UNCEMENTED TOTAL HIP-ARTHROPLASTY IN PATIENTS 50 YEARS OF AGE OR YOUNGER

The results of a consecutive series of uncemented total hip arthroplas ties in patients 50 years or younger are reviewed. There were 41 total hip arthroplasties in 36 patients at an average follow-up period of 5 .3 years. Average patient age was 42 years at the time of implantation . Preoperative Harris hip score (HHS) averaged 39/100; the final HHS a veraged 93. Radiographic evaluation revealed that the femoral stems we re all solid, with no progressive subsidence, reactive lines, or osteo lysis. Twenty of the hips (49%) demonstrated evidence of polyethylene wear. There was significant acetabular osteolysis in 12 of these 20 hi ps. Five of the acetabular cups were definitely loose; 1 was possibly loose. Three of the patients underwent revision surgery for acetabular loosening and/or osteolysis. It is concluded from this study that the femoral stem is excellent but that the original acetabular component and polyethylene locking mechanism are poor and made even worse with t he use of a titanium femoral head.