Total Replacement of the Hip Joint by Low Friction Arthroplasty

Abstract

SUMMARY 1. This study of early results and complications relates to the first 700 low friction arthroplasty procedures performed at The New York Orthopedic Hospital. 2. The results are encouraging in regard to the quality of the arthroplasty and are quite comparable to the results in series reported by others. 3. The incidence of early deep postoperative wound infection was low (less than 1 per cent), and no late infection was observed. The factor that might have favorably influenced the rate of infection in this series was the routine prophylactic use of antibiotics during operation. 4. The most serious complication was thromboembolism, which continues to be a problem with this major surgical procedure 5. We conclude that despite early gratifying results with this procedure, this operation must be reserved only for patients with severe pain and functional disability. 6. Excellent results can be achieved by careful selection of patients and strict adherence to aseptic technique.