CONTEMPORARY TOTAL HIP-REPLACEMENT WITH METAL ON METAL ARTICULATION

Between 1991 and 1994, 74 patients received total hip replacements wit h metal on metal articulation. The results of these patients with 74 h ips who had a 6-month to 4-year (average, 2.2 years average) followup are reported. Patients were prospectively evaluated by the Harris hip score, a patient self assessment form, and radiographs. The average po stoperative Harris hip score was 91. Patient self assessment forms sho wed that 95% of the patients scored their results as excellent or good . No patient had revision for loosening, but 1 underwent revision surg ery for recurrent dislocation. Serial radiographs have not revealed lo osening or osteolysis. Wear could not be measured radiographically. Tw enty-seven of the patients had bilateral total hip replacements with 1 hip being metal on polyethylene; the patients could not detect any di fference between the 2 hips. The satisfactory short term results from the contemporary metal on metal articulation investigated in this stud y are encouraging and warrant continued study.