Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria (all of the following):

 1. Age 60–75 years

 2. Plain x-rays showing osteoarthritis (Kellgren and Lawrence gradus 3–4) which correlates with clinical symptoms

 3. Clinically symptomatic osteoarthritis requiring treatment with total hip arthroplasty

Exclusion criteria (any one of the following):

 1. Previous surgery of the affected joint

 2. Post-traumatic arthritis

 3. Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune illnesses

 4. Malignancy

 5. Patients on oral glucocorticosteroids

 6. Insulin-dependent diabetes

 7. Smoking

 8. Alcohol or drug abuse

 9. Mental instability