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Thomas K Fehring

Publications and source records attributed to Thomas K Fehring.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Early failure in total hip arthroplasty.

Although some patients experience a success rate greater than 90% after total hip arthroplasty, others require revision surgery within 5 years after the index procedure. The purpose of our study was to analyze the failure mechanisms in patients who had revision surgery within 5 years after index total hip arthroplasty. We retrospectively reviewed 824 revision total hip arthroplasties performed in 692 patients from 1986-2001. Seven hundred forty-five patients had adequate data. Two hundred ninety-one (39%) patients had revisions within 5 years after index arthroplasty. Ninety-six (33%) patients had revision surgery for instability, 88 (30%) for aseptic loosening, 41 (14%) for infection, 14 (5%) for osteolysis, 44 (15%) for failed painful hemiarthroplasties, and eight (3%) for periprosthetic fractures. Early revisions for aseptic loosening decreased from 38% in the early period to 24% in the current period, whereas revisions for instability increased from 9% to 42%. We were alarmed that 39% of the revisions at our institution were performed during the first 5 years after index surgery. Although improved fixation methods decreased early revisions for loosening, early revisions for instability increased substantially during the same time. Steps to avoid short-term failure must be taken.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed2006

Removing well-fixed total knee arthroplasty implants.

UNLABELLED: Revision total knee arthroplasty requires the removal of one or all of the prior knee components. Thoughtful and careful removal of well-fixed total knee components can preserve host bone stock and facilitate subsequent reconstructive efforts. The tools and techniques for knee component removal include simple osteotomes, saws, extraction devices, ultrasonic devices, and frequently a combination of some or all of the above. It is the unique nature of each revision arthroplasty, which presents the surgeon with such challenge. Each of the techniques discussed in this review reflects the anecdotal experience acquired in over 800 revision total knee arthroplasties performed at our center. We review our empiric bias regarding the individual applicability of these techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic studies, Level V (expert opinion). See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of Levels of Evidence.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee↗
PubMed2006

When computer-assisted knee replacement is the best alternative.

We studied whether computer-assisted surgery could properly align total knee arthroplasty when traditional instrumentation was not possible or appropriate. We identified 16 patients (18 knees) who we believed could not be treated using traditional instrumentation because of posttraumatic femoral deformity, retained femoral hardware, a history of osteomyelitis, or severe cardiopulmonary disease. Computer-assisted surgery was successfully used in 17 knees; we were unable to accurately register the hip in one morbidly obese patient. We judged the overall mechanical axis of the limb using computer-assisted surgery acceptable in 16 of 17 knees. One patient with a major posttraumatic biplane deformity had an overall mechanical axis in 4 degrees of varus. Computer-assisted navigation seemed helpful in difficult situations where accurate alignment remains crucial, yet traditional instrumentation is not applicable.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee↗
PubMed2006

Importance of a balanced-gap technique in rotating-platform knees.

Rotating-platform knees are constructed of highly conforming polyethylene to reduce contact pressures that potentially cause wear. The mobile nature of the rotating platform can lead to bearing spin-out. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of spin-out in a single series. A total of 426 knees in 393 patients were included in the study. All knees were implanted using a balanced-gap technique. The average follow up was 3.2 years. There were no cases of bearing spin-out. The author concludes that the balanced-gap technique reliably prevents spin-out in mobile-bearing total knee implantation. This implantation technique provides the potential wear benefits of the rotating platform design with a nominal bearing spin-out rate.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Ligamentous balancing in rotating-platform knees.

The primary objectives of total knee arthroplasty are to reduce pain, maximize range of motion (ROM), and provide stability through the gait cycle. Pain relief depends on proper ligamentous balancing and solid implantation. Solid implantation is typically assured through cementation, whereas soft-tissue balancing is vital to ensure maximum ROM and stability. Special consideration should be given to obtaining proper axial alignment, symmetric tension on the ligaments in both flexion and extension, and equalizing the flexion extension gaps. Strategies to ensure proper alignment and ligamentous balancing intraoperatively are discussed.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee↗
PubMed2005

Cementless revision total hip arthroplasty without allograft in severe proximal femoral defects.

This study evaluates the difficult reconstructive challenge of severe proximal femoral bone loss. We present intermediate-term results of 46 hips with extensive proximal femoral bone loss that underwent revision total hip arthroplasty using cementless distal fixation without supplemental allograft. All were evaluated with the Harris hip score at a minimum of 2 years. Radiographs were assessed using the Engh fixation scale. At a mean of 6.4 (range 2-12) years, 43 of the 46 prostheses were functioning well. Two patients required revision for symptomatic loosening, and 1 prosthesis remains radiographically loose with a fair clinical score. Mean Harris hip score was 77 at last follow-up. There were 6 intraoperative femur fractures, 9 dislocations, 10 cases of severe stress shielding, and no infections.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Failure of femoral surface replacement for femoral head avascular necrosis.

