Experience with Charnley low-friction arthroplasty in Japan.

Of 300 hips operated upon from 1972 to 1983, 11 were followed for more than ten years and 107 hips were followed for more than five years. Only two hips had late infection and required Girdlestone resection. One hip with mechanical loosening was revised. The Charnley low-friction arthroplasty components have proved suitable and presented no special difficulties for Japanese people and their lifestyle. In the case of a severely anteverted femoral neck, a fixation of the stem was anteverted up to 30 degrees and sustained in good position. Acetabular dysplasia is a particular problem for Japanese surgeons but can be managed effectively by bone grafting procedures.