Polyethylene wear and osteolysis is associated with high revision rate of a small sized porous coated THA in patients with hip dysplasia.

The outcome of 25 primary THAs in patients with hip dysplasia using the AML Bantam femoral stem (DePuy) is reported. Age at operation averaged 43 ± 10 years. Twenty-two of 25 stems were cementless. All cementless acetabular components had conventional or cross-linked polyethylene and screws. Follow-up averaged 11 ± 5 years (range 4-18). Four cementless stems were revised after 3, 4, 8, and 9 years; 2/3 cemented stems were revised at 8 and 18 years. Femoral revisions demonstrated extensive conventional polyethylene wear, periprosthetic osteolysis and loosening. Five entire cups were revised for wear and loosening; four liners were replaced. Harris Hip Scores for patients with retained stems went from 43 ± 12 to 85 ± 13. High revision rates with the proximally porous coated Bantam stem are due to loss of fixation, often associated with polyethylene wear and osteolysis.