Biologic fixation and bone ingrowth

Total hip arthroplasty has provided thousands of patients with pain relief and has improved their quality of life. Advances in orthopaedic surgical techniques and implant biomaterials now allow predictable surgical results in most patients. Despite the overwhelming success of this surgical procedure, the debate continues surrounding the optimal choice of implants. Femoral and acetabular implants with varying geometries and fixation methods are currently available. Acrylic bone cement has been used extensively in the past for acetabular and femoral fixation. This mode of component fixation currently remains the technique used most frequently throughout Europe and has shown excellent long-term results. Problems inherent with acrylic bone cement, however, have encouraged other surgeons to use alternative surfaces to allow biologic fixation.