Search Results (23)

Background: Dual mobility (DM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) was introduced to reduce postoperative instability, one of the most frequent causes of revision after hip replacement. Its use has progressively expanded beyond revision surgery to selected high-risk primary cases; however, comparative data integrating both clinical and radiographic outcomes from real-world tertiary centers remain limited. Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted including 78 patients who underwent THA with a DM acetabular component between January 2019 and December 2024, and 78 matched controls who received conventional fixed-bearing THA during the same period. Matching criteria were age, sex, and procedure type (primary versus revision). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Radiographic evaluation focused on component positioning, radiolucent lines, and signs of loosening. Complications and revision rates were compared between groups. Results: The mean age was 71 ± 9 years, and 62% of patients were female. Mean follow-up was 38 months. HHS improved from 54 ± 10 preoperatively to 89 ± 8 postoperatively in the DM group (p < 0.001), with similar final functional outcomes in the conventional THA group (90 ± 9, p = 0.48), and comparable improvement between groups (p = 0.62). Radiographic parameters demonstrated stable fixation and appropriate component positioning in both groups, with no significant intergroup differences. The dislocation rate was numerically lower in the DM group (1.3% vs. 5.1%), although this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.37). No cases of intraprosthetic dislocation occurred. Overall implant survival free from revision at five years was 96.5% for DM and 94.7% for conventional THA (p = 0.47). Conclusions: DM THA achieved excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes, with a numerically lower dislocation rate than conventional THA. Mid-term implant survivorship was comparable between groups, supporting DM as a reliable option for improving stability in appropriately selected patients. Full article

Background: Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMC OA) is a prevalent degenerative disorder that causes considerable pain and functional limitations, especially in older individuals, whose ideal treatment is still debated in the literature. Various treatments are described to restore a good functional outcome of the thumb; over the past 50 years, biological arthroplasties have been considered the gold standard for treating advanced stages of TMC OA. However, in the last decade, the use of dual mobility cup prostheses has significantly increased, with numerous studies reporting excellent clinical outcomes. In this case report, we show the results of a patient treated on the left hand with suspension arthroplasty and on his right hand with dual mobility arthroplasty in one-stage surgery. The aim of this case report is to directly compare outcomes between trapeziometacarpal prosthesis and suspension arthroplasty performed simultaneously in the same patient. Case Presentation: The present case reports a 71-year-old male patient with bilateral TMC osteoarthritis, referred to our clinic in May 2024. His medical history included hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. On examination, the right hand showed grade 3 osteoarthritis according to the Eaton–Littler classification, with the trapezium maintaining adequate bone stock, making the patient eligible for trapeziometacarpal prosthesis implantation. Conversely, the left hand demonstrated scaphotrapezoid arthritis with a slight reduction in trapezial bone stock, indicating the need for trapeziectomy followed by suspension arthroplasty. Both procedures were performed during the same surgical session by the same experienced hand surgeon using a lateral approach. On the right side, the trapeziometacarpal joint surfaces were resected and replaced with a dual mobility prosthesis, while on the left side, the trapezium was excised, and suspension arthroplasty was performed using a slip of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon. Methods: The patient underwent simultaneous treatment with a dual mobility trapeziometacarpal prosthesis on the right hand and trapeziectomy with suspension arthroplasty on the left hand. Clinical outcomes (grip and pinch strength, pain, QuickDASH, satisfaction, and range of motion) were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Paired comparative statistics were applied with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: At all follow-up intervals (1, 3, 6, and 12 months), the hand treated with a trapeziometacarpal prosthesis demonstrated superior grip and pinch strength compared to the hand treated with trapeziectomy and suspension arthroplasty, with the greatest difference observed at 3 months. At 12 months, grip strength increased from 28 kg to 40 kg in the prosthesis-treated hand and from 25 kg to 33 kg in the suspension arthroplasty hand. Paired comparisons were performed at each follow-up interval up to 12 months, confirming a significant difference for grip strength. Pain levels (VAS, Visual Analogue Scale) decreased progressively in both hands, with a more rapid reduction in the hand treated with a trapeziometacarpal prosthesis, reaching statistical significance. QuickDASH scores indicated an earlier return to daily activities in the hand treated with the prosthesis, although this difference was not statistically significant. Patient satisfaction was consistently higher for the hand treated with a trapeziometacarpal prosthesis, with the patient reporting a ‘very satisfied’ rating at all timepoints. Range of motion recovery, assessed through the Kapandji score and measurements of thumb abduction and extension, also favored the hand treated with the prosthesis, with statistically significant differences for abduction and extension, whereas the hand treated with trapeziectomy and suspension arthroplasty demonstrated more gradual improvement over time. Conclusions: This case highlights the functional efficacy of both surgical approaches—biological arthroplasty and trapeziometacarpal prosthesis—in the treatment of TMC osteoarthritis. Both procedures resulted in a good clinical outcome and high patient satisfaction. However, recovery was noticeably faster in the hand treated with a trapeziometacarpal prosthesis, which is consistent with findings previously reported in the literature. These observations suggest that, while both techniques are valid and effective, trapeziometacarpal prosthetic replacement may offer a quicker return to function in appropriately selected patients. Full article

