Total Hip Arthroplasty With an Uncemented Tapered Femoral Component in Patients Younger Than 50 Years of Age: A Minimum 20-Year Follow-Up Study

Background: Previously, we reported the mean 16-year results of primary uncemented total hip arthroplasty using a tapered femoral component in patients <50 years. The purpose of this study was to update our previous report using the Taperloc femoral component in young patients who had been followed for a minimum of 20 years postoperatively.

Methods: Between 1983 and 1990, 108 consecutive uncemented total hip arthroplasties were performed in 91 patients of age <50 years, with use of the Taperloc femoral component. Every patient was followed for a minimum of 20 years after surgery or until death. At a mean of 25 (range, 20-29 years) postoperatively, 76 patients (91 hips) were living. The Harris Hip Score, radiographic results, complications, and Kaplan-Meier survivorship were evaluated.

Results: In the entire cohort of 108 hips, 9 femoral components (8%) have been revised, none for aseptic loosening. Five well-fixed stems were removed during acetabular revision, 3 stems were revised for infection, and 1 stem was exchanged because of a peroneal nerve palsy. Distal femoral osteolysis was identified around 1 hip. With failure defined as stem removal for any reason, implant survival was 90% (CI = 82-95) at 29 years. With failure defined as stem removal for aseptic loosening, implant survival was 100% at 29 years.

Conclusion: Primary total hip arthroplasty with the Taperloc femoral component in young patients was associated with a high rate of survival at 29 years.