Girdlestone procedure: when and why

Girdlestone is one of the options for treating an infected hip arthroplasty (along with isolated antibiotics, debridement, and one or two-stage exchange). The choice must be based on a list of previous considerations. Results of girdlestone: Major differences among different series are reported in literature: from 13% to 83% of patients are satisfied with the result. Healing of infection is attained in 80% to 100% of patients, but figures are worse in special subsets (rheumatoid arthritis, enterococcal and methicillin-resistant infections, or when cement is retained). Pain is reported as severe in 16% to 33% of patients, moderate in 24% to 53% and mild in 76%, while only some authors refer to "satisfactory pain relief". Up to 45% of geriatric patients are unable to walk and only 29% walk independently. The literature reports Harris Hip scores from 25 to 64. Indications for girdlestone: Absolute indications: non-ambulatory patients because of other problems or diseases, and impossible reimplantation (2nd-stage surgery) (unacceptable anaesthetic or surgical risk, technical difficulties, patient rejection). Relative indications: Dementia (risk of dislocation vs. severely reduced walking ability), immunocompromise (up to what degree of immune impairment do we accept to take the risk?), intravenous drug abuse (how can you prove it?)