An 18-year comparison of hybrid total hip replacement and Birmingham hip resurfacing in active young patients

To compare the long-term clinical and radiological results of metal-on-polyethylene hybrid total hip replacement (THA) with metal-on-metal Birmingham hip resurfacing (BHR) in young, active patients.

From the 1st consecutive 63 hips in young, active patients who underwent BHR by the senior author, 54 (51 patients) were matched to patients who had undergone THA with regard to age, gender, body mass index and preoperative levels of activity. Radiologically, all hips were assessed for migration and osteolysis, THAs for polyethylene wear and BHRs for a pedestal sign. Patient-reported outcomes, mortality and revision rates were compared.

The mean follow-up of the patients with a hybrid THR was 19.9 years and for those with a BHR, 17.6 years. 13 patients with a hybrid THR and 5 with a BHR had died. 1 hybrid THR and 3 BHRs were lost to follow-up. The revision rate of the hybrid THRs was 14/54 and of the BHRs 6/54. Log rank comparison of Kaplan-Meier survival estimates demonstrated a significantly lower mortality in the BHR group (p = 0.039; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.37 [95% CI, 0.15–0.95]) but a non-significant difference in revision rates (p = 0.067; HR = 0.43 [95% CI, 0.18–1.06]). The BHRs recorded superior OHS (p = 0.03), UCLA (p = 0.0096), and EuroQol visual analogue scores (p = 0.03). Significantly more BHRs had run, played sport and undertaken heavy manual labour in the month preceding follow-up.

After 18 years, patients with BHRs remained more active with a lower mortality rate but demonstrated no significant difference in revision rates. Both groups demonstrated progressive radiological changes at long-term follow-up.