One-stage hip revisions are as good as 2-stage surgery to replace infected artificial hips

Most people recover well after a hip replacement, but some will develop an infection. This can mean the artificial joint needs to be replaced in one- or 2-stage surgery. Research found that one-stage hip revisions were as effective as 2-stage procedures at relieving pain and improving hip stiffness and function. One-stage procedures were also better value for money. Infection of an artificial joint is a rare but severe complication. People often need surgery to remove their artificial hip and the surrounding infected tissue. The 2-stage procedure allows surgeons to ensure, as far as possible, the infection is gone before they implant a new joint. But the replacement of the joint can be delayed for weeks or months. A newer, less common, one-stage procedure is also available. Researchers compared people ' s experiences of one- and 2-stage surgery to replace an artificial hip following infection. They found no differences between the procedures in people ' s pain, function, or stiffness 18 months on. Analyses showed that one-stage procedures were associated with fewer complications; they were also cheaper to perform. The researchers recommend increased use of one-stage surgery wherever possible.
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news