Background: Femoral neck fractures (FNFs) in the ageing population carry high risks of postoperative dislocation, with traditional total hip arthroplasty (THA) reporting rates up to 10%. Dual mobility THA (DM-THA) may provide enhanced stability, but evidence for third-generation implants like the Zimmer Biomet G7^® system remains limited. Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated 120 patients (mean age 71.6 years; 74% female) with acute displaced intracapsular FNF treated with DM-THA (2021–2023) using the G7^® system. Demographics, surgical details (cemented/uncemented stems), complications, and functional outcomes (Oxford Hip Score (OHS) at one year) were analysed against national benchmarks. Results: Zero dislocations and two peri-prosthetic fracture (0.8%, cemented stem) occurred. Thirty-day mortality was 0.8% (below national averages). Functional recovery was excellent (mean OHS: 41/48; 69% scoring ≥40). Surgical complications were minimal (one deep infection 0.8%). Medical complications (anaemia 6.6%, venous thromboembolism 4.2%) were significantly higher in high ASA groups (III-IV). Radiographs confirmed stable implants without loosening. Conclusions: The G7^® DM-THA system demonstrates exceptional stability and safety in FNF patients, with no dislocation risk and low peri-prosthetic fracture rates—even with cemented stems. These outcomes support its use in high-risk populations, though comparative studies with conventional THA are needed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Modular dual mobility (MDM) cups are constituted by a cobalt-chromium liner inserted into a standard acetabular shell, allowing for intraoperative indication and supplementary screw fixation of the acetabular component. MDM could face mechanical and biological issues, with the associated risk of elevated blood metal ions levels and adverse local tissue reactions. Methods: This is a monocentric retrospective study on a consecutive series of 105 patients who underwent primary unilateral THA with the G7 Dual Mobility Acetabular System cup (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA) from March 2019 to April 2023, and who were evaluated clinically and radiographically at a minimum two-year follow-up. All complications and revisions were recorded. Survivorship analysis with any revision surgery as endpoint was performed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Results: There were eighty-nine patients (follow-up rate 84.8%) who underwent clinical and radiographic follow-up. The mean follow-up was 2.5 ± 0.8 years. Revision-free survival was 98.0%. Three complications (2.8%) were recorded: one case of posterior dislocation, one periprosthetic joint infection and one post-traumatic periprosthetic femur fracture. Dislocation rate and infection rate were less than 1.0%. None of the patients were revised for adverse local tissue reactions. No cup loosening was observed. No cases of intraprosthetic dislocation, liner malseating or femoral notching were observed. Retroacetabular stress shielding was present in 43.0% of patients. Clinical scores significantly improved at the last follow-up compared with preoperative status (p < 0.0001): the final mean mHHS was 87.5 ± 5.3 and the final mean VAS was 0.5 ± 0.9. Conclusions: The Zimmer G7 modular dual mobility cup appears to be a safe and effective option and does not present specific implant-related mechanical and biological issues in primary total hip arthroplasty at a minimum two-year follow-up. Full article

