[Ten years of the Lubinus Interplanta hip prostheses]

This study presents the results of 332 Lubinus Interplanta total hip arthroplasties implanted in the period 1987-96 at the County Hospital of Laerdal, Norway. Kaplan-Meier survival curves based on reoperations reported to the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register were completed with the aid of a questionnaire to all patients, and by clinical and radiographic re-examination of the most symptomatic hips. The estimated survival of Lubinus Interplanta versus aseptic loosening was 99.6% after five years and 98.7% after ten years. The total revision rate was 0.7% after five years and 1.6% after ten years. Dawson's questionnaire demonstrated a very substantial improvement in quality of life and functional ability one to ten years postoperatively. Patients' perceptions demonstrated that indications for surgery and the results gained were similar to results obtained by other investigators. The least successful number (18%) of arthroplasties from a subjective point of view were reexamined, but the survival rate after re-examination showed no significant discrepancy compared with results based on figures from the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register. Despite the good results, changes in the choice of materials and routines are recommended.