Hip fusion in young adults
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 4, 2026

In Vivo Quantification of Hip Arthrokinematics during Dynamic Weight-bearing Activities using Dual Fluoroscopy
Published on: July 2, 2021
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.
Abstract:
Hip arthrodesis remains an option for treatment of severe arthritis in young persons resulting primarily from osteonecrosis, congenital dysplasia, and joint sepsis. The authors reviewed six patients who underwent fusions as young adults (average age: 30.8 years) with an average follow-up period of 11.7 years. Solid arthrodesis without infection was noted in all cases. Patients who worked returned to prior employment without limitation. All patients complained of symptomatic low back pain and felt ambulation was limited by ipsilateral knee pain. Five of six noted impaired sexual function; although childbearing was not affected in one case. Four of six were satisfied with the operation, but only three of six would undergo it again given the alternative of total joint arthroplasty.
Related Concept Videos
Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary or...
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature
Regions of the Vertebral Column
In an adult, the spine is subdivided into five regions: the cervical, the thoracic, the lumbar, the sacral, and the coccygeal region. The spine initially develops as a series of 33 vertebrae; after 20 years of age, the nine bones in the sacral region, five sacral, and four coccygeal bones fuse to form the...
Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An immobile...