Introduction: Instability following total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a challenging complication. Dual-mobility (DM) hip components are aimed at improving joint stability by increasing the head-neck ratio and jump distance. However, data regarding the efficacy of these implants in the trauma setting are scarce. This study aimed to compare the dislocation rates of DM bearings with conventional THA in patients undergoing primary THA for the treatment of hip fractures. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent THA for hip fractures between the years 2010–2022 and had a minimum follow-up of two years. Patient demographics and radiographic parameters, including cup version, leg length discrepancy (LLD) and femoral horizontal offset, were compared between patients who received DM bearings and patients who received conventional THA. Dislocation and revision surgery rates were also compared between the groups. Results: The study included 570 patients who met inclusion criteria, of which 82 patients were in the DM bearings group and 488 patients were in the conventional THA group. Baseline demographics and comorbidity profiles were comparable between the groups. Cup anteversion was significantly lower in the DM group (11.1° vs. 14.1°; p = 0.006), while no significant differences were observed in LLD nor femoral offset between the groups (p = 0.38, p = 0.69, respectively). Dislocation rates were similar between the DM and conventional THA groups (1.2% vs. 1.02%, respectively; p = 0.54). Furthermore, revision rates were similar between DM and conventional THA (1.22% vs. 2.87%, respectively; p = 0.387). Conclusions: While no significant differences in dislocation rates were observed between dual-mobility and conventional THA bearings, the significantly lower cup anteversion suggests a potential improvement in acetabular safe zone positioning, this could reflect a broader margin for error in implant positioning. Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate the biomechanical advantages of DM bearings in patients with hip fractures. Full article

Background/Objectives: The optimal treatment for femoral neck fractures (FNFs) in the elderly remains unclear. Internal fixation, bipolar hip hemiarthroplasty (BH), standard total hip arthroplasty (THA), or dual mobility (DM-THA) cups have been employed, each presenting various advantages and disadvantages. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated comparative studies of BH and DM-THA in FNFs among the elderly, aiming to ascertain differences in outcomes, including functional recovery, patient-reported outcome measures, implant survival, complications, and mortality rates. Methods: This meta-analysis followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines with a pre-registered PROSPERO protocol (CRD420251065762). A comprehensive search of electronic databases and grey literature included only comparative studies of BH and DM-THA in patients over 65 years with FNFs. Results: Sixteen studies were eligible, comprising four randomised controlled trials and twelve retrospective comparative studies involving 11,460 patients (10,036 BH; 1424 DM-THA). Patients with DM-THA exhibited a higher postoperative Harris Hip Score (4.55, p < 0.0001), alongside a lower dislocation risk ([OR] 2.77, p < 0.0001), a reduced revision rate ([OR] 2.36, p < 0.0001), and decreased mortality ([OR] 1.94, p < 0.0001). The operative time was somewhat longer in the DM-THA group, by 12.71 min, and blood loss was greater by 121 mL, indicating significant heterogeneity across the studies. Conclusions: DM-THA for FNFs in elderly patients results in improved functional recovery and lower dislocation, reoperation, and mortality risk. However, longer operative times and increased blood loss remain significant considerations. Further, well-designed comparative studies are required to evaluate overall cost-effectiveness and define the optimal age threshold, beyond which the limitations of DM-THA may outweigh its benefits. Full article

