Bone vibration measurement using ultrasound: application to detection of hip prosthesis loosening

Hip prosthesis loosening can be determined in vivo using a vibration-based technique called vibrometry. In this technique, a low frequency (<1000Hz) sinusoidal vibration is applied to the femoral condyles and the resulting vibration is measured at the greater trochanter. If the prosthesis is securely fixed, the output vibration signal matches that of the input vibration, whereas if the prosthesis is loose, the output vibration signal is distorted and shows the marked presence of harmonics of the input frequency. One of the main problems with this application of this technique is in measuring the output vibration where significant amounts of soft tissue cover the measurement site. In order to circumvent this problem, an ultrasound probe, normally used for the measurement of blood flow, has been used to measure the output vibration. This has been evaluated by comparing the results obtained from the ultrasound probe with those from a conventional accelerometer in models representing a tight and loose hip prosthesis under simulated clinical conditions. The ultrasound probe was able to consistently detect the output vibration, for both the loose and secure prostheses. Under the test conditions used (which attempted to simulate a large thickness of soft tissue), the ultrasound probe was able to produce a greatly enhanced output vibration signal compared to the accelerometer. This suggests that the use of an ultrasound probe to detect mechanically induced vibration through significant amounts of soft tissue appears to be viable and could lead to enhanced detection of prosthesis loosening using this technique.     

A vibrational technique for diagnosing loosened total hip endoprostheses: An experimental sawbone study

Aseptic loosening of hip implants is a severe orthopaedic problem and a valid diagnosis is often difficult. A potential method to determine loosening of the prosthesis is a swing analysis of the bone-implant interface using a vibrational technique. In this study, hip models were constructed to assess the vibration behaviour of the stem and cup components. Four different states of implant loosening were simulated: (1) stem and cup stable, (2) stem loosened and cup stable, (3) stem and cup loosened, and (4) stem stable and cup loosened. The model was excited at the lateral condyle of the femur between 100 Hz and 2000 Hz. Resonance spectra were recorded using an optical laser vibrometer and an accelerometer-based system. Analysis of the spectra revealed shifts of the resonances towards lower frequencies, especially in the case of a loosened stem component. The integral value of the spectra was a second parameter that was sensitive to a stem loosening. In the case of a loosened cup, a peak count analysis resulted in a significantly higher number of counts. In our model, different states of implant loosening could be determined with a vibrational technique and the localisation of the loosened component could be distinguished as well.     

Investigation of an acoustic-mechanical method to detect implant loosening

Precise diagnosis of loosening of endoprosthetic implants plays an important role in timely, adequate treatment. However, today's diagnostic tools, mainly radiological evaluation, do not yield satisfactory results. Therefore, a new approach based on the transmission of an internally generated combined acoustic and vibration signal, was investigated. For signal generation, a magnetic oscillator which impinges inside an implant component, can be used. The signal can be detected by an external accelerometer being positioned on the skin surface. Differences in the signal generated result from varying degrees of implant fixation. This principle was tested in seven porcine foreleg specimens with a custom implant. Influence of the measurement location at the porcine skin and different levels of fixation were investigated (pressfit, slight loosening, advanced loosening), with regard to the pull-out strength. Evaluation of different parameters, especially the frequency spectrum resulted in differences of up to 12% for the comparison between pressfit and slight loosening, and 30% between pressfit and advanced loosening. A significant correlation between the measured frequency and the pull-out strength for different levels of fixation was found. Thus, the novel diagnostic method shows potential for the precise detection of implant loosening. Further work is required to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the proposed system in animal experiments.     

Comparison of knee joint functional laxity after total knee replacement with posterior cruciate-retaining and cruciate-substituting prostheses

The objective of this study was to measure three-dimensional knee motion or functional laxity with implants which either retained the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL+) in ten patients, or substituted for excised PCL with a posterior stabilized articulating surface (PCL-S) in ten patients. The intent was to identify the specific influence and significance of the presence of the PCL under active flexion and extension. Internal-external rotation (screw home movement) and anterior-posterior translation (femoral rollback phenomena) with active extension and flexion were chosen to characterize knee joint functional laxity, and were measured using an instrumented spatial linkage. Knees with a PCL+ implant exhibited both screw home movement and femoral rollback, while knees with a PCL-S design exhibited only femoral rollback. A knee with a PCL+ implant was more able to reproduce the normal kinematics of the screw home movement and femoral rollback, compared to a PCL-S design.     

