Clinical Results of the Uncemented Link Ribbed Hip Prosthesis

—Comparative Evaluation of Smooth and Microporous Surfaced Stems—

Abstract

We reviewed clinical results of 35 uncemented bipolar endoprosthesis implantations using a Link ribbed hip prosthesis in 34 patients with an average follow-up of 4.0 years. The clinical evaluation showed very good improvement. Radiological evidence of reactive lines around the stems was more significant in the smooth surfaced group than in the microporous surfaced group. There was a significant negative correlation between the medullary canal filling ratio and the cumulative appearance rate of reactive lines. Even for an uncemented prosthesis with macro-anchoring, a microporous surface structure and sufficient canal filling are essential to obtain successful stem fixation.