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Complications; ArthroplastyNCT02255331

Using MRI To Detect Soft Tissue Reactions And Implant Integration As Related To Implant Modularity

An observational study of Complications; Arthroplasty and Complications; Arthroplasty, Mechanical, run by Hospital for Special Surgery, New York at 1 site in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Patients with a total hip replacement may require early revision surgery due to an adverse local tissue reaction or bone resorption that occurs due to wear debris released from the implant. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 21 to 95 years
How many people
587 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
15 Sep 2017to 1 Nov 2024
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 21 to 95 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: Individuals who will be having revision surgery of a total hip replacement, or individuals who currently have a total hip replacement with uncemented components.

Who may be able to join

  • Cohort #1:
  • Have a total hip replacement with a ceramic component undergoing revision for any reason, including recurrent dislocation.
  • Have a metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacement and have repeated dislocation, or
  • Have a metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacement greater than 1 year old, or
  • Have an infected total hip replacement (any surface bearing)
  • Cohort #2:
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  • Have a total hip replacement with a ceramic component.
  • Have a metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacement.
  • Have your original or revised total hip replacement.

Who cannot join

  • Cohort #1:
  • Have occupational exposure to cobalt or chromium
  • Presence of MOM or recalled implant
  • Have had a prior revision of your total hip
  • Standard contra-indications to MRI
  • Cohort #2:
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  • Have occupational exposure to cobalt or chromium.
  • Have cemented components.
  • Presence of a metal-on-metal or recalled implant.
  • Standard contra-indications to MRI.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site

  • Hospital for Special Surgery

    New York, New York, 10021

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: The Ability Of MRI To Detect Adverse Local Tissue Reaction And Implant Integration As A Function Of Hip Implant Modularity

Patients with a total hip replacement may require early revision surgery due to an adverse local tissue reaction or bone resorption that occurs due to wear debris released from the implant. MRI provides a non-invasive biomarker for clinicians and surgeons to detect early adverse synovial reactions which may exist in the absence of clinical symptoms, thus imparting essential information for clinical management. This study will address two of the most commons causes of hip implant failure, including adverse local tissue reaction in implants not traditionally associated with adverse tissue reactions, as well as the presence of aseptic loosening and loss of implant-bone integration.

Read the detailed description

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been successful in achieving pain reduction, but recent concerns have been raised regarding the development of adverse local tissue reactions (ALTRs). Our group has previously found that: 1) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect and distinguish wear debris from THA; 2) MRI is sensitive to ALTR damage from different articulating surfaces; and 3) variable host-mediated response to wear debris mounts distinct morphologic patterns on MRI. There is continued interest in the evaluation of soft tissues near THAs as traditional THA designs, including metal-on-polyethylene (MOP) and ceramic-on-polyethylene (COP) bearing surfaces, have recently been implicated in ALTRs. It is believed that fretting and corrosion at the head-neck junction is responsible for ALTRs, secondary to flexural rigidity and other implant mechanical features. If a greater prevalence of ALTR is found in components with more flexible connections, this could drive the practice of THA to stiffer connections.

In this study, we will evaluate two important causes of implant failure: (1) in designs not traditionally associated with ALTRs such as metal-on-polyethylene (MOP) and ceramic-on-polyethylene (COP) we will assess patients indicated for revision THA surgery with MRI and correlate the imaging metrics to targeted biopsy retrieval obtained at the time of revision (including the trunnion), the extent of tissue damage documented at surgery, and implant retrieval analysis of the neck trunnion, including flexural rigidity analysis; and (2) to longitudinally assess implant integration using qualitative MRI evaluation of the bone-implant interface as well as quantitative MRI techniques, T2 mapping and T2* mapping using MAVRIC-UTE, to evaluate relaxometry at the interface.

