This paper reports the clinical and radiologic consequences in a group of patients who underwent metal on metal total hip arthroplasty based on a follow-up of at least five years.

Forty-three cases (41 patients) were enrolled in this study. The patients underwent surgery from June 1995 to March 2002. The mean follow-up period was 93 month. The evaluation focused on the VAS-pain score, WOMAC score and Harris Hip score. Follow-up radiographs were taken at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery.

At the last follow-up, the VAS-pain score, WOMAC score and Harris Hip score improved from 8.1 to 3.1, 76.4 to 13.3, and 42.7 to 90.8, respectively. The X-rays showed no signs of detectable wear. However, some complications were encountered; 3 infections, 1 periprosthetic femoral fracture, 1 pelvic osteolysis and 1 dislocation.

The results appear quite satisfactory considering the wear resistance, pain and function after surgery irrespective of age. However, a long-term follow-up will be needed to obtain reliable information on the influence of metal particles on the human body.