The effect of diaphyseal biologic fixation on clinical results and fixation of the APR-II stem

This study evaluated the effect of a grit-blasted diaphyseal surface on noncemented fixation of the Anatomic Porous Replacement II stem (APR-II, Sulzer Medica Orthopaedics, Austin, TX) for improvement of clinical results and fixation. A total of 107 consecutive total hip arthroplasties with the APR-II stem, which has proximal porous coating and a diaphyseal grit-blasted surface, were performed without cement, and 99 were studied at average 4 years. Of these hips, 37 had hydroxyapatite sprayed onto the proximal porous coating, but because there were no statistical differences for performance in any category, all stems were considered as 1 group. Clinical results were measured by the Harris hip score. Radiographic measurements of fixation, osteolysis, and bone remodeling were studied by reference to Gruen zones. Of hips, 99% had a good or excellent result by Harris hip score, with an average pain score of 42.3. Of hips, 98% had >40 points, with no patient reporting thigh pain after 3 years. There were no radiolucent lines in 94% of stems, and 100% had proximal bone ingrowth fixation. Distal cortical hypertrophy associated with tip fixation occurred in 49%, whereas proximal stress shielding was present in 43% of hips. Comparison of these clinical and radiographic results with our previous experience of bone ingrowth implants (smooth stem) suggests that bone ingrowth proximally with ongrowth in the diaphysis of the femoral stem provides better clinical and radiographic results.