[Total hip arthroplasties in 190 cases: follow-up study]

One hundred and ninety-six cemented total hip arthroplasties performed in 190 patients (mean age, 62 years) followed-up with an average of 8.7 years were reviewed. The results were compared with the same group previously reported at an average follow-up of 4 years. Clinically satisfactory results were observed at the short- and medium-terms. Evaluation of the study with Harris score system showed that the score records fell from 85 to 78.4 points in the same group and the revision rate rose from 6.84% to 14.73%. The main causes of the prosthesis failure were loosening of the prosthesis and of breakage of the prosthesis stem. This follow-up study showed that the short-term prosthesis failure was mainly related to the cement-fixing technique, while the medium-term failure was due to side effects of the cement. This series showed that cemented prosthesis is a good selection especially for elderly patients.