[Total hip arthroplasty for degeneration of infected hip: a report of 7 cases].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate indications and clinical results of total hip arthroplasties for degenerative hips with history of infection.


METHODS
Seven cases of degenerative hip with history of infection underwent primary total hip arthroplasties, which involved 5 males and 2 females, with an average age of 45.8 years (range, 30 to 65 years). The quiescent period of infection were more than 10 years in all hips. According to Kim classification, 3 cases were of type I, and 4 of type II. The method to exclude active infection at the site of degenerative hips preoperatively was combination of physical examination, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level. The lateral incision was adopted in all cases, and all prosthesis were cementless. The clinical results of affected hips were assessed according to Harris hip score.


RESULTS
The follow-up was performed with the mean duration of 33.5 months (range, 21 to 44 months). No recurrence of infection, damage of nerve function or deep vein thrombosis of lower extremities occurred in all cases. The mean Harris hip scores improved from 44.5 points preoperatively to 84 points at the latest follow-up. No aseptic loosening of prosthesis or periprosthetic osteolysis were found at the latest follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Total hip arthroplasties has good short term results for degenerative hips with history of infection. It is important to select indicated cases and rule out the possibility of active infection.
Yang
Sheng-wu
SW
Department of Orthopaedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China. yangswcn@yahoo.com
Zhu
Xiong-bai
XB
Li
Yue
Y
Ye
Cheng-yu
CY
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000379:methods*; D001850:Bone Diseases, Infectious / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006615:Hip / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography