Total joint replacement for ankylosed hips. Indications , technique, and preliminary results

Sixteen patients with disabling pain in the back, knee, or hip had total hip-replacement arthroplasty. Good relief of pain, a limited but satisfactory range of motion (dependent on duration of ankylosis), and variable function resulted. Establishing active abduction was important in restoring function and achieving a negative Trendelenburg test. Careful preoperative assessment of abductor muscle strength, medialization of the acetabulum, use of long-neck prostheses with small and straight stems and good inherent stability, and muscle reconditioning were the keys to a good result.