Long term results of arthrodesis for severe osteoarthritis of the hip in young adults.

We examined 40 patients (12 men, 28 women) who had undergone hip arthrodesis for severe osteoarthritis more than 15 years previously. Twenty-one cases were due to congenital dislocation of the hip. The age at fusion was mostly between 30 and 39 years. There was no case in which the position of fusion was unsatisfactory. At follow-up, 26 patients had back pain, 9 had pain in the same knee, 2 in the opposite knee and 3 had pain in both knees. Pain in the opposite hip occurred in 5 patients who had slight osteoarthritic changes on the preoperative radiographs. Every patient had been able to return to his or her previous occupation. Thirty-five had some difficulty in bending during Japanese-style sitting, but all could walk for more than 30 minutes without any difficulty. All but two were satisfied with the operation and none of them wanted to have a total hip replacement. In spite of the disadvantages of arthrodesis of the hip, such as the limitation of some activities and the effect on neighbouring joints, most patients were very satisfied with the result.