Resistant hip infection in adults can be a complicated problem that does not respond to surgical and medical treatment. In
such cases, the only remaining option is excision arthroplasty. This line of treatment can eradicate the infection but also
is associated with poor function. In some cases, conversion of excision arthroplasty to artificial joint replacement is associated
with too great a risk because of local hip surgical risks or low immunity with risk of recurrent infection. Pelvic support
osteotomy with the Ilizarov modification can present an alternative solution for such patients. This study included 11 patients
with resistant hip infection who were treated using excision arthroplasty. Pelvic support osteotomy then was used to improve
hip stability and abductor muscle function. The Ilizarov modification was applied to correct mechanical alignment of the limb
and the limb length discrepancy. Harris hip scores improved in all patients: the average score preoperatively was 43.5 (range,
31–50), whereas at final followup, the average score was 70.9 (range, 65–80). Pelvic support osteotomy, along with the Ilizarov
modification, can provide an alternative treatment to improve function in patients previously managed with excision hip arthroplasty
and Girdlestone surgery.
Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The author certifies that he has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing
arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.
The author certifies that his institution has approved the human protocol for this investigation, that all investigations
were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research, and that informed consent was obtained.