Mittelmeier ceramic total hip arthroplasty. A retrospective study

Ceramic, featuring low reactivity and excellent durability, is an excellent material for biologic implant. The authors studied the Mittelmeier ceramic total hip prosthesis in 62 patients (69 hips), with an average follow-up period for the surviving cases of 37.6 months (SD = 9.04; range, 24-52 months). As a result of aseptic loosening, 19 cases (27%) were revised, with an average time to revision of 26.2 months (SD = 8.8; range, 14-38 months). Proper femoral interference fit, measured as 90% of the intramedullary canal fill, was associated with better clinical scores, fewer radiolucencies on follow-up roentgenogram, and decreased failure due to aseptic loosening. In this study, there appeared to be no adverse effects of ceramic as a biomaterial. Design modifications may lead to better fixation and, hence, long-term durability.