Revision hip arthroplasty. A retrospective survey.

A survey of revision hip arthroplasties was performed, using a retrospective review of the patients' case notes and radiographs, and an assessment of the patients, at least 1 year after the revision. The patients were divided into three categories: a) First revision hip arthroplasty (41 patients); b) Second revision hip arthroplasty (8 patients); c) Revision of femoral hemi-arthroplasty (14 patients). The reasons for revision, the type of revision and the final outcome have been identified in each group. This is the first study which allows direct comparison of the final outcome, as assessed by accurate objective criteria, between patients having revision hip arthroplasty for different reasons. Radiographs of the hip arthroplasty after the original operation and after revision have been analysed. The final outcome of first revision hip arthroplasty and revision of hemi-arthroplasty to total hip replacement was generally good. The outcome of second revision hip arthroplasty was generally poor.