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is widely regarded as the primary treatment for acetabular fractures, but limitations arise in complex cases, leading to non-anatomical reductions and increased risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Given the high incidence of secondary arthritis (12–57%) following ORIF, total hip arthroplasty (THA) is often necessitated, particularly in scenarios unsuitable for ORIF, such as extensive comminution or combined femoral head and neck fractures. The surgical landscape has shifted from a traditional “fix or replace” to a more integrated “fix and replace” approach, especially beneficial in managing elderly patients with osteoporotic bones. THA is applied across various timelines, including acute (0–3 weeks), delayed (3 weeks to 3 months), and late (beyond 3 months), each presenting distinct challenges and requiring specific strategies to optimize outcomes. The importance of precise bone defect classifications and the role of dual mobility cups in reducing dislocation risks are highlighted, alongside the use of modern surgical and fixation techniques to improve stability and patient outcomes. Enhanced recovery protocols and meticulous postoperative management are critical to addressing complications, such as infections and hardware interference, tailoring treatment approaches to each patient’s needs, and advancing care for complex acetabular fractures. Full article

Background/Objectives: The stability of dual mobility (DM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) is often attributed to reduced impingement incidence and a superior range of motion (ROM) compared to the corresponding values when standard implants are used. However, few studies have directly explored this. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to compare the incidence of impingement and the range of motion between standard and DM acetabular cups, whose diameters are suited to the same patient anatomy. Methods: One standard and two DM implants were virtually implanted into a pelvis using a previously developed geometric model. Joint motions, which were representative of seven dislocation-prone activities of daily living (ADLs), as well as walking, were applied to each device type at a range of cup orientations (inclination/anteversion). Conclusions: There were no placement positions that avoided impingement across all seven ADLs, regardless of cup construct type. A similar impingement incidence and ROM were observed for standard and DM constructs, although the consequences of impingement are potentially more serious for DM devices (metal–metal contact) than for standard constructs (metal–polyethylene contact). This finding contradicts the common notion that DM-THAs have a reduced impingement incidence and superior ROM, instead suggesting that their stability may be attributed to alternative mechanisms, such as increased jump distance. Full article

Introduction: Intertrochanteric femoral fractures (IFFs) are the most common traumatic injuries in elderly people and significantly impact the patient’s health status. The current evidence indicates that short intramedullary nails may be a better choice than dynamic hip screws in IFF management, being less invasive and biomechanically superior, providing a buttress to limit fracture collapse. On the other hand, an unstable fracture may collapse even after adequate reduction and fixation. This paper aims to describe the surgical complexity of the nail-to-total hip arthroplasty (THA) conversion, focusing on the restoration of normal hip geometry. Material and Methods: Patients referred to our level I trauma center with failed cephalomedullary nailing following IFFs and managed with the nail-to-THA conversion were retrospectively recruited. The anteroposterior postoperative pelvis radiographs were analyzed to establish whether the normal biomechanics of the involved hip were restored. The following radiographic parameters were recorded and compared to the contralateral unaffected side: hip offset, cervical–diaphyseal angle, and limb length discrepancy. Clinical assessment was performed using the following scores: the Harris hip score (HHS) and the visual analog scale for pain (VAS). The independent samples t-test and the Pearson correlation test were performed. The tests were two-tailed; a p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 31 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria (10 males and 21 females; mean age: 76.2 years; range: 66–90 years) and were included in this study. The modes of trochanteric nail failure included the following: cut-out in 22 cases (70.97%), non-union in 4 cases (12.9%), peri-implant fracture in 1 case (3.23%), cut-through in 2 cases (6.45%), and femoral head avascular necrosis (HAN) in 2 cases (6.45%). Long stems were used in 21 patients out of 31 (67.74%), while dual-mobility cups were implanted in 24 patients out of 31 (77.41%). A significant mean neck shaft angle (NSA) increase (p < 0.001) and a significant mean femoral offset reduction (FO, p 0.001) compared to the contralateral hip were recorded; a mean limb length discrepancy (LLD) of 8.35 mm was observed. A significant correlation between HHS and ∆NSA (p = 0.01) and ∆FO (p = 0.003) was recorded. Conclusions: Conversion from a cephalomedullary nail to THA is a complex procedure that should be considered a revision surgery, rather than a primary surgery. Surgeons must be aware that normal hip geometry may not be obtained during this surgical procedure; thus, a patient undergoing the nail-to-THA conversion for intertrochanteric fixation failure may have an increased risk of implant-related complications. Full article

