Total hip replacement with Müller prosthesis and ICLH double cup. 2- to 6-year results of a prospective comparative study.

A prospective comparative study was made of patients in the age-group 60-79 years with osteoarthritis of the hip treated with the Müller total hip prosthesis (n = 155) and the ICLH double-cup prosthesis (n = 149). The patients were comparable with regard to sex, mean age, and body weight, and the preoperative radiographic appearance of the hips was th same in the two groups. The mean operating time was significantly shorter in the Müller group, whereas the operative blood loss and the operative complications were statistically equal. No deep infections occurred in either group. The incidence of systemic complications was low and no difference between the two groups was seen. The patients are followed up for an average of 48.5 months (range: 27-75 months). Dramatic improvement in hip function was seen postoperatively in both prosthetic groups. The Müller group had more favorable ratings than the ICLH group for pain, walking ability, hip motion, and total hip score at all follow-ups, from 3 weeks to 5 years after the operation. However, the differences were rather small and did not reach a significant level at any registration. The acetabular radiolucent zones and heterotopic bone formation were statistically equal in the two groups. No revision operations have been done in the Müller group. Two Müller prostheses have shown radiographic signs of mechanical loosening. Thirteen ICLH prostheses (8.7%)--all in female patients--have been reoperated (P less than 0.001), 12 owing to mechanical loosening and one because of pain and stiffness.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)