Abstract
The use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) continues to grow partially because of the increasing life expectancy of the American population. Whether to use cemented or cementless femoral fixation options in older patients is often debated. The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes after cementless THA in patients ≥80 years to younger patients. Clinical and radiographic data were gathered on 33 patients (35 hips) all 80 years or older who had undergone proximally coated cementless total hip arthroplasties. Outcomes were compared with a matching group for age, body mass index, and diagnosis, who had undergone the same procedure by the same surgeon at a similar time. Harris hip scores were evaluated pre- and postoperatively, and radiographs were reviewed for evaluation of fixation and stability. At a mean follow-up of 4 years, 97% of the hips (34 of 35) remained unrevised and the mean Harris hip score had improved by 39 points to 83 points (range, 26-100 points). On radiographic evaluation, 91% were found to have full bony ingrowth, with 1 hip having osteolysis of the proximal femur. Mortality was 23% at 86 months. Except for mortality, the outcomes and complication rates were similar to the younger group except that the matching group had higher final postoperative Harris hip scores. Proximally coated tapered cementless THA is a safe and efficacious method for providing good clinical outcomes with low revision rates in patients 80 years of age or older.