[Comparative results of hip resection and coaptation for septic arthritis. Apropos of 36 cases]

The Girdlestone procedure was performed in 36 cases of septic arthritis of the hip, most of which arose following operation. In 21 instances, the greater trochanter was inserted into the acetabulum and the hips were fixed by external fixators. In 15 instances a standard operation was performed followed by traction. The results were better after simple procedures; there was less pain and more mobility but the hip was more unstable. It is concluded that the simple procedure is preferable especially when it is planned to perform a further arthroplasty later.