Outcomes of Charnley total hip arthroplasty using improved cementing with so-called second- and third-generation techniques

BACKGROUND Techniques of cemented total hip arthroplasty have developed over time. We present the outcomes of Charnley total hip arthroplasty performed using improved second- and third-generation cementing techniques. METHODS We reviewed the radiologic results of 91 Charnley total hip arthroplasties performed using second- and third-generation cementing techniques. Second-generation techniques involved making multiple anchor holes, a double-cementing method on the acetabular side and an intramedullary plug, and retrograde filling with a cement gun on the femoral side in 57 hips. Third-generation techniques involved additional vacuum mixing and cement pressurization in 34 hips. RESULTS Joint survival rates at 20 years when using second-generation techniques were 89% for the socket and 94% for the stem with aseptic loosening as the end point; the survival rates at 10 years when using third-generation techniques were 97 and 100%, respectively. According to our radiographic evaluation system for the clear zone at 5 years, there was less clear zone in the acetabular side with the third-generation techniques than with second-generation techniques. In the femoral side, there was very little development of the clear zone, but the difference between generations was not significant. CONCLUSIONS Second- and third-generation cementing techniques showed excellent survivorship. The clear zone scores at 5 years indicated that third-generation techniques were effective, especially in the acetabular side, and may produce better long-term results than second-generation techniques.