Total Hip Arthroplasty using a Ceramic on Ceramic Bearing Surfaces

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of total hip arthroplasty using a ceramic on ceramic bearing surfaces. Materials and Methods: From April 1999 to April 2005, 53 hips had total hip arthroplasty with a ceramic on ceramic bearing surfaces in our hospital. Causes of total hip arthroplasty were avascular necrosis of femoral head in 47 hips, osteoarthritis in 3 hips and ankylosing spondylitis in 3hips. We used three kinds of acetabular cup and two kinds of femoral stem in this study. Follow-up period was an average of 55months (24-92). Clinical results were evaluated with Harris hip score and squeak sound. Radiological results included liner wear rate, breakage of ceramic, component loosening and osteolysis. Results: Mean Harris hip scores improved from 58 to 88.3. No breakage of ceramic liner or head occurred. No acetabular or femoral osteolysis was seen. Audible squeak sound or sensation was detected in 10 hips (18%). Revision was done in three cases (5.7%), the cause of one of them was acetabular cup loosening. Conclusion: Total hip arthroplasty with a ceramic on ceramic bearing surfaces showed satisfactory clinical and radiological results in an average of 4.6 years follow-up. However, we have to study causes and adverse effect of squeaking on the total hip arthroplasty.