Total hip arthroplasty for active tuberculosis of the hip

A major pain in the hip - Destruction of the left acetabulum and femoral head secondary to Tuberculosis: A case report and review of the literature

A 68-year-old-gentleman presented with left hip pain, night sweats, fatigue, and weight loss. He had previously experienced pain with white discharge until he underwent an arthroscopic washout and reduction. The left lower limb was shortened and wasted with limited hip movements. He had recently travelled to Zambia, his country of origin. Imaging demonstrated a large mass with chronic erosions of the acetabulum and femoral head. Synovial biopsy grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which was treated with rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol for 2 months then 4 months of rifampicin and isoniazid. Whole genome sequencing indicated full sensitivity. Complex reconstructive surgery is scheduled, with a custom femoral head and acetabulum. This case illustrates the importance of considering tuberculosis in patients with erosive joint pathology and a multidisciplinary approach as delayed diagnosis results in high morbidity. Prompt diagnosis using newer modalities such as whole genome sequencing on synovial fluid can enable timely treatment.

Functional outcome of total hip arthroplasty in tubercular hip arthritis: A prospective study

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a well-established procedure to cure tubercular hip arthritis in patients with healed tuberculosis while its role in active tuberculosis is still debatable. The aim of the study is to investigate the functional outcomes of THA in active tuberculosis with advanced hip arthritis. The reactivation of tuberculosis and complications postoperatively has also been assessed.

Materials and methods

The current open-ended prospective cohort study was carried out at a tertiary center from 2018 to 2020. Twenty patients of active tubercular hip arthritis (8 females and 12 males) were taken with a follow-up period ranging from 1 year to 3 years, with a mean of 14 months.Biochemical investigations were done both preoperatively and postoperatively. Preoperative anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) regimen was administered, as per standard norms, to patients for a minimum period of 6 weeks, and postoperatively for 6 months-12 months. Postero-lateral and Hardinge approaches were employed in all cases. Clinical and radiological parameters were assessed and functional outcomes were evaluated using the Harris Hip score (HHS).

Results

The mean age of patients was 37.6 ± 11.38 years. Biochemical parameters were also found to improve postoperatively (p < 0.0001). The mean flexion, extension, abduction, external and internal rotation were found to increase postoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean flexion deformity in the preoperative period was 12.35 ± 4.716, whereas none of the patients had flexion deformities post operatively. The mean shortening was 2.12 ± 0.60 and 1 ± 0 at preoperative and postoperative respectively. The Total hip arthroplasty implant was found stable in all patients. The mean Harris score increased subsequently throughout the follow-up interval and differences were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). None of the patients had reactivation of tuberculosis infection postoperatively.

Conclusion

Total hip arthroplasty is a reliable option to treat active advanced tubercular hip arthritis and gives good functional outcome with proper preoperative and postoperative ATT regimen.

Total hip arthroplasty in active and advanced tubercular arthritis: a systematic review of the current evidence

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

INTRODUCTION

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a well-acknowledged surgical intervention to restore a painless and mobile joint in patients with osteoarticular tubercular arthritis of the hip joint. However, there is still substantial uncertainty about the ideal management, clinical and functional outcomes following THA undertaken in patients with acute Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) hip infections.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To undertake a systematic review and evaluate existing literature on patients undergoing THA for acute mycobacterium tuberculosis arthritis of the hip.

METHODS

A systematic review of electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was performed on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search focused on "arthroplasty in cases with tuberculosis of hip joint" since inception of databases until July 2023. Data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment administered, surgical interventions and outcome, as reported in the included studies, were recorded. Median (range) and mean (standard deviation) were used to summarise the data for continuous variables (as reported in the original studies); and frequency/percentage was employed for categorical variables. Available data on Harris hip scores and complications were statistically pooled using random-effects meta-analysis or fixed-effect meta-analysis, as appropriate RESULTS: Among a total of 1695 articles, 15 papers were selected for qualitative summarisation and 12 reporting relevant data were included for proportional meta-analysis. A total of 303 patients (mean age: 34 to 52 years; mean follow-up: 2.5 to 10.5 years) were included in our systematic review. In a majority of included studies, postero-lateral approach and non-cemented prosthesis were employed. Fourteen studies described a single-staged procedure in the absence of sinus, abscess and tubercular infection syndrome (TIS). All surgeries were performed under cover of prolonged course of multi-drug anti-tubercular regimen. The mean Harris hip score (HHS) at final follow-up was 91.36 [95% confidence interval (CI): 89.56-93.16; I2:90.44%; p<0.001]. There were 30 complications amongst 174 (9.9%) patients (95% CI: 0.06-0.13; p=0.14; I2=0%).

