A case control study of cemented acetabular total hip arthroplasty components in patients less than 50 with 5-year minimum follow-up

Background: This study investigates the outcomes of cemented sockets in young patients (< 50 years) requiring a total hip replacement (THR) compared to older patients (> 50 years) having the same procedure, under the same surgeon between June 2005 and May 2009. Methods: Prosthesis survivorship rates, patient outcomes and radiological findings were compared between a consecutive series of 56 young patients (mean 42, range 25-49) and 56 older patients (mean 69, range 53-81) that underwent a primary THR using a cemented Stryker (R) Exeter (TM) Contemporary (TM) flanged cup. The minimum follow-up was 5 years. Results: No significant difference was observed between the groups' Oxford Hip Scores (p = 0.078) or satisfaction scores (p = 0.67). Worst case scenario analysis for revision, failure or lost to follow-up showed 94.6% survival in the < 50 year olds and 92.9% survival in the > 50 year olds at 5 years. This study demonstrates no significant difference in patient outcomes, survivorship or radiographic findings at a minimum of 5 years between patients < 50 years old and those > 50 years old undergoing THR with a cemented socket. Conclusions: We believe the current trend towards uncemented cups may be driven by marketing rather than by evidence of improved outcomes. Cemented sockets provide very good outcomes for patients of all ages.