Total hip arthroplasty in patients younger than 30 years of age

Background: Previously reported results of total hip arthroplasty in patients under the age of 30 indicate a high complication rate and questionable durability. Objectives: To estimate the results of THA in extremely young patients. Methods: We report the results of 69 THA procedures in 56 patients who were under the age of 30 at the time of surgery (mean age 23.23 ± 4.31 years) and were followed postoperatively for 2-23 years (mean 7.4 ± 3.79 years). Results: Loosening of the cup (11/69) and early traumatic dislocation (5/69) accounted for the majority of complications. Conclusion: The final average Harris hip scores of 90.59 ± 9.36 in these patients indicated that THA is a successful and durable treatment modality for young patients with disabling diseases affecting the hip joint. However, due to the likelihood of complications it should be used with caution in this patient group. Efforts should be made to diminish the complication rate.