Aims

Revision hip arthroplasty for femoral stem loosening remains challenging due to significant bone loss and deformities requiring specialized revision stems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes, and survival, of a consecutive series of femoral revisions performed using a primary cementless stem with tapered geometry and rectangular cross-section at medium-term follow-up.

Periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) remain a major concern following cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to evaluate the association between different types of cementless tapered stems and the risk of postoperative PFF. A retrospective review of primary THAs performed at a single center from January 2011 to December 2018 included 3,315 hips (2,326 patients). Cementless stems were classified according to their design geometry using the system proposed by Radaelli et al. The incidence of PFF was compared between flat taper porous-coated stems (type A), rectangular taper grit-blasted stems (type B1), and quadrangular taper hydroxyapatite-coated stems (type B2). Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify independent factors related to PFF. The mean follow-up duration was 61 months (range, 12‒139 months). Overall, 45 (1.4%) postoperative PFFs occurred. The incidence of PFF was significantly higher in type B1 stems than in type A and type B2 stems (1.8 vs. 0.7 vs. 0.7%; P=0.022). Additionally, more surgical treatments (1.7 vs. 0.5 vs. 0.7%; P=0.013) and femoral revisions (1.2 vs. 0.2 vs. 0%; P=0.004) were required for PFF in type B1 stems. After controlling for confounding variables, older age (P<0.001), diagnosis of hip fracture (P<0.001), and use of type B1 stems (P=0.001) were significant factors associated with PFF. Type B1 rectangular taper stems were found to have higher risks for postoperative PFF and PFF requiring surgical management than type A and type B2 stems in THA. Femoral stem geometry should be considered when planning for cementless THA in elderly patients with compromised bone quality

Stem loosening can be associated with a wide spectrum of bone loss and deformity that represent key factors for choosing the most appropriate revision implant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and the survivorship of a consecutive series of THA revisions using a taper rectangular cementless stem for primary implants (Alloclassic® Zweymuller®, Zimmer Warsaw US) at medium-term follow-up. We retrospectively evaluated 113 patients (115 revisions) who underwent femoral revision with Zweymuller stem with a preoperative Paprosky I (86) or II (29) defects from January 2011 to December 2020. The mean follow up was 6 years (2–10). The median age at time of surgery was 71(41–93) with 60 males and 53 females. Osteolysis/radiolucency were observed in the following Gruen zones: I (91), II (3), III (2), VII (15), V (3), VI (1). Clinical assessment was performed by means of Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Visual Analogic Scale (VAS), whereas for the radiological analysis we used conventional x-rays of the hips. The statistical analysis was performed using Graphpad Prism v5.0 and data distribution was assessed by Shapiro-Wilk test, and Wilcoxon matched paired test was used to test the differences between preoperative and postoperative score. 9 patients were lost to fu (deceased or not available), 104 (106 hips) were evaluated. The mean HHS and VAS significantly improved at final follow-up, going from 33,84 and 5,78 preoperatively to 66,42 and 2,05 postoperatively, respectively. 28 patients (25%) showed unprogressive radiolucent lines in Gruen zones 1 and 7 with no other radiological nor clinical signs of loosening. One patient suffered from recurrence of the infection. The survivorship with stem revision as endpoint was 100%. Alloclassic Zweymüller primary stem showed good medium-term results and survival rate in revision THA for aseptic loosening and second stages of two stage revisions

Aims. In computer simulations, the shape of the range of motion (ROM) of a stem with a cylindrical neck design will be a perfect cone. However, many modern stems have rectangular/oval-shaped necks. We hypothesized that the rectangular/oval stem neck will affect the shape of the ROM and the prosthetic impingement. Methods. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) motion while standing and sitting was simulated using a MATLAB model (one stem with a cylindrical neck and one stem with a rectangular neck). The primary predictor was the geometry of the neck (cylindrical vs rectangular) and the main outcome was the shape of ROM based on the prosthetic impingement between the neck and the liner. The secondary outcome was the difference in the ROM provided by each neck geometry and the effect of the pelvic tilt on this ROM. Multiple regression was used to analyze the data. Results. The stem with a rectangular neck has increased internal and external rotation with a quatrefoil cross-section compared to a cone in a cylindrical neck. Modification of the cup orientation and pelvic tilt affected the direction of projection of the cone or quatrefoil shape. The mean increase in internal rotation with a rectangular neck was 3.4° (0° to 7.9°; p < 0.001); for external rotation, it was 2.8° (0.5° to 7.8°; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Our study shows the importance of attention to femoral implant design for the assessment of prosthetic impingement. Any universal mathematical model or computer simulation that ignores each stem’s unique neck geometry will provide inaccurate predictions of prosthetic impingement. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):780–789

Aims

We have evaluated the survivorship, outcomes, and failures of an interlocking, reconstruction-mode stem-sideplate implant used to preserve the native hip joint and achieve proximal fixation when there is little residual femur during large endoprosthetic reconstruction of the distal femur.

