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Total hip arthroplasty in patients with below-knee amputations
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
The Journal of Arthroplasty
|December 9, 2000
Summary
Total hip arthroplasty is effective for patients with below-knee amputation and femoral fractures. This treatment allowed all patients to regain their previous activity levels, indicating successful outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Management
Background:
- Displaced subcapital femoral fractures present unique challenges in patients with below-knee amputation.
- Previous treatment options may have limited efficacy or lead to complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with below-knee amputation and displaced subcapital femoral fractures.
- To determine if THA can restore prefracture activity levels in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case series of 5 patients with below-knee amputation who underwent THA following a displaced subcapital femoral fracture.
- Patients were analyzed based on whether THA was a primary procedure or performed after failed fracture fixation.
Main Results:
- All 5 patients achieved their prefracture level of activity and mobilization.
- No deterioration in function was observed during an average follow-up of 69 months.
- Successful outcomes were noted in both primary THA cases and those following failed fixation.
Conclusions:
- Total hip arthroplasty (or hemiarthroplasty) is a viable and effective treatment for displaced subcapital femoral head fractures in patients with below-knee amputation.
- THA can lead to excellent functional recovery and restoration of mobility in this specific patient group.