Uncemented total hip arthroplasty in patients 50 years of age or younger

The results of a consecutive series of uncemented total hip arthroplasties in patients 50 years or younger are reviewed. There were 41 total hip arthroplasties in 36 patients at an average follow-up period of 5.3 years. Average patient age was 42 years at the time of implantation. Preoperative Harris hip score (HHS) averaged 39/100; the final HHS averaged 93. Radiographic evaluation revealed that the femoral stems were all solid, with no progressive subsidence, reactive lines, or osteolysis. Twenty of the hips (49%) demonstrated evidence of polyethylene wear. There was significant acetabular osteolysis in 12 of these 20 hips. Five of the acetabular cups were definitely loose; 1 was possibly loose. Three of the patients underwent revision surgery for acetabular loosening and/or osteolysis. It is concluded from this study that the femoral stem is excellent but that the original acetabular component and polyethylene locking mechanism are poor and made even worse with the use of a titanium femoral head.