CEMENTLESS REIMPLANTATION OF HYDROXYAPATITE-COATED TOTAL HIPS AFTER PERIPROSTHETIC INFECTIONS

From February 1991 to July 1993, 26 hydroxyapatite (HLA) coated total hips were implanted in 26 patients with infected hip prostheses. Seven were done as one-stage exchange arthroplasties and the other 19 were delayed reimplantations. Successful reimplantation was defined as a fu nctioning hip without recurrence of infection at least 2 years after r eimplantation. During a follow-up period of 25 to 54 months, 23 of the reimplantations were successful. Our success rate using the HA-coated prosthesis is similar to previous reports that used antibiotic impreg nated bone cement. The HA method avoids the complications encountered with bone cement.