To determine if there are differences in function after resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip in patients with primary osteoarthritis compared to patients with secondary osteoarthritis due to developmental dysplasia of the hip.
In a controlled prospective study of Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) we included all patients with primary osteoarthritis (n = 54, average age 48.4 years) and osteoarthritis due to high grade dysplasia (Eftekhar B, n = 34, average age 55.8 years). Standardized clinical (Harris hip score) and radiographic examinations were performed 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months and then every year after the operation.
All patients could be followed up to 1.5 years (1-4 years) after surgery. The average Harris hip score improved to 82-95 points in both groups 3 months postoperatively. Statistically significant differences could be found in the subscales "function" and "limp", where patients with dysplastic hips showed somewhat lower results after 6 (function) to 12 weeks (limp) postoperatively. This is probably attributable to extended non-weight-bearing after acetabular reconstruction in these cases, as the difference disappeared with full weight-bearing. Radiographically determined neck-shaft angles are slightly higher in dysplastic hips (142 degrees versus 135 degrees ), but we did not recognize any significant differences in implant positioning.
The short- to mid-term results showed no clinically relevant functional differences after surface replacement in patients with primary osteoarthritis of the hip and patients with secondary osteoarthritis due to higher grade dysplasia. Long-term observation is necessary, however, to determine if these positive functional results are reflected by appropriate radiographic survival.