Abstract
Introduction: The standard implant for patients with rheumatoid arthritis is a cemented system. Early aseptic loosening is a major concern in patients with bad bone quality, usually seen in inflammatory arthritis
Aim of the study: The aim of this retrospective study is to find out, whether the cementless CLS-stem is an appropriate implant for patients with rheumatoid or juvenile arthritis.
Material and methods: Between 1984 and 2002 63 patients with rheumatoid or juvenile arthritis were treated with a cementless Stem (CLS) in our clinic. The mean age was 53 years (range from 25 to 71 years). We evaluated the x-rays (aseptic loosening and other complications) as well as the clinical outcome (Harris Hip Score). Patients with a minimum follow-up of 24 months (mean fu 5 years) were included in the study.
Results: There was no stem revision due to aseptic loosening. No patient had radiological signs of aseptic loosening. 8 patients suffered a fracture of the greater trochanter or the proximal femur during surgery. Two patients had to be revised for trochanteric problems.
Conclusion: The cementless CLS stem is an appropriate implant for patients with rheumatoid or juvenile arthritis. Careful implantation is necessary to avoid trochanteric or femoral fractures.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Roger Lemaire. Correspondence should be addressed to EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
