The patient is splinted with the leg in abduction for three weeks, and is allowed to take full weight on the hip five weeks after the operation. Recent experiences suggest that the plaster is not essential. The average stay in hospital is eight weeks. Charnley 1961

To a newcomer to the surgery of total hip arthroplasty the statement may appear to be like something from the very early days of surgery; in fact it was – from the very early days of total hip arthroplasty.

It may be, even if only of historical interest, to revisit the past of both Wrightington Hospital and the Centre for Hip Surgery.

The Hospital became functional in early 1932 with the official opening on 16th June 1932 (Fig. 9.1). By that date over 300 visitors have signed the visitors book – amongst them Sir Robert Jones on 2nd October 1932 (Fig. 9.2).