Charnley low-friction arthroplasty in the young patient.

One thousand three hundred forty-two Charnley low-friction arthroplasties (LFAs) were reviewed at an average of ten years four months after surgery. Patients' average age at surgery was 41 years. The clinical results at follow-up review remained excellent: 79% were pain free and 11% had no more than occasional discomfort. One hundred forty-one (10.5%) LFAs have been revised so far. Stem fracture has been completely eliminated. Revision for stem loosening has been reduced to below 1% and revision for socket loosening has also been reduced. The long-term problem remains socket wear--and with it--an increasing incidence of socket migration. Failure of component fixation is a short- and medium-term problem that has been improved by better component design and surgical technique.