Abstract
Introduction and Aims: We present the results of 228 consecutive Charnley low-friction arthroplasties, inserted in 193 patients between July 1972 and December 1976. Unusually for this time, all hips were inserted by the posterior approach without trochanteric osteotomy.
Method: All patients were enrolled into a prospective study and pre- and post-operative findings recorded. This series was reviewed in 1985 and once again in 2002. The survivors were scored clinically using the Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score with a mean value of 12. The reason for revision was also recorded and analysed.
Results: The pre- and peri-operative findings are similar to contemporary series. Due to our stable population, only two patients were lost to follow-up. Our survivor-ship results show a 10-year survival of 93%, deteriorating to a 30-year survival of 73%.
Conclusion: Overall our results are comparable to other studies and really vindicate the choice of approach, which at the time was a source of some controversy.
These abstracts were prepared by Editorial Secretary, George Sikorski. Correspondence should be addressed to Australian Orthopaedic Association, Ground Floor, The William Bland Centre, 229 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
At least one of the authors is receiving or has received material benefits or support from a commercial source.
