Traumatic arthritis of the hip after dislocation and acetabular fractures: Treatment by mold arthroplasty: An end-result study using a new method of result evaluation

Abstract

The end results of 39 mold arthroplasties performed at the Massachusetts General Hospital were analysed. The study period was between 1945 and 1965. It was found that in the second half of the series results were signifi cantly better statistically than in the fi rst half of the series. In the second half 16 out of 19 unilateral cases obtained good or excellent hip ratings. Out of 39 hips, 3 needed revision and 1 developed postoperative sepsis. The author discusses reasons for differences in the results between the fi rst and the second half of the series and the rationale for choosing between hip fusion or arthroplasty. A system for rating hip function is described, and this is compared with the Larson and Shephard methods of grading hip function. Harris WH