[Cemented versus uncemented hip replacement--rational decision making using the BiCONTACT total hip system].

The BiCONTACT femoral stem has been developed as a modular system which is suitable for both cemented and uncemented implantation. A highly standardized procedure using an identical set of instruments for both modes of fixation ensures bone preservation. Primary stability is achieved by special design parameters. The cementless implants are coated proximally, thus facilitating osteointegration and proximal load transfer. Cemented stems provide an identical design but a smooth surface and are anchored by a homogenous cement mantle. The BiCONTACT stem is in use in the BG Trauma Center Tuebingen since 14 years and a consecutive series of 250 cases (series A) with uncemented implantation and of 250 cases (series B) with cemented implantation has been analyzed in two different prospective follow-up studies. Long-term survival after 11 years was 97.1 % (95 % confidence limits: 93.8 %-98.7 %) for series A, the follow-up rate was 99.2 %. For series B, the follow up-rate was also 99.2 %, survival estimate after 11 years was 97.5 % (95 % CI: 94.2 %-99.0 %).