Fully hydroxyapatite-coated total hip replacement: ten-year results

We assess 254 consecutive primary total hip replacements (THRs) using a fully hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated stem and socket (Furlong; JRI, London, UK). Minimum follow-up was 10 years. Harris hip score (HHS) increased from 49.8 preoperatively to 86.2 at follow-up. The most remarkable clinical finding was the near absence of thigh pain. After 10 years of follow-up, all stems met stability criteria and none needed revision for aseptic loosening. Three cups (1.2%) were revised for aseptic loosening. Two more cups were revised for recidivant dislocation. Varus placement of the femoral stem was present in 63 hips (24.8%) and valgus in 13 hips (5%). None of these technical defects showed radiologic progression, and there was no measurable correlation between them and the clinical score. Intraoperative femoral fractures occurred in 25 cases (9.8%) with no further influence on implant evolution. These findings strongly support the use of the JRI Furlong system for primary THR because it provides excellent clinical and radiologic results, with 0% and 1.2% cup and stem aseptic loosening, respectively, at 10 years. In addition, its tolerance to technical implantation defects makes it suitable even for less experienced hip surgeons.