ARTHRODESIS IN TUBERCULOSIS OF THE HIP JOINT

Abstract

1. Fifty cases of arthrodesis of the hip joint in tuberculous arthritis are analysed; in forty cases the late end-result has been ascertained two or more years after operation. 2. The indications for arthrodesis are discussed. The operation should not be performed when disease is active; it should not be undertaken before the age of twelve to thirteen years; it is not advisable in elderly patients; it may be contra-indicated when there are multiple foci of infection. Subject to these limitations every patient with unsound ankylosis after adequate conservative treatment should be treated by arthrodesis; painful fibrous ankylosis and late onset of deformity are definite indications. 3. Three types of operation have been used: intra-articular arthrodesis; extra-articular ilio-femoral arthrodesis; combined intra- and extra-articular arthrodesis. Extra-articular ilio-femoral arthrodesis is preferred, deformity being first corrected by traction or osteotomy. 4. Post-operation complications were few; the mortality rate was low (2 per cent.). 5. There was bone ankylosis with solid incorporation of the graft in 87·5 per cent., failure of union of the graft (to the trochanter) in 10 per cent., and destruction of the graft in 2·5 per cent. 6. Late end-results show full working capacity in 87·5 per cent. of patients, part working capacity in 2·5 per cent. and inability to work in 7·5 per cent. The writer wishes to express his thanks to Professor Harry Platt and Professor T. P.. McMurray for criticism and advice in the preparation of this paper, and to Dr F. C. S. Bradbury, Central Consultant Tuberculosis Officer of the Lancashire County Council, for permission to publish these cases.