hip arthrodesis

Last reviewed 01/2018

This is a treatment for osteoarthritis of the hip, especially in the young.

The hip is fused in slight:

• abduction
• external rotation
• flexion

This procedure is technically difficult and quite often fails. If successful, results are very satisfactory in terms of permanent pain relief.

Problems are that fusion of one joint does place a strain on other joints, for example the other hip, the knee or the back - this is particularly important if the fusion is being performed for treatment of a degenerative disease.