[Total hip prosthesis: what is the life expectancy? Survey of 430 prostheses with a 10 to 12 year follow-up in 253 cases].

In 1987 we made a review of all total hip prostheses inserted at Hopital Henri Mondor in 1974-1975-1976. These were of the metal-polyethylene Charnley-Muller or Lagrange-Letournel type (430 prostheses inserted in 349 patients). 178 hips were reexamined and 177 were lost to follow up. 61 patients had died. Overall, good results were found in 65% of patients reviewed - 12.5% had been reoperated upon. Although the newer models of prostheses are full of promise, none has stood the test of 10 years of use.