Long-term survival analysis of total hip replacement.

The results of 1555 primary total hip replacements in 1375 patients performed over an 11-year period were reviewed. When analysed by standard life tables, our findings show encouraging results with survival rates of 96% at 10 years, and are similar to those already published from specialist units. In all, 35 patients had undergone revision surgery. The most common reason for revision was deep postoperative infection. The perioperative mortality was 2% with 0.25% of patients having fatal pulmonary emboli. We believe the cemented Charnley total hip replacement continues to give excellent long-term results in the hands of general orthopaedic surgeons and its continued widespread use can be recommended.