ABSTRACT
Objective To analyse the failed total hip arthroplasty(THA) and to improve its long term results. Methods Thirty five patients(36 hips) undergone revision THA from November 1996 to April 1999, were grouped according to the different causes of the primary failed THA. Results Statistical analysis failed to show the factors related to the failures. In any one failed case, the causes were usually more then one item. The most common causes of failed surgery found in 24 cases were aseptic loosening and peri prosthetic osteolysis, wear out of acetabulum was seen in 7, malpositioned prostheses in 6 and postoperative dislocation in 3. Infection and fracture of femoral stem happened in 3 and 2 patients respectively. Conclusion THA has been extensively used as an effective procedure for the reconstruction of hip joint. Long term excellent clinical results are related to strict selection of indications, appropriate prosthesis, and finally the experience and surgical technique of the surgeon are also of importance to the final outcome.