Excellent results from proximally HA-coated femoral stems with a minimum of 6 years follow-up

Background There have been few reports on the mid- and long-term follow-up results of the proximally HA-coated femoral stem. We evaluated this type of stem prospectively, with 6-12 years of follow-up.

Methods The survival rate, Harris hip score and radiographic features of 106 hips in 100 consecutive patients were evaluated. The mean age at operation was 51 years (SD 8.2).

Results The mean Harris hip score at the time of the latest follow-up was 95 points. Spot welds occurred in 95% of the patients and were ?rst observed at a mean follow-up of 1.4 years in one or more of the Gruen regions, corresponding to the coated part of the femoral stem. A higher grade of stress shielding correlated with a less favorable Harris hip score and pain subscore. According to the criteria of Engh, all stems were graded as stable and durable bone-ingrown. No femoral component was revised.

Interpretation At an average follow-up of 8 years, this proximally HA-coated femoral component showed favorable clinical and radiological outcome and excellent survivorship.