Abstract
A multicentre prospective study in the USA involves more than 75 investigators who have enrolled over 1 800 cases over nearly four years.
In a subset of this group, the performance of a tapered, cementless, porous stem is being evaluated. One surgeon has used this stem in 301 hips in 282 patients, of whom 141 are at one-year follow-up and 51 at two-year follow-up. An optional large proximal body stem was often used to optimise proximal femoral fill.
Clinical and radiological examinations were carried out immediately after surgery and at 6, 12 and 24 months, and demographic, Health Status (SF-12), and Harris Hip Score (HSS) data noted. From a preoperative mean of 41, the HSS improved to 88 and 92 at one-year and two-year follow-ups respectively. No progressive radiolucency, implant migration, gross loosening, osteolysis or polyethylene wear has been observed.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor M. B. E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical School, University of Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193 South Africa
