[The review of 4300 Charnley total hip replacements inserted between 1968 and 1979 (author's transl)].

4 300 Charnley total hip replacements have been performed since 1968 using either a lateral or a posterior approach. The operative and post operative complications are analysed. 10 p. 100 of the cases had venous complications. There were 125 early dislocations which were easily reduced, and 38 dislocations occurring 6 to 8 years after the operation which were reduced under general anesthesia. There were 5 fractures of the stem of the femoral prosthesis. Instances of wear of the acetabular component were rare. 1.5 p. 100 of severe sepsis occurred leading to the need for the removal of the prosthesis in 23 cases. The percentage of septic complications was much higher in hip that had previously been operated on (5 p. 100) compared with when there had been no previous operation (1. p. 100). Functional results were rated excellent in 85 p 100, good and failure in 2 p. 100. In their conclusions, the authors state that the assessment of the results is difficult because of the age of the patients, the variability in methods of assessment and the presence of associated diseases. They emphasize that the results were consistent even after long periods of time and that wear in the prosthesis is not a hazard, any particles being produced by wear being well tolerated.