Charnley low-frictional torque arthroplasty in young rheumatoid and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: 292 hips followed for an average of 15 years

Introduction In the early 1960s, Charnley was cautious with his patient selection for total hip replacement. As follow-up increased and confidence in the operation grew, younger patients were selected. We present our results of the Charnley LFA in young patients with rheumatoid and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis with a followup of up to 36 years.

Patients We studied 292 Charnley low-friction arthroplasties in 195 young patients with an established diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Their mean age at operation was 38 (12–50) years; 168 (58%) were receiving steroids and 79 (27%) were on non-steroidal antiinflammatory medication. The mean follow-up for the whole group was 15 (1–36) years. 24 patients could not be traced (33 hips), and 61 patients died (88 hips).

Results 25 patients (41 hips) had had a revision. The main indication for revision was cup loosening. In the 85 patients (130 hips) attending follow-up, their mean age at surgery was 36 (17–50) years and the mean follow-up was 20 (10–36) years. 98% were pain-free or had no more than occasional discomfort, 44% claimed to have normal or near-normal function, while 62% had full or almost full range of movement of the replaced hip. Radiographically, 29 cups (22%) were considered to be loose. 1 stem (1%) was definitely loose and 2 stems (2%) were probably loose. With revision for any indication as the endpoint, the survival was 74% at 25 years follow-up.

Interpretation The Charnley LFA continues to be an excellent hip replacement, even for very young rheumatoid arthritis patients. Wear and aseptic cup loosening are the main long-term problems.