A randomised RSA study of Peri-Apatite HA coating of a total knee prosthesis

BACKGROUND: In total knee replacement, sound early fixation of the prosthesis is crucial for achieving a good long-term result and for minimising the risk of loosening. Various types of prosthetic material, different surface textures and shapes and the incorporation of screws or pegs have been used to achieve good fixation, particularly in the uncemented knee. Hydroxyapatite (HA) coating of prosthetic joint components is another technique used to enhance early stability and so to improve the longevity of the prosthesis-bone fixation. HA ceramic coatings are mostly plasma sprayed onto the fixation surface of the implant. Plasma spraying is largely a 'line of sight' technique and as such there are difficulties involved when covering three-dimensional planes, such as porous beaded fixation surfaces typically found on several knee prostheses. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical performance of the solution-deposited HA coating, Peri-Apatite , with regard to its ability to stimulate an endurable and stable implant fixation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We randomised 60 patients into two groups; one group received the porous coated prosthesis with solution-deposited HA, and the other group received a prosthesis without HA. Radiostereometric examination was used as the primary tool for measuring migration in the prosthetic components. RESULTS: There was a lower incidence of early subsidence in the Peri-Apatite group. At 24 months there were no differences in clinical scorings or maximal total point motion. CONCLUSION: Addition of solution-deposited HA coating appears to provide better early stable fixation in a porous coated knee prosthesis.     

Intra-operative evaluation of cementless hip implant stability: a prototype device based on vibration analysis

Cementless implants are mechanically stabilized during surgery by a press-fitting procedure. Good initial stability is crucial to avoid stem loosening and bone cracking, therefore, the surgeon must achieve optimal press-fitting. A possible approach to solve this problem and assist the surgeon in achieving the optimal compromise, involves the use of vibration analysis. The present study aimed to design and test a prototype device able to evaluate the primary mechanical stability of a cementless prosthesis, based on vibration analysis. In particular, the goal was to discriminate between stable and quasi-stable implants; thus the stem-bone system was assumed to be linear in both cases. For that reason, it was decided to study the frequency responses of the system, instead of the harmonic distortion. The prototype developed consists of a piezoelectric exciter connected to the stem and an accelerometer attached to the femur. Preliminary tests were performed on four composite femurs implanted with a conventional stem. The results showed that the input signal was repeatable and the output could be recorded accurately. The most sensitive parameter to stability was the shift in resonance frequency of the stem-bone system, which was highly correlated with residual micromotion on all four specimens.     

Expression of the CD69 activation antigen on lymphocytes of patients with hip prosthesis

The aim of the study was to evaluate the sensitization to metals in patients with Co-Cr hip prosthesis. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from 14 healthy donors and three groups of patients: 10 candidates for primary total joint replacements, 11 patients with well-fixed implant and 13 patients with aseptic loosening of the hip prosthesis. PBMCs were cultured with the metal ions employed for implant manufacturing and the expression of CD69 activation antigen on CD3/T lymphocytes was detected by flow cytometry. Chromium extract increased significantly the expression of CD3/CD69 phenotype in patients with loosening of hip prosthesis. The chromium-induced 'activation index' was higher in patients with loosening of hip prosthesis than in healthy donors and in pre-implant patients. The cobalt-stimulated PBMC of patients with either well-fixed or loosened prosthesis had an 'activation index' significantly higher than healthy donors. The activation index values were used to graduate the PBMC-response as 'normal' (> or = 0.9 and < 2), 'low' (< 0.9) and 'high' (> or = 2): an high-activation index was observed only in chromium-exposed PBMC of patients with prosthesis. Our data show that chromium released from orthopedic implants could be responsible for the lymphocyte sensitization and flow cytometry is an easy and reliable method for monitoring the hypersensitivity state in patients with metal prostheses. Activated lymphocytes in the peri-implant tissue are likely to elicit a localized immune response and contribute to maintain the inflammatory process evolving in the implant failure.     

Loosening of total hip prosthesis

The problem of total hip prosthesis is an immediate and long-term stability. An insufficient bone anchorage of the prosthesis produces a tissue reaction around the implant that causes a loosening. The hight incidence of loosening of cemented total prosthesis has spurred the research into uncemented implants. The experience at the Busto Arsizio Hip Center (Director Prof. R. Bombelli) with more than 2,800 R.M. uncemented isoelastic total hip prostheses was favorable and the study with the cooperation of Pathology Department (Director Prof. P. Lampertico) of the 82 loosening hips has shown: 1) the importance of the elasticity for a stress transmission to the surrounding bone; 2) the pursuit of the most suitable stem calibre and length; 3) the necessity of a stable primary mechanical fixation, waiting for a biological reaction.     

