Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine whether the bearing surface is a risk factor for revision after late dislocation in total hip arthroplasty (THA).
Data from primary THAs were extracted from the New Zealand Joint Registry over a 13-year period. The mean age of patients was 68.9 years; 53.2% were female. The surgical approach used was posterior in 66% of THAs, lateral in 29% and anterior in 5%. There were 53,331 (65.1%) metal-on-polyethylene THAs, 14,093 (17.2%) ceramic-on-polyethylene, 8,177 (10.0%) ceramic-on-ceramic, 461 (0.5%) ceramic-on-metal, 5910, and (7.2%) metal-on-metal.
The primary endpoint was late revision for dislocation, with ‘late’ defined as greater than one year post-operatively. 73,386 hips were available for analysis. The overall revision rate was 4.3% (3,130 THAs), 1.1% (836) were revised for dislocation. Only 0.65% (470) hips were revised for dislocation after the first post-operative year.
The unadjusted hazard ratios (HR) showed significantly higher rates of revision for dislocation in ceramic-on-polyethylene (HR 2.48; p=0.001) and metal-on-polyethylene (HR 2.00; 95% p =0.007) compared to ceramic-on-ceramic. However, when adjusted for head size, age and surgical approach, only ceramic-on-polyethylene (HR 2.10; p=0.021) maintained a significantly higher rate of revision, whereas metal-on-polyethylene approached significance (HR 1.76; 95% p = 0.075).
In New Zealand, dislocation is the most common reason for revision, ahead of aseptic loosening of the acetabular component. The relationships between bearing materials and risk of revision for late dislocation is controversial. However, in this study ceramic-on-ceramic shows lower risk rates for revision than other bearing surface combinations. Low wear and less debris, limited peri-articular inflammatory reaction and an healthy fibrotic pseudo-capsule are potential factors determining long-term stability of the hip joint.
