Revision total hip arthroplasty with cementing technique--five-year results.

Aim: To investigate the result of cemented revision hip arthroplasty.

Material And Methods: Twenty-one revision hip arthroplasties for aseptic loosening with cementing technique during the period 1990-2002 were followed-up. There were 12 women and 9 men with mean age at the time of revision 61 years (33 to 76 years). The mean follow-up for the group was 5.2 years (range, 2 to 13 years). The clinical evaluation was performed with the Harris hip score. Implant survival, pain, function and complications were recorded. Plain radiographs were reviewed and the hips were graded for osteolysis and loosening. Wear of the polyethylene was measured.

Results: No component was exchanged. Three of the acetabular and three of the stem components in the hips with early cementing technique were loose. In two patients three surgeries were performed for trochanteric problems and persistent pain. Clinical result and bone defects preoperatively as well as wear and osteolysis correlated significantly.

Discussion: Stable fixation of the prosthesis is of paramount importance in revision surgery. In cases with severe bone defects stable interface is difficult to be achieved. This may change stress distribution and subsequently lead to loosening.

Conclusion: Better preoperative planning and improvement in cementing technique may improve results. Other revision techniques may be considered in cases with severe bone deficiencies.