[Girdlestone total prosthesis]

Thirteen out of 17 patients with a hip prosthesis according to the Girdlestone procedure were studied at a follow-up time of 26 months to 10 years. Seven patients were found to be satisfied with the total prosthesis, while the others complained about pain, walking disability and an insufficient range of motion. The implantation of a prosthesis using the Girdlestone procedure is technically difficult and should be restricted, as the results are superior to the Girdlestone hip in only a carefully selected group of patients with good abductor muscles and unsatisfactory results after the Girdlestone operation.