J. Ryan Martin

Medial Tibial Stress Shielding: A Limitation of Cobalt Chromium Tibial Baseplates.

BACKGROUND Stress shielding is a well-recognized complication associated with total knee arthroplasty. However, this phenomenon has not been thoroughly described. Specifically, no study to our knowledge has evaluated the radiographic impact of utilizing various tibial component compositions on tibial stress shielding. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 3 cohorts of 50 patients that had a preoperative varus deformity and were implanted with a titanium, cobalt chromium (CoCr), or an all polyethylene tibial implant. A radiographic comparative analysis was performed to evaluate the amount of medial tibial bone loss in each cohort. In addition, a clinical outcomes analysis was performed on the 3 cohorts. RESULTS The CoCr was noted to have a statistically significant increase in medial tibial bone loss compared with the other 2 cohorts. The all polyethylene cohort had a statistically significantly higher final Knee Society Score and was associated with the least amount of stress shielding. CONCLUSION The CoCr tray is the most rigid of 3 implants that were compared in this study. Interestingly, this cohort had the highest amount of medial tibial bone loss. In addition, 1 patient in the CoCr cohort had medial soft tissue irritation which was attributed to a prominent medial tibial tray which required revision surgery to mitigate the symptoms.

Complex Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: Long-Term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND Total knee arthroplasty in patients with severe preoperative deformity, ligamentous instability, and/or marked bone loss occasionally requires a varus and valgus constrained or rotating-hinge design prosthesis. The purpose of this study was to compare patient populations that underwent primary total knee arthroplasty with constrained or unconstrained total knee arthroplasty implants to determine patient demographic characteristics, long-term survival, and reasons for reoperation and revision for each group. METHODS We identified 28,667 primary total knee arthroplasties performed from 1979 to 2013 at our institution. A total of 427 knees had a varus and valgus constrained design and 246 knees underwent rotating-hinge total knee arthroplasties. Patient demographic information and preoperative diagnoses were analyzed by implant type. A multivariate analysis was performed to account for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Kaplan-Meier survival rates for each complication leading to reoperation or component revision were determined at 10 and 20 years. Adjusted hazard ratios were determined for the most common causes for reoperation and revision compared with a routine total knee arthroplasty control group. RESULTS Patient demographic characteristics were significantly different (p < 0.05) between all groups for age, sex, and BMI. The varus and valgus constrained and rotating-hinge groups had decreased survival free of all-cause reoperation at 10 and 20 years compared with the unconstrained total knee arthroplasty group, with a hazard ratio of 1.74 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.36 to 2.23) for the valgus and varus constrained group and 2.07 (95% CI, 1.58 to 2.70) for the rotating-hinge group. The adjusted hazard ratio for all-cause revision was significantly higher for the varus and valgus constrained group at 1.65 (p = 0.007) but not for the rotating-hinge group at 1.48 (p = 0.054) compared with the unconstrained total knee arthroplasty group. Wear and osteolysis, infection, and fracture were the most common reasons for component revision in both groups. CONCLUSIONS We found increased reoperation and revision rates associated with the use of constrained implants at the time of index total knee arthroplasty. The rate of component revision for any reason at 10 years was >2 times higher in the constrained total knee arthroplasty groups compared with the unconstrained total knee arthroplasty group. At 20 years postoperatively, the component revision rate was >3 times higher. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Construct rigidity: Keystone for treating pelvic discontinuity

