The Exeter Universal cemented femoral stem at 20 to 25 years: A report of 382 hips

Abstract

Aims: We present a minimum 20-year follow-up study of 382 cemented Exeter Universal total hip arthroplasties (350 patients) operated on at a mean age of 66.3 years (17 to 94).

Patients and methods: All patients received the same design of femoral component, regardless of the original diagnosis. Previous surgery had been undertaken for 33 hips (8.6%). During the study period 218 patients with 236 hips (62%) died, 42 hips (11%) were revised and 110 hips (29%) in 96 patients were available for review. The acetabular components were varied and some designs are now obsolete, however they were all cemented.

Results: With an endpoint of revision for aseptic loosening or lysis, survivorship of the stem at 22.8 years was 99.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 97.0 to 100). One stem was revised 21 years post-operatively in a patient with Gaucher's disease and proximal femoral osteolysis. Survivorship with aseptic loosening or lysis of the acetabular component or stem as the endpoint at 22.8 years was 89.3% (95% CI 84.8 to 93.8). With an endpoint of revision for any reason, overall survivorship was 82.9% (95% CI 77.4 to 88.4) at 22.8 years. Radiological review showed excellent preservation of bone stock at 20 to 25 years, and no impending failures of the stem.

Conclusion: The Exeter femoral stem continues to perform well beyond 20 years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1441-9.

Keywords: Cement; Exeter hip; Long-term follow-up; Primary total hip arthroplasty; Survival.