The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 57, Issue 7 977-981, Copyright © 1975 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Complications of total hip arthroplasty treated by reoperation
DR Nolan, RH Fitzgerald, RD Beckenbaugh and MB Coventry
In a series of 3,204 consecutive total hip arthroplasties performed on
2,684 patients at the Mayo Clinic from March 1, 1969, through February 28,
1972, reoperation for a complication was necessary in 125 hips (3.9 per
cent). The complications, in order of frequency, were infection,
dislocation, trochanteric problems, ectopic bone, and loosening of the
femoral prosthesis. There were less frequent complications that also
required further surgery. Attention to specific technical details is the
most important means of avoiding a complication that requires reoperation.