation. They also show that quadriceps adhesions were another major factor leading to manipulation, and that rupturing of these adhesions led to an increase in heterotopic ossification. This review also indicated that 3 months after knee arthroplasty was a significant time for evaluation because knee flexion and HSS score at this point in the patient's recovery positively correlated with the final HSS score.

The efficacy of a postoperative blood salvage system was assessed in 239 consecutive patients undergoing total knee or total hip arthroplasty. Patients were randomly allocated to either a control group using a standard drainage system or to the study group using the Solcotrans blood salvage canister. The median amount of homologous blood required after operation by the study group was reduced by 74% from the amount required by the control group (mean, 67 ml vs 256 ml, respectively; P P

A prospective study of thirty-eight patients (seventy-six knees) who had had a primary bilateral total knee replacement and twelve patients (twenty-four hips) who had had a primary bilateral total hip replacement was conducted to assess the effect of postoperative suction drainage on wound-healing. A suction drain was placed on each patient's right operative wound, while no drains were used on the left. Otherwise, the same operative technique and method of closure were used in all wounds. Statistical analysis of the results showed no difference between the two sides with regard to the incidences of swelling or persistent drainage. Return of active function of the quadriceps and of range of motion of the knee in patients who had had a total knee replacement was also unaffected by the use of suction drains. We concluded that the routine use of suction drains for wounds is unnecessary after uncomplicated total joint arthroplasty.

Tapered titanium porous plasma-sprayed components have performed well in primary THA. To confirm the literature at longer followup we retrospectively reviewed all 1639 patients who underwent 2000 THAs in which a specific porous femoral component was used. One hundred fourteen patients (134 hips) were lost to followup leaving a cohort of 1525 patients (1866 THAs). The component is a tapered titanium plasma spray-coated design that remained relatively unchanged since its first implantation except for circumferential proximal porous coating added in 1986 and an offset option added in 1999. Minimum followup was 24 months (average, 119 months; range, 24 to 275 months). To date there have been 39 femoral revisions for an implant survival of 98%. Using the Kaplan-Meier method, cumulative survival with any stem revision as the end point was 98.6% at 5 years, 98.4% at 10 years, 97.1% at 15 years, and 95.5% at 20 years. Using aseptic revision for failure of ingrowth as the endpoint, stem survival was 99.1%. Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival with aseptic revision for failure of ingrowth as the endpoint was 99.4% at 5 years, 99.3% at 10, 15 and 20 years. Harris hip pain and total scores improved. This titanium, porous plasma spray-coated femoral component continues to demonstrate high long-term survival with a low rate of component revision for any reason or aseptic failure of ingrowth.Level IV, therapeutic study (case series). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

To make a contribution to a base of knowledge, research design must be sound and the data must be analyzed by the most efficient, powerful method available. In conducting orthopaedic research as well as when interpreting the orthopaedic literature, knowledge of multivariable analysis is essential in evaluating the effects of variables that may confound or influence the relationship of interest. An understanding of the basic tenets, underlying assumptions, and purposes of frequently used types of multivariable analysis is necessary for an accurate, critical evaluation of a study's results

Whereas femoral component modularity allows the surgeon to address a variety of femoral defects in complex total hip arthroplasty (THA), breakage of modular stems is a known complication that typically occurs at the taper junction. In response, a proprietary process of taper roller-hardening that increases taper strength by a factor of 3.5 was introduced in 1999. The authors reviewed a consecutive series of patients by a single surgeon who underwent cementless revision or difficult primary THA with a taper roller-hardened modular calcar replacement prosthesis, and have the potential for a minimum of two-year follow up. In 116 patients, 123 hips were involved. Two surgeries were primary, 101 were revision/conversion, 18 were for reimplantation after treatment of infection, and two were intramedullary total femur constructs, one of which was a reimplantation after sepsis. The patients' ages at surgery averaged 71 years, and BMIs averaged 28.12 kg/m2. Nine of the patients, all with single hip involvement, were lost to contact. Twenty-one patients, three of whom had bilateral hip involvement, expired during the follow-up period with implant outcome known. Follow up in the patients who survived averaged 44 (range: 18-78) months. Six femoral components have been revised: two (1.6%) due to recurrent sepsis, three (2.4%) due to sepsis, one (0.8%) from periprosthetic fracture, and none from septic loosening or component breakage. Survivorship with aseptic loosening as the end-point was 100%. In this series, roller-hardening appears to improve the durability of the tapered junction. No roller-hardened modular calcar devices have failed due to component breakage. However, their use is not recommended in the totally deficient proximal femur, as fatigue breaks of distally fixed monoblock extensively coated stems have been reported. Caution is advised when potting or anchoring any stem in the femoral diaphysis without reconstituting proximal bone stock and support.

