Introduction: The success of cemented total hip replacements (THR) has been well documented. However, few studies have shown how patients who have had a primary THR function compare with the general population.

Materials and Methods: We prospectively collected data on 193 patients (83 males, 109 females, 1 missing) who had a primary cemented THR (Exeter stem). 25 patients had bilateral hip replacements. Patients were evaluated using the Oxford Hip Score and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire pre operatively and at 3 months and 1, 3, 4 and 5 years follow up. SF-36 questionnaires were also completed by 8117 people from the general population, recruited from 12 General Practices in the local city. The two groups (age and sex matched) were then compared for quality of life and function.

Results: The mean age of patients in the THR group was 54 years (range 21 – 93 years). The underlying diagnosis was primary osteoarthritis in 159 patients, secondary osteoarthritis in 20 and rheumatoid arthritis in 6 patients. Post operative complications included deep vein thrombosis (2.7%), infection (1.8%) and dislocation (2.7%). There was a significant improvement in the mean Oxford Hip score post operatively in patients following THR and this trend was maintained at 5 years. Apart from physical function, for all other aspects of the SF-36 there were no significant differences between patients following THR at 5 years and that of the general population.

Conclusion: Cemented total hip arthroplasty significantly improves quality of life and can restore it to that of the general population.