OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical and radiographic effects of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the treatment of bony ankylosis of hips.

METHODSFrom January 2003 to August 2009, 20 patients (30 hips) with bony ankylosis of hips were treated with THA. There were 12 males and 8 females, with an average age of 36 years old. After operation, the follow-up results were evaluated with clinical and radiographic criteria. The clinical follow-up results were evaluated with Harris score, satisfaction of pain relief, limb length discrepancy, ROM of hip and the strength of hip abductor. The X-ray imaging follow-up results were evaluated with acetabula and periprosthetic osteolysis, prosthesis loosening, radiolucent and heterotopic ossification.

RESULTSThe average following-up was 4 years. The mean preoperative Harris score was (40.75 +/- 6.52) as opposed to postoperative Harris score of (86.40 +/- 5.42). Total pain relief was 65% and partial pain relief was 35% around the affected hips. The recovery of abductors strength was satisfactory in 13 cases, with limp symptoms was relieved obviously, and limb shortening decreased to less than 0.5 cm. The postoperative ROM of hip was significantly improved compared with the preoperative ROM. Radiographic analysis showed that heterotopic ossification in 2 cases, and radiolucent around prosthesis in one case. There were no dislocation and revision cases.

CONCLUSIONThe THA can provide satisfactory clinical results in bony ankylosis of hips, which not only correct the deformity and recover the functions of hip, but also relieve the pain of hip to improve quality of life.