This retrospective review was conducted to determine the incidence and minimum 5-year follow-up of varus placement of a tapered, proximally plasma-sprayed, titanium femoral component. Twenty-six (2.4%) of 1080 components were placed in > or = 5 degrees of varus in primary cementless total hip arthroplasty at one institution. Harris hip scores improved an average of 50 points. One stem was revised for malposition at 2.5 years, yet was well-fixed by radiographic criteria. Survival with aseptic loosening as an end-point is 100% with an overall femoral component survival of 96% at an average 10-year follow-up. A tapered, titanium component is reliably placed into appropriate position and is forgiving as to varus implant position.

Reconstruction of appropriate leg length is an important part of soft-tissue balance in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is one of the more common reasons for litigation after otherwise successful THA. The purpose of the study reported here was to analyze the accuracy of using preoperative templating and intraoperative referencing of the well leg to determine postoperative leg length in unilateral primary THA. Seven-hundred primary THAs performed at an institution by 3 surgeons were randomly selected from a computerized database. Cases with significant bilateral disease, congenital dysplasia, acute fracture, or previous surgery or without complete preoperative and postoperative radiographs were excluded. Three reviewers used a standardized method to measure preoperative and postoperative LLD. Included in the review were 410 THAs. Mean postoperative LLD was 3.9 mm lengthening (SD, 7.5 mm). In 20 THAs (4.9%), lengthening was more than 15 mm. Lengthening was more than 20 mm (maximum, 22 mm) in 4 THAs (1%). Of the 20 THAs with LLD of more than 15 mm, 14 involved hips that were longer preoperatively. Thirteen of these hips were reconstructed to within 10 mm of preoperative LLD. Only 2 patients with radiographic LLD of more than 15 mm perceived LLD. There were no differences in gender, height, weight, or body mass index. This method of preoperative templating and referencing the well leg intraoperatively is an inexpensive, reliable, and accurate method for determining leg length in primary THA and has few significant radiographic or clinical outliers.

Inability to achieve adequate range of motion (ROM) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) represents a frustrating complication for both patient and surgeon. Manipulation under anesthesia is indicated in TKA having less than 90 degrees ROM after six weeks, with no progression or regression in ROM. A modified technique has evolved for patients with chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) symptoms or persistent stiffness after standard manipulation. A retrospective review was conducted to determine the efficacy of the modified technique, which uses epidural anesthesia continued for postoperative analgesia, hospital stay of one to three days, continuous passive motion (CPM) for two to three days, and daily physical therapy (PT). Between 1997 and 2003, 5714 TKAs were performed in 4106 patients. Manipulation using a standard technique was performed on 334 (5.8%) knees in 273 patients. Manipulation using a modified technique was performed on 65 (1%) knees in 60 patients. Age averaged 58 years and body mass index (BMI) averaged 34.39. Follow up averaged 18.4 months. ROM improved significantly from 71 degrees to 102 degrees (p0.0001). Knee Society pain, function, and total clinical scores all improved significantly (all p0.0001). Successful results were observed in 48 (74%) knees. Four (6%) additional knees achieved a successful result after a subsequent manipulation. Nine (14%) knees required component revision for treatment of persistent arthrofibrosis, which included one full revision, five polyethylene exchanges, and three revisions of femoral component and polyethylene. Two significant complications occurred: one subdural hematoma and one death due to pulmonary embolism. Although not without complications, manipulation under epidural anesthesia represents a viable option for treatment of persistent stiffness after TKA; 80% of these difficult cases achieved successful results.

The perioperative care of the total hip-arthroplasty (THA) patient has undergone a significant evolution similar to advancements in the technical performance of the operative procedure itself. The concept of a rapid recovery protocol is the establishment of aggressive perioperative programmes with the distinct intention to speed recovery, reduce morbidity and complications, and create a programme of efficiency while maintaining the highest level of patient care. The establishment of a focused care plan will align short-term goals of THA with long-term goals which are to relieve pain, increase function, provide stability, and maintain durability.

Arthroplasty for intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients may allow early weightbearing and avoid fixation failure. Clinical results are reviewed in a consecutive group of acute arthroplasties (5 hemiarthroplasties and 29 total hip arthroplasties) performed via the anterolateral approach for intertrochanteric fractures. Age averaged 80.2 years. Follow-up averaged 35 months for living patients. Twenty-six patients died during follow-up. Time to death averaged 3.5 years. Five hips, all total hip arthroplasties, required subsequent surgeries: four for dislocation and one revised for sepsis. Acute intertrochanteric fractures are associated with high early mortality. In this series, a 15% complication rate and high mortality rate at 12 years was associated with acute arthroplasty. Dislocation is higher than in primary total hip arthroplasty utilizing the same surgical approach. The results do not support routine use of arthroplasty in treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures in the elderly.

