[The infected artificial hip joint: possibilities, follow-up and results of treatment]

Infections after total hip replacement are still a severe problem. With current therapies they can be managed successfully. In the present study we investigated 38 patients who were treated in our clinic because of infected total hip arthroplasties. All patients had a minimal follow-up of two years. The three main therapeutical forms are explained: the revision without removal of the prosthesis, the one-stage exchange and the two-stage exchange. 35 of the 38 patients could be healed within the observation period (from 1984-1996). Two patients died in the postoperative period from cardiopulmonary diseases. One patient could not be healed and has still an ongoing infection. The success rate was 92%, with good clinical results regarding pain, and walking ability. For the patient, the treatment of an infection can be very perturbing. With the new therapeutical forms the strain for the patient can be decreased. The type and duration of the therapy before definitive treatment has no influence on the success rate. In cases with a previous long-term therapy, a more complex treatment may be necessary. The treatment should be performed in an experienced clinic. The general practitioner plays an important part in the diagnosis and after care. An adequate treatment can be offered to nearly every patient with an infected total hip arthroplasty. This also applies to patients with long-term infection and chronic fistulation.