Total hip replacement in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Analysis of 59 hips

The results of 59 Charnley low friction arthroplasties in 41 patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are presented. Mean follow-up was 30 months and mean age at operation 30.5 years. At review 90 per cent had an excellent result and 10 per cent a good result as regards pain relief. Mobility was significantly improved in all but two patients. These two patients developed severe ectopic bone formation. With few exceptions, the results remained constant after 6 months. Intraoperative complications were the most common. Careful selection of patients, advance planning of surgery and appreciation of the developmental abnormalities in these hips are essential features in avoiding complications and achieving a good result.