CONCLUSION

THA is a safe and effective surgical intervention in patients with active and advanced TB arthritis of hip. It is recommended that the surgery be performed under cover of multi-drug anti-tubercular regimen. In patients with active sinus tracts, abscesses and TIS, surgery may be accomplished in a multi-staged manner. The clinical (range of motion, deformity correction, walking ability and pain scores), radiological (evidence of radiological reactivation and implant incorporation) and function outcome (as assessed by HHS) significantly improve after THA in these patients.

Total Hip Replacement in Active and Inactive Tuberculosis Hip: A Systematic Review

Introduction

Tuberculosis of the hip joint is a debilitating disease that can result in severe joint destruction, eventually leading to painful arthritis of the hip. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with advanced arthritis offers a painless and mobile joint with good functional outcome but some aspects of THA in TB hip have been controversial in the past due to the concerns of disease reactivation, especially when disease activity is factored in. Various factors like timing of surgery, Antitubercular therapy (ATT) initiation timing, reactivation, complications etc needs to be evaluated very carefully before planning for such cases.

Methods

Electronic databases like MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Clinicaltrials gov and OpenGrey were searched. The key words used were "Tuberculosis", "Tuberculosis of hip", Hip tuberculosis, "TB", "THR", "total hip replacement", "total hip arthroplasty","THA", "ankylosed hip", "fused hip", "arthrodesis" along with boolean operators "AND" and "OR". Out of a total of 1634 articles, 38 were selected for full text review and 22 articles were finally included in the study.

Results

For the timing of surgery most authors relied on the inflammatory markers to settle down with ATT before performing THA. 15 authors advocated use of pre-operative ATT with 6 studies recommending at least 2 weeks and 3 studies advocating atleast 3 months of ATT pre surgery.Single stage THA was performed in most studies(214 hips vs 18 hips) as opposed to 2 or 3 stage surgery. In the active disease 72.8% of the hips had uncemented prosthesis, 25.6% hips underwent cemented and 1.5% hips had hybrid THA fixation. Overall reactivation of the infection was seen in 2.47% cases. All authors reported excellent clinical improvement (mean HHS improvement 37.17 to 88.62).

Early clinical outcomes of one-stage total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of advanced hip tuberculosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical efficacy of one-stage total hip arthroplasty (THA) for treating the advanced hip tuberculosis.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted from July 2013 to June 2018, including 19 patients with advanced hip tuberculosis. All patients underwent total hip arthroplasty through posterior approach, and the surgical efficacy was evaluated.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients were followed up from 24 months to 48 months, the mean follow-up were 32.1 months. All the incisions healed in grade A. There were no aseptic loosening, dislocation or recurrence of hip tuberculosis after operation. At the last follow-up, the Harris score of the patients was (89.3 ± 6.7), which was significantly higher than (38.2 ± 10.5) of the patients before operation (P < 0.05); the flexion-extension range of motion was (93.6° ± 12.1°), which was significantly larger than (38.2° ± 10.5°) of the patients before operation (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The one-stage total hip arthroplasty with regular antituberculosis treatment can attain satisfactory clinical efficacy in the treatment of advanced hip tuberculosis, which can relieve the joint pain and improve the joint function, without recurrence of hip tuberculosis.

