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. J. Surg. Oncol. 1999;70:122–125. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.