Abstract
Background: The Wrightington Frusto-Conical 2 (FC2) hip is a tapered stem with derotation flutes designed to withstand physiological loads in normal gait. There is a paucity of literature with regard to the outcome of this stem. This study was designed to determine the medium term outcome of the FC2 hip
Methods: We identified 217 consecutive patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty using the FC2 stem in one institution. Patients were recalled for clinical review. Pain, function and movement were assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the D’Aubigne Postel Score. General quality of life and hip specific assessed were made using the WOMAC and SF-36 self directed questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed.
Results: 86 patients were assessed with a mean follow-up of 7.3 years. Objective clinical outcomes were judged to be good or excellent according to the HHS and the D’Aubigne Postel scores. WOMAC assessment of disease specific outcome demonstrated excellent results particularly in relation to pain and stiffness. SF-36 demonstrated a quality of life score in keeping with an aging study population. There was a 95% survival at 7.3 years.
Conclusions: The FC2 hip has demonstrated a good outcome in the medium term. It shows outcomes that are similar to the Exeter and Charnley hips at this length of followup. Longitudinal follow-up studies are necessary to determine the results of hip implants
Correspondence should be addressed to Mr Richard Wallace at Musgrave Park Hospital, 20 Stockman’s Lane, Belfast BT9 7JB, Northern Ireland.
