Cemented and Uncemented Hip Replacements: Surgeons Must Do Both

Total hip replacements (THRs) have been around now for almost 30 years. Over time, the surgery and surgical techniques used have changed and improved. The shift from fully cemented to uncemented implants is slowly taking hold.

Researchers around the world have studied the long-term results of cement use in THRs. In this study, researchers review a meta-analysis of 20 studies on THRs. They found that the type of cement is important for long-term performance. Specific types of cement are linked with lower rates of revision.

Sweden, Norway, Australia, and the United States have large databases including the records from 1000s of total hip patients. From the information on the databases, we know that the rate of revision varies from country to country.

Sweden has two and a half times more revisions for uncemented THRs compared to cemented. Revision rates are much higher in Australia for uncemented THRs. Norwegian surgeons report equal results between cemented and uncemented for a wide range of patients. The U.S. may have the highest rate of revision surgeries reported for both types in patients 65 years old or older.

The authors of this report conclude that not all patients need one kind of implant method. Surgeons must be prepared to perform both cemented and uncemented hips. More studies are needed to identify patients who would benefit most from both kinds.