Background: Heterotopic ossification is a common feature that follows total hip arthroplasty, and affects up to 70% of patients with clinical implications, such as pain and restricted hip movements. Previous clinical observation showed negligible heterotopic ossification in our patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty due to familial Mediterranean fever, and received colchicines on a daily basis.

Aims: To evaluate in vitro, in vivo and during clinical studies whether colchicines, given on a prophylactic daily basis to all total hip arthroplasty patients, was responsible for the negligible heterotopic ossification.

Methods: In vitro: cell lines of fibroblasts and osteoblasts were cultured with increasing concentrations of colchicines. Direct cell counts [3H]thymidine uptake, and mineralization were measure. In vivo: heterotopic ossification was induced in the thigh muscle of rabbits by injecting bone marrow. Animals were given colchicines, and X-ray radiographs, ultrasound the histological studies measured its effect on heterotopic ossification. Clinical study: Fifty-two patients admitted for total hip arthroplasty were randomly selected to receive colchicines on a daily basis, starting 10 days pre-operatively, and 6 weeks postoperatively. Clinical evaluation was made according to Harris Hip Score and heterotopic ossification according to Brooker classification.

Results: In vitro: colchicines was found to be a strong, nonselective inhibitor of cell proliferation, and an even greater inhibitor of tissue mineralization. In vivo: statistically significant reduction in the amount of hetero-topic ossification induced in the thigh muscle of rabbits was measured in the groups that received colchicines. Clinical study: Patients who received colchicines pre-operatively developed a negligible amount of hetero-topic ossification after total hip arthroplasty at 1-year follow-up without adversely affecting the Harris Hip Score.

Conclusions: Colchicine is a strong inhibitor of cell proliferation and tissue mineralization, and an effective means of reducing heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty. These effects may be used in other bone-forming processes: after hip/pelvic trauma, head injury, and possibly in other bone-forming conditions.

Background: The few reported results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients younger than 30 years of age involve mostly patients suffering from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), indicate a high complication rate, and questionable durability.

Aim: We report our results of treatment of 56 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (71 THA operations) < 30 years of age at the time of surgery.

Methods: 56 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (71 THA operations) < 30 years of age at the time of surgery (mean 23.23 ± 4.31) were followed-up for a mean of 7.4 ± 3.79 years after surgery. Multivariant regression analysis indicated that although there was a variability of indications for surgery, only patient age at surgery, hospitalization time, and type of hip prosthesis (cementless vs. cemented) had a statistically valid influence on the final result, namely: Harris Hip Score (HHS) and complication rate.

Results: The final average HHS was 90.59 ± 9.36. Loosening of the cup in 11 of 71 and early traumatic dislocation of 5 of 71, accounted for the majority of complications.

Conclusions: These results indicated that THA is a durable, good treatment modality for young patients with disabling diseases that affect the hip joint.

Background: Childhood septic hip should usually be treated immediately by arthrotomy and antibiotic. Even if treated correctly, the affected hip may become osteoarthritic and functionally disabling.

Usually the literature is not in favor of THA in young patients, and the reports are on patients older than 32 years of age.

Aims: We present here a unique group of very young patients who suffered from early coxarthrosis due to septic hip in childhood, with an average age of 19.14 years at the time of the arthroplasty.

Methods: Seven patients who suffered from early coxarthrosis due to septic hip in childhood underwent total hip arthroplasty, with an average age of 19.14 years (range between 14 and 25 years) at the time of the arthroplasty.

Results: The Harris Hip Score (HHS) improved from a pre-operative mean of 58.43 to a post-operative mean of 94.14. The follow-up period ranged between 2 and 25 years, with an average of 8.14 years.

Conclusion: We conclude that THA in young people with early coxarthrosis due to septic hip in childhood provides good functional results.