[Total prosthesis implantation in the arthritic hip]

In 11 patients, hip arthrodeses were converted to arthroplasties. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 21 years. In some cases the patients' own assessment contrasted with the objective findings. No difference could be determined between previously arthrodesed and ankylosed hips. The duration of arthrodesis did not have an influence on the long-term results. It is interesting to note that in this group of patients the long-term survival rate proved to be slightly better than the overall survival rate for all patients with arthroplasties performed in our clinic.