Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is technically challenging in patients with high dislocation of the hip secondary to suppurative arthritis. The technical difficulty is attributable to the complex hip anatomy and the potential risk of recurrent infection in these patients. This study investigated the midterm results of THA in patients with Crowe type III and IV high dislocation of the hip secondary to suppurative arthritis.
This study retrospectively reviewed 45 patients (45 hips) who underwent cementless THA with a mean quiescent infection period of 34.2 years. This study included 23 men and 22 women (mean age, 45.9 years) at the time of operation. The mean follow-up was 6.4 years. Clinical and radiographic outcomes and complications were evaluated.
The mean Harris hip score significantly improved from 48.1 to 87.6. The modified Merle d'Aubigné-Postel, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, low back pain visual analog scale, and the 12-item short-form health survey scores also improved significantly. The mean limb length discrepancy was reduced from 38.9 mm to 6.4 mm. Postoperative dislocation occurred in 2, temporary sciatic nerve paralysis in 3, and intraoperative fracture in 2 patients. Infection and femoral stem loosening necessitated hip revision surgery in 1 patient each.
THA could provide good joint function and significantly improve quality of life at the time of midterm follow-up in patients undergoing high hip dislocation secondary to suppurative arthritis. However, a relatively high incidence of complications occurred which can be treated.