Abstract
The pathologies of the hip (epiphisiolysis, Perthes, congenital dysplasia) cause invalidating outcomes in young patients. In the years many authors searched for the golden standard if total hip arthroplasty is necessary. From Smith-Petersen to McKee, to Amstutz the saving of the femoral neck has been the main objective, with the longevity of the system. Therefore the combination metal-metal has been used for articular components, because the friction of metallic components creates sub-micron metallic particles causing only minimal foreign body reactions andvery low wear rates.
Our study group (Arthro Surgery Group) has implanted, from April 2003, 28 cementless resurfacing hip prosthesis with metal-metal articular components.
The average follow-up has been of 6 months (from 3 months to 1 year). In all cases, the Harris Hip Score has been good or excellent (from 77 to 100), and radiographic exams didn’t show signs of radiolucence or resorption.
This type of prosthesis allows moreover an minimum-invasive approach to the hip and a second line of defense in case of revision.
Correspondence should be addressed to Richard Komistek, PhD, International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty, PO Box 6564, Auburn, CA 95604, USA. E-mail: ista@pacbell.net