Background: Pelvic discontinuity is uncommon and presents the surgeon with complex reconstructive challenges. The objective of this study is to report the results of current strategies used in the treatment of pelvic discontinuity. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data on 113 consecutive revision total hip arthroplasties performed for the treatment of unilateral pelvic discontinuity at a single institution. The study included 18 male and 95 female patients with a mean age of 63 years at the time of revision surgery. Preoperative, immediate postoperative, and latest follow-up radiographs were reviewed to assess healing of the discontinuity as well as acetabular component stability. Treatment modalities included an uncemented cup with a posterior column plate (50 hips; 44%), a cup-cage construct (27 hips; 24%), an antiprotrusio cage with or without a posterior column plate (26 hips; 23%), and an uncemented cup alone (10 hips; 9%). The average duration of follow-up for each of these types of surgical reconstruction was similar (range, 3.9 to 7.2 years). Results: Five-year revision-free survivorship of the implant was best with a cup-cage construct (100%) and worst with an uncemented cup with a posterior column plate (80%) and a cup alone (80%). Healing of the discontinuity was achieved in 50% of the hips with an uncemented cup alone, 74% of the hips with an uncemented cup and a posterior column plate, 74% of the hips with a cup-cage construct, and 88% of the hips with an antiprotrusio cage construct (91% of these hips when structural allograft was used). The overall complication rate was 26.5%. The average Harris hip score improved from 54 preoperatively to 69 postoperatively (95% confidence interval: 50 to 57 preoperatively and 65 to 72 postoperatively; p = 0.017). Conclusions: Improved survivorship and healing rates were seen in this series when a reconstruction cage was used as an adjunct to an uncemented cup (cup-cage) or in combination with structural allograft bone that bridged the discontinuity. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Rotating platform versus fixed bearing total knee arthroplasty at mid-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND Rotating platform posterior stabilized (RP) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was initially developed in part to decrease polyethylene wear and to improve patellar tracking. There have been limited studies evaluating the longevity and causes of reoperation or revision for this implant. The following study compares mid-term survival rates and causes for reoperation between fixed bearing (FB) TKAs. METHODS We identified 11,416 patients who underwent a primary posterior stabilized TKA between 2001 and 2013. This group was stratified to include patients with a RP (n=926) and FB (n=10,490) TKA design. Kaplan-Meier survival rates for each complication that led to reoperation were determined at five- and 10-years. Univariate hazard ratios were determined for the most common causes for reoperation and overall implant survival rates. A multivariate analysis was performed to account for the age, gender and preoperative diagnosis discrepancy between groups. RESULTS The reoperation data demonstrated statistically increased all-cause reoperation rate (p=<0.001) and reoperation rate for stiffness in the RP group (p=0.001). After adjusting for demographic variables we noted no statistically significant differences in reoperation rate and reoperation for stiffness. Additionally, a statistically significant decrease was noted in all-cause revision (p=0.024) and revision for aseptic loosening or osteolysis in the RP group (p=0.029). CONCLUSION After adjusting for patient demographic differences, we noted a statistically significant decrease in the overall revision and revision for aseptic loosening or osteolysis rates in the RP group.

Unique Failure Mechanism of a Femoral Component After Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

As the prevalence of revision total hip arthroplasty increases, the mechanisms of failure of these revisions have become better delineated. Several studies have indicated infection, instability, and aseptic loosening to be the more common mechanisms of failure in revision surgery. However, with increasing numbers of revisions performed, unique mechanisms of failure are being seen, likely related to the implants that are used in the revision setting. Revision implants offer certain advantages over primary implants with the use of modular components. The revision implants allow the surgeon to increase offset and leg length with modular femoral bodies and necks. However, these modular junctions represent additional areas for implant failure. These new methods of failure associated with modular implants are slowly presenting as the use of these implants continues to increase. The authors recently encountered a mechanism of failure that, to their knowledge, has not been described in the literature. They report a 57-year-old man with dissociation of the proximal body from the diaphyseal component of a Wright Medical Link (Memphis, Tennessee) stem prosthesis. The patient presented with an audible click on physical examination, and radiographs confirmed dissociation of the proximal body. The intraoperative findings, treatment method, and proposed mechanisms for this type of failure are presented, as well as insight into potential ways to avoid this type of failure.

Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty for Arthrofibrosis

BACKGROUND Arthrofibrosis after TKA is a significant cause of patient dissatisfaction. There is little evidence regarding revision arthroplasty in this patient population. The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcomes after revision TKA for arthrofibrosis. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 46 consecutive revision TKAs for arthrofibrosis between 2007 and 2015 with minimum 2-year follow-up. Range of motion (ROM), complication rates, and Knee Society Scores (KSS) were recorded. RESULTS Patients were followed for a mean of 59 months. ROM and KSS significantly improved: with flexion improving from 88° to 103° and extension improving from 11° to 3° (P < .001). There was not a relationship between patient or surgical factors and outcomes in this study. The rate of complications was 28.2% with a 17.4% reoperation rate. CONCLUSION While revision for arthrofibrosis after TKA can be associated with significant improvements in ROM and KSS, caution is advised given high rates of revisions, reoperations, and complications. Thirty percent of patients in this series had a decrease in one or more component of the KSS or a net decrease in arc of motion after revision surgery.

Autologous Osteochondral Transfer for Management of Femoral Head Osteonecrosis

The following chapter is a case report of a 25-year-old female who underwent a hip arthroscopy and subsequently developed osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The osteonecrosis was felt to be sequelae of a postoperative hip subluxation. She underwent a hip core decompression at an outside institution for pre-collapse osteonecrosis. However, she progressed to focal collapse of her femoral head. Given her significant pain and wishes to return to an active running lifestyle, she declined nonoperative measures as well as a total hip arthroplasty (THA). We proposed a surgical procedure to include a surgical hip dislocation with osteochondral autograft transplantation of a non-weight-bearing region of her femoral head to the weight-bearing osteonecrotic region of the femoral head in addition to injection of bone marrow concentrate into the necrotic segment. We describe the surgical procedure in detail as well as the postoperative protocol utilized. At 5 months post-op, the patient underwent trochanteric hardware removal. At 2 years post-op, the patient had returned to running 15 min per day with minimal pain and was very pleased with the results.