Survivorship analysis has demonstrated the excellent long-term clinical success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Despite multiple attempts to enhance fixation with cementless technology, cemented TKA continues to be the "gold standard." The rate of loosening has diminished as the accuracy of implantation has been improved through sophisticated instrumentation and enhanced experience. Current technology with respect to computer-assisted surgery serves only to improve the accuracy of implantation, leaving materials as the weakest link in the long-term survivorship of TKA. Failure secondary to polyethylene wear has ranked as one of the most frequent causes for revision. Many issues have been identified as contributory to polyethylene wear and include the quality of the polyethylene, manufacturing process, nature of the tibial-femoral or patellofemoral articulation, area of contact, sterilization process, and issues pertaining to modularity and so-called backside wear. Long-term clinical studies have documented the success of direct compression-molded monoblock tibial components. However, the benefits of modularity are widely recognized and include the ability to fine tune soft-tissue balance after implantation of metallic devices. In an effort to combine the long-term success of direct compression molded monoblock tibial components with the occasional need for modularity, a convertible tibial component has been introduced. This device is manufactured as a direct compression-molded monoblock tibial component. The surgeon has the ability at the time of the surgical intervention, or any subsequent intervention, to convert the tibial component into a modular device. Therefore, this device addresses, in the majority of cases, the concerns that arise from backside wear.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are among the most successful procedures performed in terms of quality-of-life years gained. The long-term goals of arthroplasty, to relieve pain, increase function, provide stability, and obtain durability, are accomplished in the vast majority of cases. The short-term goals, however, have become the target of aggressive peri-operative programs that aim to speed recovery, reduce morbidity and complications, and create a program of efficiency while maintaining the highest level of patient care. The concept of rapid recovery is built upon the burgeoning interest in less-invasive and small-incision surgeries for (THA and TKA). However, the incision size does not appear to be the most critical aspect of the program. This article outlines the specific elements of the rapid-recovery program for lower-extremity arthroplasty patients, including pre-operative patient education, peri-operative nutrition, vitamin and herbal medication supplementation, preemptive analgesia, and post-operative rehabilitation. A holistic peri-operative, rapid-recovery program has lead to a significantly decreased hospital length of stay and significantly lower hospital readmission rates in patients who undergo primary THAs and TKAs. Combining these results with minimally invasive techniques and instrumentation should make recovery even faster.

Constrained acetabular components can treat or prevent instability after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We examine long-term results of 755 consecutive constrained THA in 720 patients (1986-1993; 62 primary, 59 conversion, 565 revision, 60 reimplantation, and 9 total femur). Eighty-three patients (88 THAs) were lost before 10-year follow-up, leaving 639 patients (667 THAs) available for study. Dislocation occurred in 117 hips (17.5%), in 37 (28.9%) of 128 constrained for recurrent dislocation, and 46 (28.2%) of 163 with dislocation history. Other reoperations were for aseptic loosening (51, 7.6% acetabular; 28, 4.2% stem; 16, 2.4% combined), infection (40, 6.0%), periprosthetic fracture (19, 2.8%), stem breakage (2, 0.3%), cup malposition (1, 0.1%), dissociated insert (1, 0.1%), dissociated femoral head (1, 0.1%), and impingement of 1 broken (0.1%) and 4 (0.6%) dissociated constraining rings. Although constrained acetabular components prevented recurrent dislocation in 71.1%, they should be used cautiously, with a 42.1% long-term failure rate observed in this series. Dislocation was common despite constraint with previous history as a significant risk.

Initial stability is critical for fixation and survival of cementless total hip arthroplasty. Occasionally, a split of the calcar occurs intraoperatively. A review of 1,320 primary total hip arthroplasties with 2-year follow-up, performed between August 1985 and February 2001 using the Mallory-Head Porous tapered femoral component, revealed 58 hips in 55 patients with an intraoperative calcar fracture managed with single or multiple cerclage wires or cables and immediate full weight bearing. At 7.5 years average follow-up (range, 2-16 years), there were no revisions of the femoral component, radiographic failures, or patients with severe thigh pain, for a stem survival rate of 100%. Average Harris hip score improvement was 33.8 points. Fracture of the proximal femur occurs in approximately 4% of primary THAs using the Mallory-Head Porous femoral component. When managed intraoperatively with cerclage wire or cable, the mid- to long-term results appear unaffected with 100% femoral component survival at up to 16 years.

