Girdlestone resection arthroplasty of the hip: Current perspectives

Modern technological advancements in revision hip arthroplasty have revolutionised the treatment of failed primary total hip replacements. The decision to perform a Girdlestone operation is taken as a last resort, particularly for medically sub-optimal and functionally compromised patients, who have a high anaesthetic and operative risk at one-stage and two-stage reimplantations. Girdlestone resection arthroplasty should be considered as a salvage procedure, primarily aimed at pain relief and infection control. Such patients must be warned to expect 2-3 in of limb shortening and reliance upon a walking aid postoperatively.