Forte ceramic-on-delta ceramic cementless total hip arthroplasty: an 8- to 15-year follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Forte ceramic head on delta ceramic liner articulation showed satisfactory midterm results without ceramic-related complication. We aimed to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) with forte ceramic head on delta ceramic liner articulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 107 patients (57 men, 50 women; 138 hips) who underwent cementless THA with forte ceramic head on delta ceramic liner articulation were enrolled. The mean follow-up duration was 11.6 years. For the clinical assessments, Harris hip score (HHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), presence of thigh pain, and presence of squeaking were evaluated. Radiographs were assessed to search for osteolysis, stem subsidence, loosening of implants. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were evaluated.

RESULTS: The mean HHS and WOMAC improved from 57.1 and 28.1 preoperatively to 81.4 and 13.1 at the final follow-up, respectively. Nine revisions (6.5%) were performed; 5 hips for stem loosening, 1 hip for ceramic liner fracture, 2 hips for periprosthetic fracture, and 1 hip for progressive osteolysis around cup and stem. Thirty-two patients (37 hips) complained squeaking, in which 4 cases (2.9%) were identified as ceramic-related noises. After a mean follow-up period of 11.6 years, 91% (95% CI 87.8-94.2) were free from revision of both femoral and acetabular components due to any reason.

CONCLUSIONS: Cementless THA with forte ceramic-on-delta ceramic articulation showed acceptable clinical and radiological results. Serial surveillance of these patients should be performed due to the possibility of cerami- related complications such as squeaking, osteolysis, and ceramic liner fracture.