We investigated the results of cementless total hip arthroplasty using a tapered titanium-alloy stem.

We followed 72 hips in 60 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty and received the using Mallory-Head femoral component for a mean of 9.1 years. The most common disease was avascular necrosis (56 hips; 77.7%). Their mean age was 50.1 years at the time operation. We analysed the clinical results by the Merle d'Aubigne and Postel scoring system and the radiographic outcome according to Engh's criteria.

The mean hip score was 16.4 at the last followup. An excellent or good clinical result was obtained in 62 hips (86.1%). Thigh pain was present in 3 hips (4.1%), and femoral osteolysis was observed in 8 hips (11.1%), which did not progress to the distal part. Two femoral components were revised for loosening and for periprosthetic fracture. Thus, 69 stems survived at the last follow up. Sixty-six hips (91.7%) had fixation by bone ingrowth, and three (4.1%) showed stable fibrous fixation.

These results shows that excellent fixation can be obtained by using a tapered titanium alloy femoral component by medium-term followup.