Aim: this study analyzed factors influencing prosthetic hip function after total hip replacement surgery (THR) including the initial acetabular fracture type, patient age, and the acetabular reconstruction component.
Material and method: a total of 45 patients with secondary arthritis due to acetabular fracture and THR were prospectively selected from our total hip arthroplasty register between July 1999 and December 2005. The initial acetabular fracture was classified according to the AO system and the statistical analysis of the preoperative and postoperative Harris hip score (HHS) was correlated with age, type of fracture and acetabular reconstruction component.
Results: of the fractures 44 could be classified and 39 patients were included in the study. Median follow-up period was 15 months. HHS increased on average from 35 to 91. Only type C fractures showed statistical relevance and age had no influence on the median increase in HHS (53-55). Most important was the preoperative HHS and the restoration of proper hip anatomy and rotational alignment.
Conclusion: patient age and injury severity influenced the preoperative function and hence the HHS after THR; however, these factors had no influence on the individual increase in the HHS.