Abstract
Aim
Alumina ceramic on ceramic bearings in total hip arthroplasty (THA) may reduce the prevalence of osteolysis due to its properties of low wear and chemical inertness. This is critical in the younger patient population as they place increased demands over a longer period. This study reports on the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a series of modern cementless ceramic on ceramic THA at a minimum of 10 years in this younger group.
Method
A series of 120 consecutive third generation ceramic cementless THA were performed at a single centre in 110 patients from 1997 to 1999. The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 45 years (20 to 55 years). All procedures were carried out via the posterior approach using the same implant by the two senior authors.
Results
At 10 years, 4 patients had died and 6 were lost to follow-up (5%). The mean Harris Hip Score was 94.7 points. All surviving implants analysed radiographically had evidence of stable bony ingrowth, with no cases of osteolysis. Wear rates were undetectable. There were 3 revisions (2.5%). One stem was revised following periprosthetic fracture, one stem was revised to facilitate a femoral shortening osteotomy. One cup was revised for anterior impingement causing psoas tendonitis. There was one incident of intraoperative ceramic liner chipping, which was changed without complication. There were no postoperative bearing fractures. Two patients reported intermittent squeaking at extreme hip flexion and internal rotation, the hips otherwise functioned well. The survival for both components with revision for any cause was 97.5%
Conclusion
Alumina ceramic on ceramic bearings in cementless primary THA in this series have resulted in good clinical and radiographic outcomes with low wear rates and excellent function in the demanding younger patient group at 10 years.
