Ipsilateral total hip arthroplasty in a dysvascular below-knee amputee for advanced hip osteoarthritis: A case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

This retrospective file review outlines a case study of an 84 year-old man with a transtibial amputation for vascular disease who underwent an ipsilateral total hip replacement (THR). The question being addressed was how surgical techniques, rehabilitation processes and outcomes of joint arthroplasty would need to vary in a case of an ipsilateral dysvascular amputees. The surgery and associated rehabilitation was undertaken for groin pain, falls and reduced mobility due to mechanical osteoarthritis of the hip. The surgical technique and post-operative multidisciplinary rehabilitation is described in detail. Information on exercise regimes, length of stay and follow-up data on function, driving and pain management is presented. The literature is reviewed and all known cases of THR in amputees as well as data on survival of dysvascular amputees is presented. In light of advances in secondary prevention of vascular disease and cardiovascular surgical techniques, amputees with vascular disease may be living longer than they were 20 years ago. They may be beginning to experience the issues associated with aging such as osteoarthritis of the large joints. This case review and others in the literature may suggest that survival rates for vascular amputees be reviewed.