The Nicolas Andry award: comparative results of cemented and cementless total hip arthroplasty

A prospective randomized clinical trial comparing cemented to cementless total hip arthroplasty has been ongoing at the author's institution since 1987. All parameters assessed showed that there was no statistically significant difference in any of the health related quality of life measures used when patients with cement were compared with patients without cement at any of the followup periods as many as 4 years later. The improvement was dramatic and sustained. No components (cemented or cementless) have been revised to date (average, 4.8 years). A radiographic analysis showed probable loosening of the cemented socket in 24% and presumed minimal pelvic osteolysis in 8%. The cementless sockets showed a greater frequency and severity of pelvic osteolysis (14%). The cemented femoral component was judged to be possibly loose in 10%; however, none were considered probably loose. The patients who had cementless femoral components were doing extremely well with the components showing very little subsidence or proximal stress protection noted. Osteolysis on the femoral side was not seen in any of the cementless stems. Total hip replacement gives comparable clinical results when health related quality of life measures are analyzed; however, metal backed cemented acetabular components have a high rate of radiographic failure. Short-term stability of a non-cemented porous coated titanium stem, however, gave excellent clinical and radiographic results.