Revision and complication rates in 654 Exeter total hip replacements, with a maximum follow-up of 20 years
Jonas Franklin1,2 , Otto Robertsson2 , Julius Gestsson1 , L Stefan Lohmander2 and Thorvaldur Ingvarsson1,2

1Department of Orthopedics, Central Hospital, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
2Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital, 221 85 Lund, Sweden

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2003, 4:6doi:10.1186/1471-2474-4-6

Published: 25 March 2003

Abstract

Background
Iceland's geographical isolation with a stable and small population gives a rare opportunity for follow-up studies of medical interventions. Total hip replacements (THR) have been done at FSA Central Hospital in Akureyri, Iceland since 1982 with the Exeter hip implant being in use from the beginning.

Methods
Hospital records for all patients operated on with THR between 1982 and the end of 1999 were reviewed and the patients were followed until the end of 2001. Information was gathered regarding the indication for primary surgery, the reason for revision if needed, as well as that of any complications. Survival statistics were used to calculate the cumulative revision rate.

Results
The mean age at primary THR was 68.4 years for males and 68.8 years for females. 654 primary THRs were done; of which 571 (87 %) were due to osteoarthritis. 37 of the primary arthroplasties had been revised before the end of year 2001.

Conclusion
We have in this unique 2–20 year study of 654 THRs with no loss to follow-up for the patients, found revision rates that conform with the large Swedish THR registry. Complication rates in general are in agreement with that reported for other comparable patient groups, while infection rates appear lower.
 

37/654 = .057%