Abstract
Aims:We report our results with a Tantalum acetabular pressþt cup (Hedrocel), available since 1997. Although not coated its trabecular metal microstructure provides a good primary stability through a high friction against cancellous and cortical bone. An excellent bony ingrowth could be demonstrated in several animal experiments. Methods: 125 total hip arthroplasties were performed on 108 patients. All of them were followed up in a prospective manner 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The outcome was quantiþed using the Harris hip and Merle dñAubigne scores and radiographic evaluation. Results: The Harris hip score raise from preoperative 44 to 87 after one year and the Merle dñAubigne score from 8 to 16. There were no signs of radiographic acetabular loosening. Sclerosis (Zone 1, 2 according to DeLee and Charnley) due to adaptation of the trabecular bone could be shown in most cases. The complication rate was on a low level (0.8% major, 3.2% minor complications) including 2 luxations, 2 relevant hematomas and 1 deep infection. Two cups had to be revised, one direct postoperatively for recurrent luxations due to an oversized inclination angle, the other for a deep infection. The infected cup was þrmly integrated, although it had to be explanted only a few weeks after implantation. Conclusions: Our results show, that the new Hedrocel acetabular cup has very good results with a good primary stability, a lack of radiographic loosening signs and an adaptation of the trabecular structures meaning a good osseous integration after one year. The long term results have to be obtained in the future.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
