We report on our experience of a THR program set up in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (BF). As THR is not performed on a regular basis in this country, we had to start it up completely. We work in BF during a 2 weeks period in December each year. We do this in coöperation with a local surgeon who makes a preselection of THR candidates in advance. This surgeon is trained by us to do the necessary follow up and can contact us all year round in case of specific problems. From 2004 until 2009 we performed 104 operations; these consisted of 98 THR, 2 bipolar hip replacements and 4 revisions. 3 of these revisions were of hip replacements performed by us; 1 revision was of a THR performed in France. Mean age at operation was 48,4 years. All operations were performed by an anterolateral approach with use of cemented implants. Reason for operation was degenerative arthritis in 31 (29,8%), AVN in 39 (37,5%), fracture in 30 (28,9%). Fractures were more than several months old in most cases. Reason for the revision operations was aseptic loosening in 3 cases and periprosthetic fracture in 1.

For every operation, technical problems were recorded, if applicable. These problems were not necessarily complicatons. We recorded 50 technical problems in 31 patients. 73 operations (70,2%) were performed without any note of technical problem. Most frequently recorded problems were important shortening of the leg (6), very narrow femoral canal (6), difficult reduction (5), peroperative femoral fracture (4-excluding trochanter maior fracture), extensive fibrosis (4), blocked femoral canal (3).

Flexible reamers were used in 5 cases.

There were 2 peri-operative deaths: one patient died after a postoperatieve sickle cell crisis with hemolysis. One patient developed a pulmonary embolism. Both patients were Hb SC.

We recorded 21 complications in 16 patients. The majority were osseous complications. These were 4 femoral fractures of which 3 had clinical repercussion, 4 trochanteric fractures without any clinical repercussion and 4 peroperative perforations of the femoral canal, all without postoperative clinical repercussion. Other complications were infection (2), paralysis of femoral nerve (1), burn injury by diathermia plate (1), postoperative hemolysis (1), pulmonary embolism (1) and dislocation (2). One infection and dislocation was found in the same patient. This was the patient with revision of a initial THR performed in France.

The indications for THR in BF differ significantly form the indications we find in Belgium. We also find the average case in BF more challenging. During the years we have developed specific strategies and schemes based on our experience and the technical problems encountered during the operations.

Specific tips and tricks regarding patient selection, technique and equipment will be presented. This can be a good opportunity to learn from our experience for anyone who wants to set up a similar program.