Total hip arthroplasty for failed endoprostheses.

Ninety total hip Charnley arthroplasties were performed in 80 patients with failed endoprostheses between July, 1970, and November, 1975. Pain was completely alleviated or minimal in 97.7% of cases. The ability to ambulate improved in all cases with 93.2% good or excellent results. Low grade infection must be considered in treating failed endoprostheses. Appropriate surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy offer a reasonably good chance for success.