Abstract
In this report, we describe a long term clinical and radiological study on 14 Charnley total hip replacements in 13 patients with osteoarthritis of the hip. Twelve replacements were performed in women while two were in men. The average age at the time of operation was 53.6 years. The average follow-up term was 12.6 years (a period from 10 to 15 years). The average of JOA hip score was 51.5 points preoperatively and 70.4 points postoperatively at the time of follow-up. Radiological studies showed mechanical loosening in 5 sockets (35.7%) and 2 stems (14.3%). The average socket wear was 0.13mm by a year. The rate of mechanical socket loosening was high. Postoperative radiography of 5 sockets which were migrated at the time of follow-up showed incorrect position or unsatisfied cementing of the socket. There were 2 cases in which the socket migrations were difficult to be recognized. So, careful observation is indispensable in radiological assessment of the socket.
