Introduction: The assessment of bone age using the standard Gruel and Pyle chart based on hand and wrist radiographs is usually carried out by Senior Radiologists. We performed a study to look at both intra and inter observer variability with different grades of clinicians.

Materials and Methods: 30 sets of wrist radiographs were selected at random. The investigators included a Senior Radiographer, a Consultant and Registrar Radiologist an Orthopaedic Consultant and Senior Orthopaedic Fellow.

Discussion: The Radiology team appear to be more consistent in their readings for the assessment of skeletal bone age than the Orthopaedic team. Howevr, it is interesting to note that although the Orthopaedic team are less consistent, when looking at the inter-observer variability, it suggests that both teams are equally well equipped to perform the task.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that we should not cross professional boundaries. Render unto Caeser what is Ceaser’s!

We followed up 83 patients who under went 92 Furlong Hydroxyapatite coated femoral stem, threaded acetabular component, and 28mm ceramic heads.

These hips were inserted between the periods 1989–1992 The Average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 54 years with an age range 31–67. And were followed up at 5,7,10 years respectively.

At the ten year follow up there were 64 patients with 70 hips. 5 hips were revised. 3 for acetabular component loosening, 2 for infection. 8 died from unrelated causes, 3 refused to attend but filled in the Oxford hip score by mail, 2 were lost to follow up. At the time of follow-up the average age was 64 years with an age range ( 41 – 77). The Oxford, and the Harris hip scores were used to Asses the patients clinically, and a standard AP pelvis X-Ray showing both hips was performed

Clinically we found. The average Harris hip score 90 ( 51 – 100), the average Oxford hip score 20 ( 12 – 45 ).

Radiographic assessment showed good component fixation with uniform bone growth around the components. The average angle of the Acetabular component was 52 ( 40– 60 ). 4 cups showed loose zones mainly in zone1. 21 hips showed polyethylene wear 6 had more than 2.5 mm wear. 52% of the hips showed proximal calcar remodelling, only 7 stems showed loose zones mainly in zone 1.

We conclude that the Furlong HA coated THR is an excellent THR for the young patient who has a higher activity demand with a survival rate of 93.9% excluding deaths and patients who refused to attend at ten years follow up.