Total hip arthroplasty in tubercular arthritis of the hip - Surgical challenges and choice of implants

Osteoarticular tuberculosis of the hip joint can be a debilitating disease that can result in severe cartilage degeneration, destruction, and eventual painful arthritis of the hip. Usually, a secondary affliction to a primary lung disease, Tuberculosis (TB) of the hip can be difficult to diagnose due to its indolent natural history and deep-seated nature of the hip joint itself. Untreated, ultimately TB hip leads to disabling arthritis of the hip with limitation of activities of daily living, livelihood, and socio-economic consequences. Historic surgical options such as arthrodesis and excision arthroplasty of TB hip have limitations and several disadvantages. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a viable option to restore mobility and relieve pain in patients with severe post-tuberculous arthritis but has been controversial in the past due to the concerns of disease reactivation. We evaluate the current role of THA in TB of the hip, its various applications in different presenting scenarios with a guide to surgical tips and tricks for managing this challenging condition.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in 52 Active Advanced Tubercular Arthritic Hips

BACKGROUND

The role of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in healed tuberculosis (TB) of the hip has been reported with success in the past. However, the role and success of THA in active TB of the hip has remained controversial.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated a prospective study of 52 THAs done for active TB of the hip in 51 patients. The protocol includes 3-6 months of effective preoperative and 9-18 months postoperative anti-TB therapy. All THAs were performed by the same surgeon (author 1). The selection criteria excluded patients with poor immunity, HIV +ve patient, and presence of discharging sinus. The type of THA implant includes 12 cemented, 38 uncemented, and 2 hybrid fixations.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 10.5 years (2-29). Six patients were (6 THAs) lost to follow up after 4 years, including 2 deaths unrelated to TB or THA. There was no reactivation of TB. Mean Harris Hip Score improved from preop 31.77 (20-51) to postop 88 (72-100) in the last follow-up. Two patients had delayed wound healing up to 21 days postop with no evidence of subsequent episode till last follow-up. There was no case of dislocation, neurological complication in any patient. Seven THAs underwent revision for aseptic loosening unrelated to TB.

CONCLUSION

Single-stage THA is safe in active advanced tubercular arthritic hips with good immunity status under cover of effective anti-TB therapy using strict preop selection protocol.

Extra-Spinal Osteoarticular Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Analysis of 103 Cases

Introduction. Many studies in the literature deals with epidemiology, diagnosis and management of spinal tuberculosis but there is scant amount of such data for extraspinal osteoarticular TB. Material and methods. Demographic patient data like age, sex, bone and joint involved, side involved, duration of symptoms was noted. All suspected cases of extra-spinal musculoskeletal TB with positive acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining or positive cartridge based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) or histopathological evidence of granulomatous infection and minimum 1 year follow up after completion of 12-month ATT were included in the study. Outcome evaluation was done on the basis of residual pain, range of motion of joint along with deformity of the affected part, if any. Results. A total of 103 patients (55 males, 48 females) were analyzed. The mean duration of treatment was 14.2±2.8 months. The mean age of the patients at presentation was 30.5±18.5 years. The most common site affected was the ankle joint followed by hip and knee. 95 cases (92.2%) were diagnosed by histopathological examination of synovial tissue or material obtained from core biopsy. 90 cases (87.3%) were treated conservatively on oral drugs only while 13 cases (12.7%) were treated operatively. Outcome after completion of ATT were graded as good in 46 (46.9%), fair and poor each in 26 patients (26.5%). Conclusion. Extraspinal osteoarticular TB can be managed effectively by 12-month ATT if diagnosed early. Some cases with advanced arthritis can be salvaged with implant arthroplasty or arthrodesis under cover of ATT.

Total hip arthroplasty in the setting of tuberculosis infection of the hip: a systematic analysis of the current evidence

INTRODUCTION

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a viable option to restore mobility and relieve pain in patients with severe post-tuberculous arthritis, but has been controversial due to concerns of disease reactivation. Over the past several decades, a number of authors have reported outcomes of THA for tuberculosis (TB) infections. However, there is marked heterogeneity in regard to disease activity, surgical approaches, and the use of chemoprophylaxis in these studies.

AREAS COVERED

The purpose of this review was to critically assess: 1) patient characteristics; 2) perioperative planning; 3) clinical outcomes; 4) radiographic outcomes; and 5) complications of THA in the setting of tuberculosis of the hip.

EXPERT OPINION

THA is an effective treatment for post-TB hip arthritis. There has been controversy regarding its safety during the past several decades, as it has been thought to increase the risk of disease reactivation. While studies thus far have shown generally favorable results, they have been limited by small sample sizes and their design as retrospective case series. Comparison of these studies reveals marked heterogeneity in the clinical management of this complex disease. However, synthesis of their findings demonstrates favorable outcomes and low rates of complication, including disease reactivation particularly when perioperative anti-tuberculosis therapy is instituted.