The appropriate treatment for the young patient with post-collapse avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head continues to be controversial. Femoral surface replacement (FSR) has emerged as a potential strategy to delay total hip arthroplasty in these patients. Between 1997 and 2003, 37 FSR procedures were performed. Success was defined as patients not requiring revision surgery or having a Harris hip pain score of 30 or greater. Failure was defined as patients having revision surgery or a Harris hip pain score of 20 or less. The overall failure rate based on Harris hip pain scores and revision surgery was 64.8% (24/37 procedures). Fifteen (40.5%) procedures required revision surgery, whereas 9 (24.3%) patients were considered failures based on their pain scores. The purpose of this study was to determine if FSR is a viable option for post-collapse AVN. We conclude that hemiresurfacing for AVN is an unpredictable procedure. This procedure is no longer offered as a treatment option for post-collapse AVN at our institution.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Outcome comparison of partial and full component revision TKA.

UNLABELLED: We compare the clinical and radiographic results of partial-component versus full-component revision total knee arthroplasty. A retrospective review was used to identify patients who had partial revision total knee arthroplasty. Only isolated femoral or tibial revisions were included. From 1986 to 2000, 448 revision total knee arthroplasties were done. Seventy-seven partial revisions were done. Three were excluded for a diagnosis of infection. The average followup was 63 months. The average Knee Society score for full component revisions was 85 compared with 79 for partial revisions. This difference was significant (p = 0.0001). The average Knee Society score for those patients who had a full revision for instability was 85 compared with 63 for partial revision (p = 0.0001). The average Knee Society score for those patients who had a full revision for wear-related problems was 88 compared with 78 for partial revisions (p = 0.03). Although the advantages of partial revision in hip replacement are well-documented, the efficacy of this treatment strategy has not been established in revision total knee arthroplasty. Care should be taken when considering partial revision for instability or wear-related problems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level III (retrospective cohort study). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee↗
PubMed2004

Underestimation of osteolysis in posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty.

Periprosthetic osteolysis in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has become a significant problem. Routine surveillance is warranted to detect problems that may not be symptomatic. The goal of these radiographs is to detect arthroplasty-related bone loss at an early stage to implement strategies to limit its extension. The purpose of this study was to show the extent to which condylar osteolysis can be underestimated on routine radiographs. Two cadaveric femurs were prepared to receive a posterior stabilized (PS) femoral component. A simulated osteolytic lesion was created using acetabular reamers. Lesions of 36 mm not easily discernible on standard anteroposterior and lateral images were easily recognized on oblique films. The oblique radiographs described can help with the early recognition of retrofemoral osteolysis about a posterior-stabilized implant.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Early morbidity of modular exchange for polyethylene wear and osteolysis.

This study assessed the early morbidity associated with modular component exchange surgery for the treatment of accelerated polyethylene wear and osteolysis in 55 patients. Review of the surgical records revealed no significant intraoperative complications, little intraoperative blood loss (mean 333 mL), no allogenic blood transfusions, and no recorded postoperative deep vein thromboses. Eighteen percent of patients, however, experienced postoperative dislocation. Five patients dislocated multiple times, 3 of which required rerevision surgery. Two patients required rerevision for femoral implant fractures related to osteolysis and 1 additional patient required rerevision due to catastrophic failure of the acetabular component 5 years postoperatively. With an average follow-up of 30 months, 6 of the 55 patients treated with modular exchange required rerevision. The results of this study suggest that instability is the most prevalent early complication associated with modular component exchange. As such, we believe that more stable constructs should be emphasized, possibly at the expense of polyethylene thickness.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed2004

Factors influencing wear and osteolysis in press-fit condylar modular total knee replacements.

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing wear and osteolysis in patients who have had total knee arthroplasty with the Press-Fit Condylar modular system. Two-thousand ninety-one primary total knee replacements in 1737 patients were done using the Press-Fit Condylar system at three centers. Radiographic and manufacturing data were obtained for 2016 of the 2091 implants (96.4%). For the 1287 of 2016 knees (64%) with more than 5 years of followup, the prevalence of wear-related failure was 8.3%. The 13-year survivorship for all patients was 82.6%. Cox hazards analysis revealed five variables that were correlated with wear-related failure: patient age, patient gender, polyethylene sheet vendor, polyethylene finishing method, and polyethylene shelf age. We were unable to identify one factor as the defining reason for these wear-related failures. The multiple changes in manufacturing methods during the life of this implant may have precluded such a determination. These results may be specific to inserts sterilized in air with gamma irradiation and should not be generalized to current manufacturing techniques. This study emphasizes the potential deleterious effects that small changes in the manufacturing process may have on the outcome of a prosthesis with an initially favorable survivorship.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Bipolar reconstruction for recurrent instability of the hip.

