Cemented Lubinus and Furlog total hip endoprosthesis: a 12-year follow-up study of 175 hips comparing the cementing technique

We analyzed 175 total hip replacements with cemented Lubinus and Furlong ar throplasties in 164 patients with a median age of 65 (32-80) years and foll owed them for 12 years to evaluate and compare the efficacy of total hip pr osthesis designs. Survival analysis was combined with an analysis of radiol ogical findings and a study of functional outcome of the patients. The 12-y ear survival of Furlong arthroplasty in patients of 60 years of age and old er was 0.85 (95% CI 1.00-0.52). The survival of Lubinus arthroplasty in pat ients younger than 60 years of age was 0.70 (0.91-0.48), while the survival in older patients was 0.75 (0.89-0.61). The 12-year survival of well-cemen ted Lubinus prosthesis was 0.91 (1.00-0.79), indicating the importance of t he cementing technique. The survival of the cups was marginally better than that of the stems. In the 12-year follow-up study, the clinical state and function varied from hips ready for revision to hips where a continuously l ong survival could be predicted. Harris hip score did not differentiate bet ween patients who had intact and loose components. We conclude that cemente d arthroplasty affords a notable alternative with satisfactory long-term su rvival and function. The better survival or cemented cup than the stem may be utilized as a basis for "reverse" hybrid arthroplasty. Adequate long-ter m follow-up of all arthroplasties as a quality maintenance and to prevent d ifficult revisions is a major challenge.