Background. Aseptic loosening is rare with most cementless tapered stems in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), however different factors can modify results. We ask if the shape and technique of three current different femoral components affects the clinical and radiological outcome after a minimum follow-up of ten years. Methods. 889 cementless tapered stems implanted from 1999 to 2007 were prospectively followed. Group 1 (273 hips) shared a conical shape and a porous-coated surface, group 2 (286 hips) a conical splined shape and group 3 (330 hips) a rectangular stem. Clinical outcome and anteroposterior and sagittal radiographic analysis were compared. Femoral type, stem position, femoral canal filling at three levels and the possible appearance of loosening and bone remodelling changes were assessed. Results. No thigh pain was reported in unrevised patients. Mean Harris Hip score was lower for patients in group 3 for pain and function at 6 months, two years and at latest follow-up. The survival rate of not having revision of the stem for any cause was 98.5% (95% CI 98.8–100) for group 1 at 12 years, 99.3 % ((95% Confidence Intervals (CI) 97.9–100) for group 2 at 16 years and 97.7% (95% (CI) 94–100) for group 3 at 14 years, and (log rank= 0.109). Thirteen stems from the latter were revised for aseptic loosening. No revision for aseptic loosening was found in the other designs. After controlling all confounding factors, the risk for aseptic loosening in group 3 was related to a lower femoral canal filling (p=0.039, Hazard Ratio (HR):0.918, 95% Confidence Interval (CI):0.846–0.996) and a stem position outside neutral limits in the sagittal alignment (p=0.048, HR:3.581, 95% CI:1.010–12.696). Conclusions. Conical tapered cementless stems are more reliable than rectangular straight designs in primary THA after ten years

Aims

Single-stage revision is not widely pursued due to restrictive inclusion criteria. In this study, we evaluated the results of single-stage revision of chronically infected total hip arthroplasty (THA) using broad inclusion criteria and cementless implants.

In recent years, cementless stems have dominated the North American market. There are several categories of cementless stems, but in the past 20 years, the two most popular designs in the United States have been the extensively coated cylindrical cobalt-chrome (CoCr) stem and the proximally coated tapered titanium stem, which in recent years has become the most common. The 10-year survival for both stem types has been over 95% with a distinction made on factors other than stem survival, including thigh pain, stress shielding, complications of insertion, and ease of revision. Conventional wisdom holds that proximally coated titanium stems have less stress shielding, less thigh pain, and a higher quality clinical result. Recent studies, however, including randomised clinical trials have found that the incidence of thigh pain and clinical result is essentially equivalent between the stem types, however, there is a modest advantage in terms of stress shielding for a tapered titanium stem over an extensively coated CoCr stem. One study utilizing pain drawings did establish that if a CoCr cylindrical stem was utilised, superior clinical results in terms of pain score and pain drawings were obtained with a fully coated versus a proximally coated stem. In spite of the lack of a clinically proven advantage in randomised trials, tapered titanium stems have been favored because of the occasional occurrence of substantial stress shielding, the increased clinical observation of thigh pain severe enough to warrant surgical intervention, ease of use of shorter tapered stems that involve removal of less trochanteric bone and less risk of fracture both at the trochanter and the diaphysis due to the shorter, and greater ease of insertion through more limited approaches, especially anterior approaches. When tapered stems are utilised, there may be an advantage to a more rectangular stem cross-section in patients with type C bone. In spite of the numerous clinical advantages of tapered titanium stems, there still remains a role for more extensively coated cylindrical stems in patients that have had prior surgery of the proximal femur, particularly for a hip fracture, which makes proximal fixation, ingrowth, and immediate mechanical stability difficult to assure consistently. Cement fixation should also be considered in these cases. While the marketplace and the clinical evidence strongly support routine use of tapered titanium proximally coated relatively short stems with angled rather than straight proximal lateral geometry in the vast majority of cases, there still remains a role for more extensively coated cylindrical and for specific indications

