Abstract
Purpose The dramatic improvement in clinical function after total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been well documented. However gait studies demonstrate abnormal gait pattern after THA, and patients may complain of thigh pain, leg length inequality, instability and reduced range of motion. Surface replacement arthroplasty (SRA) has the benefit of restoring a more normal hip anatomy and biomechanics, which could improve clinical function and patient satisfaction after surgery.
Method All patients eligible for the study were randomised to receive uncemented metal-metal THA or a hybrid metal-metal SRA. Clinical data were prospectively collected preoperatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The WOMAC score, SF-36, Merle D’Aubigné, and other clinical data, along with patient satisfaction, were compared.
Summary of Results One hundred and fifty patients were randomized. Patients in both groups demonstrate very high satisfaction rate. Although there was a tendency for the SRA group to participate in more demanding activities at 6 months post operatively, no difference was found in clinical function scores. Two isolated dislocations occurred in the THA group and none in the SRA group. No other significant complication occurred in either group.
Discussion. The few short-term clinical data reported in the literature for new generation SRA implants demonstrates excellent outcome comparable to THA. Despite enthusiasm about total hip resurfacing, there is no direct prospective comparative study with THA published in the literature. This study confirms the safety and benefits of metal-metal surface arthroplasty of the hip in the early post op period.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Roger Lemaire. Correspondence should be addressed to EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
