Progressive Osteolysis after Porous-Coated Anatomic (PCA) Uncemented Total Hip Arthroplasty Ten-Year Results in 32 Consecutive Cases

Thirty-two primary non-cemented first generation Porous-Coated Anatomic (PCA) total hip prostheses in 31 patients were followed prospectively. The average follow-up period was 10.3 years. The median age at surgery was 53 years (range 21-65). All operations were performed by one surgeon. Preoperatively, all cases had a poor Harris Hip Score. Ten years after surgery, 95% were rated good or excellent. Progressive roentgenographical changes were observed. In particular there was severe femoral osteolysis in zones 1, 2 and 7, and extensive wear of the polyethylene liner at the two latest follow-up examinations. Wear of the polyethylene liner, up to 0.4 mm/year, was significantly correlated with osteolysis after seven years (p=0.003). Aseptic cup loosening was the reason for six of the eight failures. At 10.3 years after surgery the survival with revision as end-point was 72%. We stopped using the 1st generation PCA prosthesis after five years due to worrying roentgenographic changes. The seven and ten years results have confirmed that this prosthesis cannot be recommended for implantation. (Hip International 1999; 9: 214-20)