Proximal femoral fractures (PFFs) are the most frequent type of bone injury among the elderly. In Italy alone, 906,111 hospital admissions for hip fractures were recorded between 2007 and 2017. Globally, due to the aging population, the number of cases is expected to rise to 21.3 million by 2050. In older individuals, fractures of the femoral neck are commonly managed with prosthetic implants. While hemiarthroplasty has long been the standard treatment, total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasingly favored for more active or functionally demanding patients. Among the surgical options, dual mobility THA (DM-THA) stands out for its potential to significantly reduce postoperative complications, particularly dislocations, when compared to both conventional THA and hemiarthroplasty. This study aimed to determine the most effective surgical strategy—dual mobility THA versus hemiarthroplasty—for managing femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. A thorough literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, focusing on the most recent and relevant publications. The findings highlight a consistent trend: patients treated with DM-THA generally experience better outcomes than those receiving hemiarthroplasty. Based on current evidence, DM-THA should be regarded as the preferred intervention for elderly individuals with femoral neck fractures, except in cases where severe comorbidities or anesthesia-related risks require a more conservative approach. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to show that virtual surgical planning (VSP) and printed anatomical models support the reconstruction of the center of rotation (COR) and pelvic BRIM during revision hip surgery using a dual-mobility revision cup system in patients with anterior pelvic column damage and soft tissue envelope deficiency. Methods: Patients with anterior pelvic column damage and soft tissue envelope deficiency underwent revision hip arthroplasty. Virtual planning included assessment of bone segmentation, positioning of the cementless revision cup while maintaining the COR, and the assumed inclination and anteversion angles. Results: The diameter of the planned revision cups was 65.5 ± 2.1 mm, and the diameter of the revision cups used was 65.3 ± 2.1 mm. The difference in COR position in the horizontal axis was 7.8 ± 9.3 mm, in the vertical axis was 4.3 ± 5.9 mm, and in the axial plane was 1.6 ± 3.3 mm. The differences in inclination angle and in the anteversion angle were 12.4° and 8.7°, respectively. Conclusions: The use of VSP and 3D models supports the process of performing RHA surgery in patients with damage to the anterior pelvic column and soft tissue envelope deficiency. Full article

The use of 3D-printed highly porous titanium acetabular cups in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasing. The porosity and mechanical properties of such highly porous titanium structures mimic those of natural cancellous bone, possibly allowing biological implant fixation to be improved. Recently, a 3D-printed highly porous Dual Mobility (DM) monobloc construct fully manufactured using Ti6Al4V alloy, with a titanium–niobium nitride (TiNbN) ceramic coating on the articular side to allow articulation against the mobile liner by improving the titanium vs. polyethylene tribological behavior, was introduced in THA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first highly porous titanium monobloc DM implant on the market. The reasons for using a Ti alloy highly porous DM are multifarious: to prevent any possible adverse reactions due to the corrosion of Cobalt–Chromium–Molybdenum Alloy (CoCrMo) and Stainless Steel (SS) implants and to improve implant primary and secondary stability, particularly in cases of poor bone quality. Finally, with the introduction of an inner TiNbN ceramic coating surface, it was possible to overcome the poor tribological quality of titanium. Another interesting characteristic is this material’s higher implant radiolucency, which might facilitate the radiographic assessment of cup orientation, which can, in turn, facilitate the detection of any intraprosthetic dislocation (IPD) and the measurement of polyethylene wear, which is very important in the study of the durability of THA. Full article