Between 1986 and 1998, 81 total hip revisions were performed for recurrent instability. Twenty-three revisions were fixed cups to bipolars. Average follow-up was 50 months. Radiographic evaluation showed no significant osteolysis and average migration of 1.7 mm. The average postoperative Harris hip score was 74. All patients who underwent revision to a bipolar prosthesis had no further instability. Acetabular revision to a bipolar prosthesis provides stability in recurrent prosthetic hip instability.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip↗
PubMed2003

The value of white blood cell counts before revision total knee arthroplasty.

A white blood cell count (WBC) of >50000 cell/mm(3) from a knee aspirate with >or=80% polymorphonuclear cells (PMNCs) is suggestive of infection. This study sought to determine if these same criteria were applicable when interpreting aspirates from a total knee. Of 440 revision total knee arthroplasties, 86 patients had preoperative aspirations of the knee before revision. Fifty-five aspirates were from aseptic failures; 31 aspirates were from patients determined to have septic failure. The mean white blood cell (WBC) count in aspirates from the aseptic group was 645 cells/mm(3) (SD = 878). The mean WBC count in the septic group was 25951 cells/mm(3) (SD = 34994; P=<.001). The mean percentage of PMNCs was statistically higher in the septic group compared with the aseptic group (72.8% vs 27.3%; P=<.001). The synovial fluid WBC count differential analysis is a statistically relevant indicator of the presence or absence of infection in revision knee arthroplasty. Aspirates with a WBC count of 2500 per milliliter and 60% PMNCs are highly suggestive of infection.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee↗
PubMed2003

Stem fixation in revision total knee arthroplasty: a comparative analysis.

Methods of stem fixation are a controversial aspect of revision TKA. We sought to determine which technique was superior by reviewing 475 revision TKAs done between 1986 and 2000. Of these 475 revisions, 286 major component revisions were done using 484 extended stems for fixation. Patients who died, patients who had less than 2 years follow up, or patients who had diaphyseal engaging stems were excluded from the study. The final data set included 113 revision TKAs with 202 metaphyseal engaging stems. Of the 202 stems, 107 were cemented whereas 95 were press-fit metaphyseal engaging stems. One hundred one of these were femoral stems and 101 were tibial stems. Using a modified Knee Society radiographic scoring system, 100 (93%) of the 107 implants with cemented stems were considered stable, seven (7%) were categorized as possibly loose requiring close followup, and none were loose. Of the 95 implants placed with cementless stems, only 67 (71%) were categorized as stable. Eighteen (19%) were possibly loose requiring close followup and 10 (10%) were loose (two tibial and eight femoral implants). We currently would urge caution in using cementless metaphyseal engaging stems for fixation in revision TKA.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Patella inversion method for exposure in revision total knee arthroplasty.

Satisfactory performance of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) requires adequate exposure. This article shows the patella inversion method of exposure in a large consecutive series of revision TKAs.Between 1987 and 1999, 420 revision TKAs were performed. Exposure was facilitated by the patella inversion method. No attempt was made to evert the patella. This technique of exposure was used in 95% (397 of 420) of patients. There were no episodes of patellar tendon avulsion in this series. Multiple exposure options are available in revision TKA. Extensile techniques violate the extensor mechanism. For most patients, these methods were unnecessary. The patella inversion method afforded adequate exposure in most patients without violating the extensor mechanism.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee↗
PubMed2002

Success rate of modular component exchange for the treatment of an unstable total hip arthroplasty.

Hip instability is the leading cause of morbidity after total hip arthroplasty. Surgical strategies that have been used to eliminate recurrent instability include component revision, trochanteric advancement, or the use of constrained components. Between 1986 and 1997, 731 revision total hip arthroplasties were performed at our institution. A total of 29 patients underwent modular component exchange to treat hip instability. After revision surgery, 16 of 29 (55%) patients experienced redislocation. Nine (31% overall) patients dislocated repeatedly after modular component exchange. Five of the 9 patients who dislocated repeatedly (17% overall) ultimately required rerevision to obtain stability. Modular component exchange is an unpredictable procedure in definitively solving hip stability problems. The limitations of this procedure in treating this complex multifactorial problem must be understood by patient and surgeon alike.

Adult↗