In vivo detachment of a tibial stemmed component and subsequent extraction

Revision knee arthroplasty may be complicated by bone loss and limited bone contact can lead to high stresses at the bone implant interfaces and subsequent loosening. We report an unusual case of loosening of a revision knee implant and the novel technique used for its extraction prior to further revision.     

Early failure of a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty design with an all-polyethylene tibial component

Refined prosthetic designs and surgical techniques for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty have recently been associated with improved outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the EIUS unicompartmental design, which has an all-polyethylene tibial component, and to compare these outcomes with published reports of other unicompartmental prostheses. Between February 2002 and March 2005, 113 patients (144 knees) underwent a medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, all performed by a single surgeon who used the EIUS prosthesis. At a mean follow-up of 36 months (range, 24–54 months), the mean Knee Society objective and functional scores improved from 55 points (range, 31–77 points) and 49 points (range, 35–60 points) to 92 points (range, 45–100 points) and 89 points (range, 10–100 points), respectively. The implant survival rate was 89%, with 16 knees either revised or scheduled for revision. The reasons for revision included aseptic loosening of the tibial component (eight knees), progressive symptomatic patellofemoral disease (four knees), and tibial component subsidence (four knees). Multiple regression analysis revealed that age, gender, and body mass index were not significantly correlated with success or failure of this design, although nine of the 16 patients who required revision were obese. This prosthesis was associated with higher revision rates than components which utilize metal-backed implants. Further modifications in the design, indications, or technique may be necessary to improve outcomes of this unicompartmental knee arthroplasty system.     

膝关节单髁置换界面应力失效分析

目的 分析骨水泥型胫骨假体平台界面应力,确定界面应力损伤区域,为临床单髁置换胫骨平台的应力失效问题提供参考。方法 通过人体动力学软件模拟完整周期的步态,获得膝关节的承力条件;利用医学影像及三维重建软件建立完整的膝关节模型并进行单髁置换;通过有限元法分析单髁置换后胫骨假体平台界面应力的分布规律。结果 步态下膝关节的力和角度随时间呈周期性变化,1.3 s为1个周期,膝关节合力峰值为760 N;界面最大剪切应力为11.82 MPa、最大拉应力6.849 MPa,均发生在假体-骨水泥界面的内侧前端拐角处;对于界面的最大应力,钛合金假体低于不锈钢假体。结论 假体的弹性模量减小可以降低界面最大主应力,从界面应力考虑,钛合金假体优于不锈钢假体;胫骨假体平台界面损伤区域主要在内侧前、后端拐角和外侧中端处,故提高该区域假体-骨水泥结合能力能防止单髁膝关节胫骨假体平台松动。研究结果对临床中单髁术后胫骨假体平台松动预防具有实际意义。     

Biological responses to individualized small titanium implants for the treatment of focal full-thickness knee cartilage defects in a sheep model

BackgroundThe present study aimed to evaluate the functional, radiological and histological outcome of a customized focal implant for the treatment of focal full-thickness cartilage defects in sheep.MethodsThe study used magnetic resonance imaging data as the basis for construction of the titanium implant using a three-dimensional printing technique. This was then placed on the medial condyle of the knee joint in eight sheep and left in place in vivo over a period of six months. Following euthanasia, the local biological response was analyzed using micro-computed tomography, light microscopy and histological evaluation (International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score). The variables were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model. Odds ratios were given with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsThe osseointegration rate was 62.1% (SD 3.9%). All implants were prone to the neighboring cartilage bed (4.4–1096.1 μm). Using the IRCS score, the elements ‘surface’, ‘matrix’, ‘cell distribution’ and ‘cell population’ all showed pathological changes on the operated side, although these did not correlate with implant elevation. On average, a difference of 0.7 mm (± 2 mm) was found between the digitally planned implant and the real implant.ConclusionsAs a result of imprecise segmentation and difficult preparation conditions at the prosthesis bed, as well as changes at the surface of the implant over the operational lifetime of the prosthesis, it must be stated that the approach implemented here of using a customized implant for the treatment of focal full-thickness cartilage defects at the knee did not meet our expectations.     

The cemented inset biconvex patella in revision knee arthroplasty

Evaluation of a cemented biconvex inset patellar component used in revision knee arthroplasty at minimum five year follow-up was undertaken. Of the initial cohort of 89 knees in 85 patients, two patellar implants were revised for aseptic loosening following a transverse fracture of the patella associated with avascular necrosis. A further four implants were judged radiographically loose. Aseptic loosening of the implant was strongly correlated with the presence of avascular necrosis radiographically. Fracture of the patellar bone remnant was associated with a radiographically measured thickness of residual patellar bone of less than 6 mm. Survivorship of the implant using aseptic revision as the endpoint was 98% at 10 years and 86% at 14 years given one late failure. We conclude that the cemented biconvex inset patellar component can give satisfactory results in revision of patellar components if avascular necrosis does not occur.     

