This study evaluated the clinical and radiological findings as well as the and effectiveness of a two-stage reconstruction using the PROSTALAC for an infected hip bipolar hemiarthroplasty. This reconstruction technique comprises of an initial procedure, the removal of the implant, the insertion of a selfmade PROSTALAC and, a reconstruction with cementless implants.

From November 1996 to October 2001, at our institution, an infection around a hip arthroplasty which had been performed elsewhere in 13 patients (13 infected hips) was treated with a two-stage reconstruction. Postoperatively, all the patients returned for a clinical and radiographic followup at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and every year after the reconstruction to examine the recurrence of the infection and to determine if there was any loosening of the component. The average follow-up duration was 41.6 months (range, 28 months to 89 months).

At the latest follow-up, there were no recurrence of the infection nor was there any loosening of the implants and Harris hip score changed from 52.4 preoperatively, to 84.0 postoperatively.

A two-stage reconstruction for infected hip arthroplasty with cementless implants showed excellent results, no recurrence of the infection or loosening of the implants, and it is believed that this technique is effective and safe.