Total knee and hip arthroplasty in haemophilic patients

We evaluated the long-term results of three total hip and nine total knee arthroplasties in nine haemophilic patients with disabling pain and end-stage arthropathy. These patients have been followed over a period of 2-12 years (mean 6.9). One patient had a post-operative haematoma, which was evacuated; two patients required manipulation of the knee because of a limited range of motion. There were no infections. At follow-up, all but two patients were completely free of pain; two patients had occasional pain. The functional improvement was impressive with an average increase in the knee score from 37 to 80 points post-operatively. The hip score increased from 36 to 85 points. The range of motion was increased in seven joints, unchanged in two joints and decreased in three. One total hip arthroplasty was revised after 9 years for aseptic loosening. One total knee demonstrated nonprogressive radiographic evidence of aseptic loosening. Median consumption of coagulation factor concentrate in severe haemophiliacs decreased from 47.00 U yr-1 (range 16.000-144.000) before surgery, to 25.000 U yr-1 (range 18.000-132.000) at 2 years after surgery.

Hip and knee arthroplasty is a valuable option in symptomatic haemophilic patients with disabling arthropathy, in order to obtain pain relief and functional improvement. It is associated with a low rate of complications and may reduce the need for substitution of factor VIII and IX.