Primary total hip arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Twenty-eight (11 cemented and 17 noncemented) total hip arthroplasties (THA ) were performed in 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), The average age at operation was 42.1 years and the average follow-up was 10.8 years. There were two deep infections requiring removal of the prosthesis. Three c emented acetabular cups and one cemented femoral component were revised due to aseptic loosening. One cemented cup was loosened radiologically. One PC A polyethylene liner was revised because of significant wear. Both cemented and noncemented femoral components are capable of providing respectable re sults in RA patients. The relatively inferior results of THA among RA patie nts is due not only to the fixation method, but also to the poorer bone qua lity.