Resection arthroplasty following infected total hip replacement arthroplasty

Thirty-nine patients with 41 hips with resection arthroplasty for infected total hip replacement arthroplasty were evaluated for functional level and factors that contribute to that level. Eighty-three percent were either minimal community ambulators or nonambulators, and only two patients walked without assistive devices. At last follow-up, 93% of the patients had pain in their hips. The best function was obtained in patients with a healed wound and heterotopic ossification. The worst functional result was in patients with chronic drainage. Fifteen of the patients with resection arthroplasties had foot-switch studies to determine gait velocity and single-limb stance time. Ten patients also had oxygen consumption studies performed. The average gait velocity was 35 m/minute (41% of normal). The average oxygen consumption was 0.41 ml/gm (264% normal) with an average heart rate of 121. The energy consumption was greater than that recorded in patients with above-knee amputation.