Long-term Followup of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients with Cerebral Palsy

Bradley S. Raphael MD, Joshua S. Dines MD, Meredith Akerman MS, Leon Root MD
Clinical Research - Hip
Volume 468, Issue 7 / July , 2009

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Abstract

Background

Patients with cerebral palsy (CP) are at risk for hip arthrosis secondary to the loss of joint congruity.

Questions/Purposes

We asked whether THA relieved pain, improved function, and provided durable improvements.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 56 patients (59 hips) with CP who had THAs for painful hips. Chart review determined the preoperative, postoperative, and current functional levels. All patients or caregivers completed a questionnaire, including a modified Gross Motor Function Classification System mobility scale and qualitative reports of pain and satisfaction. Pain levels were measured on a visual analog scale at three times: preoperative, postoperative, and current. The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 30.6 years. Minimum followup was 2 years (average, 9.7 years; range, 2–28 years).

Results

Pain relief was obtained in all patients. All patients returned to preoperative function (59) and 52 patients returned to prepain functional status (88%). Seven patients underwent acetabular component revisions, and two patients had a femoral stem component revision. The 2-year implant survival was 95%, and 10-year survivorship was 85%.

Conclusions

THA can provide durable relief and improved function in patients with CP with severe coxarthrosis.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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