Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
09:51
The Transition to an Anterior-Based Muscle Sparing Approach Improves Early Postoperative Function but is Associated with a Learning Curve
Published on: September 7, 2022
Dermatomyositis does not adversely affect functional outcomes after total hip arthroplasty: a 1:2 matched
Hongjun Xu1, Zhongyin Ji1, Songlin Li2
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, 100730, China.
Arthroplasty (London, England)
|June 4, 2026
Summary
Patients with dermatomyositis (DM) undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) achieve good functional results. However, DM patients face a higher risk of respiratory complications post-surgery, suggesting a need for targeted pulmonary care.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Dermatomyositis (DM) patients have increased risk of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), often necessitating total hip arthroplasty (THA).
- Limited data exists on the functional outcomes and complications following THA in DM patients.
- This study compares THA outcomes in DM patients versus a matched control group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare functional outcomes after THA in patients with DM versus those without.
- To assess and compare complication rates, including dislocation, infection, and revision, between the two groups.
- To identify specific risks associated with THA in DM patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control study utilizing an institutional arthroplasty registry.
- 18 DM patients (21 hips) were matched 1:2 with 36 non-DM patients (42 hips) undergoing THA.
- Functional outcomes, quality of life (QoL), and postoperative complications were assessed.
Main Results:
- Both DM and control groups showed comparable improvements in functional and QoL measures post-THA (p > 0.05).
- No significant differences were found in rates of dislocation, periprosthetic joint infection, or revision between groups.
- DM patients experienced a higher incidence of postoperative respiratory complications (4/21 vs. 0/42, p = 0.010).
- Higher preoperative D-dimer levels were preliminarily associated with respiratory complications in the DM cohort (p = 0.040).
Conclusions:
- Total hip arthroplasty (THA) yields excellent functional outcomes for patients with dermatomyositis (DM), similar to non-DM patients.
- While overall complication rates are comparable, DM patients have an increased risk of postoperative respiratory issues.
- Preoperative evaluation of D-dimer and pulmonary function, coupled with proactive respiratory rehabilitation, is recommended for DM patients undergoing THA to mitigate risks.