Function of fifty-seven septic, revised and healed total hip arthroplasties

An evaluation of hip function was made 2-5 years postoperatively in 57 patients reoperated using gentamicin-containing bone cement because of deep infection after total hip arthroplasty. Forty patients were completely free from pain and 17 had slight intermittent pain. Fifty-one had normal or nearly normal walking ability. Most patients managed dressing and getting in and out of a bath without help. It is concluded that revision in most case offers a satisfactory solution for the patient and gives a better functional result than simple removal of the prosthesis.