Total hip replacement for arthritis following tuberculosis of hip

To present the results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) for post tubercular arthritis of the hip joint.

Sixty-five patients (45 male, 20 female) with previously treated tuberculosis of the hip joint underwent cementless THA for post tubercular arthritis. The average age at the time of THA was 48 years (range 29 to 65 years). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein, chest X-ray and contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging were done preoperatively to confirm resolution of the disease and to rule out any residual disease. Intra-operative samples were taken for microbiological examination, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histological examination. Patients were started on anti-tubercular drugs one week before the operation and continued for 6 mo post operatively. The patients were followed up clinically using the Harris hip score as well as radiologically for any loosening of the implants, osteolysis and any recurrence of tuberculosis. Any complications especially the recurrence of the infection was also recorded.

The mean interval from completion of antitubercular therapy for tuberculosis to surgery was 4.2 years (range, 2-6 years). Preoperatively, 17 patients had ankylosis whereas 48 patients had functional but painful range of motion. The mean surgical time was 97 min (range, 65-125) whereas the mean blood loss was 600 mL (range, 400-900 mL). The average follow up was 8.3 years (range 6-11 years). The average Harris Hip score improved from 27 preoperatively to 91 at the final follow up. Seventeen patients had acetabular protrusion which was managed with impaction grafting and cementless acetabular cup. The bone graft had consolidated in all these 17 patients at the follow up. Two patients developed discharging sinuses at 9 and 11 mo postoperatively respectively. The discharge tested positive for tuberculosis on the PCR. Both these patients were put on antitubercular therapy for another year. Both of them recovered and had no evidence of any loosening or osteolysis on X-rays. There were no other complications recorded.

Total hip replacement restores good function to patients suffering from post tubercular arthritis of the hip.