Several diseases may lead to advanced hip disease and cause disabling symptoms in adolescents. In literature there is no consensus which is the optimal surgical treatment for young adults with end-stage osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of uncemented total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of end-stage hip arthritis in patients younger than 20 years at a minimum follow-up of ten years.
We have retrospectively evaluated 24 patients who were 20 years or younger and underwent uncemented total hip arthroplasty. Minimum follow-up was 10 years. Clinical outcome was measured using the Harris Hip Score, Western Ontario McMaster, and the Short-Form 36. Hip calcification was evaluated using Brooker classification, while osteolysis was examined at the final follow-up according to the subdivision of Gruen.
The mean preoperative Harris Hip Score was 36.94 points and improved to 92.3, and the mean preoperative WOMAC score improved from 84.72 to 28.45 The Mental Component score-SF-36 improved from a preoperative mean of 26.23 points to 58.96, while the Physical Component score-SF-36 improved from a preoperative mean of 26.38-49.95. All components were stable and osseo-integrated. Radiolucent lines were not present in any hips. We noted the presence of 4 calcifications. No patient needed implant revision. The only complication was an intraoperative femoral fracture.
Total hip arthroplasty is a safe and reliable procedure for the treatment of end-stage arthritis in the young that provides good to excellent mid-term results.