Cementless large-head metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty in patients younger than 60 years—A multicenter early result

Abstract

Large-head metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty has the theoretical advantages of less wear and better range of motion than traditional polyethylene bearings and seems to be a better choice for young and active patients. We conducted a retrospective study and reported the early results of using such prostheses in 59 patients (70 hips) with a mean age of 43.1 years (range, 23–59 years) at the time of surgery. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head accounted for most diagnoses. Harris Hip Scores and hip range of motion both significantly improved (p<0.001) at an average follow-up of 32.6 months (range, 24–48 months). Only one intraoperative calcar fissure was encountered, and it was fixated by cerclage wiring; there was no infection, dislocation, or osteolysis around either the cup or the stem at the latest follow-up. A postoperative gap in the acetabular component was noted in 24 hips, with a mean depth of 1.11 mm, but this was not correlated with the functional score (p=0.291). Transient thigh pain, which resolved after 6 months, was observed in six patients but was not related to either the postoperative gap or cup inclination (p=1.000 and p=0.664, respectively). All patients resumed their original jobs and recreational activities with little discomfort. Thus far, large-head metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty has shown excellent early results. The long-term results and the effects of metal debris and potentially elevated serum metal ion levels require further observation.

Keywords

• Large head
• Metal-on-metal
• Total hip arthroplasty
• Young adults