Mechanical compression of a fibrous membrane surrounding bone causes bone resorption.

Early micromovement and migration of a prosthesis of a hip or knee predicts late clinical loosening of the prosthesis. Such migration is likely to be associated with mechanical compression of the fibrous membrane interpositioned between bone and prosthesis during movement. Compression of the fibrous membrane by loading may lead to locally high fluid pressures reaching the underlying bone tissue. It has been established that high fluid pressures can lead to bone resorption. This resorption may eventually lead to clinical loosening of the prosthesis. We developed an experimental model to study the effects of compression of a soft tissue layer located between a titanium implant and cortical bone. In twelve rabbits, this device was implanted in the proximal tibia and allowed to osseointegrate. Next, a layer of soft tissue was allowed to form between titanium and bone. Subsequently, in six rabbits a cyclic load of 60 times in 2 min per day during 2 weeks was applied, leading to compression of the interpositioned soft tissue layer only. In the other six rabbits no load was applied. In all six loaded specimens, osteocyte death and bone resorption was observed underneath the area where compression of the fibrous membrane was exerted to a depth exceeding the amplitude of the loading device. Furthermore, formation of fibrocartilage was observed in the loaded areas. Formation of fibrocartilage, osteocyte death or bone resorption did not occur in the controls. Our results indicate that compression of a fibrous membrane surrounding bone can lead to resorption of the underlying bone primarily because of osteocyte death and subsequent resorption of dead bone tissue. This may explain the observation that early migration of a hip or knee prosthesis is predictive of clinical loosening of the prosthesis.     

Long-term survivorship of total knee arthroplasty with a single-radius,high-flexion posterior stabilized prosthesis

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine functional outcomes, implant survival rate, and complications of a single-radius, high-flexion posterior stabilized (PS) total knee prosthesis at a minimum follow up of 10 years for a consecutive series.MethodsThis retrospective observational study included 395 consecutive patients who underwent 585 single-radius, PS total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) between January 2009 and December 2009. Their functional outcomes, implant survival rates, radiological findings, and complications were evaluated.ResultsAt a mean follow up of 11.2 years (range, 10.6–11.8 years), 395 (80.8%) patients were available for review. At final follow up, preoperative Knee Society knee scores were improved from 37.3 to 80.1 (P < 0.05) and function scores were improved from 35.7 to 80.5 points (P < 0.05). Sixteen knees (2.7%) in 15 patients required revision surgery due to 11 septic loosening (1.9%) and five aseptic loosening events (0.8%). Cumulative survival for the prosthesis was 97.3% for any cause at 10 years. A total of 34 radiolucent lines (5.8%) were detected an average of 2.4 years following surgery and radiological assessment did not reveal any evidence of component migration at final follow up.ConclusionsSingle-radius, high-flexion PS TKA showed good long-term survival rates and clinical outcomes. Further study is required to determine whether limited radiolucency findings at the tibial component–tibial plateau could progress to or result in the loosening of components.     

Evaluation of preserved bovine tendon xenografts: a histological, biomechanical and clinical study

Glutaraldehyde treated bovine tendon xenografts have been introduced into clinical trials as human knee ligament replacements recently, following animal experiments. This paper reports a further clinical study in which complications arose from implant debris. A laboratory study showed that the implants were not absorbed or integrated into the tissues of the host animals, as had been claimed by the originators. Mechanical tests of tendon reconstructions showed that the implants were not functional. It was concluded that this material is not suitable for clinical use within the knee joint as a cruciate ligament prosthesis.     

半侧上颌骨缺损赝复体修复固位方案的生物力学评价

目的 对3种单侧上颌骨缺损赝复体修复方式——卡环固位、一根/两根颧种植与卡环联合固位进行生物力学评价。方法 基于CT扫描数据建立正常人颅骨的三维有限元模型,通过三维有限元法计算分析3种重建模型中上颌复合体的应力分布,综合比较赝复体、基牙、卡环、种植体、颧骨的应力水平。结果 单一的卡环固位,基牙应力峰值达130.7 MPa,赝复体产生位移4.439 mm,卡环应力峰值达452.4 MPa,健侧眶缘应力为23.32 MPa;加入一根颧种植后,卡环应力减小至118.1 MPa,基牙应力峰值为31.12 MPa,健侧眶缘应力仅为5.387 MPa。两根颧种植体固位方式下,颧骨应力由66.11 MPa减小到48.12 MPa;颧种植体上的最大应力也由500.2 MPa降至313.8 MPa。 结论 颧种植与卡环联合固位,颌面骨骼应力分布更符合咬合力传导规律。研究结果将为人体上颌单侧缺损重建方案设计和优化提供重要参考数据。     

