Abstract

The favourable results of experimental HA-coated hip replacement are fully reflected in the clinical results of HA-coated total hip replacement, both in primary and revision arthroplasty. The radiologically visible osseointegration of virtually all cases is supported by histological proof in five autopsy retrieval hips. They show that HA-coatings are reliable in achieving good quality osseointegration over the majority of the implant surface in contact with the cortical bone. Longterm resorption of HA can be expected, however the quality of osseointegration is not influenced, because bone takes the place of the resorbed HA. An ideal pressfit situation is probably the long term outcome. Until six years postoperatively, there are no signs of either clinical or radiological loosening of HA-coated components.