Results of alloarthroplasty of the hip joint

We report on the follow-up examination results of 881 operated hip joints which were implanted in the Innsbruck University Clinic for Orthopedics during the period 1968--1975. Due to exact checking 75% of all patients could be clinically control-examined during 1978 and all available information regarding the others was collected. In the patient group with an average age of 62.5 years the course of postoperative mobility over the years was mainly examined. Functional activity, subjective patient opinion, pain, work capability and weather sensitivity were also analyzed. After an implantation period of the hip prosthesis of 3--10 years encouraging results were shown. Aseptic prostheses loosenings (9.8%) were examined with regard to their causes. The infection rate was very low at 0.56% and also periarticular calcification only occurred comparatively seldom (13.5%). Other complications were recorded in 6.8% of the patients. In total, 74% of the operated patients offered a very good or good complete result.