HIP-JOINT ARTHRODESIS UTILIZING ANTERIOR COMPRESSION PLATE FIXATION

Sixteen patients who had undergone hip arthrodesis utilizing an anteri orly placed compression plate were evaluated at an average of 4.5 year s after surgery. The technique was designed to facilitate future conve rsion to a total hip arthroplasty by preserving the abductor musculatu re. Of the 11 patients who underwent primary fusions, 5 failed to unit e (45%). Nonunion occurred in all five (100%) patients undergoing refu sion for a failed surgical arthrodesis. The authors conclude that an a nterior compression plate alone in patients with limited bone stock do es not provide adequate fixation and predisposes the patient to failur e of fixation and nonunion.