Hip Anatomical Uncemented Ceramic Arthroplasty (AN.C.A.): Results at a 3 Years Follow-Up

Abstract

70 uncemented total hip replacements with bioceramic components have been performed from 1986 to 1988 at the third Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Rizzoli Institute. 47 hip were evaluated at 3.8 years average follow-up (range 3–5 years). 38 of these patients were female, 9 male. Age ranged from 42 to 65 years, average age was 54 years. In 20 cases (group A) a total AN.C.A. uncemented prosthesis was implanted. In 27 cases (group B) mixed implants were performed: titanium uncemented acetabular component and AN.C.A. stem. In the total AN.C.A. devices an alumina prosthetic head was utilized, in the mixed implants a Ti NO₄ coated titanium prosthetic head. 40 surgical procedures were primary total hip replacements, 7 were revisions of failed cemented prostheses. The patients have been evaluated according to the Harris Hip Scoring System. X-rays were analyzed according to the Engh criteria. Fifteen cases (31.9%) were excellent, 12 (255%) good, 12 (25.5%) fair and 8 (17%) poor. No statistical significative difference was observed comparing the two groups of prostheses. Three acetabular components were evaluated as failed: 2 of these prostheses were revised. A serious damage of the prosthetic alumina head was noticed in these 3 cases.