A deceptive presentation of Tuberculosis hip as Staphylococcal infection, its successful management and literature review

A 71-year-old man presented with septic arthritis of the hip with an initial culture growth of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) masking the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). Based on joint aspirate culture and sensitivity results, the patient was first diagnosed with MSSA arthritis. He was started on intravenous antibiotics and underwent washout and debridement of hip. During the procedure, the surgeons observed characteristic tubercular changes and samples were sent for tubercular testing. The reports of cultures for acid-fast bacilli and synovial biopsies confirmed our intraoperative suspicion of TB. Antitubercular medication was started and it helped patient to improve quickly. He completed 9 months of tubercular treatment regimen and at completion total hip replacement was offered. At 8-year follow-up, the patient was doing fine with no recurrence of infection in his hip. High index of suspicion for skeletal TB was raised based on clinical and radiological signs especially if there was a delay or absence of response to appropriate therapy.

Total hip replacement in tuberculosis of hip: A systematic review

Total hip replacement (THR) in patients with tuberculous arthritis of the hip is controversial. The timing of surgery, type of prosthesis, reactivation of the disease, high complication rates and the long-term survival of the reconstruction are the major conc erns. There is little information regarding this concern in the literature. We conducted a systematic review of published studies on Total Hip Replacement in patients with Tuberculosis of the hip. A search of Pubmed and Google Scholar database articles published between January 2000 and July 2017 was performed. Thirteen articles were identified, comprising 226 patients. The mean follow-up was 5.48 years. Antituberculosis treatment was given for atleast 2 weeks pre-operatively and continued post-operatively for between six and 18 months after THR. Three patients had reactivation of infection. At the final follow-up, the mean Harris hip score was 89.98. Total Hip Replacement in tuberculosis of hip is safe and efficient way to save the joint function. The most important factors to achieve success include the accurate diagnosis, efficient pre- and postoperative anti-tuberculosis therapy, thorough debridement, two stage procedure for patients with sinus(es).

Total Hip Arthroplasty Indicated for a Tuberculous Coxitis Complicating a Controlled Acquired Imunodefficiency Syndrom Condition: A Preliminary Report Concerning a Case

Introduction:

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains controversial in active tuberculosis (TB) infection because of the risks of septic loosening and reactivation of the infection. We present a rare case of THA in a patient positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with active tuberculous coxitis. The aim of this work is to share our experience and our preliminary results.

Case Report:

The patient was a 53-year-old Black African woman, positive for the HIV, who was operated for implantation of a THA via the Hardinge approach indicated for a severe painful hip with restriction of joint movement and limp. A creamy-white liquid was noticed in the hip joint which was negative for urgent Gram-staining. The surgery was completed with the implantation of a hybrid THA. The post-operative period was uneventful, and she was put on antituberculous drugs following a positive histology result for TB, and to continue her antiretroviral drugs. She still has a satisfactory result for 3 years since her surgery.

Conclusion:

On condition that the patient is put simultaneously on triple antibiotics and antituberculous drugs, we propose that THA could be an option in patient presenting with the association of HIV infection and active tuberculous coxitis.

Two-stage total hip arthroplasty for patients with advanced active tuberculosis of the hip

Background

Treatment of advanced active tuberculosis (TB) of the hip is confronted with great challenges. Although one-stage total hip arthroplasty (THA) is considered as a safe procedure for most patients by some authors, there are still exceptions. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of two-stage THA for selected patients with advanced active TB of the hip.

Methods

Nine consecutive patients with advanced active tuberculous arthritis of the hip were reviewed in this study. Out of these nine patients, the hips of five were destroyed extensively with difficulties of thorough debridement at one operation, and the hips of the other four were detected of sinus tracts. Nine patients received the two-stage total hip arthroplasty (THA) protocol and the perioperative antituberculous medication between January 2008 and December 2013. During the first stage, a debridement was carried out after at least 2 weeks of antituberculous chemotherapy to remove abscesses and infected and necrotic tissues as thoroughly as possible, followed by antituberculous chemotherapy for a minimum of 3 months (average 4.2 months). During the second stage, hip prosthesis was implanted if the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the C-reactive protein (CRP) were normal and the wound was well healed. Antituberculous chemotherapy was continued for 6–9 months postoperatively to constitute a total duration of a minimum of 12 months after the first operation. The patients were then evaluated based on the reactivation of infection, the Harris hip score system, X-ray, ESR, and CRP.

