[Revision hip arthroplasty after prosthesis removal in septic loosening]

The author presents the therapeutic protocol in "hanging hip" after prosthesis removal in septic loosening, basing on a series of 11 patients--7 females and 4 males--age ranging from 31 to 67 years. On average the primary prosthesis was removed 2.5 years after implantation, while patients remained with a "hanging hip" for an average period of 2.2 years (limb shortening before revision arthroplasty was on average 4.5cm). When qualifying patients for revision arthroplasty the following parameters were taken into account: sedimentation rate, CRP reactive protein levels, bacteriological blood culture results, cultures from the hip punctate, every-day life activity and post-op patient compliance with the therapy. Acetabular roof defects were managed according to Zuk's method. Clinical assessment of the patients was performed 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months using Merle-d'Aubigne and Postel classification, while X-rays were used to assess proper prosthesis implantation. During follow-up proper prosthesis implantation was found in all cases, while no signs of re-infection, nor radiological and clinical signs of implant loosening were noted. Clinical assessment of the patients yielded 1 very good result, 7 good results and 3 satisfactory. The presented material indicates that good results can be obtained in prosthesis reimplantation after removal of the primary prosthesis because of its septic loosening.