Abstract
For 10 years since the opening of our hospital in 1981, hip replacements have been performed in 89 joints. In this study, clinical and roentgenological investigations were periodically performed in 37 joints of 30 cases in which more than 5 years have passed. The subjects were 3 males (5 joints) and 27 females (32 joints). The period of the observation ranged from 5 years to 10.5 years and average period was 6.9 years.
The mean scores according to the judgement by the Japanese Orthopedic Association were 49 points before operation and improved to 84 points at the final investigation. However, in the evaluation of the radiolucent line, stage 3 and 4 (Nagaya's classification) were observed 25% in the cup side and 31% in the stem side. Re-replacement was performed in 2 cases (3 joints, 8%). Therefore, careful follow up will be necessary, because new appearance of the clear zone will increase every year.
