Total hip arthroplasty in young patients is associated with high failure rates and the best option for this demanding group of patients remains controversial. We report the long-term results of 73 consecutive Zweymüller total hip arthroplasties with a titanium threaded cup and a polyethylene insert in 67 patients aged under 50 years at the time of surgery (mean 43 years, range 23-49). Independent assessment was performed clinically and radiographically, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine survival for different end-points. Three hips were revised for septic loosening, three cups for aseptic loosening and one hip because of a periprosthetic fracture. Three patients (3 hips) died and seven patients (8 hips) were lost to radiographic follow-up without any reoperation. The mean follow-up was 17.5 (15-21) years and the mean HHS was 90 (52-100). Survival with an end-point of revision for any reason was 89% (95% C.I. 85-93) and of revision for aseptic loosening was 94% (C.I. 95-99) at 17 years. Zweymüller total hip arthroplasty with a titanium threaded cup and a polyethylene insert showed good long-term results, even in this group of young patients.