LONG-TERM EVALUATION OF HIP-ARTHROPLASTY IN PATIENTS WITH AN IPSILATERAL KNEE ARTHRODESIS

Hip arthroplasty with an ipsilateral knee arthrodesis occurs infrequen tly but does raise concern regarding surgical technical difficulties, dislocation, sepsis, and long-term loosening. Sixteen patients were ev aluated 7.5 years (average period) after surgery. Technical difficulti es were not prohibitive. No dislocation or revision was necessary in a ny of the cases. Two patients died as a result of unrelated sepsis fro m an infected knee. Loosening and protrusio of the acetabulum occurred in two patients. Hip arthroplasty in patients with a fused knee does not incur undue risk of loosening or instability and can provide long- term good function and pain relief. Patients with multiple joint arthr oplasties, in whom concurrent sepsis occurs, can have devastating resu lts.