Alumina ceramic-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene bearings (Al-on-X-linked PE) are attractive because of the potential for reduced wear, osteolysis and loosening of the component. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of cementless total hip arthroplasties (THAs) using an Al-on-X-linked PE bearing and to determine the rates of osteolysis using radiographs and computer tomographic (CT) scans in young patients with osteonecrosis of femoral head. Consecutive primary cementless THAs using Al-on-X-linked PE bearing were performed in 71 patients (73 hips) who were younger than 50 years of age with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. There were 48 men (51 hips) and 23 women (23 hips). The average age at the time of the index arthroplasty was 46 years (range, 20 to 50 years). Osteolysis was evaluated using radiographs and CT scanning. The average follow-up was 11 years (range, 10 to 13 years).Introduction
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