Revision hip arthroplasty in patients with a history of previous malignancy

Background and Objectives: The potential association between implants and malignancy has been discussed in the literature, but never as a cause of loosening of joint arthroplasty. Methods: The records of all patients who underwent revision arthroplasty at our institution between 1992 and 1995 were reviewed. Results: Among 93 patients who underwent revision hip arthroplasties, 11 (11.8%) had a history of previous malignancy. At surgery, in 2 of these patients, metastasis was found to be the cause of loosening in the affected hip. Conclusions: When revision hip arthroplasty is considered, patients with a history of malignancy require attenuated pre-, intra-, and postoperative workup. Management algorithm in such cases is proposed.