Hydroxyapatite-coated total hip replacement

Biologic attachment of load-bearing orthopedic implants has developed as a response to long-term problems associated with polymethylmethacrylate cement fixation. Although early clinical results of uncemented hip and knee implants have been encouraging, histologic studies of retrieved implants have shown a distinct lack of bone apposition and ingrowth. Hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings applied to metallic implant substrates have been shown to enhance biologic fixation. These results have led to the clinical investigation of the use of HA-coated total hip replacements.