Use of a hydroxyapatite-coated stem in patients with Dorr Type C femoral bone

Stephen J Kelly1, Claire E Robbins, Benjamin E Bierbaum

  • 1Orthopaedic Associates of Portland, PA, Portland, ME, USA.

Insights

Hydroxyapatite-coated stems show promising results for total hip arthroplasty in patients with Type C bone, a challenging bone quality. This study found the Omnifit HA stem performed well over a 9-14 year follow-up.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Biomaterials Science
  • Bone Biology

Background:

  • Type C bone presents significant challenges for total hip arthroplasty (THA) fixation due to cellular and structural compromise.
  • Hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings are utilized to enhance bone integration and implant stability.
  • Evaluating long-term outcomes of HA-coated stems in compromised bone is crucial for clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the clinical and radiographic performance of the Omnifit HA stem in patients with Type C femoral bone undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty.
  • To assess the long-term survivorship and functional outcomes of this specific HA-coated stem in a challenging bone quality cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 15 patients with Type C bone who received the Omnifit HA stem between 1991 and 1994.
  • Minimum 9-year follow-up (mean 11.5 years) including clinical assessment (Harris hip score) and radiographic evaluation.
  • Independent radiographic review to confirm Type C bone classification and assess for osteolysis and subsidence.

Main Results:

  • The Omnifit HA stem demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes with a median Harris hip score of 94.5 points.
  • Radiographic analysis confirmed Type C bone in all patients, with an average canal to calcar isthmus ratio of 0.74.
  • At 9-14 years, no distal osteolysis or subsidence was observed; four patients showed proximal osteolysis.

Conclusions:

  • The Omnifit HA stem performed well in a selected group of patients with Type C bone, offering good functional outcomes and radiographic stability.
  • Results compare favorably to previous studies using this stem design in other bone types.
  • These findings support the use of hydroxyapatite-coated stems for total hip arthroplasty in patients with compromised Type C bone quality.

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