Increased loosening of cemented straight stem prostheses made from titanium alloys. An analysis and comparison with prostheses made of cobalt-chromium-nickel alloy.

We studied the rate of aseptic loosening of three different types of femoral stems in primary total hip replacement. After a median follow-up of 10.2 years 4/147 CoCrNi (SS77) straight stems (type M.E. Müller) were revised. After a median follow-up of 7.7 years 32/239 Ti-6A1-7Nb (SS77) were revised and after a median follow-up of 5.2 years 52/203 SLS Titanium alloy stems were revised. Whereas the first two stems are of identical design (smooth-blasted, anterior and posterior collar), the SLS stem design is different. Surgical procedure and cementing technique have remained unchanged. There is a significantly higher risk of failure for smaller titanium stem sizes and in males and patients who are physically active. This indicates that the greater elasticity of the Titanium alloy is one of the factors responsible for loosening.