Partial Intra-Plus Juxtaarticular Arthrodesis with Simultaneous Nailing According to Watson-Jones

Abstract

SUMMARY The advantage of arthrodesis is that it gives a painless stable hip. It has, however, proved difficult to secure bone union and earlier methods have resulted in up to 50 per cent pseudarthrosis. In 1947 the author introduced his new method at the orthopedic clinic in Härnösand. This method consists of a partial intra- + juxta-articular arthrodesis with simultaneous nailing according to Watson-Jones. After 6 weeks' post-operative bed rest without plaster the patient is usually allowed to get up and then weight bearing is permitted. During the years 1947–1955 the author operated on 41 hips by this method. One patient died from cancer. The remaining 40 were after- examined on the average 2 years and 2 months after the operation. Thirty-eight showed bone union and a further one clinical ankylosis and freedom from symptoms. Thus bone union was achieved in 95 per cent and relief from symptoms in 97 per cent. Thirty-seven of the patients returned to work ranging from house-work to heavy factory work and farm labour. The author recommends the operation for patients with unilateral arthrosis deformans and for patients with slight changes also on the other side as well as for cases in which arthroplasty is planned or has been performed on the other side, provided that the lumbar spine is satisfactory and the range of movement of the knee is good.