RESUMO
We report a series of 706 patients (759 hip implants) with an average follow up of 10.5 years (range, 10-11 years) following total hip replacement (THR) using a cemented custom-made femoral stem and a cemented HDP acetabular component. The fate of every implant is known. One hundred and seventy-four patients (23%) were deceased at the time of their 10-year review all died with a functioning THR in situ. Four hundred and sixty-two patients (61%) were subsequently reviewed. One hundred and twenty three patients (16%) were assessed by telephone review, as they were too ill or unwilling to attend. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (all components) demonstrated a median survival at 10 years of 96.05% or 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for median survival of (94.41% to 97.22%). Revision surgery occurred in 30 cases (3.9%). Seventeen had full revisions (2.2%) and 13 (1.7%) socket revisions only. Twenty-one out of 30 revisions were for infection or dislocation. There were 2 cases (0.3%) of revision for aseptic loosening of the stem. The 10-year results of the custom femoral titanium stem are encouraging and compare well with other cemented systems.
RESUMO
Leg length disparity is a frequent complication of hip arthroplasty. The most common problem is lengthening of the operative leg, which usually occurs on the femoral side. The Belfast Hip Group has designed a femoral caliper that offers an effective solution to the problem. This instrument is accurate and easy to use and could be applied by the orthopaedic surgeon to control leg length. Patients' perception of the success of their total hip replacement is influenced by their ability to walk without appliances or pain. With minimal additional effort and planning, this caliper will ensure greater control of leg length measurement in total hip replacement patients.
