Previously, it was believed that total hip replacements may last for about a decade. However it seems that they may even last for up to two decades after surgery. This claim was made by the experts from the Rush University Medical Center.
These experts have provided evidence revealing that about 96 percent of cementless metal components seemingly stayed put in their position even two decades after surgery. These components are believed to be one of the initial implants which were created with a porous structure that may in turn permit the bone to grow in the surface. It has been stated that these components fit in the hip socket or acetabulum of the patient.
Principal study author Dr. Craig Della Valle, an orthopedic surgeon, says that, “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.”
A 20 year analysis of the results of total hip replacements may have seemingly provided answers to the investigators. The implants that were analyzed were said to be Harris-Galante I acetabular component. The previously used implants were believed to mainly depend on a particular kind of cement which was used to fasten the device to the patient’s bone. Thereby such implants were believed to have a durability of only about 10 years. Therefore the aim of the investigators was to come up with a way to increase the durability of such implants.
After a 20 year analysis the experts were said to have noticed certain changes in the patients that were still alive two decades post their surgery. It was noticed that the plastic lining of the metal shell in these patients needed repair through surgery. Another factor for revision surgery was thought to be bone resorption or osteolysis.
The study investigators are hopeful that their novel, more wear-resistant bearing surfaces may be able to reduce the number of patients in need of revision surgery for the above mentioned factors.
The study findings have been published in the May issue of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.