OBJECTIVETo introduce the technique of total hip surface replacement, evaluate the early results and review the factors which affect the results.

METHODSFrom October 2000 to January 2005, 31 patients (37 hips) with osteonecrosis, osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, ankylosing spondylitis were treated with the total hip surface replacement. Among them, 15 were male, and 16 were female, with an average age of 42 years (range from 23 - 65 years). All the 31 patients had the indications for hip surface replacement. Standard operation technique which was brought forth by Amstutz and Nelson was employed, and all patients were followed up after operation.

RESULTSPatients were followed up for an average period of 42 months (3 - 51 months). There were no femoral neck fracture, no dislocation, no infection in all patients. Radiolucent line existed around acetabular prosthesis in 1 hip and another hip had been revised because the prosthesis of femoral head was in incorrect situation. The average Harris hip score improved significantly from 30 to 90, and the score was 93 in the latest follow-up. Based on Harris system, 35 hips were excellent, 1 hip good, and 1 hip fail.

CONCLUSIONSThe total hip surface replacement is an effective solution for the problem of the patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head, osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia and ankylosing spondylitis. The short-term results are satisfied.