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Study reveals long-term results, implant survivorship after Charnley THA
A single-surgeon series of hip arthroplasties performed using a low friction arthroplasty method introduced by Sir John Charnley showed a 53% overall survival rate at 30 years using revision for any reason or removal of the components as an endpoint.
The study included 241 low friction hip arthroplasties performed in 205 patients between January 1973 and December 1984 by the senior author. Patients were followed clinically and radiographically at 3 months and 12 months after surgery. In addition, patients were also followed at 1-year to 3-year intervals during their lifetimes or at a minimum of 30 years after the index operation.
Results showed 21% of acetabular components had been revised for aseptic loosening at an average of 19 years, and 16% of femoral components had been revised for this reason at an average of 18 years during patients’ lifetimes or until their last follow-up.
Using a modified Charnley score system, researchers obtained clinical ratings among 21 living patients retaining both components for at least 30 years and found 20 patients were free of pain or had slight pain when they started to walk and 12 patients walked normally or with a slight limp without the need of a stick. In addition, 16 of the 24 hips had more than 160° total range of motion. Compared with preoperative results, postoperative results showed significant improvements, including walking ability, which declined with age.
Higher risk of overall failure was found in younger patients and higher risk of failure due to loosening was found in younger patients and in patients with congenital hip disease, according to findings of a Cox regression analysis for the possible risk factors of age, gender and diagnosis. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.