Seven Years of Total Hip Replacement at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria - A Retrospective Review

Abstract

Background: Total hip arthroplasty, though a wellestablished and routine procedure in advanced countries, is still evolving in Nigeria.
Objective: This study is aimed at reviewing the Total hip arthroplasties performed in the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Lagos.
Methods: Records of patients treated with Total hip arthroplasty between January 2006 and December 2012 were analyzed retrospectively.
Results: There were a total of 106 hips in 93 patients. Male to female ratio was 1:2. The mean age at presentation was 54.41(range 21-72yrs).The commonest indications was Severe Osteoarthritis of the hips in 62(72.94%) patients. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head was seen in
27(43.55%) cases. Average duration of surgery was 124.13 minutes. There was a statistically significant positive relationship between duration of symptoms and operative time. Post-operative complications included dislocation of prosthesis (7.45%), deep wound infection (2.12%), superficial wound infection (11.7%) and post-operative sciatic nerve palsy (3.19%). At 3 months post-operatively, 44.74% of patients were mobilizing without support.
Conclusion: Although Total hip arthroplasty is still in evolution in our centre, results are comparable to other centers where it is established.  Establishment of operative protocols will further improve outcome. Other studies are required to determine the long and medium term outcomes of this procedure.