Background. The clinical results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) with a cementless prosthesis have been constantly improving due to progress in the area of stem design and surface finish. However, majority of stems are well-fixed with canal filling or diaphyseal fit, and cortical hypertrophy or metaphyseal bone atrophy has been often observed. Cementless Spotorno stem (CLS stem; Zimmer, Warsaw, USA) is a double-tapered rectangular straight stem. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mean 13 years' results of CLS stem and to evaluate the press-fit stability of CLS stem. Methods. Between 1999 and 2004, we treated 134 patients (142 hips) with CLS stem. Of those patients, 86 females (92 hips) and 13 males (14 hips), in total 99 patients (106 hips) were available at minimum of 11 years after surgery. At the time of follow-up, six females and five males were dead. The follow-up rate was 82% and the mean follow-up period was 13 years (SD; 20, range; 11–16). The mean age at the time of surgery was 65 years (SD; 10, range; 38–86). The mean body mass index was 24 (SD; 1.8, range; 19 to 28). Preoperative diagnoses were osteoarthritis in 92 patients, osteonecrosis in five patients, and rheumatoid arthritis in two patients. Majority of the patients were female because 84 patients of osteoarthritis suffered from hip dysplasia. For cementless acetabular reconstruction, APR cups (Zimmer, Warsaw, USA) were implanted in 10 hips, IOP cups (Zimmer, Warsaw, USA) in 22 hips, and Converge cups (Zimmer, Warsaw, USA) in 74 hips. As the liner of acetabular component, conventional UHMWPE (Sulene: Zimmer, Warsaw, USA) was used in APR cup and highly crosslinked UHMWPE (Durasul: Zimmer, Warsaw, USA) in IOP and Converge cups. The lipped liner was chosen in all cases, and lipped lesion was placed posteriorly. The radiographic stability of the femoral stem was determined by Engh's criteria. The ascertained period of spot welds was noted by Gruen zones on the femoral side. The presence of stress shielding, and subsidence was also evaluated. Results. A stable stem with bony on-growth was identified in all cases. The mean period of expression of spot welds was 11 months in zone 2, 10 months in zone 3, 9 months in zone 5, and 9 months in zone 6. Stress shielding of more than grade 2 was observed in only 8 hips, which was non-progressive at 1 year after surgery. Subsidence of more than 2mm was not observed in any of the hips. The cortical hypertrophy at the tip of stem was not observed. The postoperative dislocation occurred in six hips (6%) and periprosthetic femoral fracture occurred in two hips (2%). Revised surgery was performed in three hips for a recurrent dislocation and two periprosthetic femoral fracture. Conclusions. Excellent stability of CLS stem has been maintained without abnormal bone reaction at proximal femur. CLS stem is considered to achieve not only press-fit stability at trochanteric and subtrochanteric level, but bony fixation by osseointegration within 1 year after THA

Purpose. We evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty using rectangular cross-section stem for femoral neck fracture in elderly patients more than 80 years of age with osteoporosis. Material and Methods. 76(cemented 46, cementless 30) bipolar hemiarthroplasties for femur neck fracture were performed in elderly patients more than 80 years old. The mean follow-up period was 4.3 years (2 to 7 years). The Harris hip score at last follow-up and pre-postoperative daily living activity scale according to Kitamura methods were analyzed clinically. The radiological results were assessed using stability of femoral stem and other complications were evaluated. Results: At last follow-up, there were no significant differences of Harris hip score and daily living activity between two groups. Stem loosening and instability were not observed in cementless arthroplasty. There were 18 cases of osseous fixation in radiologic study. There were 1 case of dislocation and 1 case of superficial infection in cemented arthroplasty and 1 case of deep infection in cementless arthroplasty. Conclusion. Cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty using rectangular cross-section stem for elderly patients with a femoral neck fracture showed satisfactory short-term clinical and radiological results compared to using cement stem

