ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Between November 1992 and January 1999, a cohort of 102 thrust plate hip prostheses was implanted. METHODS: We now clinically and radiologically evaluate the remaining 73 prostheses with a mean follow-up of 17.2 years. RESULTS: The Harris Hip Score increased from 51.4 points preoperatively to 94.3 points at the time of this follow-up. No further changes in the radiologic findings occurred since the first follow-up, published in 2005, conducted 2-8 years after implantation. Within 15 to 20 years after primary implantation of the 102 prostheses, 6 aseptic loosenings occurred, which correspond to a cumulated survival rate of 94.7% at 17 and 91.8% at 18 years. CONCLUSION: Although the thrust plate hip prostheses is no longer marketed, the biomechanical behaviour of this unique, clinically successful prosthesis deserves attention.
