Abstract
Evaluating 30 years of total hip arthroplasty, we analyse the factors that determine longevity in terms of implant, design, materials, instrumentation and operative technique.
Simple implant design is important. Cups should be thick-walled and cemented. Particularly when cross-linked polyethylene is used, the size of the head bears little relation to the prevention of wear, but using too small a head seriously impairs stability. Improved cement and cementing techniques now facilitate exact placement. Traction instrumentation controls leg length equalisation and periarticular tissue tension, and further enhances stability.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor M. B. E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical School, University of Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193 South Africa
