Abstract

Forty-five Furlong hydroxyapatite-coated total hip replacements were reviewed at an average of 71 months (46-89) after surgery. Patient's average age at surgery was 46 years (31-50). The average Harris hip score at the time of final review was 89, and 38 hips (84%) had no pain (28) or only slight pain (10). Three hips were revised, none for aseptic loosening. Two cups were loose. The remainder of the cups and all the stems were radiographically stable with positive evidence of bone ingrowth and no signs of impending failure. One cup showed definite wear of the polyethylene liner. Focal progressive osteolytic lesions occurred in the calcar region in 3 stable hips (7%). To date the Furlong hydroxyapatite-coated implant has produced encouraging results in this group of young patients, although longer follow-up is needed to determine its durability.