LINK RS TOTAL HIP-PROSTHESIS - RADIOGRAPHIC FEATURES AS INDICATORS OF LOOSENING

The objective of this study was to assess the radiographic appearance of Link RS total hip prostheses in a search for features which might explain loosening. The radiographic changes in 102 Link RS total hip prostheses were reviewed after an average postoperative follow-up of 55 months. Sixteen percent of non-revised acetabular components and 40% of femoral components were found radiographically to be loose. Progressive varus migration explained most of the femoral component loosening. Vertical migration was the most common finding in the radiographically loose acetabular components. Subsidence correlated statistically with the percentage of canal fill (the greater the percentage canal fill the less the risk of subsidence) on anteroposterior radiographs and poor hip scores. Thirteen hips have been revised and seven await revision.