[Reaction in bone and cartilage to Judet metal prosthesis over 20 years (author's transl)].

A case in which a vitallium head-prosthesis was implanted 20 years before. Changes in the neck of femur: Vitallium proved even after 20 years very passive. Minor metallosis could be seen only microscopically, no inflammatory or foreign-body reaction, no atrophy but sclerosis of cancellous bone, which is considered to be due to adaptation to changed weightbearing. Losening of the implant caused a kind of "pseudarthrosis" on the surface of the bed, definite secondary changes, in parts osteoarthrotic. The causes of "pseudarthrosis" are discussed.