Long-term survival of cemented distal femoral endoprostheses with a hydroxyapatite-coated collar: a histological study and a radiographic follow-up

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to examine the degree of osteointegration into a hydroxyapatite-coated collar and relate this finding to aseptic loosening in patients with a distal femoral replacement used to treat primary bone cancer. Our hypothesis was that the implant collar would increase osteointegration and reduce the rate of aseptic implant loosening.

METHODS: Sixty-one patients treated with a primary cemented distal femoral prosthesis between 1992 and 2001 were included in this study. The mean duration of follow-up was 8.5 years (range, two to eighteen years). Extracortical bone growth into the grooved hydroxyapatite-coated collar was quantified radiographically. Histological sections through four hydroxyapatite-coated collars and four implants with no collar, retrieved following amputation due to local recurrence or at autopsy at a mean of 3.5 years (range, 1.4 to 6.1 years) after implantation, were evaluated as well.

RESULTS: Five (8%) of the implants were revised because of aseptic loosening, 3% of the implants fractured, and 3% were revised because of infection. Six limbs (10%) required amputation because of local tumor recurrence. On radiographs, osteointegration into the collar was seen to have occurred in 70% of the patients and did not correlate with sex, age, diagnosis, or length of time postoperatively. Histological analysis showed mature lamellar bone within the grooves of the hydroxyapatite-coated collar, and bone was observed in direct contact with the hydroxyapatite coating. Extracortical bone failed to make direct contact with the surface of the implants manufactured without a collar.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of cemented distal femoral massive bone tumor prostheses with a hydroxyapatite-coated collar located at the shoulder of the implant was followed by a low (8%) rate of revision due to aseptic loosening. The use of hydroxyapatite grooved collars may lead to osteointegration of the implant shoulder (collar) and may reduce the rate of aseptic loosening.