Our Experience with the SL-Plus Cementless Stem: Mid-Term Results

The authors reviewed the mid-term results of 474 SL-Plus stems performed on 342 patients with primary and secondary osteoarthritis. The average age at the time of operation was 60.5 years (range, 17 to 81 years) and the average duration of follow-up was 60 months (range 25 to 96 months). The average Harris hip rating was 44 points (range, 30 to 58 points) before and 85 points (range, 72 to 94 points) after the operation. Good or excellent outcomes were observed in more than 90 per cent of the hips, with an average pain score of 43 points and average function score of 45 points.

Two incomplete intra-operative fractures of the proximal femur were successfully treated by cerclage fixation. Five fractures of the greater trochanter were encountered. Dislocation occurred in five hips, one of which required revision to a captive polyethylene insert. Late infection with loosening of the femoral component occurred in one case.

Radiological assessment identified one loose stem, but the patient refused surgical revision. Lower values for metaphyseal and diaphyseal fill observed in 31 cases had no correlation with implant stability and outcome. No progressive subsidence was detected except for one loose femoral component. Seventy-four hips revealed radiolucent lines at the bone cement interface. These were always less than 2mm.

These mid-term results seem promising and authors hope that the long-term outcomes will be equally gratifying.