Evidence brief
Arthroplasty of the Hip: A New Operation
Introduced the low friction arthroplasty concept
Small femoral head (22.25mm) to reduce friction and wear
High-density polyethylene bearing surface
Acrylic cement fixation
Established principles still used today
Charnley's work established the foundation for modern total hip arthroplasty. The principles of low friction arthroplasty, cement fixation technique, and bearing surface design remain relevant 60+ years later.
Historical context question: Know Charnley's contributions - low friction concept, small head (22.25mm), HDPE, cement fixation. Understand why small heads were chosen (friction, volumetric wear) and modern evolution to larger heads with improved polyethylene.
Charnley J. Arthroplasty of the hip: a new operation. Lancet. 1961;1(7187):1129-1132.
Level IV
Case series or case reports