The encouragement of a consumer-directed insurance market and the involvement of corporate America have led to a transformation of the healthcare system that will redefine patient expectations and the role of the physician. The expectation of a higher level of customer service, the role of electronic media, and an earnest regard for healthcare by the patient will impact the physician. Consumer-directed healthcare will call for a reprioritization, focusing on service, convenience, competency, quality, and low cost. Indifference to patient courtesies or failure to become involved in modern technology may cause the physician to be bypassed from this new healthcare system. As the business world integrates the business model into the medical profession, healthcare organizations will restructure themselves into well-organized business enterprises employing physicians. The singular physician may no longer be competitive with such business enterprises, leading to consolidation of organizations and a significant decision for the physician. The physician will have the unusual opportunity to either remain exclusively a medical professional or to also venture into the business world as an equity investor, participating in financial growth possibilities of those medical practice organizations that are for-profit. With the emergence of these new equity models of healthcare, the primary focus will be on profit, production, and service efficiencies. It is the responsibility of the physician to maintain professionalism and the commitment to quality and appropriateness of patient care. However, at the same time, the physician has the unique opportunity to participate in the distribution, economics, and subsequent financial profit of healthcare. The medical experience of the physician, coupled with business acumen, will be an unbeatable combination.

A retrospective review of two consecutive series of cementless primary THA performed simultaneously from November 1987 to February 1994 within a single orthopedic practice by three surgeons was conducted. A series using non-modular Mallory-Head Porous (Biomet Inc, Warsaw, Ind) femoral components was compared to a series using modular Sivash Range of Motion (DePuy, Warsaw, Ind) femoral components to evaluate whether modularity of the femoral stem body is necessary in cementless primary THA. Clinically and radiographically, both components performed at comparable levels with equally satisfactory results. Both series demonstrated effective femoral fixation as evidenced by excellent Engh fixation scores. However, this study has shown the importance of circumferential proximal porous-coating to form an effective seal, preventing the propagation of particulate debris. Modular systems were associated with a higher degree of technical difficulty, operative time, and blood loss.

The surgical approach is an important element in the quality of total hip replacement. Adequate surgical exposure based upon thorough fundamental knowledge of anatomy facilitates surgery and ensure optimum results in total hip replacement. Several surgical exposure techniques are utilized and have been described in the literature; all stress the importance of visualization of the acetabulum and the proximal femur in affording an atraumatic, expedient entry into the hip joint. Additionally, surgical exposure should be versatile, allowing for development to easily accommodate revision scenarios.

This article introduces an innovative collaboration between an orthopaedic surgeon's office and the hospital to assure complete and accurate admission information without duplication. With the use of point-of-care software, the assessment process was re-tooled. This change involved the patient/family assuming responsibility for completing paper and pencil in-depth history and systems review that was then used as part of the evaluation process and inputted into the database allowing for more effective outcomes assessment. In this re-tooling process, the concept of "sharing" information with the partnering hospital was explored. In collaborative discussions, the nursing admission assessment was targeted as a process where there was significant duplication. In fact, much of the information required on the 4-page form was already assessed and documented in the office setting. Consequently it was agreed that the majority of the inpatient nursing history/admission assessment form would be replaced with the assessment completed by the professional office staff. Because of incompatible software, the systems could not be linked but a printed copy of the form was sent to the hospital. Results measuring satisfaction, timesaving, and compliance with JCAHO documentation standards were part of the evaluation. Patients and clinicians were satisfied with the process. There was a significant timesaving for the in-patient RN which facilitated more direct contact with the patient and family.

The issues, approach, and technique regarding patellar revision have been presented. Even though patellar complications are a definite clinical problem, many factors causing patellofemoral complications have been determined, which should aid in their reduction. When revising the patellar component, one must be diligent in preoperative planning in order to adequately determine the etiology of the patellofemoral complication. The factors responsible for the specific patellofemoral complication can then be adequately addressed.

A series of 120 primary total hip arthroplasties with minimal 10-year follow-up, in which a cementless, proximal-to-distal, dual-tapered geometry femoral component was used, was reviewed. At a mean follow-up interval of 12.20 years, a mean Harris hip score improvement of 38 points was calculated. Three (2.5%) femoral components were revised secondary to aseptic loosening, yielding a 97.5% survivorship. Thigh pain was mild or absent in 96.6% of the cases. Distal femoral osteolysis was observed in