CEMENTLESS TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY IN PATIENTS OLDER THAN 70 YEARS

Objective To present 3-15 years follow-up of patients older than 70 years who underwent cementless total hip arthroplasty. Methods One hundred and two consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties utilizing a circumferential proximal porous coated femoral component and smooth surfaced threaded acetabular were performed in 92 patients. The patients were followed up clinically and radiographically every two years from their third year after surgery. Ten patients (10 hips) died and 14 patients (15 hips) were lost to follow up in three years after surgery. Sixty-seven patients (77 hips) were included in this study. Results The pre-operative Harris hip scores and pain scores were 45 and 15 points. They increased to 89 and 42 points by the third year. These scores decreased to 81 and 42 points in the ninth year and 77 and 37 points in the fifteenth year, respectively. More than 75% of the hips demonstrated good or excellent clinical results in the fifth year and 60% of the hips were rated good to excellent in the seventh to eleventh year. In the fifteenth year, only 50% of the hips had good or excellent results. All femoral components showed stable fixation by bone in-growth. Eight acetabular components were revised, with 5 due to mechanical loosening and 3 for recurrent instability. Thigh pain was documented in 4 hips. ConclusionThe smooth-surfaced threaded acetabular component has a high rate of failure. Circumferential proximal porous coated femoral components provided excellent radiographic results and acceptable clinical outcome with definite bone ingrowth. Patients older than 70 may be suitable candidates for cementless total hip arthroplasty.