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Updated: Sep 29, 2026

The Use of Mixed Reality in Custom-Made Revision Hip Arthroplasty: A First Case Report
Published on: August 4, 2022
3M Capital hip arthroplasty: 3-8-year follow-up of 208 primary hip replacements
Insights
Capital hip replacements showed a lower failure rate than expected, with aseptic loosening affecting 4% of revised hips. Design is not the sole factor in loosening, highlighting the need for ongoing clinical data registration.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomaterials science
- Medical device engineering
Background:
- The Capital hip prosthesis was subject to patient recall in 1998 due to reported failures.
- Understanding the long-term performance and failure modes of recalled implants is crucial for patient safety and future designs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical outcomes and failure rates of the recalled Capital hip prosthesis.
- To identify factors associated with loosening and revision surgery in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 267 Capital hip replacements.
- Follow-up of 208 hips (200 patients) for an average of 6 years post-implantation.
- Radiographic and clinical assessment for aseptic loosening and revision surgery.
Main Results:
- 9 hips (4%) required revision due to aseptic loosening.
- 10 stems (5%) were identified as radiographically loose.
- A higher incidence of loosening was observed in males and with both varus and valgus stem designs.
Conclusions:
- The observed failure rate for the Capital hip prosthesis was lower than previously published figures.
- Factors beyond implant design, such as patient-specific characteristics and surgical technique, likely influence loosening.
- Continuous large-scale registration of clinical data and outcome parameters is recommended for comprehensive implant surveillance.
Abstract:
We reviewed 267 Capital hip replacements. Patients were recalled in 1998 after reports of failure of this prosthesis. 208 hips (200 patients) were followed-up (average 6 years). 9 hips (4%) had been revised for aseptic loosening and 10 stems (5%) were radiographically loose. Males and both varus and valgus stems showed a higher incidence of loosening. The failure rate, however, was considerably lower than the published figures. The reason for this is not clear, but obviously design is not the only factor contributing to loosening. Therefore, a continuous routine registration of clinical data and relevant outcome parameters on a large scale seems desirable.