Contemporary total hip replacement with metal on metal articulation

Between 1991 and 1994, 74 patients received total hip replacements with metal on metal articulation. The results of these patients with 74 hips who had a 6-month to 4-year (average, 2.2 years average) followup are reported. Patients were prospectively evaluated by the Harris hip score, a patient self assessment form, and radiographs. The average postoperative Harris hip score was 91. Patient self assessment forms showed that 95% of the patients scored their results as excellent or good. No patient had revision for loosening, but 1 underwent revision surgery for recurrent dislocation. Serial radiographs have not revealed loosening or osteolysis. Wear could not be measured radiographically. Twenty-seven of the patients had bilateral total hip replacements with 1 hip being metal on polyethylene; the patients could not detect any difference between the 2 hips. The satisfactory short term results from the contemporary metal on metal articulation investigated in this study are encouraging and warrant continued study.