Charnley total hip arthroplasty. A ten- to 14-year follow-up study.

The long-term results of 325 consecutive Charnley total hip arthroplasties (THAs) were assessed at an average of 62 and 140 months (five-year and ten-year follow-up examinations) postoperatively. Cases developing deep infection during the first five years were not included. Pain, walking ability, and mobility were rated as advocated by Charnley. The results were then graded as excellent, good, fair (clinically successful), and failure. At the five-year follow-up evaluation, 77 hips were excluded; 92% (228/248) of the results were successful. At the ten-year follow-up examination, interest was focused on the 228 hips graded as successful after five years. Sixty-six were excluded, one that had not been included at the five-year evaluation was traced, and 92% (150/163) were again clinically successful. The failure rate owing to mechanical causes during the first five years and between the five-year and ten-year follow-up examinations was 6.9% and 6.7%, respectively. The clinical results were considered highly satisfactory because only 50% of the hips judged successful at the ten-year examination had roentgenographically intact components. There is good reason to have great confidence in the Charnley THA.