Total hip arthroplasty performed during adolescence.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Adolescent hip arthritis presents unique challenges.
• Limited data exists on long-term outcomes of total hip arthroplasty in this population.
• Restoring mobility is crucial for adolescent quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty in adolescent patients with severe hip arthritis.
• To assess the rate of component revision and associated complications.
• To determine the functional and psychosocial benefits post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of six adolescent patients (10 hips) undergoing total hip arthroplasty.
• Analysis of intraoperative complications, including intubation difficulties, blood loss, and component fit.
• Long-term follow-up to assess acetabular component revision for loosening.

Main Results:

• Significant intraoperative complications were noted.
• 33% of acetabular components required revision due to symptomatic loosening at an average follow-up of 7 years 11 months.
• Despite high failure rates, substantial psychological and social benefits were observed.

Conclusions:

• Total hip arthroplasty in adolescents with severe arthritis has a high rate of acetabular component loosening and revision.
• Careful patient selection and surgical technique are critical.
• Improved mobility offers significant psychosocial advantages despite surgical risks.