Similar performance with electrochemically deposited hydroxyapatite coating versus plasma porous spray in press-fit acetabular components for primary total hip arthroplasty: a randomised controlled study of early outcomes with DEXA.

In 30 seconds

This randomised controlled study compared acetabular cups with plasma porous spray (PPS) versus electrochemically deposited hydroxyapatite (HA) in 50 patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. Periacetabular bone mineral density was assessed by DEXA, alongside patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction, through 12 months. The groups showed no significant differences in BMD changes over time or satisfaction; patient-reported outcomes improved in both groups. No revisions or component loosening occurred in either group during follow-up. The findings indicate similar early performance for the two cup coatings.

Key findings

• No significant differences in periacetabular BMD changes over time were observed between PPS and electrochemically deposited HA cups.
• Patient-reported outcomes improved in both groups over 12 months, with no significant difference in satisfaction.
• Neither group had a revision or component loosening up to 12 months.

Why it matters

The study provides comparative early clinical and DEXA findings for two acetabular cup coatings used in primary hip arthroplasty. Similar outcomes may help inform understanding of whether electrochemically deposited HA offers a measurable early advantage over PPS, while the absence of longer follow-up means these results do not establish comparative durability.

What to keep in mind

The study included 50 patients and reports outcomes only up to 12 months, limiting conclusions about longer-term performance.