Fixation of the femoral component in total hip arthroplasty is a surgical challenge in the best of circumstances. Achieving immediate fixation without breaking the femur is a challenge, even to highly skilled and experienced arthroplasty surgeons. Surgical procedures are available that offer cosmetic benefit or a slightly quicker recovery, but accepting this compromise for fixation should be avoided. The mechanical environment of the femoral component is challenging. The implant is exposed to offset loading in two planes, which results in substantial bending stress and rotational loads in the frontal plane as well as bending stress and torsional loads in the sagittal plane. The proximal femur is built to transmit load through the surface fibers, not the central cavity, so efforts to change it to a centrally loaded structure are fraught with difficulty. The entire structure should be used. The least reliable material is the cancellous bone in the intertrochanteric metaphysis and the most effective is the cancellous bone of the femoral neck and cortical bone of the upper diaphysis. For best fixation of the femoral component, the cortical bone of the upper metaphysis should be contacted, and the diaphyseal cortical bone actually should be grooved by the femoral stem during insertion. Approach to the hip is important in fixation of the femoral component. Approaches that require femoral neck resection and use of a short stem are especially treacherous. The posterior approach is attractive because it encourages preservation of the femoral neck, and it provides straight access to the medullary canal of the femur while protecting the abductor muscles. Static axial load in the extended position is most readily resisted by the femoral component. Distal cortical contact is very important to prevent toggle. Torsional loads generated from offset loading of the femoral head in flexion and with front-to-back acceleration generated loads during rapid gait are the most challenging in securing fixation of the implant. Ideal conditions include preservation of the femoral neck, engagement of a rectangular stem in a rectangular cavity, and mechanical lock into grooves in the diaphyseal cortical bone. If all these conditions are met, femoral component fixation can be achieved every time without damaging the abductor muscle group, and with minimal danger of femoral fracture. A posterior approach with femoral neck preservation and a rectangular shaped femoral component with diaphyseal engaging stem is safe surgery and good mechanics. The anterior approach with femoral neck sacrifice and round, short stems is unsafe surgery and bad mechanics

Purpose. To evaluate outcome after cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasties using a standard(tapered, rectangular) stem for the treatment of above type A2 fractures in elderly patients. Material and methods. We reviewed the records of 37 patients who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty between February 2006 and Feburuary 2010 in our hospital who were followed for more than two years after surgery. The mean patient age was 73.5 years old (range 64∼88 years old). 16 patients were men, and 21 patients were women. We evaluated the results by analyzing operation time, amount of bleeding, recovery of walking ability, complications and radiologic findings. Result. The mean operation time was 75.3 minutes. The average total amount of bleeding was of 755.5 cc. At the last follow-up, 23 patients (62%) had recovered walking ability. Complications included a deep infection in one case, 1 cases of acetabular erosion, 2 cases of greater trochanter non-union. There were no revisions due to prosthesis loosening or another reason. Conclusion. Cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a tapered, rectangular stem can be an alternative treatment for type A2 intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients so as to achieve earlier mobilisation

We present our results of cementless total hip arthroplasty with a tapered, rectangular stem made of titanium-aluminum-niobium alloy. This implant is used since 1979 with only minor modifications. The design of the femoral component achieves primary stability through precision rasping and press-fit implantation. Between October 1986 and November 1987, two hundred consecutive patients (208 hips) underwent total hip arthroplasty with this tapered, rectangular stem. In all cases the acetabular component was a threaded cup made of titanium. At a minimum follow-up of twenty years eighty-seven patients were still alive. Sixty-seven patients (69 hips) were available for clinical and radiographic follow-up. The probability of survival of the stem was 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.91 to 0.98) and that of the cup was 0.72 (0.62 to 0.80). The probability of survival of both the stem and the acetabular component with revision for any reason as the end point was 0.71 (0.61 to 0.78). Two stems have been revised due to aseptic loosening. We found various degrees of osteolysis around the acetabular and femoral component (61,7%). At the time of the 20-year follow-up no stem was deemed at risk for loosening. The key findings of our twenty-year follow-up are the very low rate of revisions of the femoral component and the low rate of distal femoral osteolysis associated with this stem. Our data show that femoral fixation of the stem continues to be secure at a follow-up of twenty years

Aims: The aim of this study is to present long-term results of the cementless Alloclassic total hip arthroplasty system of up to 21 years.

