Introduction: NICE guidelines (2000) stipulated three-year follow-up data compatible with satisfactory performance at 10 years as a minimum requirement for hip implants. We reviewed the performance of two devices in use in our department which fell outside these requirements. The Cenator cup (Corin Medical) is a cemented device, and the EPF cup (Plus Orthopedics) is uncemented (equatorially expanded, screw option, polished inside, porous HA coated).

Patients and Methods: 117 Cenator and 110 EPF cups inserted during the period 12/09/2000–28/01/2003 were assessed at 3 years by the following: Oxford Hip Score, satisfaction (visual analogue scale), details of femoral component, age, sex, BMI and any complications. Radiological assessment included Charnley Grade, concentricity, superior cover, cup inclination, migration, radiolucent lines, and linear wear at 3 years. Statistical associations with radiolucent lines or linear wear were calculated.

Results: The mean age of patients with Cenator cups was 81 (range 61–102) and EPF cups 67 (39–86). Oxford Hip Scores averaged 10 (0–41)(Cenator) and 7 (0–29)(EPF). Cup inclination range was 30–65° (mean 47). Linear wear > 1mm was observed in 18 Cenator and 53 EPF cups. Early radiolucent lines behind EPF cups closed (all cases), and superior cover improved in 8%. Progressive radiolucencies > 1mm were seen behind 37 Cenator cups. One of each type was revised for deep sepsis. Four other minor reoperations occurred. Statistical association was demonstrated between superior cover and progressive radiolucencies (Cenator), and between sex, cup size and inclination and linear wear (EPF).

Discussion: Crucial markers of prognosis were observed (progressive radiolucencies and linear wear) but survivorship at three years for aseptic loosening was 100%. Our results indicate satisfactory performance at three years in accordance with NICE guidelines, and suggest acceptability of both devices. Our methods may be applicable to similar implants currently in use but not yet endorsed by suitable published outcome data.

We report the results of seventy-six Harris Galante Porous Cups (HGP 1) in sixty-three patients treated by Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) with a diagnosis of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femur (grade III and IV). The cups were inserted between 1986 and 1994 and followed prospectively. Seventy hips with a follow up of more than five years (mean 7.6 years) were reviewed.

At last review the mean Harris Hip Score was 94 (standard deviation (& dcl001;) .8), preoperatively the mean had been 29 (& dcl001;14.7). Radiographically there was no evidence of acetabular migration. The revision rate of the femoral prosthesis was 8.6%, however only three stems (4.3%) were revised for loosening the rest being revised to allow down sizing of the femoral head. The revision rate for the acetabular prosthesis was 7.1%, (five cups). At the time of revision none of the cups were clinically loose and only required the liner to be changed. The complication rate was low with no deep infections or dislocations and only nine hips, (11.8%) with grade III heterotopic ossification. Survival analysis for both stem and cup at 8 years is 96.3% (confidence interval 91 – 100%), with a worst-case survival of 93.6%, (C.I 87.4 – 99.9%)

Previous studies of patients undergoing cemented THA for the treatment of advanced AVN have reported a high incidence of component loosening. This study shows good medium term results using the Harris Galante Porous cup for acetabular reconstruction with cemented femoral components for the treatment of this difficult problem.

We describe the results of 76 total arthroplasties of the hip for stage-III or stage-IV avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Harris Galante Porous cups were used in 63 patients between 1986 and 1994 and followed prospectively. We reviewed 70 hips with a follow-up of more than five years (mean 7.6).

At the latest review the mean Harris Hip Score had improved from a preoperative value of 29 ± 14.7 to 94 ± 6.8. Radiologically, there was no evidence of acetabular migration. The rate of revision for the femoral component was 8.6%, three being undertaken for loosening and three to allow downsizing of the femoral head. The rate of revision for the acetabular component was 7.1% (five cups). At the time of revision none of the cups was clinically loose, and only required the liner to be changed.

The rate of complications was low with no case of deep infection or dislocation, but nine of the 76 hips (11.8%) showed grade-III heterotopic ossification. Previous studies of patients undergoing cemented total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of advanced avascular necrosis have indicated a high incidence of loosening of the acetabular component. Our findings show good medium-term results using the Harris Galante Porous cup for acetabular reconstruction, together with a variety of cemented femoral components, for the treatment of this difficult problem.