Cementless total hip arthroplasty with delta-on-delta ceramic bearing in patients younger than 30 years

Despite improvements in the mechanical properties of alumina ceramics, the outcome of total hip arthroplasty (THA) with contemporary ceramic bearings in young patients remains a matter of concern. We evaluated the results of cementless THA with the use of the delta ceramic bearing, and determined the prevalence of osteolysis, squeaking, and ceramic fracture in patients aged < 30 years at mid-term.

From March 2008 to January 2012, 76 consecutive patients (91 hips), younger than 30 years, underwent cementless THA with Delta ceramic bearings. In each follow-up, the clinical evaluation including noise and radiological evaluations were recorded.

Among them, 72 patients (86 THAs) were followed-up for a minimum of 5 years (mean 70.8; 60−95.9 months). There were 44 men (47 hips) and 28 women (39 hips). The mean age at the time of the index arthroplasty was 25.9 (16−30) years and the mean preoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS) was 59.4 (23−79) points. HHS improved to 96.3 (64−100) points at the final follow-up evaluation. 8 hips (9.3%) exhibited grinding or squeaking. No hip had aseptic loosening and no hip was revised. No osteolysis was detected around any acetabular or femoral components.

Our results suggest that cementless THA with the use of Delta ceramic bearing provides satisfactory results without osteolysis or ceramic fracture in patients aged <30 years at a mid-term follow-up.