[Outcome after total hip arthroplasty performed for rapidly progressive hip destruction].

Abstract

This series confirmed the radiological and clinical definitions of rapidly progressive hip destruction and demonstrated the reliability of pathological examination of the femoral head and joint capsule. Among the different hypotheses put forward to explain this condition, neither overloading nor use of antiinflammatory drugs would appear to be operating in this series. We were unable to confirm or infirm the micro-crystalline or vascular origin of this condition. Nevertheless, the vascular phenomena observed in the femoral head could be compared with those observed in ischemic joint disease. Arthroplasty led to major blood loss (2706 ml, hematocrit 35). This appears to be higher than observed for arthroplasty performed with the same technique in patients with the usual form of degenerative hip disease. Excepting this fact, the complications observed and the clinical results as well as the longevity of these implants suggest that arthroplasties performed for rapidly degenerative hips are not substantially different from those performed for common degenerative hip disease.