Conversion of resection arthroplasty to total hip replacement

Conversion of Girdlestone arthroplasty is a demanding procedure dependent on adequate debridement at time of resection and appropriate long-term antibiotic therapy. Patients must be followed closely for persistent sepsis through ESR, aspiration, and physical examination. Pre-reconstruction, existing bone stock should be assessed and revision techniques utilized where appropriate. Our experience is that conversion of Girdlestone pseudoarthrosis to THR can yield good functional results and restore independence.