Socket and cup surface replacement of the hip.

To improve the surgical results of severe osteoarthritis of the hip, surface replacement of the hip using a double cup without cement was employed on 75 hips during the period from 1972 to 1977. The results of the procedures have been analyzed on 67 hips followed for more than 6 months. The most dramatic improvement following the procedure has been pain relief, observed in 58 of 67 hips (86%). Three reoperations were necessary. Failures were treated satisfactorily either by total hip replacement, or by arthrodesis and/or by placing a new cup on the head respectively. There was no operative death, pulmonary embolism, thrombophlebitis, nor deep infection. We do not think this procedure replaces more definitive surgery such as the Charnley-type total hip replacement, but it is a good adjunctive procedure particularly in patients younger than 60 years of age.