Long-term results of cementless total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of ankylosed hip.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the long-term results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) for the treatment of ankylosed hip.

Methods: Twenty-nine consecutive THAs were performed in 26 patients. The mean age of the patients at the time of the operation was 43.3 years (range, 19-69 years). We used cementless fixation in all hips and the mean duration of follow-up was 10.1 years (range, 4.5-20 years). Radiological evaluation of components, osteolysis, radiolucent lines and loosening were assessed. The Harris Hip Score (HHS), range of motion (ROM), limb-length discrepancy and walking capacity with or without any support were used preoperatively and at final follow-up for clinical evaluation. Survivorship analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method using second revision for any reason as the endpoint.

Results: The mean HHS was 85.6 (range, 55-98) points and mean ROM was 110.5° for flexion. The mean limb-length discrepancy improved from 4.1 cm to 1.1 cm. Positive Trendelenburg sign was recorded in 31% of the patients and 24% of patients needed any support for walking postoperatively. We observed surgical complications related to abductor arm in 25% of the patients. Radiolucency on the acetabular side was seen on one or more zones in 15 patients (16 hips). One aseptic acetabular component loosening was observed. On the femoral side, 11 patients demonstrated non-progressive radiolucent lines and osteolysis around the stem was seen in four hips but there was no aseptic stem loosening. The Kaplan-Meier survival rate considering revision for any reason as the endpoint was 81.5%, for aseptic loosening 91.3%, for a worst-case scenario of 66.4% at 10 years.

Conclusion: Cementless fixation showed good to excellent results at 10 years. Preoperative and postoperative abductor status of the patient is critical for patient satisfaction.