Purpose: Long-term results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) using highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) and metal femoral head with more than 10 years of follow-up have already been reported. However, most studies included results with a head size of 28 mm that could affect wear rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of 36-mm metallic femoral heads on first-generation HXLPE in patients less than 60 years of age with a minimum follow-up of 10 years.
Methods: Retrospective analysis included 54 cases from 47 patients. The mean age at the time of surgery was 47.22 years and the mean follow-up period was 131.04 months. Porous-coated cementless acetabular cups (Trilolgy®; Zimmer Inc., Warsaw, Indiana, USA) and HXLPE acetabular liners (Longevity®; Zimmer Inc.) were used for all cases. Acetabular cup abduction angles, anteversion angles, and wear rates of liner were measured using polyWare pro 3D distal version 5.10.
Results: The average modified Harris hip score at the final follow-up was 88.48 (range 80-96). Average Merle d'Aubigne and Postel score was 15.57 (range 14-18). There was no acetabular cup or femoral stem failing due to aseptic loosening. The average steady-state wear rate determined using radiographs taken at 1 year postoperatively and at the latest follow-up was 0.053 ± 0.025 mm/year. There were no statistically significant differences in liner wear rate with respect to age, variety of the femoral stem, or liner thickness.
Conclusion: Results of THA with 36-mm metallic femoral heads on first-generation HXLPE in patients less than 60 years of age were satisfactory.
Keywords: 36-mm femoral head; highly cross-linked polyethylene; total hip arthroplasty; wear.