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[The Christiansen endoprosthesis. 10 years' data]
Insights
This study evaluated 44 patients with Christiansen hemiprosthesis hip implants, finding a 25% loosening rate. Despite this, many patients experienced pain relief and maintained mobility after hip surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomaterials science
- Medical device evaluation
Background:
- The Christiansen hemiprosthesis was used for hip replacements between 1968 and 1976.
- Long-term outcomes and complications of this specific implant were not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy and complications of the Christiansen hemiprosthesis.
- To determine the loosening frequency and functional outcomes in patients who received this implant.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective evaluation of 44 patients who underwent hip replacement with the Christiansen hemiprosthesis.
- Follow-up assessment included clinical examination, pain reporting, activity levels, and radiographic analysis for loosening and complications.
Main Results:
- A 25% loosening rate was observed, with seven reoperations due to mechanical failure.
- 14 cases of acetabular protrusion indicated frictional forces within the trunnion bearing system.
- 26 patients reported no pain, and 20 maintained normal activity levels without walking restrictions.
Conclusions:
- The Christiansen hemiprosthesis demonstrated a significant loosening rate, averaging nine years to failure.
- Despite loosening, the implant provided pain relief and functional improvement for a substantial number of patients.
- The trunnion bearing system may offer initial joint protection, but long-term frictional forces can lead to complications like acetabular protrusion.
Abstract:
44 hips operated for insertion of the Christiansen hemiprosthesis at the County hospital of Nordland from 1968 to 1976 were evaluated in 1986. Seven hips had been reoperated because of loosening or mechanical failure of the prosthesis. Another four prostheses were found to have loosened at the time of follow-up, bringing the total loosening frequency up to 25 percent, 26 patients reported no pain from the hip, 20 of these were still in normal activity with no restriction in walking as a consequence of the defect hip. All the prostheses had been inserted in a varus position. Acetabular protrusion was found in 14 cases, indicating that there are frictional forces working at the hip joint, also with the trunnion bearing system. The average time from operation to verified loosening was nine years. The trunnion bearing may thus have spared the hip joint from stress during the first years of use.