[Total prosthesis of the hip joint for traumatic indications (VUTSCH data from 1985-1990)]

The authors analyze all total endoprostheses which were performed at their department in 1985-1990 for traumatic indications--an injury or its immediate sequelae: 6 times an implantation was made because of fracture, 11 times because of failure of primary synthesis or serious aseptic necrosis of the head after synthesis. There were no prostheses on account of late deforming arthritis which developed on a posttraumatic background. Seventeen total endoprostheses made on account of traumatic indication account for 7.4% of all total endoprostheses during the period of investigation. One patient died from pulmonary embolism after the operation, although heparin prevention was used and one patient developed a minor complication. All eight patients who were checked on average after 22.4 months following implantation had excellent or good results. The authors reached the conclusion that total endoprostheses should be indicated more frequently to the benefit of younger casualties and that the total numbers of total endoprostheses on account of traumatic indications are low. Therefore it is necessary to concentrate alloplasties mainly on orthopaedic departments which have experience also with other indications. Certain types of fractures of the neck and head of the femur or acetabulum cannot treated nowadays as effectively by any other technique.