Mid-term results with primary uncemented total hip replacement: a 7- to 11-year follow-up

We reviewed 102 uncemented total hip replacements (THRs) in 90 patients with a mean age of 66 years (range, 33–87 years) and with an average postoperative follow-up period of 8.5 years (range, 7–11 years). The patients were prospectively observed clinically using the Harris hip score (HHS). The excellent and good results totaled over 90%. We had two serious complications treated by revisions, one for an “alarming” stem migration and a second one for an improper stem neck height. We had one late infection, and one early postoperative death. We had no mechanical loosenings or osteolysis. We found a common, up to 2 mm, slow migration of the cup and stem during the first 2 postoperative years. This was symptomless and was considered to be adaptive. Early, rapid, painful, severd, progressive, multidirectional migration is of concern. We used this uncemented prosthesis for patients of all ages. The rate of radiolucent, non-sclerotic demarcation was minimal (2%), limited, less than 2 mm wide and resolving. The occurrence of thigh pain was minimal (2%) and resolved. We believe that our results reflect the properties of this prosthesis and our surgical technique. Received: 14 January 2000/Accepted in revised form: 15 April 2000