[Effect of total hip arthroplasty in patients with stiff hip and severe length discrepancy]

Objective: To observe the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty in patients with stiff hip and moderate or severe leg length discrepancy and to explore the strategy for balance recovery. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on the clinical data of 30 patients who had stiff hip and moderate or severe leg length discrepancy treated with unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty at Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2014 to January 2017.There were 18 male and 12 female patients aging of (43.5±9.7)years (range, 30-68 years). All patients had different degrees of pelvic tilt and scoliosis. In operation, contractured soft tissues were released, periarticular osteophytes were removed thoroughly and the center of ratation was restablished without femoral shortening osteotomy.Patient satisfaction, Harris hip score, perceived leg length discrepancy (LLD), true LLD and functional LLD were collected.Data were analyzed by paired-samples t-test. Results: The mean follow-up duration was (17.6±7.6)months (range, 12-30 months). The Harris hip score was improved from 37.6±5.7 preoperatively to 84.3±5.2 at last follow-up (t=-57.54, P=0.000). The preoperative and last follow-up data of true LLD((3.19±0.82)cm vs.(0.70±0.71)cm), functional LLD((4.36±1.72)cm vs.(0.46±0.53)cm) and perceived LLD((7.74±2.01)cm vs.(0.98±0.79)cm) was significantly difference(t=26.47, t=15.05, t=26.9, P<0.01). Twenty-seven patients were restored to normal level (LLD≤10 mm ) and there was no sciatic nerve injury observed after surgery. 90.0% (27/30) patients were satisfied by the outcome. Conclusions: Total hip arthroplasty have satisfactory effect in correcting leg-length discrepancy of stiff hip patients. Preoperative assessment, individualized surgical methods and soft tissue releasing are important for balance recovery of affected limbs.