Keywords
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip, MRI

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

Study groups in NCT02255331
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Retrieval AnalysisYou qualify for this Retrieval Analysis study if you: 1. Have a total hip replacement with a ceramic component undergoing revision for any reason, including recurrent dislocation. 2. Have a metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacement and have repeated dislocation, or 3. Have a metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacement greater than 1 year old, or 4. Have an infected total hip replacement (any surface bearing) You do not qualify for this arm of the study if you: 1. Have occupational exposure to cobalt or chromium 2. Presence of a metal-on-metal (MOM) implant, or a recalled implant 3. Have had a prior revision of your total hip 4. Standard contra-indications to MRI (e.g. cardiac pacemaker, etc.)
Longitudinal EvaluationYou qualify for this arm of the study if you: 1. Have a total hip replacement with a ceramic component 2. Have a metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacement. 3. Have your original or revised total hip replacement. You do not qualify for this arm of the study if you: 1. Have occupational exposure to cobalt or chromium 2. Have cemented components. 3. Presence of a metal-on-metal (MOM) implant, or a recalled implant 4. Standard contra-indications to MRI (e.g. cardiac pacemaker, etc.)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Utilize MRI to evaluate total hip arthroplasty designs traditionally not implicated with the presence of adverse local tissue reactions.

    All enrolled arthroplasty designs will be evaluated utilizing the input of:

    1. Evaluation of MR images: Presence, location, type and volume of synovitis, Synovial thickness, Impression of synovium, Presence and location of decompression of synovitis, Presence and location of low signal intensity deposits, Presence of soft tissue edema, Presence and location of dehiscence, Presence, location and volume of osteolysis, Assessment of implant loosening, Presence of and location of neurovascular compression, Disruption of abductors due to distended pseudocapsule, Presence of enlarged lymph nodes and presence and grading of adverse local tissue reaction.
    2. Pre-operative blood metal ion levels
    3. Pre-operative Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score
    4. Pathologic evaluation of tissue obtained intra-operatively
    5. Intra-operative grade of soft tissues around the primary total hip replacement
    6. Implant wear analysis

    Measured: An expected average of 1 year post-operatively

  2. Longitudinal monitor of arthroplasty loosening in patients with different individual risk factors and implant bearing surfaces and characteristics

    All enrolled arthroplasty designs will be evaluated utilizing the input of:

    1. The formation a fibrous membrane and/or osteolysis around the implants
    2. Individual risk factors from subjects (gender, BMI, primary diagnosis, and level of activity)
    3. Individual risk factors based on implant characteristics (stem length, head size, and modular stem connections).

    Measured: This outcome will be measured at 4 different time points: Initial office visit, 1 year follow-up, 2 year follow-up, 3 year follow-up.

Secondary outcomes (8)

  1. Mode of total hip arthroplasty failure

    Patients will be classified as symptomatic with mechanical symptoms and symptomatic with unexplained pain. These groups are based on the categories used by the National Joint Registry of England and Wales. Patients presenting with loosening, instability, or malalignment will be classified as "mechanical" failure. In cases of loosening, patients will be categorized as having acetabular or femoral loosening, only when documented intra-operatively by the surgeon. Patients presenting with pain not attributable to implant loosening, instability, or component malposition will be classified as "unexplained" failure. No specific unit of measure will be used for this outcome measure.

    Measured: An expected average of 1 year post-operatively

  2. Blood serum metal ion levels

    Blood samples will be drawn into lithium-heparin containing tubes with non-contamination precautions, and analyzed with high resolution inductively coupled mass spectrometry for the most accurate assessment of Cobalt and Chromium metal ion levels, to be measured in parts per million (ppm) or microgram per liter (ug/L)

    Measured: Measurement at an expected average of 1 year post operatively for revision total hip arthroplasty patients, or at initial office visit, 1 year follow-up, 2 year follow-up, and 3 year follow-up for individuals being monitored longitudinally.

  3. Radiographic evaluation of implant orientation - anteversion and inclination

    The assessment of hip replacement acetabular component position will be performed using the Einzel-Bild-Roentgen-Analysis (EBRA) software. The femoral stem-shaft angle will be measured in the frontal plane. The acetabular inclination angle will be measured in the frontal plane. The acetabular anteversion angle will be measured in the lateral plane. All measurements will be expressed in units of degrees.

    Measured: Measurement at an expected average of 1 year post operatively for revision total hip arthroplasty patients, or at initial office visit for individuals being monitored longitudinally.

