Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Ultrayoung

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures provide a surgical option for "ultrayoung" patients ≤30 years old with end-stage hip arthropathy. This has historically been coupled with concerns over early component failure and challenging surgical technique leading to increased risk of overall morbidity. The purpose of this study is to better elucidate the poorly defined indications and outcomes for THA in ultrayoung patients with end-stage hip disease.

A total of 40 THAs in 35 patients ≤30 years old performed at our institution from 2009 to 2016 were retrospectively followed for an average of 2 years (median 11 months, interquartile range 1-31.25). Primary outcome measure was THA revision. Patient demographics were compared against outcomes. The effects on revision rate of hip joint pathology and type of bearing surface were investigated. T-test, chi-square test, and bivariate correlation were performed to determine statistical significance (P < .05). Machine learning was used to determine the normalized important factor leading to THA revision.

Fifteen male and 25 female patients were included. Median patient age was 23 (interquartile range 19-27) years, with an average body mass index of 27.0 ± 7.9. A majority of THAs were indicated for osteonecrosis (32) and bearing surface type was predominantly metal-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene (36). The overall revision rate was 7.5%, without a correlation between revision and demographic characteristics. Revision surgery was significantly correlated with bearing surface type (P = .028). Important factors for revision were age (100%), bearing surface type (84.7%), and body mass index (52.1%).

In patients ≤30 years old, THAs performed with the use of modern implants and surgical methods show satisfactory survivorship and functional outcomes with short-term follow-up.