Arthroprosthesis of the hip at 12 to 16 year follow-up. A clinical and radiographic study of 17 cases.

A clinical and radiographic study of prosthetic replacement of the hip with a very long follow-up permitted us to evaluate the various factors influencing the long-term stability of this arthroprosthesis. Seventeen patients who underwent this operation during the 15 year period from 1969 to 1973 were reviewed clinically (using a points system adopted in our Clinic), and radiographically after periods ranging from 12 to 16 years. There was a reassuringly high proportion (72%) of excellent or good results. The metaphyseal cementation of the stem and the support of the collar were two particularly interesting features observed in this study. This accords with modern concepts of the biomechanics of hip arthroprosthesis.