Abstract

This follow-up study on hemiarthroplasty of the hip evaluates the effectiveness of the treatment in various hip conditions. A total of 169 hemiarthroplasties of the hip were performed at the Medical College of Georgia from 1966 to 1972. Fifty-two patients were available for follow-up study in 1975. Hips were evaluated by Harris' hip evaluation method. The patients were divided into various diagnostic groups. The hips with idiopathic avascular necrosis followed by the hips with fresh fractures showed the best overall results. The results were not as good when the acetabulum was damaged, but acetabuloplasty was beneficial in these patients. In view of the complications of the total hip reconstruction and greater functional demand, a more conservative approach in younger patients is discussed. The hips with rheumatoid and degenerative joint disease did poorly with hemiarthroplasty.