Results

The average follow-up was 40 months (range, 18–72 months). No reactivation of TB or superimposed infection was observed in all patients. The ESR and CRP returned to the normal level with no liver injury. The average Harris hip score was increased from 35 (range, 15–55) preoperatively to 91.5 (range, 83–97) at the final follow-up. The X-ray film showed no prosthesis shift or loosening.

Conclusions

Two-stage THA is an alternative treatment option for patients with advanced active tuberculosis of the hip under some difficult conditions. The hip with sinus tracts or destroyed extensively with difficulties of thorough debridement at one operation may be regarded as indications.

Total knee arthroplasty in advanced tuberculous arthritis of the knee

BACKGROUND

Controversies regarding the treatment of advanced tuberculosis of the knee still exist. We retrospectively investigated protocols of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and their efficacy in patients with advanced tuberculosis.

METHODS

Nine TKAs associated with advanced tuberculosis were performed at our institution between 2008 and 2013, with a mean follow-up of 4.4 years (range 2-7 years). In four cases with elevated inflammatory biomarkers, patients received three months of antitubercular drug treatment followed by two-stage TKA. In the remaining five cases with normal biomarkers, patients received one-stage TKA with no pre-operative drug therapy. All patients received antitubercular therapy for one year post-operatively. Clinical and radiological data during follow-up were gathered to evaluate the effects of treatment.

RESULTS

There was no tuberculosis reactivation and all cases demonstrated marked improvement in function and favorable states of prostheses. Specifically, the mean Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score increased from 44.8 (range 30-60) preoperatively to 82.7 (range 64-92) at last follow-up (P < 0.05). The average range of motion was 56° (range 10° to 90°) before surgery and 94° (range 80-110) at final follow-up (P < 0.05). Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels returned to normal in a mean of 4.0 months (range 3-5 months) and 3.9 months (range 3-6 months) post-operatively, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although a consensus of views regarding surgical timing, prosthesis selection, and peri-operative antitubercular therapy has not been reached, our results suggest that TKA can be performed for advanced tuberculous arthritis.

Tuberculosis of hip: A current concept review

Tuberculosis (TB) of the hip is second to spine only hence a good number of cases are visiting the medical facilities every year. Many present in the advanced stage of the disease due to delayed diagnosis. In early stages of TB of hip, there is a diagnostic dilemma when plain X-rays are negative. In the present time, diagnostic modalities have improved from the days when diagnosis was based essentially on clinicoradiological presentation alone. By the time definite radiological changes appear on plain X-ray, the disease has moderately advanced. The modern diagnostic facilities like ultrasonography (USG) or magnetic resonance imaging of the hip joint, USG guided aspiration of synovial fluid and obtaining the material for polymerase chain reaction and tissue diagnosis must be utilized. In the treatment, current emphasis is more on mobility with stability at hip. Joint debridement, skeletal traction, and mobilization exercises may give more satisfying results as compared to the immobilization by hip spica. Adults with advanced arthritis and healed infection should be informed and discussed the various treatment modalities including the joint replacement. More and more surgeons are taking up the challenge of putting the total hip replacement in the active stage of the disease. Until the long term results in active disease are well established, we recommend it for the healed disease only in selected cases.

[Osseous tuberculosis as a rare differential diagnosis of femoral head necrosis]

BACKGROUND

We report on a 60-year-old immunocompetent German male patient without risk factors, who had been suffering from pain in the right hip for 8 months.

DIAGNOSTICS

Radiographs showed destruction of the femoral head with a collapse of the main weight-bearing area, which was interpreted as femoral head necrosis.

THERAPY

A cement-free total hip prosthesis was then implanted. The femoral head was sent for routine histological analysis and PCR amplification yielded a positive result for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA, leading to immediate guideline-based tuberculostatic treatment.

