Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty for Adult Patients With Sequelae From Childhood Hip Infection: A Medium-Term Follow-Up Study

The aim of this study is to evaluate midterm clinical and radiographic results of total hip arthroplasties (THAs) with cementless implants for adult patients with sequelae from childhood hip infection.

Between 2002 and 2016, 165 patients (165 hips) who had a hip infection during childhood were treated with THAs with cementless implants. The average duration of follow-up was 93.5 months (range 26-206). Clinical results were evaluated via the Harris Hip Score and radiographic results were analyzed with postoperative serial X-rays.

The average Harris Hip Score increased from 27 (range 8-53) before surgery to 91 (range 45-100) at the latest follow-up examination ( P < .001). At the latest follow-up evaluation, 9 cementless acetabular components demonstrated partial, nonprogressive radiolucencies. No subsidence of more than 2 mm or evidence of a radiolucent line was observed around the femoral components. Intraoperative periprosthetic fractures occurred in 11 hips, including 3 acetabular fractures, 2 fractures of greater trochanter, 1 femoral shaft fracture, and 5 fractures of femoral calcar. Postoperative complications included 3 cases of periprosthetic infection, 1 episode of dislocation, 1 case of a femoral periprosthetic fracture, 5 cases of sciatic nerve injury, 1 case of femoral nerve injury, and 1 case of squeaking from a ceramic bearing surface.

Cementless THA for adult patients with sequelae from childhood hip infection presents significant technical challenges and a relatively high complication rate. With meticulous surgical planning and anticipation for the key technical challenges frequently encountered, the medium-term clinical and radiographic results of THA in this setting were good with high implant survivorship and patient satisfaction.