Total hip arthroplasty using two different cementless tapered stems

The authors report their 15-year experience with primary total hip arthroplasty using collarless, tapered, porous-coated femoral stems (Trilock and Taperloc) in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and in octogenarians. Excellent clinical results were achieved in all groups at latest followup. For the patients with Trilock stems, Taperloc stems, and patients who were octogenarians and patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Charnley pain scores were 5.6, 5.5, 5.7, and 5.7; Charnley function scores were 5.2, 5.1, 4.2, and 5.3; Harris hip scores were 92, 92, 82, and 93 points, respectively. There was a 2% rate of thigh pain with the Trilock, 4% with Taperloc, 4% in octogenarians, and 2% in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In 96% of the patients in the Trilock group, in 100% of the patients in the Taperloc group, in 100% of the patients who were octogenarians, and in 100% of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis, femoral components showed radiographic evidence of bone ingrowth. There were six (12%) femoral component revisions in the Trilock group (all secondary to nonmodularity of the component at the time of acetabular revision), one femoral component revision in the Taperloc group and no femoral component revisions in the patients who were octogenarians or who had rheumatoid arthritis. Design features (collarless tapered wedge fit, circumferentially porous-coated) virtually ensure bone ingrowth and are thought to be responsible for the excellent clinical results and longevity.