CONCLUSION

Tuberculosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in the case of destruction of the femoral head, especially in immunocompromised patients, patients with a foreign background or destructive osteoarthritis of the hip with an atypical course. Antibiotic treatment is necessary postoperatively. Under this therapy, a good clinical outcome can be expected comparable to that achieved in patients with primary osteoarthritis without infection.

Total knee arthroplasty for the management of joint destruction in tuberculous arthritis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience to clarify the suggestion that there should be a significant disease-free interval before total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to determine the correct timing of surgery for reconstruction of the joint destruction in patients suffering from tuberculous arthritis.

METHODS

Twelve patients with advanced joint destruction and tuberculous arthritis of the knee with recent onset were reviewed in this study. The time interval from our diagnosis of active infection to arthroplasty averaged 4 ± 1.5 months. Histopathology of the biopsy specimens revealing granulomatous lesions, including epithelioid histiocytes surrounded by lymphocytes, confirmed the diagnosis of each patient. A primary knee prosthesis was performed in seven knees. In five knees, there was severe bone loss after the extensive debridement of the entire joint, and thereafter, revision prosthesis was preferred to preserve the joint line. Patients were given post-operative antituberculous treatment for a total of 1 year, whereas for three patients, whose erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) values remained above normal by the sixth month, the chemotherapy was continued for up to 18 months. The Knee Society TKA roentgenographic evaluation and scoring system was used for radiological evaluation of the knees. Clinical evaluation of the knees was done preoperatively and at the time of the most recent follow-up using the American Knee Society Scoring System.

RESULTS

Within the average follow-up period of 6.1 ± 1.8 years, no reactivation of tuberculous infection was found in any of the patients. ESR was normal, less than 20 mm/h, after a mean time of 5.5 ± 2.0 months. The CRP was normal, less than 0.8 mg/dl, after a mean time of 4.6 ± 1.3 months. At the most recent follow-up, the average knee score improved from 32.4 ± 19.4 to 83.4 ± 14.0 points (p < 0.05), and the average function score improved from 33.3 ± 11.9 to 86.6 ± 7.7 points (p < 0.05). Ten knees showed good integrity, and no radiolucent lines were found in the bone-prosthesis interface in relation to any component. Radiolucent lines were apparent on the tibial side in two knees. They were less than 1 mm thick and non-progressive, and clinically, there was no evidence of loosening of the component. Culture specimens were positive for five patients.

CONCLUSIONS

TKA is a safe procedure for tuberculous arthritis with recent onset providing symptomatic relief, functional improvement and early return to activity when performed in correct time. A long disease-free interval should not be a prerequisite for arthroplasty. Wide surgical debridement is the mainstay to eradicate the disease, and post-operative antituberculous chemotherapy controls the residual foci.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Pathological dislocation of the hip due to coxotuberculosis in children: a 29-case report

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcome of various surgery methods in children suffering pathological dislocation of the hip joint due to coxotuberculosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2006 to January 2011, 29 children with coxotuberculosis hip dislocation were treated with open reduction (4 children) and acetabular reconstruction (25 children). According to degree of dislocation and age, acetabular reconstructions included Salter osteotomy (nine children), Pemberton operation (six children), Dega operation (seven children), the hip shelf arthroplasty (two children), and Chiari operation (one child). During acetabular reconstruction, 16 children underwent upper femoral rotational shortening osteotomies simultaneously, 6 children underwent the femoral head and neck reconstruction simultaneously, and 3 children were underwent corrective osteotomy. After operation, children were immobilized with plaster external fixation for 1-3 months and treated with routine anti-infective therapy for 3 days. During follow-up study (12-18 months), the hip stability was examined via X-ray. The recovery was evaluated via acetabular index (AI) and Harris hip score.

RESULTS

Postoperative X-ray films of 29 children showed concentric reduction of all hips. Total 25 children healed I incision surgery, while 4 children with skin antrum of incision were further treated leading to 1-3 months delay of healing. Total 24 children were followed up for 2-5 years. X-ray examination revealed no redislocation after 2 years postoperative. The postoperative AI was normal (15°-20°) in 22 children and increased to 25°- 30° in 2 children. After 2 years postoperative, 8 children had normal function of hip joint, 13 children had mild limitation of flexion and rotation, and 3 children had fibrous ankylosis. The average of Harris hip score was 83 (ranged, 62-90).

