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Background A primary concern of younger, more active patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the longevity of the implant. Cementless fixation and hard-on-hard bearings are recognized as options to enhance THA durability. Earlier, we published a series of 83 cementless primary THAs using 28-mm metal-on-metal (MoM) bearings in patients aged 50 years or younger; here we provide concise followup on that same group after an additional 8-year survey period. Questions/purposes (1) What is the long-term survivorship of cementless primary THA using 28-mm MoM bearings in patients aged 50 years or younger? (2) What are the clinical and radiographic results of cementless THA in this active patient population? (3) Can any of the observed implant failures or adverse events be attributed to the metallic nature of the bearing couple? Methods We retrospectively reviewed 83 cementless THAs performed in three institutions over a decade (1995)(1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004) in 68 patients with 28-mm MoM articulation. All patients (15 bilateral) had a median age of 42 years (range, 24-50 years) at the time of the index procedure and 56 of them (82% [70 hips]) had activity level graded Devane 4 or 5 before significant hip pain. A 28-mm Metasul TM articulation was used with an Alloclassic-SL TM cementless stem in all cases paired with three different cementless titanium acetabular components (one threaded and two press-fit cups) from the same manufacturer. Survivorship analysis was calculated according to Dobbs life table, patient clinical results were evaluated with use of the Postel-Merle d'Aubigné scoring system, radiographic analysis was performed by independent observers, and cobalt level was determined in whole blood. Results The 15-year survivorship (33 hips at risk) for revision for any reasons (four hips) and for aseptic loosening (one hip) was 96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 81%-99%) and 99% (95% CI, 85%-99.9%), respectively. The median Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score remained stable at 17 points (range, 10-18). Thus far, we have not observed pseudotumors or other adverse reactions to metallic debris. Eight hips have undergone reoperation: trochanteric suture removal (one), psoas tendon impingement (two), and five revisions for periprosthetic fracture (one), late infection (two), acetabular osteolysis (one, as a result of polyethylene backside wear), and one hydroxyapatite-coated cup for aseptic loosening. None of the complications, failures, or revisions observed so far could directly be related to the metallic nature of the 28-mm Metasul bearings used in this selected group of patients.

Summary Brown tumors (BTs) are expansile osteolytic lesions complicating severe primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Clinical, radiological and histological features of BTs share many similarities with other giant cell-containing lesions of the bone, which can make their diagnosis challenging. We report the case of a 32-year-old man in whom an aggressive osteolytic lesion of the iliac crest was initially diagnosed as a giant cell tumor by biopsy. The patient was scheduled for surgical curettage, with a course of neoadjuvant denosumab. Routine biochemical workup prior to denosumab administration incidentally revealed high serum calcium levels. The patient was diagnosed with PHPT and a parathyroid adenoma was identified. In light of these findings, histological slices of the iliac lesion were reviewed and diagnosis of a BT was confirmed. Follow-up CT-scans performed 2 and 7 months after parathyroidectomy showed regression and re-ossification of the bone lesion. The aim of this case report is to underline the importance of distinguishing BTs from other giant cell-containing lesions of the bone and to highlight the relevance of measuring serum calcium as part of the initial evaluation of osteolytic bone lesions. This can have a major impact on patients’ management and can prevent unnecessary invasive surgical interventions. Learning points: Although rare, brown tumors should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of osteolytic giant cell-containing bone lesions. Among giant cell-containing lesions of the bone, the main differential diagnoses of brown tumors are giant cell tumors and aneurysmal bone cysts. Clinical, radiological and histological characteristics can be non-discriminating between brown tumors and giant cell tumors. One of the best ways to distinguish these two diagnoses appears to be through biochemical workup. Differentiating brown tumors from giant cell tumors and aneurysmal bone cysts is crucial in order to ensure better patient care and prevent unnecessary morbid surgical interventions.

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