Mid-term results of Eclipse total shoulder arthroplasty

Aims The use and variety of stemless humeral components in anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) have proliferated since their advent in 2004. Early outcomes are reassuring but independent mid-term results are scarce. This independent study reports a consecutive series of 143 Eclipse stemless shoulder prostheses with a minimum five-year (5 to 10) follow-up. Methods Outcomes of 143 procedures undertaken for all indications in 131 patients were reviewed, with subset analysis of those for osteoarthritis (OA) (n = 99). The primary outcome was the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at a minimum of five years. Secondary outcomes were ranges of motion and radiological analysis of humeral radiolucency, rotator cuff failure, and glenoid loosening. Results Mean OSS at mean follow-up of 6.67 years (5.0 to 10.74) was 40.12 (9 to 48), with no statistically significant difference between those implanted for a non-OA indication and those for OA (p = 0.056) or time-dependent deterioration between two years and five years (p = 0.206). Ranges of motion significantly improved compared with preoperative findings and were maintained between two and five years with a mean external rotation of 38° (SD 18.1, 0 to 100) and forward elevation of 152° (SD 29.9, 90 to 180). Of those components with radiographs suitable for analysis (n = 83), 23 (28%) were found to have a least one humeral radiolucent line, which were predominantly incomplete, less than 2 mm, and in a single anatomical zone. No humeral components were loose. A radiolucent line was present around 22 (15%) of glenoid components, and 15 (10%) of components had failed. Rotator cuff failure was found in 21 (15%) components. The mean time to either glenoid or rotator cuff failure was greater than three years following implantation. Survivorship was 96.4% (95% CI 91.6 to 98.5, number at risk 128) at five years, and 94.3% (95% CI 88.2 to 97.3, number at risk 76) at seven years, both of which compare favourably with best results taken from available registries. Conclusion Functional and radiological outcomes of the Eclipse stemless TSA are excellent, with no loose humeral components at minimum five-year follow-up. The presence of radiolucent lines is of interest and requires long-term observation but does not impact on the clinical results. Of the eight revisions required, this was predominantly for glenoid and rotator cuff failure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):83–90.

Pressurized Carbon Dioxide Lavage Reduces the Incidence of a Radiolucent Line Around the Tibial Component Two Years After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Introduction: In cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA), pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) lavage prior to cement fixation can eliminate debris at the bone-cement interface and is considered effective for increasing cement penetration and preventing aseptic loosening. Regarding the risk of a preliminary diagnosis of implant loosening, a radiolucent line (RLL) is a valuable sign. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of a tibial RLL at 2 years after TKA with and without pressurized CO2 lavage.Methods: This is a retrospective study. One hundred knees from 98 patients were enrolled in this study. TKA was performed without pressurized CO2 lavage (CO2- group) for the first 47 knees, and with pressurized CO2 lavage (CO2+ group) for the next 53 knees. The depth of cement penetration was measured just after surgery, and the incidence of tibial RLL >2 mm, at 2 years after TKA was determined. Results: Significant differences between groups were not seen regarding pre- and postoperative clinical factors. The depth of cement penetration in each area was significantly higher in the CO2+ group. The frequency of knees with RLL >2 mm was significantly lower in the CO2+ group than in the CO2- group (p<0.001).Conclusions: Pressurized CO2 lavage improved cement penetration and decreased the incidence of tibial RLL >2 mm at 2 years after TKA. Since the RLL has been reported as a valuable sign for preliminary diagnosis of loosening, pressurized CO2 lavage appears effective for preventing loosening.

