[Middle- and long-term effectiveness of primary total hip arthroplasty for patients with chronic autoimmune

Yan Kang1, Ziji Zhang, Zhiqi Zhang

  • 1Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou Guangdong 510080, PR China.

Insights

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) offers significant long-term benefits for patients with chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases, improving hip function and quality of life. This study confirms THA as an effective treatment option for these challenging conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases often lead to severe hip joint damage.
  • Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a surgical option for end-stage hip disease.
  • Effectiveness of THA in this specific patient population requires long-term evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the middle- and long-term outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).
  • To evaluate THA effectiveness in patients suffering from chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
  • To analyze functional improvements and complication rates following THA in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 42 patients (51 hips) with autoimmune inflammatory diseases underwent THA between 1990 and 2006.
  • Patients included those with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Pre- and post-operative Harris scores and SF-36 health survey scores (PCS and MCS) were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvements in Harris scores (32.49 to 89.25) and SF-36 scores (PCS: 25.53 to 51.35, MCS: 42.28 to 55.29) were observed.
  • Follow-up ranged from 5 to 21 years (mean 9.1 years), demonstrating sustained benefits.
  • Complications included limp, dislocation, fracture, aseptic loosening, and ectopic ossification, with varying frequencies.

Conclusions:

  • Total hip arthroplasty (THA) demonstrates favorable middle- and long-term effectiveness for patients with chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
  • THA significantly improves hip function and health-related quality of life in this patient group.
  • While complications can occur, THA is a viable and beneficial treatment option for severe hip involvement due to autoimmune conditions.
Abstract

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