[Long-term results after resection arthroplasty according to Girdlestone for treatment of persisting infections of the hip joint].
BACKGROUND
Persisting infections of the hip joint are regarded as one of the most feared complications following total hip arthroplasty or failed osteosynthetic treatment of fractures of the proximal femoral part. In these cases resection arthroplasty according to Girdlestone often is the ultimate treatment.


METHODS
Twenty-seven patients (11 men and 16 women) who had undergone resection arthroplasty according to Girdlestone could be included in this study. In all cases Girdlestone operations had been performed because of persisting infections of the hip joint. The mean follow-up was 7.1 years.


RESULTS
In 22 out of 27 cases (81.5%) eradication of the infection was finally achieved. At the time of re-evaluation 6 patients had no pain, 12 sometimes suffered from moderate pain, 7 from pain during physical activities and 2 patients experienced pain even at rest. At the time of follow-up, 11 patients used a cane, 14 patients needed two canes or crutches and in 2 cases a wheelchair was necessary. The mean shortening of the leg was 5.2 cm (range 3-15 cm). Clinical evaluation using the score according to Merle d'Aubigné and Postel to assess the functional results showed a mean of 6.7 points (range 2-10 points). Of our patients, 59.3 % were satisfied with the functional results obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
In the long run the Girdlestone procedure still seems to be a reasonable salvage operation for persisting deep infections following hip surgery.
Esenwein
S A
SA
Chirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Kliniken Bergmannsheil, Universitatsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum. Stefan.A.Esenwein@ruhr-uni-bochum.de
Robert
K
K
Kollig
E
E
Ambacher
T
T
Kutscha-Lissberg
F
F
Muhr
G
G
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*
Langzeitresultate der Resektionsarthroplastik nach Girdlestone beim therapierefraktären Hüftgelenkinfekt.