To prospectively evaluate the 3 years follow up clinical and radiographic results of uncemented total hip arthroplasty using the Summit(R) system with ceramic-on-ceramic articulation.

From January 2001 to December 2001, thirty-one primary total hip arthroplasties were performed on thirty-one patients using the Summit(R) system. The mean follow-up period was 3.3 years. The preoperative diagnoses were degenerative osteoarthritis in 18 cases, avascular necrosis in 10 cases, and a femoral neck fracture in 3 cases. The mean age at surgery was 67.4 years. The clinical results were evaluated using the Harris hip score. The radiographic evaluation was performed to determine the stability of the components, the prevalence of osteolysis and the amount of wear.

The mean Harris hip score improved from 64.7 points preoperatively to 90.4 points at the most recent follow-up. The complications included two cases of dislocation, three cases of limping gait lasting for 1 year after surgery. Fixation by bone ingrowth was noted in all cases and there was no case of migration of the acetabular cup and osteolysis. There was no case in the varus position, sinking down, or a loosening of the femoral stem. On the final observation after surgery, the range of hip joint motion showed flexion of 120.7degreeson average (110degrees~150degrees), extension of 5degrees(0degrees~10degrees), internal rotation of 20.3degrees(15degrees~25degrees), external rotation of 33.7degrees(20degrees~40degrees), abduction of 29.4degrees(20degrees~40degrees), and adduction of 19.5degrees(15degrees~25degrees).

Uncemented total hip arthroplasty using the Summit(R) system with ceramic-on-ceramic articulation showed excellent clinical and radiographic results in the range of motion and function.