[The use of small diameter cups in total uncemented hip replacement]

The aim of the study was to analyze early results of total uncemented hip replacement with use of small diameter acetabular components. In the group of 13 patients (15 hips) with severe dysplastic coxarthrosis mean age at surgery was 43.6 years. There were 8 right and 7 left hips operated. For clinical assessment Merle d'Aubigné and Postel classification modified by Charnley was used. Radiographs were evaluated according to Engh and Massini, De Lee and Charnley as well as Gruen classification system. The mean follow up was almost 18 months. There were 11 good and 4 satisfactory results. No very good and poor results were found. Subjective assessment of patients was much better than with use of Merle d'Aubigné and Postel classification. The use of small uncemented cups in a valuable method witch allows good positioning of acetabular component. Implantation of this type of cups gives satisfactory fixation without use of bone grafts but limits possibility of limb length inequality correction.