Total hip arthroplasty in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

A series of 17 primary total hip arthroplasties in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) were performed at a mean age of 18 years with an average follow-up period of 9.3 years. There were 13 cemented prostheses and four noncemented. All patients were satisfied with their hip surgery and reported either slight or no hip pain according to the Harris hip rating system. Ambulation improved postoperatively and all but one patient was at least a limited community ambulator (able to ambulate short distances outside the home with crutches, walker, or cane). Roentgenogram evaluation showed five cemented hips that were believed to be definitely loose with impending failure. All were functioning well. One acetabular component has been revised to date. No femoral components have been revised. The four noncemented hips with an average follow-up period of five years were functioning well.