A prospective, randomized, double-blind study of smooth versus rough stems using cement fixation: minimum 5-year follow-up.

This prospective randomized double-blind study aims to evaluate the effect of surface finish of the cemented femoral stem in primary total hip arthroplasty. Between January 1996 and May 1997, a single surgeon prospectively implanted 244 primary THAs (237 patients) using cemented femoral stems with modified third-generation cement technique in selected patients. Patients were randomized to receive the Ranawat-Burstein prosthesis (Biomet, Warsaw, IN) with 1 of 2 finishes (smooth-Ra 17 or rough-Ra 170). At a minimum 5-year follow-up, no statistical differences were found between the 2 groups. One patient with a smooth stem underwent revision of the femoral component at 2 years secondary to aseptic loosening. There was no other evidence of radiographic loosening or osteolysis. As an isolated variable, surface finish does not appear to significantly influence results at mean follow-up of 6.5 years.