Cementless double-tapered total hip arthroplasty in patients 75 years of age and older

Concerns exist with cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) femoral fixation in the elderly patient population. This study reviews the outcomes of a tapered cementless femoral component in elderly patients 75 years of age and older. Forty-seven patients (49 hips) older than 74 years of age (average age, 79 years) underwent primary cementless THA with a double-tapered stem between 1996 and 2000. Radiographs and clinical data were reviewed. At a mean follow-up of 5 years, the mean postoperative Harris Hip Score was 84, with 87% having no or minimal pain; none had severe thigh pain. Two cases of stem subsidence and no progressive radiolucencies were seen. One well-fixed stem was revised for unexplained pain (2%). Survival with aseptic loosening as an end-point was 100%. Overall implant survival was 98% at an average of 5 years. No perioperative deaths or significant orthopedic complications were identified. Advanced age is not a contraindication for tapered cementless THA.