Hydroxyapatite coated total hip prostheses: A long-term, prospective, randomized study of 50 consecutive cases

The aim of this study is to compare the clinical results of 25 cases operated by hydroxyapatite coated PCA-E total hip prostheses with 25 cases operated by standard PCA total hip prostheses in a long term prospective randomized study. 50 active patients aged less than or equal to 65 years, undergoing total hip arthroplasty were selected and divided in 2-paired groups. Group A received standard PCA total hip prosthesis, while Group B received hydroxyapatite coated PCA-E total hip prosthesis. Mean Pre Operative Harris Hip score was 45+/-9 in group A and 43+/-11 in group B (n.s.). 8 years after surgery Harris Hip Score was 82+/-19 in group A and 88+/-9 in group B (n.s.). In group A 1 stem and 1 cup loosening were observed, in Group B no prosthesis loosening occurred. It has been reported that hydroxyapatite coating enables a faster and more extensive bone to implant contact leading to an improvement of prosthesis fixation. We believe that these factors were responsible for the absence of prosthesis loosening in the group of hydroxyapatite coated prostheses.