Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the minimum 10-year results of primary total hip arthroplasty using an uncemented, hydroxyapatite-coated tapered stem. Radiological signs of bone remodeling are also presented.
Methods: We followed a consecutive series of 105 patients (115 hips), who had had an uncemented, proximally hydroxyapatite-coated Bi-Metric femoral component for a mean of 12.2 years (range 10.0-14.9 years). The average age at operation was 52 years. Detailed clinical and radiological analyses were performed after a minimum of 5 and 10 years. Eight patients (10 hips) had died, and one patient was lost to follow-up, leaving 104 hips for final evaluation. The clinical result was evaluated by the Harris Hip Score, complications, and thigh pain.
Results: All patients still had their femoral components in place at the final follow-up. The average Harris Hip Score after 10 years was 92 (range 50-100) with no deterioration over time. Radiologically, several signs of progressive remodeling were identified, but no stem showed signs of loosening.
Conclusions: The intermediate clinical and radiological results with this stem are encouraging. In the hands of various surgeons, the stem has performed well in a young, high-risk population.