METAL ON METAL (MM) SURFACE ARTHROPLASTY (SA) FOR AVN MINIMUM 2.5 YEAR FOLLOW-UP
Amstutz HC, Beaule PE, Gruen TA, Leduff MJ

Introduction: In the presence of extended cartilage damage, THA is not the sole option and we explored a conservative procedure in full Surface Arthroplasty (SA) with Metal/Metal (MM) bearing.

Methods: 32 hips (27 patients, avg. age 70.7 years), with Ficat Staff II and IV were treated with hybrid MMSA Conserve™ Plus. 85% were males, 37T had previous surgeries.

Results: Average F/U was 4.1 years (2.5-5.6). UCLA hip scores were 9.3, 9.7, 9.2 and 7.4 at last F/U for pain, walking, function and activity. One hip loosened and was revised at 22 months. There were no other complications. X-ray analysis revealed one case of bilateral neck narrowing and one complete radiolucency around the small femoral stem (asymptomatic).

Discussion: Results are promising and surpass the results of metal/PE SA at comparable F/U. In the presence of severe acetabular cartilage damage and slightly older and heavier patients, MMSA should be considered as a conservative alternative to THA.