We aim to report the clinical and radiological outcome of consecutive primary hip arthroplasties using the JRI-Furlong HAC coated femoral and acetabular components.

We reviewed 586 consecutive cementless primary THA in 542 patients with a minimum 12-18 year follow-up, performed at one institution between 1986 and 1994. Twenty-eight (32 THA) were lost to follow-up. Clinical outcome was measured using Harris, Charnley and Oxford scores. Quality of life using EuroQol

EQ-5D. Radiographs were systematically analysed.

The mean age was 75.2 years. Dislocation occurred in 12 patients (three recurrent). Re operations were performed in 11 patients (1.9%). Four acetabular and one stem revisions were performed for aseptic loosening. Other re-operations were for infection (two), periprosthetic fractures (two), cup malposition (one), revision of worn liner (two). The mean Harris and Oxford scores were 89 (79–96) and 18.4 (12–32) respectively. The Charnley score was 5.7 for pain, 5.3 for movement and 5.4 for mobility. Acetabular radiolucencies were present in 54 hips (9.7%).

The mean linear polythene wear was 0.06 mm/year. Stable stem by bony ingrowth was identified in all hips excluding one femoral revision case. Mean stem subsidence was 2.2mm (0.30–3.4mm). Radiolucencies were present around 37 (6.6%) stems. EQ- 5D description scores and health thermometer scores were 0.81 (0.71–0.89) and 86 (64–95). With an end point of definite or probable loosening, survival at 12 years was 96.1% for acetabular and 98.3% for femoral components. Overall survival at 12 years with removal or repeat revision of either component for any reason as the end point was 97.2%.

The results of this study support the continued use of a fully coated prosthesis and documents the durability of the HAC coated components. In our clinical experience, the Furlong prosthesis revealed encouraging radiographic stability over a long-term period.