Clinical and radiological results of high offset tri-lock bone preservation stem in unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty at a minimum follow-up of 3 years

Background Although the high offset Tri-Lock bone preservation stem (BPS) was used widely, few studies explored the clinical and radiological results. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and radiological results of high offset Tri-Lock BPS in unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) at a minimum follow-up of 3 years. Methods 55 patients who underwent cementless THA with high offset Tri-lock BPS from 2017 to 2018 were followed for a minimum follow-up of 3 years. Patients were assessed clinically for complications, Harris hip score (HHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Femoral offset (FO), acetabular offset (AO), hip offset (HO), HO difference, and leg length discrepancy (LLD) were measured on the anteroposterior (AP) pelvic radiograph. Standard pelvic AP and lateral radiographs were used to evaluate for evidence of bone ingrowth, stem subsidence, stem alignment, radiolucent line around the stem, osteolysis, loosening, ectopic ossification, and femoral stress shielding. Results No patients reported complications during hospitalization nor the follow-up period. At a mean follow-up of 42.5 months, the mean HHS, WOMAC, and OHS scores showed a significant improvement from preoperative to the latest follow-up. No patients reported thigh pain. No revision nor sign of radiographic loosening had been detected. The high offset Tri-Lock BPS significantly improved the FO and HO postoperatively. HO difference and LLD were balanced postoperatively. No sign of stem subsidence, radiolucent line, osteolysis, loosening, ectopic ossification, nor severe stress shielding (more than grade 3–4) were observed at the latest follow-up. Conclusion The high offset Tri-Lock BPS demonstrated excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes at a minimum follow-up of 3 years. HO difference and LLD between legs decreased significantly and achieved balance postoperatively. Long-term follow-up is required for a definitive conclusion.

Long-term effects of cemented and cementless fixations of total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Background To determine the long-term effects (a minimum follow-up time 8.8 years) of cemented and cementless fixations used for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and China Wangfang database were interrogated for appropriate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) through July 2020. Data were extracted and assessed for accuracy by 2 of the authors acting independently. Any controversial discrepancies were resolved after discussion with a third author. Result Eight RCTs were included with low to moderate bias risks. The cemented fixation of TKA was comparable to cementless fixation in terms of implant survival (relative risk, 1.016; 95% CI 0.978 to 1.056; P = 0.417), Knee Society (KS) knee score (standardized mean difference (SMD), − 0.107; 95% CI − 0.259 to 0.045; P = 0.168), KS function score (SMD − 0.065; 95% CI − 0.238 to 0.109; P = 0.463), KS pain score (SMD − 0.300; 95% CI − 0.641 to 0.042; P = 0.085), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score (SMD − 0.117; 95% CI − 0.307 to 0.073; P = 0.227), HSS score (SMD − 0.027; 95% CI − 0.270 to 0.217; P = 0.829), range of motion (SMD 0.061; 95% CI − 0.205 to 0.327; P = 0.652) at ≥ 8.8 years of follow-up. In terms of radiographic outcomes at ≥ 8.8 years of follow-up, the incidence of a radiolucent line in the cementless group was lower than for the cemented group (SMD 3.828; 95% CI 2.228 to 6.576; P < 0.001). However, the maximum total point motion (MTPM) of the cementless group was greater than for the cemented group (SMD − 0.739; 95% CI − 1.474 to − 0.005; P = 0.048). Conclusions Long-term follow-up verified that cementless and cemented fixation have similar prosthesis survival rates, clinical scores and mobility. However, radiography suggested that each technique had an advantage with regard to the radiolucent line and MTPM.

Osteochondrosis of humeral capitellum though rare is a known condition in young children. High level of awareness is required to adequately diagnose and treat appropriately

Introduction: Osteochondrosis of humeral capitellum (Panner’s disease) is a rare condition. Very few cases are reported in the literature and may be overlooked or misdiagnosed. Most cases are unilateral in distribution and occur in young boys during the first decade of life. It is often difficult to distinguish osteochondrosis from osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum that occurs in older children and adolescents in the second decade of life. Case Report: We describe a case of a 6-year-old boy who presented with pain, subtle swelling and limited extension in his right elbow following a fall. Diagnosis of Panner’s disease was made 2 weeks later on follow-up based on classical features on plain radiograph of joint effusion, irregular delineation of the articular contour, and faint sclerosis of the capitellum with a radiolucent line in the subchondral bone. The patient had uneventful full functional recovery with conservative treatment: Rest, temporary immobilization, and subsequent remobilization. Conclusion: Osteochondrosis of humeral capitellum though rare is a known condition. It may be overlooked or misdiagnosed. High degree of awareness is required and diagnosis can be made with utmost care based on the age of presentation, clinical signs and clearly recognizable plain radiographic features of joint effusion, irregular articular outline with radiolucent line in subchondral bone and faint sclerosis of capitellum. Keywords: Osteochondrosis, humerus capitellum, Panner’s disease.

