CONVERSION OF HEMIARTHROPLASTY TO TOTAL HIP-ARTHROPLASTY - CAN GROIN PAIN BE ELIMINATED

In this study 45 patients with groin or buttock pain after hemiarthrop lasty were evaluated 2 to 7 years after conversion to total hip arthro plasty. Groin or buttock pain was completely relieved in 36 patients ( 80%) and partially relieved in an additional 4 patients (9%). After co nversion surgery, 9 patients continued to have groin or buttock pain, but no factor could be identified that would predict an unsuccessful r esult. The hypothesis tested in this study was whether conversion of a hemiarthroplasty to a total hip arthroplasty eliminates groin pain. B ecause a significant number of patients (up to 20%) will continue to h ave some groin or buttock pain after conversion surgery, patients shou ld be warned of this contingency before surgery.