Spine and hip abnormalities frequently occur together in most of the orthopedic population; therefore, both of these abnormalities impact the outcomes of the modalities that are being used. Few studies have reported reduced dislocation and revision rates with the use of dual-mobility cups (DMCs) in high-risk lumbar spine fusion (LSF) patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aims to clarify the relationship between pre-existing lumbar spinal fusion and the outcomes of THA with dual-mobility constructs. We systematically reviewed the current literature through several online databases following PRISMA protocol and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We used the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) to evaluate the methodological quality of the included trials. Four studies examined the feasibility and effectiveness of dual-mobility cups in patients undergoing primary THA with prior LSF. Two studies were conducted in the United States, while the other two originated in Finland and France, respectively. The included studies enrolled 284 patients. Most of these patients had instrumented fusions. Seventy-eight percent of patients received one- or two-level fusions. The average age across the studies was 68.22 and the mean body mass index was 28. No cases of postoperative DMC implant dislocations were identified. The incidence of postoperative complications was 6% (10/173), including deep venous thrombosis, periprosthetic loosening, infection, and fracture, greater trochanteric fracture, and superficial wound infections. Most included studies had some methodological limitations, with an average MINORS score of 10.5 ± 5.8. The use of dual-mobility cups in these high-risk patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty may lead to reduced dislocation rates and postoperative complications. Further long-term follow-up studies are warranted to support these findings. Full article

Background: Dual mobility (DM) has been proven to reduce dislocation risk after total hip arthroplasty (THA). In the last decade modular DM (modDM) constructs have been introduced to allow the use of DM articulation with standard cementless acetabular shells. However, clinical evidence of modDM effectiveness is still low in primary THA and concerns about implant-related complications are increasing. This retrospective comparative multicenter study is aimed to investigate if the dislocation rate after primary THA could be reduced with modDM in comparison to standard bearing (SB). Methods: 262 THAs were performed between 2017 and 2019, using SB (129 hips) or modDM (133) with the same cementless highly porous modular acetabular cup. Dislocations, complications and revisions were recorded and implant survival was analyzed. Results: At 2.5-year mean follow-up, dislocation occurred in 4 hips (3.1%) within the SB group while intraprosthetic dislocation in 2 hips (1.5%) within the modDM group (p = 0.44). Implant survivals with revision due to dislocation were 95.2% and 95.9% at 4-year follow-up for SB and modDM, respectively (p = 0.50). Conclusions: modDM used in primary THA might reduce dislocation rate in comparison to SB, even in high-risk patients, however, caution is advocated due to specific intraprosthetic dislocation. Full article

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most common surgical procedures in orthopedics; however, it is subjected to different kinds of failures, one of them being dislocation. Many different prosthetic designs have been developed to overcome this problem, such as dual mobility coupling. The main purpose of this article is to determine whether there are differences regarding the revision surgery of unstable THA comparing the risk of failure between dual mobility cup (DMC) implants, standard implants, and among different head sizes. A registry-based population study has been conducted by analyzing data collected by the Emilia Romagna Registry of Orthopedic Prosthetic Implants (RIPO), including a total of 253 implants failed for dislocation and instability that were operated on by cup revision surgery between 2000 and 2019. The selected population has been divided into two groups based on the insert type: standard and DMC. The age at revision surgery was significantly lower in the standard cup group with respect to DMC (p = 0.014 t-test), with an average age of 71.2 years (33–96 years range) for the standard cups and 74.8 years (48–92 years range) for the DMC group. The cumulative survival of DMC implants was 82.0% at 5-years, decreasing to 77.5% at a 10-year follow-up, which is not significantly different from standard cups (p = 0.676, Log-Rank test). DMC implants showed a significantly lower risk of re-revision for dislocation compared to standard cups (p = 0.049). Femoral heads ≥36 mm had a higher overall survival compared to smaller femoral heads (p = 0.030). This study demonstrated that DMC or femoral heads ≥36 mm are a valid choice to manage THA instability and to reduce the revision rate for dislocation at a mid-term follow-up; in those selected and targeted patients, these options should be taken into consideration because they are associated with better outcomes. Full article