Results of Bipolar Hip Arthroplasty for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Bipolar hip arthoroplasty for hip destruction due to rheumatoid arthritis was performed on 16 joints in 10 cases. Bone grafting was performed on 8 joints. The clinical results and roentgenographical progress in migration or sinking of the prosthesis were followed for 10 to 48 months.
At the time of follow-up, walking ability was increased in 8 cases and not changed in 2 cases. Progression of central migration of the outer head was seen in 6. Subsidence of the femoral stem was noted in 4. Migration of the outer head had generally stopped within 6 months, but progressed over one year in some cases. The ways of obtaining firm bone grafting and the suitable timing for weight bearing must be further studied.