Preoperative comorbidity and modes of failure in revision hip arthroplasty: a single-surgeon series in a tertiary referral centre

Revision hip arthroplasty is associated with higher morbidity post-operatively than primary surgery. We reviewed data on 102 consecutive patients (124 procedures) undergoing revision hip arthroplasty by a single surgeon from January 2005 to June 2009 in 2 institutions. Indications of failure: 62% aseptic loosening, 15% infection, 11.5% fracture, 10.6% dislocation or instability and 0.9% implant failure. Preoperative comorbidities: 28.4% cardiac, 4% respiratory and 6.8% diabetic. Morbidity: 3.9% complication rate (5 of 124 procedures). 73.5 median age and 46% over 75 years old. Modes of failure in our population leading to revision hip arthroplasty are similar to other studies. We showed a low morbidity following revision hip arthroplasty despite significant preoperative comorbidities and a high proportion of elderly patients. In conclusion, gender, age (>75) and preoperative comorbidities should not deter from revision surgery.