Outcome of total hip arthroplasty in patients with Gaucher disease

This retrospective survey includes 29 total hip arthroplasties (THAs) in 23 patients with Gaucher disease, with heterogeneous techniques, with various prostheses, and performed by 9 different surgical teams. THA was discourag ed in patients with Gaucher disease because of a tendency toward infection, poor bone matrix because of Gaucher cell infiltration, and deterioration o f matrix with disease progression. Subjective assessment of pain and functi on, objective examination of outcome, and radiologic signs of loosening aft er THA were evaluated. In primary THAs, there was enhancement of quality of life, allowing restoration of full participation in normal activities; fun ction was improved; radiologic evidence of loosening was low; and there wer e no infections. In revisions, the results were not as good. THA is recomme nded in this population using criteria comparable to those in other patient s, with equally good results.