THIRTY-YEAR RESULTS OF CERAMIC-ON-CERAMIC COUPLE IN TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

IntroductionIn the year 1977 we started to use ceramic on ceramic total hip (Ceraver*). The prosthesis was cemented on both sides. Ceramic was medical grade with relative large grains and high porosity. The stem was made of titanium alloy smooth and oxidized.In 1990 we published the results of 86 hips in 75 patients who were less than 50 years of age at time of operation (1). Recently we tried to reach the same patients, looking specifically to those who could have more than 20 or 30 years follow-up.Material and methodsThis study design included all patients operated between 1977 and 1986 and having less than 50 years of age at time of surgery. Eighty six hips in 75 patients, 34 females and 41 men. Mean age was 43 (from 18 to 50) nine had a BMI in excess. 66 hips were performed primaries while 20 consisted in revision procedure including 6 total hip revisions, 5 resurfacing, 4 single cup, 3 hemiarthroplasty, and 2 acetabula fractures. Four of these had a past history of infection. Preoperative diagnosis w...