Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty with Alumina Ceramic-on-Ceramic Articulation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of total hip arthroplasty using a ceramic-on-ceramic articulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2004 to February 2006, total hip arthroplasty was performed in 21 patients and 31 hips. The mean follow up period was 56 months (range: 48~72 months). The causes for the AVN were alcohol in 12 cases, idiopathic in 10 cases, steroid in 6 cases and post-traumatic in 3 cases. The clinical results were evaluated using the Harris hip score and according to the pain on the inguinal area or thigh. The radiographic evaluation was performed to determine the level of osteolysis and instability around the acetabular cup and femoral stem, the position of the femoral stem and the wear of the articular surface. RESULTS: At the most recent follow-up, the mean Harris hip score was 93 points with no inguinal or thigh pain. The complications included one case of peroneal nerve palsy, one case of ceramic head fracture, two cases of noise in the joint, two cases of posterior dislocation and two patients died because of complication related to liver cirrhosis. Radiologically, bone ingrowth was noted in all the cases with no migration of the acetabular component and femoral stem, changing of the position or osteolysis. CONCLUSION: Total hip arthroplasty with ceramic on ceramic articulation shows satisfactory results at an average of 56 months follow up. There was bone ingrowth in all cases except for one ceramic head fracture. Further follow-up study should be performed to evaluate the long-term results.