title: Total hip replacement. Results of a postal survey of current practice on the cement fixation of the acetabular cup in the uk.
abstract: Previous finite element studies and laboratory investigations on reconstructed acetabulum joints show that long-term fixation of the acetabular cup in total hip replacements (THRs) is influenced by surgical fixation techniques. The aim of this study is to determine and understand the reasons of current practice in the cement fixation of the acetabular cup in THRs in the UK. Following a pilot study, a postal survey was carried out among 1350 orthopaedic consultants. Response rate was 40% and data obtained from the returned questionnaires provided information about the current practice of 431 consultants with an average of 16.5 years of experience and who perform an average of 55 cemented THR operations annually. The survey showed wide variations in the fixation methods of the acetabular component. 95% of the respondents use cement to fix the acetabular cup, 46% maintain the subchondral bone and 63% use a flanged acetabular cup. The numbers of anchorage holes drilled vary from zero to thirty-six and drill diameters vary from 2 to 15 mm. Anchorage hole depths vary from 3 to 20 mm. Given the variability of surgical fixation methods, further studies need to be carried out to determine how fixation techniques could be improved to increase the longevity of the acetabular component in THRs. Further investigations could lead to a better understanding of the factors that contribute to the stability of THRs. (Hip International 2004; 14: 155-62).
authors.affiliation: Bioengineering Research Group, Design and Engineering - DaCS, Anglia Polytechnic University, Chelmsf.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mootanah
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ingle
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cheah
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Dowell
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Shelton