Matarial and Methods: 152 consecutive primary hip arthroplasties using a threaded conical titanium cup (Alloclassic CSF) and a rectangular titanium press-fit stem (Alloclassic SL) were implanted between September 1987 and December 1988. In all cases a 32 mm alumina ceramic head and a UHMW polyethylene inlay were used. Clinical and radiological results were available for 55 patients (36,2%) with a minimum of 15 years (15.0 to 20.9 years). Clinical results were evaluated according to the Harris Hip Score, the SF-36 and WOMAC score. Radiographic results were analysed on anteroposterior x-rays according to the method of DeLee and Charnley for the cup and of Gruen for the stem.

Results: The average Harris Hip Score at the last follow-up was 87.3. The mean pain score was 41.5, the mean functional score 47.3. Radiographic results showed osteolytic lesions around the cup in one case. Radiolucent lines around the stem were observed only in the proximal zones in 2/3 of the cases, cortical hyperthrophy occurred in the distal zones in ¾ of the evaluated hips.

23 hips (15.1%) needed revision surgery. The majority (17 hips – 73.9% of all reoperations) were revised due to progressive Polyethylene wear, all after a minimum of ten years. Exchange of the polyethylene inlay and the ceramic head was performed in 14 hips. In two cases the acetabular component and in one case the femoral component were found to be loose intraoperatively because of the wear debris and had to be exchanged. 4 hips had to be revised due to aseptic cup loosening without signs of increased polyethylene wear. There was one revision due to a late deep infection and one because of a periprothetic femoral fracture.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that excellent long-term results can be achieved with the cementless Alloclassic system. The main limiting factor for implant survival was found in increased polyethylene wear. We therefore recommend early exchange of the inlay to avoid loosening and the use of modern wear couples such as ceramic-on-ceramic, metal-on-metal or crosslinked polyethylene.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes after cementless bipolar hemiar-throplasty in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures. Materials and Methods: Eighty hips – all in patients greater than 70 years of age – were followed for more than 2 years after undergoing cementless bipolar hemi-arthroplasty with a tapered rectangular cementless stem (Lima SPH-C2. ®. ). The mean age was 76 years, and the mean follow-up period was 37 months. The Harris hip score and postoperative hip pain were analyzed clinically. Femoral bone types were classified according to Dorr method. The radiological results were assessed using various radiological indices. Results: At last follow-up, the mean Harris hip score was 80.2 points. There were 5 cases of groin pain, 4 (5.0%) mild and 1 (1.3%) moderate and 7 cases of thigh pain, 6 (7.5%) mild and 1 (1.3%) moderate. Fifty-five cases (68.7%) showed no decrease in ambulation capacity postoperatively. Patients have type A bone types in 13 cases(16.2%), type B in 51 cases(63.7%) and type C in 16 cases(20.0%). Radiologically, there were 47 cases (58.7%) of bone ingrowth and 33 cases (41.3%) of stable fibrous fixation. There were no cases of osteolysis, and 30 cases (37.5%) exhibited new bone formation around the stem. All stems were stable without significant alignment change or progressive subsidence. Conclusion: Short-term outcomes proved to be satisfactory in elderly patients undergoing cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures. Tapered rectangular stem showed satisfactory results with all bone morphology

The torsional strength of cemented implants is likely influenced by stem geometry. Five straight stems with different cross-sectional shapes (circular, oval, triangular, round-rectangular, sharp-rectangular) were custom-machined. The stems were cemented into tubes using bone cement, and subjected to torsion (2.5deg/min)(n=7). At initial failure (crack through the cement mantle or loss of cement-stem adhesion), the sharp-rectangular stem resisted over 33% more torque than the other four stems (p=0.13). At ultimate failure (5° stem rotation), the resistance provided by the circular stem was less than 12% of either rectangular stem (p< 0.05). Additional studies are needed to determine the effects of long-term loading. To determine the influence of cross-sectional implant stem shape on cement failure under torsional loading. The sharp-rectangular stem provided the greatest torsional resistance against initial failure. At ultimate failure, the two rectangular stems performed better than the other stems, with the circular stem providing the least torsional resistance. A stem design that provides increased resistance to torsion will, in all likelihood, improve the longevity of cemented stemmed implants. Five straight stems with different cross-sectional shapes (circular, oval, triangular, round-rectangular, sharp-rectangular) were custom-machined. Each stem was cemented in a square aluminum tube using Simplex® cement (Stryker, Michigan, USA). A materials testing machine was used to apply torsion to the stem at 2.5 deg/minute until failure. ‘Initial failure’ was defined as the appearance of a crack through the cement mantle and/or the loss of cement-stem adhesion. ‘Ultimate failure’ was defined as 5° of stem rotation. Results (n=7) were compared using one-way ANOVAs with post-hoc Student-Newman-Keuls tests (p=0.05). The sharp-rectangular stem withstood over 33% more torque at initial failure than the other stems (p=0.13). At ultimate failure, the circular stem provided significantly less torsional resistance than the other four stems (p< 0.05), and was able to resist less than 12% of the torque applied to either rectangular stem. These results suggest shape may play a role in the onset of implant loosening due to torsion. Further studies are required to explore other shapes and to examine the effects of cyclic loading and cement soaking. Funding: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, University of Western Ontario

