Total hip arthroplasty for avascular necrosis of the femur in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Six patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and avascular necrosis of the femoral head were treated by total hip arthroplasty (THA). The primary indication for surgery was persistent hip pain despite conservative therapy. Postoperatively, pain was relieved with corresponding improvement in range of motion in all six patients. There were no serious complications. At follow-up ranging from 23 to 76 months after surgery there was no recurrence of hip pain. These results suggest that THA is indicated in selected SLE patients.