The purpose of this study was to analyse the results of total hip arthroplasty for chronic juvenile arthritis in order to evaluate risks, problems and benefits of this procedure.
Between 1984 and 1992, 34 total hip prostheses were implanted for chronic juvenile arthritis in 20 patients. Most prosthesis were Zweymuller cementless prosthesis. Mean follow up was 5 years.
Results were good. In 85 per cent of cases, patients had a normal activity recovery. Pain relief was very good since in 80 per cent cases patients had a total indolence.
Beyond these good clinical results at this mean follow-up, the main interest of this study is to characterize two different periods in the surgical technique. The first period when cemented prosthesis was employed and the second one when cementless femoral implants with screwed acetabular component were used. Cementless prostheses appear to be a satisfying solution in this disease, preserving bones and showing very good radiological and functional results.
Furthermore, the very low complication rate despite general discomfort may prompt us to use total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of chronic juvenile arthritis.