Abstract

The clinical outcome and radiographic results of 90 cemented profile stems, 59 press-fit profile stems and 20 porous-coated profile stems implanted between October, 1987 and December, 1989 were analyzed. All total hip replacements were performed by the same group of surgeons. All used a cementless porous ingrowth acetabular component, and all femoral components were of the same geometrical design. Clinical results were evaluated using the Hip Society/SICOT/AAOS consensus format and were recorded prospectively preoperatively and at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and 4 years postoperatively. Radiographs were evaluated for component migration, subsidence, and cortical and cancellous biologic response as well as zonal analysis of radiolucent lines, using the Muller THR template. The functional results were similar for all three groups with no significant differences at 2 years postoperatively with respect to pain with activity, limp, or support used. However, patient satisfaction tended to be higher for cemented stems than for press-fit or porous-coated stems. Radiographic analysis showed press-fit stems to have a higher incidence (29.5%) of femoral component subsidence (mean 5.7 mm). None of the porous-coated stems subsided. Press-fit and porous-coated stems also demonstrated a higher rate of cortical hypertrophy at mid- and distal stem levels in comparison to cemented components. Press-fit application of the femoral component gives satisfactory clinical results, and the addition of proximal porous coating may confer additional advantages to the technique. Cemented stems enjoy the highest level of patient satisfaction and the most predictable objective clinical results.