Abstract
The decision to undertake total hip replacement (THA) in a child is complex and daunting. This is augmented by the paucity of data on potential quality of life (QoL) improvement and functional outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to ascertain whether outcomes after surgery are influenced by the nature of the primary diagnosis.
This was a prospective, consecutive cohort study of patients under the age of 18 years undergoing THA by a single arthroplasty surgeon in collaboration with colleagues at a regional paediatric hospital. Patient electronic notes, radiographs and PROMS (EQ5D-Y, Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and modified Harris Hip Score(mHHS)) were reviewed.
Twenty-two THAs were performed in patients less than 18 years (median 15 (range 10.7–17.9), with 7 patients undergoing bilateral surgery. Mean follow-up was 2 years. Thirteen of the THAs were undertaken for systemic conditions effecting multiple joints (Mucopolysaccharidoses, Mucolipidosis and Scwachman-Diamond syndrome) with the hip the worst affected joint and 9 for single joint disease (AVN, Perthes, dysplasia and idiopathic chondrolysis). PROMS scores showed reliable improvements with no differences between the two groups. Health related QoL was calculated from EQ5D-Y and indicated an overall improvement of 1.06(0.879–1.25). 6 patients were wheelchair users preop. All patients were independent walkers at follow-up. One patient underwent successful revision surgery for aseptic acetabular loosening. There were no other complications.
THA in children leads to a significant positive impact on QoL as measured with validated PROMS scores. Patients with systemic conditions can benefit just as much as those with single joint disease. Further follow-up is required to understand the long-term outcomes.
