Cementless hip arthroplasty in the treatment of patients with femoral head necrosis

Treatment of patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head focuses on pain relief and improved function of the hip. Total hip arthroplasty remains an effective tool for the treatment of patients with end-stage osteonecrosis with collapse of the femoral head, although there is a greater risk for failure. The aim of the current study was to assess the long-term survival of cementless total hip arthroplasties in 28 patients (36 hips) with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (Steinberg Stage V and Stage VI) with an average followup of 11.2 years (range, 10-15 years). There were 19 women and nine men with an average age of 51.4 years (range, 28-65 years). A threaded titanium cup CST (Conical Screwed Titanium) was used in all patients and different cementless femoral components were used depending on the optimal fit in the femoral canal as assessed during preoperative templating. No serious complications were encountered postoperatively. The patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel scale. After cementless total hip arthroplasty, the average pain score improved 3.6 points, walking ability improved 1.6 points, and range of motion improved 1 point. Two patients had thigh pain. Radiographic evaluation on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the proximal femur was excellent in 10 hips postoperatively. No heterotropic ossification was observed, although proximal femoral atrophy was seen in 15 hips. Clinical and radiologic findings did not correlate. There were two revisions of the acetabular implants in one patient with bilateral idiopathic osteonecroses and total hip replacement. Overall, survival of the prostheses was 93.4% at the average followup of 11.2 years.