Early Term Radiographic Follow-Up of the Trident Tritanium Acetabular Component

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the two year clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients undergoing a primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the Trident Tritanium primary Cup. METHODS: 197 patients who underwent a direct anterior THA using a Tritanium acetabular component between 2011 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed by two surgeons from a single institution. The investigators, along with an independent physician, separately reviewed radiographs blinded to clinical data looking for radiolucent lines adjacent to the acetabular cup using the Charnley-DeLee zones. Clinical results were measured using acetabular revision surgery as an end point for failure. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Levels of Evidence, this study was consistent with a Level III Therapeutic study. RESULTS: 101 (48.73%) subjects did not exhibit any radiolucent lines around the acetabular component. 53 (26.90%) subjects displayed radiolucency in only one zone. 27 (13.71%) subjects displayed radiolucency in two zones, and 16 (8.12%) displayed radiolucency in all three zones. Radiolucency was most prevalent in zone 1 at 2 years with 83 (42.13%) subjects displaying radiolucency. There were five (2.54%) acetabular failures within two years of the index surgery. Of those 5 subjects, 3 displayed radiolucency in 1 zone, 2 displayed radiolucency in >1 zone, and 2 displayed radiolucencies >1 mm. CONCLUSION: In our study, the Tritanium Cup demonstrated a 2.54% failure rate for aseptic loosening at 2 year follow-up. In addition, 48.73% of patients displayed a radiolucent line in at least one Charnley-DeLee zone. We also observed a progression of radiolucencies between the 6 month radiographs and the 2 year radiographs.

Risk factors for a radiolucent line around the acetabular component with an interface bioactive bone cement technique after primary cemented total hip arthroplasty

Aims The main aims were to identify risk factors predictive of a radiolucent line (RLL) around the acetabular component with an interface bioactive bone cement (IBBC) technique in the first year after THA, and evaluate whether these risk factors influence the development of RLLs at five and ten years after THA. Methods A retrospective review was undertaken of 980 primary cemented THAs in 876 patients using cemented acetabular components with the IBBC technique. The outcome variable was any RLLs that could be observed around the acetabular component at the first year after THA. Univariate analyses with univariate logistic regression and multivariate analyses with exact logistic regression were performed to identify risk factors for any RLLs based on radiological classification of hip osteoarthritis. Results RLLs were detected in 27.2% of patients one year postoperatively. In multivariate regression analysis controlling for confounders, atrophic osteoarthritis (odds ratio (OR) 2.17 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04 to 4.49); p = 0.038) and 26 mm (OR 3.23 (95% CI 1.85 to 5.66); p < 0.001) or 28 mm head diameter (OR 3.64 (95% CI 2.07 to 6.41); p < 0.001) had a significantly greater risk for any RLLs one year after surgery. Structural bone graft (OR 0.19 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.29) p < 0.001) and location of the hip centre within the true acetabular region (OR 0.15 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.24); p < 0.001) were significantly less prognostic. Improvement of the cement-bone interface including complete disappearance and poorly defined RLLs was identified in 15.1% of patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for the acetabular component at ten years with revision of the acetabular component for aseptic loosening as the end point was 100.0% with a RLL and 99.1% without a RLL (95% CI 97.9 to 100). With revision of the acetabular component for any reason as the end point, the survival rate was 99.2% with a RLL (95% CI 97.6 to 100) and 96.5% without a RLL (95% CI 93.4 to 99.7). Conclusion This study demonstrates that acetabular bone quality, head diameter, structural bone graft, and hip centre position may influence the presence of the any RLL. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2021;2(5):278–292.