Long-term Radiological and Clinical Results of Ceramic-on-ceramic THA

Introduction. Nowadays, when total hip joint arthroplasty is the method of choice for hip joint degenerative disease, researches for the most appropriate and durable bearing material still continue. Ceramic-ceramic bearings have several advantages but are more fragile than other materials and may complicate with squeaking sounds which cause discomfort for the patient.
Aim. The goal of this research is to evaluate late clinical and radiological results of hip arthroplasty with ceramic-ceramic bearings.
Methods. Patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty with ceramic-ceramic bearings in the period between 2001-2009 were included. Clinical results were analysed by using Harris Hip score before and >10-year after surgery. Data were gathered from patient history files and in outpatient visits. Radiographic results were analysed with Charnley-De Lee and Gruen scales.
Results. Data from 19 patients with an average age of 43.38 years at the time of surgery were analysed. Median time since the operation was 14 (11-15) years. Pre-operative Harris Hip Score was on average 62.7, while the post-operative median was 96 (93.5-99). Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test showed higher late post-operative than pre-operative scores in all cases (p<0.05). The median score increased by 32.5 points. Squeaking sounds were observed in 5 patients (23.8%). All of them had an increased BMI (>25
kg/m2). There was a medium-strong association between these two variables (phi=0.313). Evaluation of the radiologic imaging >10 years after surgery showed no aseptic loosening or osteolysis around the endoprosthesis.
Conclusion. Collected late results of hip arthroplasty with ceramic-ceramic bearing demonstrate good long-term outcome and does not lead to osteolysis around the implant.