[Reoperation of hip endoprostheses]

Experiences gained in 106 reoperations of 88 patients following 1968 total and 18 Wagner arthroplasties, performed in the Department of the authors between 30. 05. 1969. and 30. 06. 1991., are described. They think that after the THR yearly control and radiological examinations are necessary. Radiological signs in symptomless patients do not mean operative indication, in these cases regular control is thought to be even more important. Big loss of bone with loosening makes reoperation in symptomless patients necessary as with the progression of bone destruction the danger of fracture increases and the possibility of reimplantation becomes dubious. In dubious cases bone scintigraphy may be of help. The technical solutions used by them are described. At the planning of reoperation the age of the patient, the state of the acetabulum and femur are considered. Under 60 years of age and at loosening with big bone loss cementless prosthesis and bone transplantation are suggested. The most important is thought to be to reach stable fixation. Attention is called that the performance of reoperation needs good technical skills.