Results of Total Hip Arthroplasty with 36-mm Metallic Femoral Heads on 1st Generation Highly Cross Linked Polyethylene as a Bearing Surface in Less than Forty Year-old Patients: Minimum Ten-year Results

PURPOSE: We evaluated long-term clinical and radiographic results in patients underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) using 36-mm metallic femoral head and 1st generation highly cross-linked polyethylene among patients aged 40 years and less, with minimum 10 years follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 20 hips underwent primary THA by one hip surgeon using 36-mm femoral head and 1st generation highly cross-linked polyethylene from 2004 to 2006. Mean follow up was 131.55 months. Clinical follow-ups included functional measurements. And we evaluated post operative complications, prosthesis loosening, failure, and osteolysis. For radiologic evaluations, together with position of acetabular cup at 6 weeks later of postoperation, we separately calculated the penentrations of femoral heads into polyethylene liners during postoperation and one year later check-ups, and during one year later check-ups and final check-ups. Polywear pro3D 5.10 software was used to measure penetrations of femoral head. RESULTS: Mean acetabular cup inclination and anteversion were 49.02° and 10.19°, respectively. Mean thickness of the polyethylene liner at 45° was 6.44 mm. There were no major complications such as implant loosening or osteolysis, and one case of dislocation occurred. Average modified Harris hip score at final follow-up was 91, and Merle d'Aubigne and Postel scores 15 were or over. Average femoral head penetration of bedding wear was 0.170±0.039 mm/year. Steady-state wear rates was 0.059±0.006 mm/year. CONCLUSION: Results of THA with 36-mm metallic femoral heads on 1st generation highly cross linked as a bearing surface in less than 40 year-old patients were satisfactory.