CONCLUSION

In our study, pathological hip dislocations of children attributed to coxotuberculosis were treated via open reduction and acetabular reconstruction and the outcomes were both excellent. Individual characteristic should be taken into consideration during treatment, and proper surgery approach should be adopted according to pathological changes of the hip.

Immediate cementless hemiarthroplasty for severe destructive glenohumeral tuberculous arthritis

The glenohumeral joint tuberculosis (TB) is rare as compared with other joints. Plaster immobilization, arthrodesis, and resection arthroplasty have been proposed as the additional treatments with anti-TB medications in severe destructive arthritis. To our knowledge, however, the surgical treatment with shoulder arthroplasty has never been reported. We present two cases of active TB with unsalvageable glenohumeral joint. The cementless hemishoulder arthroplasties were performed immediately following the radical debridement. Anti-TB medications were given for 12 months after the surgery. Postoperatively, the patients were satisfied with the rapid symptomatic relief and significant functional recovery. With the follow-up period of 5 years, the operative results were still satisfactory and the reactivation of the infection was not detected.

Total hip replacement for patients with active tuberculosis of the hip: a systematic review and pooled analysis

The timing of total hip replacement (THR) in patients with active tuberculosis (TB) of the hip is controversial, because of the potential risk of reactivation of infection. There is little information about the outcome of THR in these patients. We conducted a systematic review of published studies that evaluated the outcome of THR in patients with active TB of the hip. A review of multiple databases referenced articles published between 1950 and 2012. A total of six articles were identified, comprising 65 patients. TB was confirmed histologically in all patients. The mean follow-up was 53.2 months (24 to 108). Antituberculosis treatment continued post-operatively for between six and 15 months, after debridement and THR. One non-compliant patient had reactivation of infection. At the final follow-up the mean Harris hip score was 91.7 (56 to 98). We conclude that THR in patients with active TB of the hip is a safe procedure, providing symptomatic relief and functional improvement if undertaken in association with extensive debridement and appropriate antituberculosis treatment.

Primary musculoskeletal mycobacterium infection with large cystic masses after total hip arthroplasty

Primary mycobacterial infections in the musculoskeletal system are rare with a limited number of published case reports. This report describes a case involving a primary musculoskeletal tuberculous abscess. A 62-year-old male patient who had a right total hip arthroplasty performed 8 years earlier, using metal-on-metal articulation presented with a 1-year history of non-tender masses on his right thigh. Initially, it was assumed he had metallosis. Intraoperatively, an incision into the mass was conducted which resulted in draining of a whitish-grey pus like fluid. A diagnosis of tuberculosis was confirmed with both microscopic and histological examination. The patient was treated over a course of six months with an anti-tuberculosis medication regimen following the confirmation of a solitary soft tissue tuberculosis infection. At the 24 month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic with no relapse of the mass.

Cementless total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of advanced tuberculosis of the hip

The question of whether a total hip arthroplasty (THA) should be attempted in a patient with a current or previous tuberculosis infection continues to cause controversy. The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical result of cementless THA for the treatment of advanced tuberculosis of the hip. Eight patients with advanced tuberculosis of the hip treated by cementless THA were retrospectively analyzed. None of the patients had draining sinus preoperatively. For patients with a confirmed preoperative diagnosis of tuberculosis and elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, antituberculous medication was prescribed for at least 2 weeks preoperatively. Inflamed soft tissues and destroyed bones were completely curetted out intraoperatively. All 8 patients received 1-stage cementless THA after thorough debridement. Antituberculous medications were prescribed for all patients for the first 6 months postoperatively. No patient experienced wound-healing complications. Mean Harris Hip Score was 35 (range, 30-43) preoperatively and 91 (range, 87-95) at last follow-up. At an average 46-month follow-up (range, 34-59 months), no reactivation of tuberculosis was detected. All 8 patients revealed stability by bone ingrowth on both the socket and femoral stem. Cementless THA is a safe and effective procedure for advanced tuberculosis of the hip. With thorough debridement followed by a complete course of antituberculous chemotherapy, active tuberculous infection should not be considered a contraindication for THA.