  4. MRI evaluation of soft tissues surrounding total hip arthroplasty

    Evaluation of MR images: Presence, location, type and volume (measurement units of mm^3) of synovitis, Synovial thickness (measurement units of mm), Impression of synovium, Decompression of synovitis, Decompression into Trochanteric Bursa, Decompression into Iliopsoas, Presence and location of low signal intensity deposits, Presence of soft tissue edema, Presence and location of dehiscence, Presence, location and volume (measurement units of mm^3) of osteolysis, Assessment of implant loosening, Presence of and location of neurovascular compression, Disruption of abductors due to distended pseudocapsule, Presence of enlarged lymph nodes and presence and grading of adverse local tissue reaction. All quantitative values have the units of measurement indicated.

    Measured: Measurement at an expected average of 1 year post operatively for revision total hip arthroplasty patients, or at initial office visit, 1 year follow-up, 2 year follow-up, and 3 year follow-up for individuals being monitored longitudinally.

  5. Intraoperative damage assessment

    A subjective scoring system will be used for intraoperative damage assessment of the hip joint. The system is based on a 0 to 3 scale denoting the level of involvement of the soft tissues surrounding the joint (capsule, synovium, and muscle): 0 = Normal tissue; 1 = Fluid collection ± mild synovial reaction with or capsular dehiscence; 2 = the same findings as a score of 1, but with moderate synovial reaction; and 3 = the same findings as a score of 2, but with the addition of damage to the abductor muscle and/or osteolysis. No specific unit of measure will be used for this outcome measure.

    Measured: Measurement during revision surgery for total hip arthroplasty patients

  6. Histologic analysis of retrieved tissues

    Histological evaluation will be using a 10 point aseptic lymphocytic vasculitis associated lesion (ALVAL) score to assess tissue reaction to a total hip replacement. The ALVAL score is a summation of individual grades assigned to the integrity of the synovial lining, presence and extent of inflammatory cell infiltrates, necrosis and tissue organization.

    We will use a supplemental grading system intended for metal-on-poly and ceramic implants since ALVAL grading is used primarily for metal-on-metal (MOM) articulations and may not detect similar features of wear debris in non-MOM articulations, polyethylene, metal or corrosion products. The presence of ceramic and polyethylene particles and the relative number of macrophages, giant cells, histiocytes, acute or chronic inflammatory cells, and presence of necrotic tissue will be graded using the scale of: 1) absent (-), little (+), moderate (++), extensive (+++). No specific unit of measure will be used for this outcome measure.

    Measured: Measurement at an expected average of 1 year post operatively for revision total hip arthroplasty patients.

  7. Implant retrieval wear analysis

    The bearing surfaces of the femoral heads and acetabular components, the neck trunnion of the total hip replacement femoral stems, and the matching female tapers of the total hip replacement heads retrieved at surgery will be scanned with a technique that utilizes a non-contact measurement method to calculate volumetric wear (measurement units of mm^3) and linear wear (measurement units of mm).

    Measured: Measurement at an expected average of 1 year post operatively for revision total hip arthroplasty patients.

  8. T2 Mapping of synovial tissues

    Quantitative imaging, specifically T2 mapping of soft tissues near the implant, specifically, the synovium and synovial volume.

    Measured: Measurement at an expected average of 1 year post operatively for revision total hip arthroplasty patients.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted2 Oct 2014 (estimated)
  2. Study start15 Sep 2017
  3. Primary completion1 Nov 2024
  4. Study completion1 Nov 2024

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
587 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT02255331
Sponsor's protocol ID
2015-442 R01 AR064840
Status last verified
Jun 2026
First submitted
28 Aug 2014
Last updated
19 Aug 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: We will encourage the sharing of our final research data to enable further exploration of the data not presented in the application and for encouraging other individuals to develop new methods of data analysis. The data will be organized by subject number and by date of procedure (e.g. radiographs, MRI, serum metal ion levels, histology, wear analysis, etc.) for ease of identifying a specific dataset. The data will be stored on our servers and back-up drives. Individuals requesting electronic data will be given a link to a private web server to download the requested information, or will be requested to pay a nominal fee to burn the data to CD or DVD or to download to an individual's blank external hard drive, and for mailing charges depending on the type of data requested. Our goal is to make the data as easily accessible to the public as possible.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Complications; Arthroplasty and Complications; Arthroplasty, Mechanical, run by Hospital for Special Surgery, New York at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Utilize MRI to evaluate total hip arthroplasty designs traditionally not implicated with the presence of adverse local tissue reactions. (time frame: An expected average of 1 year post-operatively). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02255331.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 19 Aug 2026.

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