Total hip arthroplasty with Boneloc cement: Unsatisfactory results in 163 hips after 9 to 11 years

Boneloc bone cement was introduced in the Netherlands in 1992. Inferior short-term results were reported which led to the withdrawal of Boneloc from clinical use in 1995. However, little is known about the long-term outcome of hip arthroplasties with Boneloc. Between April 1992 and August 1994, Boneloc was used in 163 Mallory-Head primary total hip arthroplasties in 163 patients. Follow-up analysis was performed in 2003. To date, 27 hips (17%) have been revised for aseptic loosening of the femoral component. Median time to revision was 5.5 years. Survival analysis based on revision for aseptic loosening showed 77% cumulative survival at 11 years. With revision for aseptic loosening and/or definite radiological loosening according to Harris as endpoint, cumulative survival was 59% at 11 years. In 27 of 43 patients with definite radiological loosening, a cement fracture was seen at a median of 2.9 years.

These results show failure of Boneloc cemented total hip arthroplasties occurring even during the later follow-up. Continuing periodic clinical and radiological examination is recommended.