The purpose of this paper was to review the 8 to 11 year follow-up results of the Exeter Universal Hip in primary joint replacement in Palmerston North, New Zealand, where the prosthesis has been in use since 1989.

The first 216 Exeter Hips implanted in Palmerston North by six Orthopaedic surgeons, across four hospitals, were analysed. Each surgeon had varying experience with the implant used. A total of 88 primary hips were available for clinical evaluation, functional assessment and radiological review. The Orthowave software programme was used to collect data. Survivorship was determined by using revision as an endpoint.

Ninety percent of patients had an excellent functional outcome at time of follow-up. Infection rates were 2.3%. Dislocation rates were high at 14.7%. The survivorship of the Exeter Universal stem at 8–11 years was 95.5%. The overall survivorship of the hips including acetabular revisions was 92%.

We have found an excellent survivorship of the Exeter Universal stem at eight to eleven years. The most significant complication was dislocation. The small numbers of this study, and the large numbers lost to follow-up, influence the final results.