Total hip replacement in the previously infected hip

Ten patients with a history of previous hip joint sepsis including one with active tuberculosis of the hip have had total hip replacement using acrylic cement. With duration of follow-up ranging from six months to over three years, all but one have had satisfactory results with no evidence of persistent or recurrent infection. When preceded by thorough evaluation and eradication of hip sepsis, total hip arthroplasty appears to be an acceptable procedure for restoring a functional hip joint in patients with this difficult problem.