Total hip arthroplasty for posttraumatic arthritis after acetabular fracture

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) outcomes for posttraumatic arthritis after acetabular fracture have yielded inferior results compared to primary nontraumatic THA. Recently, improved results have been demonstrated using cementless acetabular reconstruction. Thirty-two patients underwent THA for posttraumatic arthritis after acetabular fracture; 24 were treated with open reduction internal fixation, and 8 were managed conservatively. Time from fracture to THA was 36 months (6-227 months). Average follow-up was 4.7 years (2.0-9.7 years). Harris Hip score increased from 28 (0-56) to 82 points (20-100). Six patients required revision. Five-year survival with revision, loosening, dislocation, or infection as an end point was 79%. Survival for aseptic acetabular loosening was 97%. Revision surgery correlated with nonanatomic restoration of the hip center and a history of infection (P < .05). Despite obvious challenges, advances in fracture management and cementless acetabular fixation in THA demonstrate improved results for posttraumatic arthritis following acetabular fracture.