The authors evaluated the clinical and radiological short-term results of ceramic on ceramic articulation of cementless total hip arthroplasty.

One hundred fourteen patients, with a total of 130 hips were followed for more than 2 years after cementless total hip arthroplasty using ceramic on ceramic articulation (Lima® SPH-C2). The mean age was 58 years, and the mean follow-up period was 3.0 years. The Harris hip score and postoperative hip pain were analyzed clinically. The radiological results were assessed using various radiological indices such as subsidence, cup inclination angle, radiolucent line, endosteal new bone formation and osteolysis.

At last follow-up, the average Harris hip score improved from 57.5 points preoperatively to 93 points postoperatively. There were 4 cases (3.0%) of significant hip pain. Radiologically, all stems demonstrated stable fixation. The inclination of the acetabular cup was significantly changed in 4 cases (3%), and was diagnosed as loosened. A radiolucent line was observed around the stem in 5 cases (3.8%), and around the cup in 7 cases (5.4%). Endosteal new bone formation was observed around the stem in 47 cases (36.2%), and around the cup in 52 cases (40.0%). Osteolysis was not observed around the stem and the cup.

With a minimum follow-up of 2 years, ceramic on ceramic articulation hip arthroplasty demonstrated excellent results on the stem side. However, 4 cases (3.0%) of cup loosening suggest that there is a fixation problem due to the design of the cup.