LINK RS TOTAL HIP-PROSTHESIS - RADIOGRAPHIC FEATURES AS INDICATORS OFLOOSENING

The objective of this study was to assess the radiographic appearance of Link RS total hip prostheses in a search for features which might e xplain loosening. The radiographic changes in 102 Link RS total hip pr ostheses were reviewed after an average postoperative follow-up of 55 months. Sixteen percent of non-revised acetabular components and 40% o f femoral components were found radiographically to be loose. Progress ive varus migration explained most of the femoral component loosening. Vertical migration was the most common finding in the radiographicall y loose acetabular components. Subsidence correlated statistically wit h the percentage of canal fill (the greater the percentage canal fill the less the risk of subsidence) on anteroposterior radiographs and po or hip scores. Thirteen hips have been revised and seven await revisio n.