The effect of hydroxyapatite coating on the fixation of hip prostheses
The efficacy of a total hip replacement with a hydroxyapatite-coated hip prosthesis was compared with that of an uncoated, cementless prosthesis of the same type. Preoperatively, there was no difference in the patient's diagnosis, hip score, age, and sex. All operations were performed by one surgeon in a standardized manner. The choice of the implant was randomized, and the follow-up period was equal for both types. The implant used was associated with a poor outcome due to a high incidence of early aseptic loosening. Probably because of a poor initial fixation, there was a significant difference in the clinical results after a short follow-up period when an additional HA layer was used. According to the patients' pain, migration of the implant, and presence of a progressive radiolucent line, use of the HA-coated prosthesis led to a significantly better result; however, we also found an increased rate of heterotopic bone formation in the HA-coated group. It was concluded that the HA coating improves the initial fixation of a hip prosthesis.