Total Hip Replacement in Juvenile Chronic Arthritis

Fifty total hip replacements in 33 patients with juvenile chronic arthritis were performed over a 10-year period with good pain reduction, increased hip motion but only a moderate increase in walking capacity. the average age at operation was 26 years and the average follow-up time 77 months.

Six hips (patients) have been reoperated, one for infection, one for suspected infection and four due to mechanical loosening. Loosening was revealed radio-graphically in 10 hips at follow-up. Lack of cement cover and varus position was the main reason for loosening of the femoral stem.

Considering the high loosening rate it is probable that at least one revision arthroplasty will be necessary in the future.