Complications following conversion of a hip hemiarthroplasty to a total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Conversion of hip hemiarthroplasty to total hip arthroplasty (CTHA) is a complication-prone procedure with high dislocation rates and early component loosening. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complications of CTHA performed using contemporary implants.

METHODS

Forty-six patients who had CTHA were retrospectively matched to a control group of 46 patients who had a first-time THA revision. The mean follow-up was 47 (range 6-149) and 23 (range 6-139) months for CTHA and control groups, respectively. Radiographs taken at the last follow-up visit were evaluated for signs of loosening or other modes of failure. Clinical outcome was evaluated with the Harris Hip Score (HHS).

RESULTS

Complications occurred in five patients (10.9 %) in the CTHA group, and all required repeat revision. Two patients (4.3 %) were revised due to recurrent dislocation. The other re-revisions were done for acetabular or femoral component loosening and deep infection. In the control group, complications occurred in six patients (13.0 %), and three (6.5 %) were revised with a constrained liner due to recurrent dislocations.

CONCLUSIONS

Dislocation rates and re-revision for CTHA were not significantly different than those of first-time THA revision when using contemporary revision implants.