Total hip arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis: comparison of cemented and uncemented implants

In a group of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty because of rheumatoid arthritis, the outcome in 42 hips was assessed. There were 17 cemented and 25 uncemented prostheses. The average follow-up was 5 years for cemented prostheses and 3 years for uncemented prostheses. The average Harris hip scores were similar in the two groups (84 and 86 respectively). Radiologically, the incidence of migration of femoral and acetabular components was similar in the two groups. Component migration was not affected by component fixation. Uncemented implants may have a role in hip arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.