title: Charnley low-friction arthroplasties of the hip in rheumatoid arthritis. A study of the complications and results of 378 arthroplasties.
abstract: During the years 1971 to 1975, 378 Charnley low-friction arthroplasties of the hip were performed on 278 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The average age at operation was thirty-nine years. The follow-up time ranged from one to six years (mean two and a half years). Forty per cent of patients were receiving steroids at the time of operation. The most common complications were loosening of the prosthesis (3.4%), perforation of the femoral cortex and fracture. Deep infection occurred in 0.7%, dislocation in 0.7%, and thromboembolic episodes in 1.3%. Ninety-five per cent of patients were free of pain at follow-up compared to 84% who were severely handicapped by pain before operation. In addition, the increased mobility in 98.5% of patients and their improved independence makes hip replacement a recommendable procedure in these patients.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000601:surgery; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000601:surgery*; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D010146:Pain; D011183:Postoperative Complications