Key Engineering Materials Vols. 284-286

Abstract: To reduce osteolysis and loosening, alumina bearings in hip arthroplasty have been used in Sunderland since 1991. This consecutive series demonstrates the results which have been most rewarding. However, ceramic implant fractures have been encountered but these probably represent less than meticulous operative technique. The results are published and the complications discussed together with advice to reduce the incidence of implant failure.

Abstract: The Omnifit-HA femoral stem component has shown excellent results in early clinical studies. This is an independent prospective study of the outcome of a ydroxyapatite-coated femoral component implanted by one surgeon with an intermediate-term follow up. The senior author performed 103 consecutive uncemented total hip arthroplasties in 96 patients from July 1991 to December 1996. The components implanted were the Omnifit-HA femoral stem and the Omnifit PSL porous-coated acetabular shell. The mean age at the time of the index procedure was 52 years old (range, 27–78) and male:female ratio was 54:42. Three patients were deceased and four patients were lost to follow-up. The mean follow up was 10.3 years (range, 7.3–12.7 years). Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed by an independent observer. The average preoperative and postoperative Harris Hip Scores were 55 and 92, respectively. The overall survivorship of the Omnifit-HA stem was 100% with no femoral revisions. The survivorship of the Omnifit PSL cup was 89.7% with 4 acetabular revisions for aseptic loosening and 6 polyethelene liner exchanges for osteolysis or late instability. The mean polyethylene wear rate was 0.24 mm per year. This long-term follow up shows that the use of circumferentially coated hydroxyapatite stems can protect against the migration of wear debris along the femoral stem.