Abstract
Introduction
The long-term survival of modern ceramic-ceramic bearings in young active patients with osteonecrosis undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) is unknown. A previously published study of this series at 5-year follow-up demonstrated an extremely high activity level. The purpose of this study is to examine whether this very high activity level is associated with ceramic-on-ceramic THA failure at long-term follow-up.
Methods
This is a retrospective review of a single-surgeon at an academic medical center between years 2003–2010. Inclusion criteria were consecutive series of ceramic-on-ceramic articulations in patients younger than 50 with a diagnosis of osteonecrosis. Median follow-up was 12.4 years (range 10–17). Data was collected via mail, telephone, and e-mail surveys. Exclusion criteria included deceased prior to follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative Western Ontario and McMaster University Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and University of California at Los Angeles Activity scores (UCLA) were collected. Student t-tests were used as appropriate.
Results
There were 108 hips in this series. Median age at THA was 37 (range 14–50). Average preoperative BMI was 27 (range 19–40). The vast majority of patients were highly active at latest follow-up (76% with UCLA scores between 7 and 10). WOMAC scores (1–100 scale) increased from preoperative mean of 41.1 to postoperative 83.8 (p<0.00.1, 98% power, effect size 1). UCLA scores (1–10 scale) improved from a preoperative mean of 3.3 to postoperative 7.2 (p<0.001, 97% power, effect size 1). At 12 years median follow-up, 4 patients had undergone revision surgery. There were no ceramic component failures. One patient underwent early revision for femoral component loosening, one was revised for chronic pain at another institution, one patient was revised for instability at 5 years post-op, and one patient was revised for periprosthetic fracture at 10 years.
Conclusion
At long-term follow-up, ceramic bearings accommodate high activity level with excellent component longevity in young patients undergoing THA.
