[Revision total hip arthroplasty for the failed hemiarthroplasty].

Objective: To investigate the surgical indications and surgical techniques of revision total hip arthroplasty for the failed hemiarthroplasty.
Methods: From June 1997 to June 2000, 56 cases (31 males and 25 females) of failed hemiarthroplasty received the revision total hip arthroplasty. The age was from 64 - 75 years (mean 68 years). Among them, there were 29 cases with acetabular erosion, 14 cases with acetabular erosion and central dislocation of femoral head, 12 cases with stem loosening and 1 case with stem fracture. All the cases were revised in one stage, and bone grafts were adopted when necessary.
Results: Forty-nine cases were followed up for 5 - 8 years (mean, 7 years), and 7 cases had lost. The mean Harris score increased from 37 (rang, 28 - 40) preoperatively to 88 (rang, 84 - 90) at last follow-up. No wound infection and neurovascular injury happened. Only 5 perioperative complications occurred, including 3 deep venous thrombosis, 1 dislocation and 1 cortical fracture. No cups or femoral stems needed re-revision. Radiographic analysis showed that the position of the artificial prosthesis was unchanged, and no loosening sign existed.
Conclusions: The acetabular erosion and central dislocation of femoral head are the main reasons for revision total hip arthroplasty after hemiarthroplasty. The medium-term follow-up results show that the clinical effects are encouraging if the surgical indications and surgical techniques are suitable.