title: Long-term results of 32-mm alumina-on-alumina THA for avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ceramic bearings in total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been introduced in clinical practice to minimize the problem of polyethylene particle-induced osteolysis. The aim of the study is to report the results of 68 consecutive alumina-on-alumina THAs done in 61 patients for avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head.
  
  
  METHODS
  In all implants a press-fit cup was used; it was combined with a 32-mm alumina head and with titanium-alloy stems. The mean age at surgery was 50 years. At an average follow-up of 13 years two hips have been revised, one for periprosthetic infection and one for excessive abduction of the cup.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No revision for aseptic loosening is recorded; one anatomical cementless femoral stem had radiological evidence of definite aseptic loosening. No dislocations occurred, and no osteolysis was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results support the application of alumina-alumina THA for long-lasting replacements.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Orthopaedic and Traumatology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, General Hospital, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Solarino
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Piazzolla
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Notarnicola
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Moretti
authors.forename: Silvio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tafuri
authors.forename: Silvana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De Giorgi
authors.forename: Biagio
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Moretti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000536:Aluminum Hydroxide; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D005271:Femur Head Necrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000536:Aluminum Hydroxide