Indications for total surface replacement of the hip joint

The authors briefly review the literature on total surface replacement of the hip, in particular, the indications, complications and results so far obtained. Their personal experience began five years ago with Wagner's prosthesis, and they report 20 cases operated on and followed up for 3-5 years. The results were favourable. In their view, this prosthesis is indicated in selected cases, especially in subjects aged less than 50 years, as an alternative to arthrodesis, cervico-epiphyseal resection, or total joint replacement, provided that the anatomical condition of the femoral head is satisfactory.