Multiple joint replacement in chronically neglected polyarthritic patients: Two case reports

Multiple joint replacement is a viable option for rehabilitation of young polyarthritic patients with unsalvageable joints. Young polyarthritic patients in this part of the world suffer from chronic neglect because of ignorance, apathy and low socio-economic status. During the period of chronic neglect, these patients acquire extreme deformities of various joints either due to active disease (ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis) or irreversible changes in the joint configuration like ankylosis and soft-tissue contracture. Associated spine and thoracic cage affection create problems for anaesthesia and peri-operative positioning. We report 2 cases of multiple joint replacements for young polyarthritic patients who were bedridden for 6 to 11 years. Surgeries were performed in a phased manner and after extensive rehabilitation both patients were able to walk unaided. Various problems and difficulties encountered have been addressed so as to serve as a guide to surgeons who may have to deal with such unusual situations of chronic neglect. We also report a modified exposure technique without trochanteric osteotomy for total hip replacement, which is valuable in extreme external rotation ankylosis.