Total hip replacement in Down's syndrome

Hip subluxation occurs in 4% to 5% of Down's patients; adulthood coxarthrosis may result. Eight total hip replacements were performed in five Down's patients (ages 37 to 64 years) for painful coxarthrosis. The patients were followed for a mean of 4.3 years. The hip scores improved from an average of fair preoperatively to excellent postoperatively, with a Harris hip score of 92. All of the patients demonstrated clinical improvement and were cared for more easily by virtue of the procedure. There were no major complications. Total hip replacement should be considered a useful surgical option for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis in patients with Down's syndrome.