Abstract
Introduction & aims
The magnitude and pattern of acceptable migration in clinically successful cementless stems is not well understood. Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) is a well-recognised method of assessing implant migration.
Previous studies have reported long term RSA results for cemented stems. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term migration characteristics of the Corail hydroxyapatite-coated cementless stem at 10 years using RSA.
Method
A prospective cohort of 30 patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty for primary hip osteoarthritis were enrolled into a study to characterise the migration behaviour of a cementless stem. Tantalum markers were attached to the stem and placed in the bone intraoperatively, allowing for RSA measurements to be taken in vivo. Previous 5-year results have been presented.
A total of 14 patients (total 15 hips, one bilateral) with mean age 82 years (range, 69–92 years) underwent repeat long-term RSA radiographs at minimum 10 years post op. The mean time to follow up was 13.9 years (range, 13.3–14.4 years). The RSA radiographs were analysed to assess for implant rotation and translation.
Results
None of the 14 patients (15 hips) followed up have been revised. The migration (rotation and translation) at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 6 years has been described previously.
No stems had additional subsidence of more than 0.25 mm between 6 months and 6 years. The resultant mean subsidence between 2 years and 6 years was 0.03 mm, which is below the limit measurable by RSA.
The long-term, 10-year results, on implant rotation and translation will be presented.
Conclusions
The Corail stem exhibited variable subsidence within the first 6 months after which there is persistent stabilisation through to 6 years. 10-year results on long-term migration show no further migration. These results can be used as a gold standard for other uncemented stems.