A straightforward method of assessing the accuracy of implantation of knee prostheses

Accurate component placement in knee replacement surgery is important. The precision with which the implants are placed directly affects patient outcome as implant position and alignment influence stability, durability and patellar tracking. The ability to measure the accuracy of implantation of knee replacement components is valuable in assessing not only ones own technique but also in evaluating new instruments or implants and in teaching. The standard AP and lateral radiographs employed by most surgeons give inadequate information to assess alignment of each component accurately. We present a straightforward way of assessing femoral and tibial component alignment by using a series of three radiographs. This technique is reproducible and can be performed using standard equipment in any radiology department. This technique was applied to 160 total knee replacements performed using newly developed instrumentation. It was shown to be simple and the measurements were reproducible, with very little inter observer bias. We believe this technique has a role in audit, teaching, training and assessing new techniques and instruments.     

全膝关节置换假体松动时滑膜液中的诊断性标志物

背景：人工关节置换后的无菌性假体松动一直是全膝关节置换后常见的并发症,是否与骨性关节炎的发生时的腱糖蛋白c、白细胞介素6和肿瘤坏死因子等许多细胞因子的作用密切相关？ 目的：观察全膝关节置换后无菌性假体松动发生时假体滑膜液中白细胞介素6、肿瘤坏死因子α和腱糖蛋白c的表达。 方法：实验组选择45例全膝关节置换翻修患者,对照组为25例首次进行膝关节置换的患者。实验排除炎性关节炎、二次关节炎感染至全身或自身免疫病以及合并肝炎、恶性肿瘤、服用激素、免疫抑制剂等疾病史的患者。取各组患者假体滑膜液,Western blot检测腱糖蛋白c剪切变异体的表达,ELISA分析假体滑膜液中白细胞介素6,肿瘤坏死因子α和腱糖蛋白c水平的变化。 结果与结论：Western blot结果显示假体松动后假体滑膜液中存在大的腱糖蛋白c突变体。假体松动后滑膜液中白细胞介素6、腱糖蛋白c的水平大约是对照组的3倍,肿瘤坏死因子α水平大约是对照组的2.5倍。证实假体松动后假体滑膜液中腱糖蛋白c的含量升高,提示腱糖蛋白c可以作为诊断假体松动有效的标志物。     

Periprosthetic knee infection reconstruction with a hinged prosthesis: Implant survival and risk factors for treatment failure

BackgroundSevere bone and soft tissue defects are common after failed two-stage exchange arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). There is a paucity of evidence on the outcomes of using a hinged prosthesis for knee PJI reconstruction during second-stage re-implantation, especially regarding implant survivorship, reinfection risk factors, and functionality after successful reconstruction.MethodsA total of 58 knee PJI patients with Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI) type II/III defect and soft tissue insufficiency underwent reconstruction with hinged prosthesis. Enrolled patients adhered to a two-stage exchange arthroplasty protocol and were evaluated for a mean follow up of 65.1 months. Kaplan–Meier analysis was conducted for implant survivorship and infection-free survival. Multivariate analysis was used to determine independent risk factors for recurrent infections. Knee Society Score (KSS) was used to evaluate functional outcomes.ResultsThe survivorship of hinged prosthesis was 86.2% at 2 years and 70.2% at 5 years. Infection-free analysis revealed an estimation of 68.9% at 2 years and 60.6% at 5 years. Of the 58 patients, 13 (22.4%) developed recurrent PJI, three (5.2%) aseptic loosening, and one (1.7%) periprosthetic fracture. Multivariate analysis revealed that obesity (hazard ratio (HR), 3.11), high-virulent pathogen (HR, 3.44), and polymicrobial infection (HR, 3.59) were independent risk factors for reinfection. Patients showed a mean improvement of 32.8 ± 7.7 in Knee Society Clinical Score (KSCS) and 30.8 ± 11.0 in Knee Society Function Score (KSFS) after successful reconstruction (P < 0.001).ConclusionsUsing hinged knee prosthesis for PJI reconstruction provided an overall implant survival of 70.2% and an infection-free survival of 60.6% at mid-term follow up. Obesity, virulent pathogens, and polymicrobial infections were independent risk factors for infection recurrence.