The results of 100 primary arthroplasties with a porous-coated anatomic
total hip prosthesis that were performed consecutively in ninety-one
patients were followed prospectively for five to seven years after the
operation or until death. Clinical Harris hip ratings and anteroposterior
and lateral radiographs were made preoperatively, several times in the
first postoperative year, and at annual intervals thereafter. Average
sequential hip ratings were maintained between 92 and 93 points during the
follow-up interval. Pain in the thigh, which did not limit function, was
recorded at the yearly examinations from the first to the fifth year. After
one year, 18 per cent of the thighs were painful, and in succeeding years,
19 per cent, 23 per cent, 26 per cent, and 15 per cent were painful.
Radiographs demonstrated that the fixation of the femoral component was by
ingrowth of bone in 94 per cent of the hips, by stable fibrous fixation in
1 per cent, and by unstable fibrous fixation in 5 per cent, according to
the criteria of Engh et al. By five years, 6 per cent of the acetabular
components had migrated, and 5 per cent of the femoral components had
subsided. Two acetabular components had been revised, and one revision of a
femoral component was pending. The evaluated device was an early-generation
prosthesis that was designed for insertion without the use of cement.
Further study is necessary to determine the long-term durability of the
prosthesis-bone interface.