Total hip replacement by the brunswik prosthesis: A preliminary report of 189 operations

Abstract

The results of 189 Brunswik total hip replacements, performed at the Orthopaedic Hospital of the Invalid Foundation, Helsinki, Finland, and followed up for 2–3 years, are presented. According to the modified system of Merle d'Aubigne & Postel excellent results were achieved in 11.1 per cent (21/189), good in 56.6 per cent (107/189) and fair in 27.5 per cent (52/189). The failure rate was 4.8 per cent (9/189) and consisted of four deep infections, four cases of aseptic loosening and one case of allergic loosening. Local complications occurred after primary operations in 7.5 per cent (12/159) and after revision operations in 26.7 per cent (8/30) and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Among the complications, deep infections were encountered in 2.6 per cent (5/189), aseptic loosenings in 2.1 per cent (4/189). Other local complications were: ectopic ossification in 1.6 per cent (3/189), nerve injuries in 1.6 per cent (3/189), dislocations in 1.1 per cent (2/189), and peroperative fractures in 1.1 per cent (2/189). General complications were observed in 8.9 per cent (17/189). Thromboembolic complications were only seen in 2.6 per cent (5/189). A possible explanation for this low figure was the early ambulation of the patients on the first postoperative day. No deaths related to the operation occurred.