Abstract
Introduction: Hip arthroplasty is growing in importance and relevance in the detection and treatment of various pathologies affecting the hip joint. A growing number of indications exist including the diagnosis and treatment of synovial-based disease, extraction of loose bodies within the joint, and treating chondral flaps and labral tears. Hip arthroplasty represents a minimally invasive, joint preserving, effective and reproducible tool to achieve these. The literature cites few complications arising from the procedure.
Study: Retrospective study of the outcomes of 20 patients who underwent hip arthroplasty between March 1999 and October 2002.
Methods: All the patients were first clinically assessed and then underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging of their hips prior to undergoing arthroplasty. The indications for the MR arthrography included hip or groin pain, joint stiffness with associated impaired exercise tolerance. Arthroscopy was performed as a day case under general anaesthetic. The patients were placed supine on a fracture table and traction applied, under image control 30 and 70 degree arthoscopes were placed through an anterior and peritrochanteric portals. The patients followed up for an average of 20 months (6–44 months) and assessed for pain, mechanical symptoms, activity level, work status, sports ability and performance of activities of daily living. Data collected was retrospectively reviewed.
Results: The correlation between MR imaging and arthroscopy was approximately 80%. MR imaging detected all the labral tears present in 10 patients. This sensitivity was however reduced for the detection of small osteophytes (105), synovitis (5%), and minor labral radial fibrillation (5%). Four patients had loose bodies, which were successfully extracted. The patients whose symptoms were the result of mechanical pathology achieved complete resolution of their symptoms post operatively. No complications were seen.
Conclusion: Hip arthroplasty can be performed for a variety of conditions with reasonable expectations of success and minimal complication rate.
The abstracts were prepared by Raymond Moran. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Irish Orthopaedic Assocation, c/o Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Finglas, Dublin 11, Ireland.
