Poor outcome of 44 cemented total hip arthroplasties with alumina ceramic heads: Clinical evaluation and retrieval analysis after 10-16 years

We evaluated the long-term results of cemented total hip arthroplasty with alumina ceramic heads in 39 patients (44 hips) from 1981 to 1985. The study comprised 8 men (8 hips) and 31 women (36 hips). Their mean age was 54 (37-76) years and mean weight 52 (34-93) kg. The preoperative diagnoses were osteoarthrosis in 34 patients (38 hips), rheumatoid arthritis in 3 (4 hips) and idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head in 2 (2 hips). The mean duration of follow-up was 13 (10-16) years. At this time, 6 cases had been revised because of aseptic loosening (5 hips showed loosening of both components and 1 acetabular loosening alone). Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis with radiographic loosening as end-point showed 10-year survival rates of 75% for the acetabular component and 86% for the femoral. The mean linear wear rate of polyethylene was 0.10 mm/year radiographically–i.e., about the same as reported for many metal to polyethylene bearings. 5 alumina ceramic heads were retrieved and showed excellent surface roughness and roundness without scratches. However, debris stuck to the gaps was detected. The debris may act as third-bodies and affect polyethylene wear.