Cementless hip implants last at least for 20 years

Washington, May 2 (ANI): Researchers at Rush University Medical Centre have revealed that cementless hip implants, previously believed to be exchanged after 10 years, are twice as durable as thought.

They have found that that the devices are extremely durable for 20 years after surgery.

Evidence showed that 96 percent of the 124 cementless metal components assessed remained securely fixed in place 20 years post surgery.

"Our results confirm earlier work done at Rush and at other institutions: that cementless acetabular components work very well and that long-term biological fixation can be obtained," said Dr. Craig Della Valle, an orthopedic surgeon and principal author of the study.

In the present study, the researchers analyzed results for 124 hip replacements in the 111 patients who were still alive 20 years or more after surgery.

Since the previous report at 15 years, two metal cup implants, in addition to the three noted earlier, were found to be loose, or 4 percent of the 124 implants.

Of the original 204 hip replacements, five cases, or 2.5 percent of the total, had failed. Two of these five implants were revised, but three were left intact because the patients did not suffer significant symptoms.

However, in nearly 20 percent of the patients still living 20 years post surgery, the plastic lining of the metal shell had worn enough that repeat, but less involved, surgery was required or recommended. (ANI)