An American experience with metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasties - A 7-year follow-up study

This study reviews the clinical performance of 161 hip arthroplasties (154 patients) with the Metasul metal-on-metal articulation and all uncemented modular acetabular component. Between 1995 and 2002 clinical evaluation and radiographic follow-up of patients included Harris hip scores, patient self-assessment, and radiographs. Twelve operative site complications (7.5%) included 6 revision operations, (3.7%) and 3 other complications (1.9%) not needing reoperation. Six revision operations (3.7%) included I femoral revision for aseptic loosening (0.06%) and 5 acetabular revisions (3.1%). One CLIP revision was for recurrent dislocation, I for disassociation of the acetabular insert from file CLIP, I for infection, and 2 for unexplained pain. Histologic evidence did not support the diagnosis of metal hypersensitivity in either case of unexplained pain, and I had relief following spine surgery. A focal radiolucency, identified as calcar resorption, was observed it] 9 patients. Key words: total hip arthroplasty, metal-on-metal, aseptic loosening. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.