Midterm Results of Fourth-Generation Ceramic-On-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty

There are limited reports for the results of the fourth-generation ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) articulation total hip arthroplasty (THA). And, throughout the surgical experience, we encountered some cases of liner pulling-out phenomenon after liner fixation and femoral preparation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence, risk factors of delta ceramic liner or head fractures, and also the clinical and radiological results of using the fourth-generation CoC articulation in THA.

We retrospectively reviewed 242 patients (263 hips) who underwent primary THA using the fourth-generation CoC articulation with a minimum followup of 2 years. Demographic data, Harris Hip Score (HHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Patient's satisfactory level were recorded. The radiological evaluation was used to evaluate the implant fixation and complications. Mean followup duration was 5.2 years.

Mean HHS and WOMAC score were significantly (P < 0.05) improved at the last followup. About 98.5% of the patients were satisfied with results of the surgery. All acetabular components were placed in adequate position and there was no osteolysis on acetabular or femoral components and subsidence of femoral stem. Four patients showed complications including one-liner fracture.

Our midterm study demonstrated excellent clinical and radiological results with only one ceramic liner fracture. Moreover, the results of this study indicate that one possible cause of pulling-out phenomenon is the resonance effect during implantation in Dorr type A patients with the thick cortex. If the surgeon is aware of the liner malposition throughout the operation, the fourth-generation CoC articulation THA could be an outstanding treatment.