Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the minimum eight-year follow up results of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed using an alumina sandwich liner and the third Zweymüller stem.
Materials and Methods: A total of 86 patients (107 hips) who underwent a THA with alumina sandwich liners and the third Zweymüller stems from July 2001 to December 2003 were analyzed. Mean age of patients at the time of THA was 50.8 years (range, 17-77 years) and the mean follow-up period was 112 months (range, 98-127 months). Clinical evaluation was performed using the Harris hip score and level of thigh pain. The radiographic evaluation was performed in terms of the radiolucent line, subsidence of the stem, migration of the acetabular cup, and proof of loosening.
Results: At the final follow-up, mean Harris hip score had improved from 57.8 points to 91.9 points. Radiolucent line was observed at Gruen zone 1 in 40 cases (37%) and at zone 7 in 35 cases (33%); however, no detectable loosening was observed. There were six cases (5.6%) of fracture of the ceramic liner, one case of ceramic liner dissociation, and one case of stem loosening due to infection.
Conclusion: At the minimum eight-year follow up, survival rate of the third Zweymüller stem was 99.1%. However, owing to the high rate of fractures of the ceramic sandwich liners, the survival rate of the ceramic liner was 93.5%.

Keywords: Total hip arthroplasty, Ceramic sandwich liner, Zweymü,ller stem