Total hip arthroplasty in Cambodia – Our experience of two hundred and fifty six consecutive total hip arthroplasties in a low-income country & the challenge of service delivery in this setting

Abstract

The Children's Surgical Centre has performed 256 THAs since 2007, We aim to assess the outcome of arthroplasty in a LMIC. Primary outcome: all cause of re-operation, Secondary outcome: any other complication. A retrospective review of all consecutive THA since 2007 was conducted. Electronic and physical case notes were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed using MedCalc. 256 THA. Mean age: 43, gender M2:1F. Common pathologies include (1) AVN (44%), (2) OA (11%) and (3) DDH (11%). Revision rate 13%. Time to revision was 2.8 years (0–9). Common revision reasons: (1) stem fracture (5.8%), (2) aseptic loosening (4.8%) and (3) infection (2.7%). Complications were identified in 85 patients (33.2%). Common complications included (1) aseptic loosening (10.5%) (2) stem fracture (5.8%) and (3) dislocation (5.8%). Patients at CSC benefit from THA, the complication rates at CSC are declining suggesting the apex of the ‘learning curve’ has passed. Cheap poorly manufactured implants continue to cause catastrophic failure.