Abstract
Introduction
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the most common surgery performed for complications of bipolar arthroplasty. The present study evaluated the functional results and complications associated with this surgery.
Patients and Methods
Forty eight hips (48 patients) who had conversion of bipolar arthroplasty to THA between 1998 June and 2013 June, and who were followed-up for more than one year were evaluated. Twenty one hips had conversion surgery to THA using a Fitmore cup with metal-on-metal articulation (28 mm head). Six hips had surgery using the SecurFit cup and three hips, using the Lima LTO cup with ceramic-on-ceramic articulation (28 mm or 32 mm head). Eighteen hips had surgery using a large head metal-on-metal bearing: –MMC (seven hips), ACCIS (six hips) and Magnum (five hips). The average time of follow-up duration was 3.9 years (range, 1.0–11.3). There were 22 men and 26 women between the ages of 28 and 80 years (average, 68.9 years) at the time of conversion surgery. Conversion arthroplasty was performed for acetabular erosion without femoral stem loosening in 19 hips, acetabular cartilage erosion with femoral stem loosening in 13 hips, periprosthetic fracture in 12 hips, and recurrent dislocation in four hips. Results were evaluated using Harris hip score (HHS) and Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score. The radiographs were analyzed for evidence of acetabular and femoral osteolysis or loosening. The complications were evaluated.
Results
The time interval between hemiarthroplasty and conversion total hip prosthesis was 6.7 years on average (range, 5 months to 12 years). Pain was the leading sign in all patients. Average HHS improved from 42 preoperatively (range, 34–67) to 86 (range, 65 – 97) postoperatively. The average total WOMAC score improved from 47 (range, 32–67) to 22 (range, 9–44) postoperatively. All the patients operated for groin pain reported significant improvement in their symptoms. Radiological evaluation showed good bony ingrowth and stability of all the femoral components. None of the acetabular component showed migration, loosening, wear, or osteolysis at last follow-up. Complications occurred in five hips. One dislocation and one recurrent dislocation were encountered in isolated acetabular revision hips; whereas one single dislocation, one recurrent dislocation, and one trochanteric nonunion occurred in the hips with revision of both components. All dislocations were occurred in hips with a femoral head size of 28 mm. Dislocations were managed by closed reduction, and none of the patients required revision for dislocation.
Conclusions
Conversion THA after symptomatic bipolar arthroplasty can offer reliable pain relief and functional improvement. The perioperative complications approximate those of revision THAs.
