Cementless total hip replacement using second-generation components: a 12- to 16-year follow-up

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Medical Device Design

Background:

• Cementless total hip replacement (THR) is a common orthopedic procedure.
• Second-generation implants aimed to improve fixation and longevity.
• Long-term outcomes of specific uncemented designs require continued evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of second-generation uncemented total hip replacements.
• To assess the fixation, wear, and complication rates of specific titanium acetabular and femoral components.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 123 uncemented total hip replacements performed between 1993-1994.
• Utilized T-Tap ST acetabular shells and Taperloc femoral components.
• Clinical and radiological follow-up was conducted for all patients at a mean of 14 years.

Main Results:

• Overall revision rate was low (4/123), with one femoral fracture and three aseptic acetabular loosening.
• No components were radiologically loose, with minimal osteolysis observed in a small number of hips.
• Mean femoral head penetration rate was 0.036 mm/year, indicating low polyethylene wear.

Conclusions:

• Refined component designs in cementless primary total hip replacement are associated with excellent long-term fixation.
• Second-generation uncemented THR components demonstrate durable performance with low complication rates.
• These findings support the use of advanced implant designs for successful long-term hip arthroplasty outcomes.