Results of 100 arthroprostheses of the hip of Charnley's method. (Prospective study, consecutive series)

This is a prospective survey of 100 consecutive cases of arthroprosthesis of the hip by Charnley's method, operated on in a conventional operating theatre under similar environmental conditions to those of the great majority of Italian hospitals. Ninety-four cases were available for review at an average follow up period of three and a half years (with a range of two to seven years). The incidence of infection was very high (9.6 per cent). In two cases there was aseptic loosening of the femoral component, demonstrated at re-operation (2.1 per cent) and in three cases it is suspected but not yet confirmed by re-operation (3.2 per cent). In eighty-three cases (88.2 per cent) the result was considered to be successful.