351 total hip replacements according to Charnley. A review of complications and function

Three hundred and forty-two out of 351 consecutive Charnley total hip arthroplasties performed during a period of 5 years were reviewed once, and 233 of the non-infected hips, a second time on average 5 years postoperatively. The initially high infection rate--16 per cent-- was reduced by antibiotic prophylaxis. The systemic complications did not differ from those described by others. Non-infectious stem loosening was observed in almost 36 per cent, but only 3 per cent required revision. Three sockets (1 per cent) were loose. The relief of pain and the improvement in function were rewarding and, with the exception of some cases with stem loosening, did not deteriorate with time.