Background and purpose Successful treatment of prosthetic hip joint infection (PI) means elimination of infection and restored hip function. However, functional outcome is rarely studied. We analyzed the outcome of the strict use of a treatment algorithm for PI.Patients and methods The study groups included 22 hips with 1-stage exchange for PI (group 1), 22 matched hips revised for aseptic loosening (controls), and 50 hips with 2-stage exchange (group 2). Relapse of infection, Harris hip score (HHS), limping, use of crutches, reoperations, complications, and radiographic changes were compared between the groups.Results There was 1 relapse of infection, which occurred in group 2. In group 1, the mean HHS was 84; 4 of 19 patients were limping and 2 required 2 crutches, which was similar to the control results. In group 2, scores were lower and complication rates higher. The use of a Burch-Schneider ring and the presence of a deficient trochanter impaired function. There were no differences in radiographic outcome between the groups.Interpretation With the algorithm used, infection can be cured with high reliability. With a 1-stage procedure, mobility is maintained. After 2-stage procedures, function was impaired due to there being more previous surgery and more serious infection.

Evidence-based multimodal conservative treatment using a standardized protocol for knee and/or hip OA is feasible and successful in 47% of patients. In general, response could not be predicted. Basic first-line recommended conservative treatment options have not been used adequately prior to referral to secondary care in the vast majority of patients.

There is no definite answer as to which method is superior in performing an arthrodesis of the knee. Intramedullary nailing achieved the best fusion rates, but was used most in cases without--or cured--infection. Our data and the contemporary literature suggest that external fixation can be abandoned as standard fusion method, but can be of use following persisting infection. The Ilizarov circular external fixator, however, seems to render high fusion rates. Good patient selection and appropriate individual treatment are the key to a successful arthrodesis. Based upon these findings, a practical algorithm was developed.

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Although the effect of being overweight on the long-and short-term outcome of THA remains unclear, the majority of orthopaedic surgeons believe being overweight negatively influences the longevity of a hip implant. We asked whether complications and long-term survival of cemented THA differed in overweight patients (body mass index [BMI] [ 25 kg/m 2 ) and obese patients (BMI [ 30 kg/m 2 ) compared with normal-weight patients (BMI \ 25 kg/m 2 ). We retrospectively analyzed 411 consecutive patients (489 THAs) treated with cemented THA between 1974 and 1993. Except for cardiovascular comorbidity, we observed no differences in demographics among these weight groups. We found no differences in the number of intraoperative or postoperative complications. The survival rates for the three BMI groups were similar. The 10-year survival for any revision was 94.9% (95% confidence interval, 91.6%-98.2%), 90.4% (95% confidence interval, 85.6%-95.2%), and 91% (95% confidence interval, 81.2%-100%) for normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients, respectively. Cox regression analysis showed BMI and weight had no major influence on survival rates. The differences in mean Harris hip score at final followup were 4.8 between normal-weight and overweight patients and 7