Abstract
We assessed the clinical and radiological outcome of a single uncemented total hip replacement (THR) after twenty years, analysing polyethylene wear and osteolysis.
82 hips implanted between 1992 and 1995 were prospectively evaluated. Mean follow-up was 20.6 years (18–23). A hemispherical porous-coated cup matched to a proximally hydroxyapatite-coated anatomic stem. A 28mm PE liner, sterilised by gamma irradiation in air, was used in all hips. Radiological position, eventual loosening and osteolysis were recorded over time. Penetration of the head into the liner was measured by the Roentgen Monographic Analysis (ROMAN) Tool at 6 weeks, 6 months, one year and yearly thereafter.
Six cups were revised due to wear and four cups because of late dislocation. All stems showed osseointegration and all cups appeared radiographically well-fixed. Six unrevised hips showed osteolysis on the acetabular side and two hips on the proximal femur. Creep at one year was 0.30±0.23 mm. Mean total femoral head penetration was 1.23mm at ten years, 1.52mm at 15 years and 1.92mm at 23 years. Overall mean wear was 0.12±0.1 mm/year and 0.09±0.06 mm/year after the creep period. Mean wear was 0.08±0.06 mm/year in hips without osteolysis and 0.14±0.03 mm/year in hips revised or hips with osteolysis (p<0.001).
Although continued durable fixation can be observed with porous-coated cups and proximally hydroxyapatite-coated anatomic stems, true wear continues to increase at a constant level over time. PE wear remains as the main reason for osteolysis and revision surgery in uncemented THR after twenty years.
