To the Editor.—
Eftekhar should be highly praised for his article, "Low-Friction Arthroplasty" (218:705, 1971). I agree with him entirely that this "treatment of severe hip disorders is now well beyond the experimental stage."During 1959 to 1960, 11 "total hip replacements," using prostheses of polyurethane plastic (Ostamer), were performed by Charles O. Townley, MD, Port Huron, Mich. Not one patient has developed carcinoma, embolus, infection, nerve palsy, or dislocation. In fact, it may be said that 10 to 11 years later the results are excellent.Total hip replacement is a great addition to the armentorium of the orthopedic surgeon. It is, and should be, no more than a routine major othopedic operation, performed by a capably trained man. For some reason—be it commercial publicity by our manufacturers, a deep-seated hunger for something new and dramatic in the operating room, or defensive fears that have been created by the