The final assessments were conducted late and in a reduced format due to resource limitations at the site.

The purpose of this study is to compare the performance of 4 designs of the DePuy Ultima LX hip stem in the treatment of patients with hip joint disease requiring a total hip replacement. Patients who enter the study will be randomly allocated to one of the 4 designs of the DePuy Ultima LX hip stem and will be evaluated at regular intervals following hip surgery using patient, clinical and x-ray assessments.

Inclusion Criteria:

Current indications for primary total hip arthroplasty utilising a cemented femoral component. These include pain, deformity and loss of function which are not responsive to medical treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

i) Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty ii) Rheumatoid arthritis iii) Age greater than 80 years at time of surgery iv) Age less than 60 years at time of surgery v) Previous hip joint sepsis vi) Obesity vii) Patient likely to remain housebound once rehabilitation is complete