Long-term results with the Wagner metal-on-metal hip resurfacing prosthesis

The purpose of this study was to report the long-term results of the metal-on-metal Wagner resurfacing prosthesis. Between January 1991 and August 2004, 54 Wagner resurfacing prostheses were implanted in 52 patients. There were 45 female patients (1 bilateral case) and 7 male patients (1 bilateral case). All the operative procedures were performed using the anterior approach. Of those cases available, the average time to follow-up was nine years. The average Merle dAubign score improved from 8.3 preoperatively to 17.3 postoperatively (p-value < 0.001). Seventeen prostheses required revision. Radiographic evidence of femoral neck narrowing was seen in three prostheses that remained in situ. Combined with a stricter diagnosis and an exact operating technique, the Wagner metal-on-metal surface replacement of the hip joint may offer an alternative surface replacement option.