Clinical and biological assessment of cemented titanium femoral stems: an 11-year experience

This study prospectively assessed the outcome of 134 cemented titanium stems and serum ion levels. The stems were polished (0.1 μm Ra) with circular cross section. At the end point, only one stem revision was performed for aseptic loosening, and two were planned due to subsidence greater than 5 mm. Non-progressive radiolucencies in zones 1 and 7 were observed in 16 hips at the cement-bone interface without osteolysis. Median serum titanium concentrations were below the detection limit (30 nmol/l) except in patients with failed stems. The overall stem survival rate was 97.7% at nine years, which is comparable to other series of cemented stems. The protective layer of titanium oxide coating the stem and a thick cement mantle may help resist aseptic loosening. In addition, satisfactory monitoring of the stem was reached using titanium serum level determination.