Purpose: To compare the torsional stability provided by five implant stems with different cross-sectional geometries under cyclic loading. Methods: Cemented stems with five different cross-sectional shapes – circular, oval, triangular, rectangular with rounded edges (round rectangular), and rectangular with sharp edges (sharp rectangular) – were custom machined from stainless steel. Stem dimensions were selected to fit within the humeral canal (based on a 6mm x 8mm dimensioning scheme) and shapes were based on commercially available-designs. Seven specimens of each stem shape were tested. ||The stems were potted in square aluminum tubes using bone cement, and allowed to cure for 24 hours prior to testing. A materials testing machine and a custom designed loading fixture were used to apply torsion to the stems. A sine wave loading pattern was applied until ultimate failure (5° of stem rotation) was reached. This loading pattern had a lower bound of 0.9Nm and an upper bound that started at 4.5Nm and was increased in increments of 2.25Nm every 1500 cycles. The load was cycled at 2Hz. Statistical analyses on both the number of cycles and torque to failure were performed using one-way ANOVAs followed by post-hoc Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) tests (p< 0.05). Results: Overall, ANOVAs showed an effect of shape on the number of cycles (p< 0.0001) and torque to failure (p< 0.001). SNK tests revealed the sharp rectangular stem provided the greatest resistance to torque (p-cycles< 0.001; p-torque< 0.001) compared to all other stems. Other significant differences resulted in the following ranking of the shapes: sharp rectangular, round rectangular, triangular, and circular = oval. Conclusions: The results of this study agree with static testing previously conducted on the same set of stem shapes. Although the sizes of the stems were chosen to roughly replicate upper limb implants, these results may be extrapolated to larger stems such as for the hip or knee. To improve implant longevity, it is important that the best fixation possible be obtained through all available avenues, including improved cementing techniques, and optimal implant designs. An alteration in implant stem shape may assist in achieving this goal

We undertook a review of the literature relating to the two basic stem designs in use in cemented hip replacement, namely loaded tapers or force-closed femoral stems, and the composite beam or shape-closed designs. The associated stem fixation theory as understood from in vitro studies and finite element modelling were examined with reference to the survivorship results for each of the concepts of fixation.

It is clear that both design principles are capable of producing successful long-term results, providing that their specific requirements of stem metallurgy, shape and surface finish, preparation of the bone and handling of the cement are observed.

In a randomised study, 28 patients with a mean age of 62.2 years (32 to 81) with osteoarthritis or avascular necrosis of the hip received either a ceramic-on-ceramic or a metal-on-metal total hip replacement. Apart from the liners the acetabular and femoral components were made of Ti-Al-Nb alloy. The serum aluminium and cobalt levels were measured before, and at one year after surgery.

The 15 patients in the ceramic-on-ceramic group had a median pre-operative aluminium level of 1.3 μg/l (0.25 to 8.4) and a cobalt level below the detection limit. At one year the aluminium level was 1.1 μg/l (0.25 to 2.3) and the cobalt level was 0.4 μg/l (0.15 to 0.7). The 13 patients in the metal-on-metal group had a median pre-operative aluminium level of 1.9 μg/l (0.25 to 4.4) and a cobalt level below the detection limit. At one year the median aluminium level was 0.9 μg/l (0.25 to 3.9) whereas the cobalt level was 1.4 μg/l (0.5 to 10.5). This increase in the cobalt level at one year was significant (p < 0.001).

Our findings indicate that ceramic-on-ceramic bearings do not cause elevated levels of serum aluminium in the first post-operative year.