MRI Findings Associated with Recalled Modular Femoral Neck Rejuvenate and ABG Implants

Christopher P Walsh1, James C Hubbard2, Joseph P Nessler3

  • 1Detroit Medical Center/Providence Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program, Detroit, Michigan.

Insights

Magnetic Resonance Arthrography with specific sequences (MARS-MRI) can help diagnose adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR) in patients with recalled hip implants. Abnormal findings on MARS-MRI are linked to these hip implants and suggest potential ALTR.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Radiology
  • Biomaterials Science

Background:

  • Recalled femoral stems with modular necks pose a risk for adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR).
  • Magnetic Resonance Arthrography with specific sequences (MARS-MRI) is a potential diagnostic tool for ALTR.
  • Limited research exists on MARS-MRI findings in patients with recalled modular neck hip implants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of MARS-MRI findings in patients with recalled femoral stems and modular necks.
  • To assess the association between MARS-MRI abnormalities and adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR) in this specific patient cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 312 patients who received modular neck hip implants between October 2007 and February 2012.
  • Analysis of MARS-MRI scans to identify intra-articular and extra-capsular effusions, synovitis, osteolysis, and tendinopathy.
  • Correlation of imaging findings with clinical outcomes related to ALTR.

Main Results:

  • 62% of patients exhibited intra-articular effusions, with 27% containing debris.
  • Extra-capsular effusions were observed in 35% of hips.
  • Synovitis (54%) and osteolysis (5.4%) were noted. High rates of tendinopathy and tendon disruption were found in the gluteus medius, hamstring, gluteus minimus, and iliopsoas tendons.

Conclusions:

  • Abnormal MARS-MRI findings are frequently observed in patients with modular neck femoral components.
  • MARS-MRI abnormalities are associated with adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR) in this population.
  • MARS-MRI findings warrant significant consideration for diagnosing ALTR in patients with recalled modular neck hip implants.