Uncemented press-fit total hip arthroplasty using the identifit custom-molding technique - A prospective minimum 2-year follow-up study

Fifty-three primary uncemented custom-molded Identifit (Depuy, Warsaw, IN) hip arthroplasties were evaluated prospectively at a mean follow-up period of 30 months. The custom technique provided the capability to reproduce the unique femoral offset, version, and height in each hip and to achieve high percentages of femoral canal fill. Surgical time for unilateral cases was a mean 153 minutes. Clinical results, however, were disappointing. Nine hips (17%) required stem revision for persistent thigh pain and limping. Of the remaining 44 hips, the mean Harris hip score was 83, and 20% experienced moderate to severe thigh pain and 50% had a limp. Radiographically, 65% of the stems had subsided and 27% had migrated into valgus. Survivorship analysis predicted an 80% stem survival rate at 43 months. A precise at and fill of the femoral canal is not in itself sufficient for femoral implant stability in total hip arthroplasty surgery.