Quality of life after Girdlestone resection arthroplasty

Main aim To know the result of the Girdlestone resection arthroplasty (ARG) in the treatment of the infected hip arthroplasty. Secondary aims To analyze the effectiveness in the control of pain and infection, the functional outcome and to contrast factors correlated with the final result. Patients and methods Case series with a total of 17 patients. The control of the infection was assessed according to the presence or absence of sinus, and the clinical status using EuroQol 5D scale, residual pain and limb length discrepancy. Outcomes The most common infecting germ at the time of removal of the arthroplasty was Staphylococcus CN and one patient presented infection by Candida albicans. In 2 patients the draining sinus persisted. The residual dysmetria was 5.24 cm. In the EQ-5D scale, the most affected dimensions were mobility, need for help for self-care and ability to carry out activities of daily life. 8 patients maintained, pain levels worse than 4 in the VAS. The variables of dysmetria were correlated inversely with health index (−0.54) and self-perceived general health status (−0.45). Conclusions The Girdlestone resection arthroplasty is an alternative in the treatment of the infected hip arthroplasty. Patient perception is inversely corelated to residual dysmetria. The dysmetria is greater in women and in ages over 65 years.