Clinical outcomes of total hip arthroplasty in patients with ankylosed hip.

BACKGROUND Hip ankylosis includes the limitation of hip motion and hip arthroplasty is the recommended treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes in the treatment of ankylosis of the hip joint by the Harris Hip Score (HHS). METHODS This interventional study was performed on patients with ankylosis in one or both hip joints, who were referred to Sina Hospital, Tehran, Iran from 2011-13. Electromyogram and nerve conduction studies were taken from the hip abductor muscles before surgery and HHS was calculated. Type of surgery and prosthesis, osteotomy required for the neck and trochanteric region of the femur, periprosthetic fracture and the need to restore the acetabulum were studied in the patients. Postoperative complications such as infection and dislocation at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery were examined and then the HHS was calculated. RESULTS Six patients were excluded after six month and two patients were excluded after 12 month due to surgery complications. The mean HHS of patients before surgery was 48.53±6.28 and it progressed to 88.22±3.78 after 12 month (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Total hip arthroplasty for patients with ankylosed hip can improve the range of joint motion, especially in the long-term follow-up. However, good results should be considered in the absence of pre- and post-operative complications.