Diagnosis of infection and the role of permanent excision arthroplasty.

The symptoms, signs, and investigation of the infected hip replacement are reviewed. Aspiration, combined with needle biopsy of the interface tissue, gives the best opportunity for establishing a bacteriologic diagnosis. The surgical technique for excision arthroplasty is described, and the complications of this procedure reviewed. The functional results of permanent excision arthroplasty are described in relation to the altered biomechanics of the hip pseudarthrosis.