The long-term effects of hip fusion on the adjacent joints

Hip fusion has served well for many years as the surgical procedure of choice to treat painful joints with severe osteoarthritis or tuberculous arthritis. This retrospective study evaluates the long-term results of hip fusion, as far as its impact on the adjacent joints is concerned. Thirty-three patients that underwent hip arthrodesis 26-52 years previously were evaluated. All patients reported being satisfied with the fusion and being able to adequately work and perform everyday activities. Twenty-five reported episodes of low back-pain, 18 reported pain in the ipsilateral knee, four in the contralateral knee and five in the contralateral hip. Back pain started after an average time interval of 24 years, and pain in the ipsilateral knee appeared 24.6 years after the fusion. Hip fusion, a procedure which is now hardly ever performed, appears to offer a painless, strong and stable hip. However, the adjacent joints, mainly the lumbosacral spine and the ipsilateral knee, will probably develop secondary degenerative arthritis.