Abstract
Introduction
Uncemented press-fit cups provide bone fixation in primary total hip replacement (THR). However, sometimes screws are needed to achieve primary stability of the socket. We analyzed biomechanical factors related to press-fit in seven cup designs and assessed whether screw use provides similar loosening rates to those of the press-fit technique.
Materials y Methods
From a series of 1,350 primary uncemented THRs using seven different press-fit cup designs (a dome loading hemispheric cup and bi- or tri- radius cups), we only analyzed the 889 diagnosed of primary osteoarthritis. All cases were operated by the same surgical team. The use of screws was decided intraoperatively based on cup stability according to the pull-out test. There were 399 female and 490 male patients with a mean age of 65 years old. The mean follow-up was 8.6 years (5–13 years). The reconstruction of the hip rotation center was evaluated according to Ranawat.
Results
Screws were required in 223 (25.1%) of the surgeries: 35% of all dome-loaded cups and less frequently with other cup designs (range 18%-24%) (p<0.001) All hips showed good clinical results and radiological bone fixation. Screws were used more frequently in women (p<0.001). Adjusted multivariate analysis revealed that female patients (p<0.001, Odds Ratio (OR): 1.98; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.34–2.95), hips with one of the hemispherical cup designs (p=0.01, OR: 2.51; 95% CI 1.33–5.33) and a greater distance to the rotation hip centre (p<0.001, OR: 1.25; 95% CI 1.15–1.35) had a higher risk for screw use. Every increase of 5 mm in this distance increased the risk of screw use by three (LI=2–4.5).
Conclusions
Gender, cup design and reconstruction of the rotation center of the hip determine the primary stability of the cup in uncemented THR. The use of screws, when necessary, provides similar results than the press-fit technique
