Long-term results of cemented femoral stems with roughened precoated surfaces.

Abstract

Several recent articles have raised the question that rough surfaces with or without precoating may contribute to the loosening of cemented femoral stems. In this article the author collates selected reports of several different cemented femoral stem designs that have rough surfaces which have shown excellent long term results. Femoral stem loosening is generally multifactorial. It often is difficult to separate the effect of stem design or other changes from the effect of surface finish. Many rough surfaced cemented femoral stems have served well for decades. It is important to analyze all the pertinent factors in cases of early loosening.