THIRTY-YEAR RESULTS OF A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON CHARNLEY TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY BY THE POSTERIOR APPROACH

Abstract

We present the results of 228 consecutive Charnley low friction arthroplasties, inserted in 193 patients between July 1972 and December 1976. All hips were inserted by the posterior approach without trochanteric osteotomy. 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 pre-and peri-operative findings are similar to contemporary series. Due to our stable population only two patients were lost to follow-up. Our survivorship results show a 10-year survival of 93%, 20-year survivorship of 84% deteriorating to a 30-year survival of 73%.

Of the 26 hips revised 6 were for recurrent dislocations and these were satisfactorily stabilised using acetabular augments. There were 8 revisions for fracture of the femoral component (all flatbacks), 8 revisions for aseptic loosening of the femoral component and 6 revisions for aseptic loosening of the acetabulum. There was one revision for deep infection and the remaining 3 were for periprosthetic fractures.

The survivors were scored clinically using the Merle d’Aubign-Postel score with a mean value of 12. None of the survivors were on the waiting list for revision arthroplasty or felt that it was indicated.

Overall our results are comparable to other studies and vindicate the choice of approach, which at the time was a source of some controversy