[Total endoprosthesis of the hip joint. Experience with 931 cases (April 1969-April 1976) in a general surgery...

The total artificial replacement of the hip joint in dislocated medial fracture of the neck of the femur in elderly people and in coxarthrosis is the standard method today. While there is no better method at the present time for the older patient, loosening and infections in particular compel strict indication and a search for other solutions for younger persons. Taking these criteria into consideration, the operation has proved thoroughly reliable up to the present and it is also worth recommending for use in a suitably experienced general surgery department. In the 6 years, 193 medial fractures of the neck of the femur with sequelae and 704 coxarthroses were operated on and 34 prosthesis exchanges were also undertaken. In medial fracture of the neck of the femur in the elderly as an acute and life-threatening disturbance of function, the mortality was 15%, whereas in coxarthrosis patients it was 0,3%. The early and late complications lie within justifiable limits.