Uncemented hydroxyapatite-coated stems for primary total hip arthroplasty

Purpose of review: The review is intended to describe the most recent evidence surrounding the use of hydroxyapatite-coated uncemented femoral stems. Recent findings: Until recently, the research on hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stems has been limited to retrospective and prospective studies with short-term follow-up. Recently, several authors have published 10–15-year follow-up data that are very promising. Hydroxyapatite is a good adjunct for fostering bony ingrowth and ongrowth of femoral components. This in turn results in less pain, faster onset of implant stability, and a lower incidence of aseptic loosening. Summary: A proximally coated press-fit femoral component augmented with a hydroxyapatite coating provides predictable outcome and may be favored as a state of the art or gold standard for primary hip arthroplasty.