Abstract

Uncemented acetabular components are associated with a significant incidence of polyethylene wear and secondary osteolysis. The new tantalum/polyethylene composite (Hedrocel) acetabular component is designed to reduce the polyethylene wear and to increase the longevity of the acetabular cups. We report our short- term clinical outcome and patient satisfaction following use of an uncemented tantalum acetabular component in a single centre. During 1999 to 2002, 113 uncemented tantalum acetabular cups were implanted in 105 patients in our institution. The average age at operation was 56.8 years. All patients were assessed pre- and post-operatively with the Oxford 12 item hip questionnaire and standard radiographs of the pelvis. At a mean follow-up of 32 months (range : 18 to 48), 112 Hedrocel cups were assessed in 104 patients. Subjective patient's satisfaction was also assessed. At the time of evaluation, one patient had died due to an unrelated cause. Eight patients had bilateral acetabular cups implanted. The mean Oxford hip score improved from 45 preoperatively to 14 postoperatively. Subjectively 99% were very satisfied or satisfied. Only one patient expressed dissatisfaction about the outcome of this surgery. Radiologically, there were no signs of cup loosening or wear. This study shows that at short-term the new uncemented tantalum/polyethylene composite (Hedrocel) acetabular component can yield a satisfactory clinical and radiological outcome and has a high patient satisfaction. Although the short-term result from our centre is very encouraging, similar results from other centres and longer follow-up are required.