Abstract
Introduction: The clinical results of the modular Charnley Elite total hip system have been the subject of some interest in recent years. Some studies have shown significant subsidence and rotational instability in stems when used with low-viscosity cement. These unstable stems have been shown to fail early. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate our conflicting clinical results.
Materials and Methods: 616 modular Charnley Elite total hip arthroplasties were inserted between 1995 and 2002 at Wrightington Hospital, which is a tertiary referral centre and centre of excellence for joint replacement in United Kingdom. Both Consultants and trainees performed operations and a variety of surgical approaches were used. Normal viscosity bone cement was used in all patients. All patients were followed up prospectively.
Results: At mean follow-up of 8 years (range 5–12), 471 hips were available for review. 87 patients had died and 12 were lost to follow-up. 2.7% (13 cases) of femoral components and 2.9% (14 cases) of acetabular components had been revised for aseptic loosening. 10 hips (2.1%) underwent revision for deep infection and 2 (0.04%) for recurrent dislocation. The overall survival with aseptic loosening as an end point was 97% and for revision for any reason was 94.5%.
Conclusion: Our results show acceptable clinical survivor-ship for this implant when used with standard viscosity cement. This contrasts with the lower survivorship rates published by other centres. Our result should reassure patients and surgeons alike that this prosthesis can be associated with acceptable results in the medium term.
Correspondence should be addressed to BHS c/o BOA, at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE, England.
