Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients under 30 years remains a challenge. The long-term survival data are often disappointing. In our institution, we have always used cemented components in all patients under 30 years, combined with acetabular impaction bone grafting (IBG), if necessary.

We reviewed 139 consecutive patients (180 hips) treated between 1986 to 2014. Mean age at time of surgery was 24 (13–30.0) years. Acetabular IBG was applied in 127 (71%) cases. AAOS cavitary defect was seen in 26 (14%) cases, a AAOS segmental defect in 51 (28%) and a combination in 17 (9%).

The mean preoperative HHS improved from 47 (20–81) to 87 (28–100) at review. During follow-up 26 hips have been revised (23 cups and 11 stems). Indications for revision were aseptic loosening (n=15), septic loosening (n=5), recurrent dislocation (n=3), wear (n=1), and stem fracture (n=1).

The 10-year Kaplan-Meier survival of any component with endpoint revision for any reason was 87% (95% CI 79%–92%) and for aseptic loosening 92% (84%–96%). The 15-year survival of any component with revision for any reason as the endpoint was 77% (65%–86%) and for aseptic loosening 84% (71%–92%).

Cemented THA and, if needed with impaction bone grafting, in patients under 30 years provides satisfying long-term results up to 15 years after surgery. Probably this biological approach with IBG may facilitate the inevitable revisions in the future in these young patients because of more bone stock.