The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of total hip replacement arthroplasty (THRA) in sequelae of the infected hip with dislocation and severe shortening.

We reviewed 22 cases of THRA performed from January 1985 to March 1995, for painful, dislocated hips secondary to infection in childhood, with shortening of the limb more than 5 cm. Among 22 cases, seventeen were pyogenic infection sequelae, and five were tuberculous infection sequelae.

Mean followup period was 44 months (range: 24-111 months) . The mean value of the Harris score was increased to 86.7, which had been 61. The mean postoperative limb-length discrepancy was 1.8 cm and amount of correction ranged from 2.5 cm to 6.1 cm (average : 4.2 cm) . There was remarkable difference between the Crowe Group I and combined Group II and III in correction of shortening. The incidence of radiological loosening was not related to preoperative morbid period or the age of patients.

The main resistant factor in lengthening of the affected limb was soft tissue contracture related to old age or long term after infection, and complication rate (14%) was higher than that in the other kinds of disease on hip.