Cementless revision for infected hip arthroplasty: an 8.6 years follow-up

To investigate cementless revision for postoperative infection after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

From November 1997 to December 2009, 10 patients (10 hips; four males, six females) of mean age 58 years (36-73 years) with infection after THA were treated. Six of the 10 hips underwent revision total hip arthroplasty, two only received new acetabular components and two underwent stem revision. One-stage revision was performed in six cases and two-stage revision in four. Consecutive radiographs were compared to evaluate component conditions. Harris hip scores were determined before surgery and at final follow-up. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were assessed.

All patients were followed up for a mean duration of 8.6 years (6.5-15.6 years). The mean Harris hip score improved from 35 (18-63) points preoperatively to 89 (60-99) points at final follow-up. No re-infection occurred. Femoral component exsertion was occurred in one asymptomatic patient. Hip joint pain resolved in seven cases; three patients had mild pain when walking long distances. At final follow-up, six patients still had slight limps. Heterotopic ossification developed in two hips. Mean polyethylene liner wear was 0.08 mm per year at final follow-up. Deep vein phlebothrombosis and nerve injury did not occur.

One- or two-stage revisions using cementless prosthesis can produce satisfactory clinical outcomes in patients with infection after THA. Whether the original prosthesis can be partially retained when attached tightly to the femur or acetabular bone needs further investigation.