Uncemented total hip arthroplasty using a tapered femoral component in obese patients: an 18-27 year follow-up study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an uncemented tapered femoral component in obese patients at a mean follow-up of 23 years. We retrospectively reviewed 119 consecutive uncemented total hip arthroplasties in 105 obese patients using a tapered femoral component between 1983 and 1987. The mean body mass index of these patients was 34 (range 30-47). Complete clinical and radiographic follow-up was obtained on the 55 hips in 47 patients who survived a minimum of 18 years (range 18-27 years). Three femoral components (6%) have been revised, none for aseptic loosening. One was loose by radiographic criteria. These results demonstrate that an uncemented tapered stem can provide excellent fixation in obese patients out to 27 years.