Coronal alignment predicts the use of semi-constrained implants in contemporary total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Semi-constrained, or varus-valgus constrained, implants are occasionally necessary to achieve stability in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, outcomes with these implants are largely unknown. Therefore, the primary goals of this study were to determine 1) can we identify preoperatively which patients might require a semi-constrained implant and 2) are there any clinical and or radiographic differences for those that require a semi-constrained implant? METHODS A multicenter retrospective study was performed to retrospectively review patients that had a Stryker Triathlon (Kalamazoo, MI) TKA with a Total Stabilized (TS) tibial insert (n=75). This TS cohort was subsequently matched 1:1 based on age, gender, and BMI to a cohort of patients with the same primary TKA design with a PS insert (n=75). Preoperative and postoperative radiographic and clinical data were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Preoperatively, the TS cohort had significantly greater varus (9.72 vs. 3.48; p=0.0001) and valgus (14.1 vs. 7.57; p=0.0001) deformity. Post-operatively, there were no statistically significant differences in revisions (p=1), reoperations (p=1), or complications (p=1). Mean clinical and radiographic follow-ups were equivalent between groups (25.5 vs. 25.8months, p=0.8851). CONCLUSION As suspected, use of a semi-constrained insert to achieve intraoperative coronal stability was most predicted by preoperative coronal deformity (either varus or valgus). Longer follow-up and larger patient cohorts are necessary to determine.

Metal Artifact Reduction Sequence Mri Abnormalities in Asymptomatic Patients with a Ceramic-on-polyethylene Total Hip Replacement

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a commonly utilized screening modality in patients with a metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip replacement. The prevalence of clinically important fluid collections may be overestimated since these collections have been reported to occur in asymptomatic patients with MoM and other bearing surfaces. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and types of MRI-documented adverse local tissue reactions in asymptomatic patients with a ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP) total hip replacement. Methods: Forty-four patients (50 hips) with a minimum 2-year follow-up after total hip arthroplasty with CoP implants and a Harris hip score of >90 were enrolled in this study. The inclusion criteria were the absence of hip pain and the availability of appropriate follow-up radiographs. All patients underwent a metal artifact reduction sequence (MARS) MRI scan to determine the presence of fluid collections in asymptomatic patients with a CoP bearing surface. Results: Fluid collections were observed in 9 (18%) of 50 asymptomatic hips in this cohort. There were 5 hips with intracapsular synovitis, and 2 of these hips had a thickened synovium. Extra-articular fluid collections with direct intracapsular communication were identified in 4 additional hips. Two of these hips had a thickened synovium. No signs of osteolysis or evidence of adverse local tissue reactions were noted on radiographs at the most recent follow-up. Conclusions: This study revealed that fluid collections are not uncommon after total hip arthroplasty with CoP implants. Synovial thickening may be present and is more prevalent than has been reported in previous studies involving metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) bearing surfaces. The clinical importance and natural history of these findings remain unknown. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Midterm Clinical and Radiographic Results of Mobile-Bearing Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Constrained implants are frequently required in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and are associated with an increase in aseptic component loosening and damage or wear to the constraining mechanisms, compared with primary TKA. The purpose of the following study was to evaluate the midterm clinical and radiographic results including the incidence of bearing complications in a group of patients undergoing revision TKA using mobile-bearing revision TKA implants. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 316 consecutive mobile-bearing revision TKAs performed at 2 centers between 2006 and 2010. There were 183 women and 133 men with a mean age of 66 years. The patients were evaluated clinically using the Knee Society scores. A radiographic analysis was performed. Bearing specific complications (ie, instability or dislocation) were recorded. RESULTS Patients were followed-up for a minimum of 24 months and a median of 59.88 months (range 24-121.2). The average Knee Society knee score and function scores increased from 40.8 and 47.9 points preoperatively to 80 points and 70.3 points, respectively (P < .01). The average knee flexion improved from 105.6° preoperatively to 117.4° postoperatively (P < .01). Eight patients required subsequent implant revision. No cases of bearing complications were observed. CONCLUSION Revision TKA using mobile-bearing revision components demonstrated favorable midterm clinical and radiographic results with no occurrence of bearing instability or dislocation. Longer follow-up is required to evaluate for potential advantages of mobile-bearings over fixed-bearing revision components in terms of polyethylene wear reduction, reduced stress transmission across fixation interfaces, and reduced stress on the polyethylene post.