[Coxitis in ankylosing spondylo-arthritis. Results of treatment with total arthroplasty. Apropos of 162 cases].

Excellent results were seen when 100 patients with ankylosing spondylitis who had undergone total replacement arthroplasty of the hip were reviewed 5 years after operation. One hundred and sixty hips had been replaced; 92.5% were painfree, 78% had flexion of greater than 90 degrees and 80% walked well without a stick. Using the scale of Merle d'Aubigné and Postel, 86% of the results were classed as satisfactory. The Muller and Charnley prostheses were very reliable. The outcome in hips with marked degenerative or hypertrophic changes were better than in those which were ankylosed. Operation is best carried out early before the joints are grossly damaged.