Abstract
The good results of the Charnley stem are well documented. Modifications to the stem design need to be evaluated clinically in order to assess possible risks and benefits.
We assessed the results of the first 100 consecutive Elite Plus arthroplasties performed at one centre. At a minimum of five years postoperatively, patients were recalled for clinical and radiological assessment. Postoperative radiographs were graded A to D and compared to final radiographs.
Overall results were good, with 97% of the stems still functioning well clinically and radiologically. The three failures, all of which occurred at the bone cement interface in young patients, showed early signs of radiological debonding. In the rest of the patients there was good fixation, with no evidence of subsistence or loosening.
The Elite Plus stem modifications to the Charnley stem appear to yield good results at five years. It is postulated that the canal should not be power-reamed because, by eliminating good cancellous bone and polishing the cortex, this may contribute to failure at the bone-cement interface. We will undertake further follow-up to evaluate longer term results.
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
