[Experience with Non-cemented Walter - Motorlet Endoprostheses of the Hip Joint.]

In 1987-1994 at the Orthopaedic Clinic of the Institute for Postgraduate Medical Training 67 non-cemented total endoprostheses of the hip joint, type Walter-Motorlet were implanted. The authors submit the evaluation of 39 endoprostheses 30-102 months after operation (mean follow-up period 62.5 months). The investigation comprised 14 patients where by March 1997 reimplantation of one or both components was performed. The mean age of the patients at the time of operation was 49 years. Secondary postdysplastic arthritis was the indication in 53.9 %, primary arthritis in 23.1 %, necrosis of the neck of the femur in 10.3 %. In the general evaluation according to Harris excellent results were achieved in 43.6 %, good results in 25.7 %, satisfactory results in 17.8 % and unsatisfactory results in 12.9 %. As to subjective evaluation, a painless hip joint was reported only by 25.6 % of the patients, slight pain not restricting activity was reported by 41 %, pain which had to be mitigated by analgesics by 33.4 %. Certain X-ray signs of loosening were found in the area of the acetabular component in three patients, in the area of the femoral component in four patients. As compared with the hybrid combination Walter-Motorlet socket/Poldi shaft and as compared with evaluation of the Zweymüller endoprosthesis the results are worse as regards the number of aseptic loosenings and subjective evaluation by the patients. Key words: non-cemented endoprosthesis of the hip joint, aseptic loosening, reoperation of TEP of the hip joint.