Total hip replacement in patients with hemophilia: 13 hips in 11 patients followed for 1-16 years

Abstract

During 1973-88, we performed 13 total hip replacements in 11 hemophilia patients, mean age 46 (25-65) years. During the operation, blood loss averaged 920 mL, and a mean of 120,000 units of factor VIII/IX were used. The mean duration of follow-up was 7 (1-16) years. 5 hips became loose within 6 years, and a further one after 13 years. 4 hips were revised, 2 of them due to infection in patients who were also seropositive for HIV. At the latest follow-up, 10 patients were alive. 6 had no hip pain and 7 could walk at least 1,000 meters at a time. Although these results are inferior to those obtained in arthrosis, total hip replacement should be considered in hemophiliac patients.