Poor outcome of 44 cemented total hip arthroplasties with alumina ceramic heads: clinical evaluation and retrieval analysis after 10-16 years.
We evaluated the long-term results of cemented total hip arthroplasty with alumina ceramic heads in 39 patients (44 hips) from 1981 to 1985. The study comprised 8 men (8 hips) and 31 women (36 hips). Their mean age was 54 (37-76) years and mean weight 52 (34-93) kg. The preoperative diagnoses were osteoarthrosis in 34 patients (38 hips), rheumatoid arthritis in 3 (4 hips) and idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head in 2 (2 hips). The mean duration of follow-up was 13 (10-16) years. At this time, 6 cases had been revised because of aseptic loosening (5 hips showed loosening of both components and 1 acetabular loosening alone). Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis with radiographic loosening as end-point showed 10-year survival rates of 75% for the acetabular component and 86% for the femoral. The mean linear wear rate of polyethylene was 0.10 mm/year radiographically--i.e., about the same as reported for many metal to polyethylene bearings. 5 alumina ceramic heads were retrieved and showed excellent surface roughness and roundness without scratches. However, debris stuck to the gaps was detected. The debris may act as third-bodies and affect polyethylene wear.
Hasegawa
M
M
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mie University Faculty of Medicine, Tsu City, Japan. masahase@clin.medic.mie-u.ac.jp
Ohashi
T
T
Tani
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000537:Aluminum Oxide; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D002516:Ceramics; D005260:Female; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011095:Polyethylenes; D000537:Aluminum Oxide