Five-Year clinical and radiographic follow-up of the uncemented long-term stable fixation total hip arthroplasty

Abstract

Thirty-nine uncemented porous-coated long-term stable fixation total hip prostheses with a minimum 5-year follow-up, were retrospectively reviewed for clinical and radiographic outcome. Clinical evaluation was performed using the modified Harris Hip Score. Additionally, all patients completed a satisfaction questionnaire. Anteroposterior view and lateral view radiographs were obtained and compared with immediate postoperative films utilizing the Hip Society radiographic evaluation form for uncemented implants. The follow-up period averaged 69 months (range, 60–87 months). At the most recent follow-up visit Harris Hip Scores averaged 88 points (range, 68–100 points), with 79% good or excellent results. Of the 8 hips (6 patients) with fair or poor results, 5 patients (6 hips) were Charnley category C patients. All patients were satisfied with their surgery and all, but 2 stated that their function had significantly improved. The incidence of significant thigh pain was 13%. Calcar osteolysis was present in 13 of 39 femurs with the majority of cases being minimal. All but one femoral component demonstrated bone ingrowth. There was no distal femoral osteolysis present and no femoral revisions have been performed or are planned. Acetabular osteolysis was present in 7 of 39 hips, with 4 of the 7 centered around acetabular fixation screws. All patients who had acetabular bone loss had some degree of femoral osteolysis. Thus far, one patient has required acetabular revision secondary to osteolysis. Acetabular osteolysis in this series was more profound than on the femoral side and two other patients are being considered for revision due to pelvic side osteolysis. In conclusion, the uncemented long-term stable fixation femoral component proved to be durable in this series of patients. The circumferential porous coating on the femoral implant may protect against distal osteolysis. A concerning rate of severe pelvic osteolysis and impending failure was noted and may lead to a greater need for revision surgery with longer follow-up.