[Further experiences with total hip arthroplasty. Clinical and roentgenographic results after 3--6 years following implantation (author's transl)]

Abstract

Report on 236 re-examined total hip arthroplasties performed between 3 and 6 years before (69 Huggler-Weber I and 167 McKee-Farrar joints). 76% of the patients were satisfied with their results on the base of acceptable pain control, increased joint mobility and improved functional capacity. Negative estimations usually could be verified by clinical and roentgenographic findings, the main reason for failures being aseptic loosening of one or both of the implant components in a present rate of 17.8%. Additional failures were due to infectious loosening (2.7%) and pararticular ossification (1.3%). Aseptic loosening of Weber-Huggler implants (33%) occured three times as often as with McKee-Farrar joints and usually was confined to the acetabulum. The influence of different factors such as patient's age and previous surgery, preoperative roentgenographic findings, etiology of coxarthrosis and operative technique has been evaluated. It is concluded that the present way of implant cementation with acrylics offers no sufficient long term anchorage and total hip arthroplasty therefore presently should be confined to the elderly. However, the results may be improved by strict indication and proper surgical technique.