Long-term results of the standard Wagner cup

Abstract

Cementless acetabular components gained popularity because of the increased rate of loosening associated with cemented cups after intermediate and long-term follow-up. There are few long-term follow-up studies of cementless acetabular components. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiological long-term results of the press-fit standard Wagner Cup. Between January 1, 1994 and June 30, 1994, 118 implantations of a standard Wagner Cup were performed, and 102 implants were clinically and radiographically followed-up after a mean of 12.0 years. The Merle d'Aubigné score improved from a preoperative mean of 9.5 to 17.2 at latest follow-up. Early postoperative complications included two deep haematomata requiring needle aspiration, two deep vein thromboses, one pulmonary embolism, two temporary lesions of the sciatic nerve, one single event of THR dislocation and one recurrent dislocation. Two isolated cup revisions and five more complete total hip replacements were performed for aseptic loosening. The overall survival rate at 12 years was 93.1% (95/102). The standard Wagner cup yields very good long-term results.

Fig. 1

The Wagner standard cup

Fig. 2

The locking mechanism of the Wagner standard cup

Fig. 3

a The anteroposterior (AP) X-ray of the right hip of a 45-year-old patient shows a dysplastic osteoarthritis of the hip. b The X-ray examination one week after surgery shows the implantation of a standard cup by Wagner combined with a cone prosthesis with metal-on-metal articulation. On the AP (c) and lateral (d) X-rays after 13 years, the cup is stable and osseointegrated; no radiolucencies can be detected