Spherocylindric (Luck) cup arthroplasty for osteonecrosis of the hip

Osteonecrosis (ON) in young adults is a serious condition causing pain and functional disability. Thirty-eight hips with ON were treated, beginning in 1972, with a spherocylindric cup (SCC) derived from the original Luck. The mean follow-up time was six years, 11 months (minimum, one year; maximum, 12 years). The overall results, using the Merle d'Aubigne grading system, were excellent in four, very good in nine, good in nine, fair in one, and failure in seven. No acetabular protrusio was observed. The seven failures were associated with deep infection in one case and unsatisfactory technique in three. One failure was unexplained, except that the ON was Grade IV. Two failures occurred in one patient with predisposing factors, such as hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, and exogenous hypercortisonism. Although the results are not as satisfactory as those of total hip arthroplasty (THA) with respect to relief of persistent pain, some patients remain stable with time even after more than ten years. With correct indications and good surgical technique, SCC arthroplasty is a justifiable alternative to THA in young adults.