JOINT REPLACEMENT IN NON-AMBULATORY PATIENTS

Non-ambulatory patients [18] were treated by multiple operations consisting a total replacement of the hip, the knee or both. Thirteen patients had rheumatoid arthritis, 4 had degenerative arthritis and 1 had had bilateral resection of the femoral head and neck. The patients were followed for an average of 40 mo. A classification based on the number of joints involved and a rating scale for function were devised. Good to excellent results were achieved in the patients who had 2 or 3 joints operated on (with 1 exception). Fifteen patients became ambulatory and 7 could climb stairs. Seven patients were pain-free. Significant neural problems and loss of motivation caused poor results. Severe upper-extremity involvement was not an obstacle preventing walking.