Cementless total hip arthroplasty using titanium, plasma-sprayed implants: a study with 10 to 15 years of follow-up.

PURPOSE

To evaluate long-term outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the Perfecta cementless system.

METHODS

73 men and 76 women aged 65 to 88 (mean, 71) years underwent 168 THAs using the Perfecta cementless system and were followed up for a mean of 13 (10 to 15) years. 19 patients had bilateral THA. The diagnoses were idiopathic osteoarthritis (n=121), osteonecrosis of the femoral head (n=25), rheumatoid arthritis (n=14), and post-traumatic osteoarthritis (n=8). Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically before and after THA.

RESULTS

The mean Harris hip score improved from 40 to 84 (p<0.001); the score was excellent or good in 130 hips, fair in 17, and poor in 21. The mean Merle D'Aubigne score improved from 4 to 10 (p<0.001); the score was excellent or good in 138 hips, fair in 9, and poor in 21. Poor results were due to aseptic revision of the cup (n=16) or stem (n=3) or deep infection (n=2). Thigh pain that limited activities of daily living was noted in 3 hips. 142 patients could walk without a limp, 5 had a slight limp, and 3 had a moderate limp and used a cane. The mean Short Form-12 score for the physical function was 49 and for the mental health was 56; the mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index was 39; the mean visual analogue scale score for satisfaction was 8. Two patients developed deep infection at postoperative months 8 and 50 and were treated with 2-staged revision. Five patients had hip dislocation within 2 months; 3 of whom endured recurrent dislocation and underwent revision surgery; they had acetabular malposition with excessive anteversion despite a correct acetabular angle. 13 other cups were revised because of loosening or extensive osteolysis (n=10) and polyethylene wear (n=3) after a mean interval of 6 (range, 4-10) years. Three stems were revised because of aseptic loosening after a mean interval of 7 (range, 6-9) years. The survivorship at 14 years was 99% for stems and 91% for cups.

CONCLUSION

The long-term outcome of the Perfecta cementless stem was good; most major complications occurred in the cup.