A prospective study of 100 consecutive Harris-Galante porous total hip arthroplasties. 2-5-year results

This is a prospective study of the authors' first 100 Harris-Galante porous total hip arthroplasties (THA) that were followed for 2-5 years. The mean age of the 83 patients was 43 years. Using the Harris hip rating system, 80% of the hips were rated as excellent, 13% as good, 5% as fair, and 2% as poor at final evaluation. Eighty percent of the hips had no pain, 11% had slight or occasional pain, 8% had activity-related pain, and 1% had moderate pain. Eighty-seven percent of the hips had no limp, 8% had a slight limp, and 5% had a moderate limp. One femoral component, placed as a conversion of a loose bipolar hemiarthroplasty, has been removed for loosening. Two other hips have been reoperated, one for lengthening the femoral neck and one for changing the acetabular liner. There were no problems with acetabular screw fixation and no component migrated. Only two hips had 1 mm nonprogressive radiolucent lines in all three zones. Femoral component subsidence of 3 or more mm was measured in 16 hips, but was progressive in only 1. Radiolucent and radiodense lines were frequently seen in the nonporous coated regions of the femoral stem. Loss of proximal medial femoral bone density was seen in 59% of hips, and calcar resorption was seen in 16% of hips. Although the clinical results of this uncemented implant system were good or excellent in 93% of hips, the high incidence of femoral component subsidence is worrisome.