ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term effectiveness of one-stage radical debridement and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the treatment of active tuberculosis of the hip. MethodsBetween January 2006 and June 2011,one-stage radical debridement and THA were performed on 12 cases (12 hips) of active tuberculosis of the hip.There were 7 males and 5 females,aged 18-60 years (mean,46.3 years).The disease duration ranged from 6 to 24 months (mean,10.5 months).According to Babhulkar and Pande staging criteria,5 cases were at stage Ⅲ and 7 cases were at stage IV.One case had sinus,and 2 cases had previous pulmonary tuberculosis.Preoperative hip range of motion was (35.83±9.25)°; hip Harris score was 36.83±6.44.Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 45-90 mm/1 h (mean,62.4 mm/1h); C-reactive protein (CRP) was 19-50 mg/L (mean,33.6 mg/L).Perioperatively all the patients accepted the regular anti-tuberculous medication. ResultsThe results of histopathological examination and PCR detection were positive for tuberculosis bacillus.Postoperatively the incisions healed primarily.All the patients were followed up 25-60 months (mean,40.8 months).The ESR and CRP returned to normal level with no liver injury.Tuberculosis recurrence occurred in 1 patient at 4 months after operation,which was cured after revision.X-ray film showed no prosthesis shift,prosthesis loosening,or sinus tract.At 18-24 months after operation,the bilateral sides had the same bone density,which was similar to that at the final follow-up.Hip range of motion was significantly improved to (107.08±13.56)° (t=14.571,P=0.000).Hip Harris score was significantly increased to 88.00±10.78 (t=16.750,P=0.000). ConclusionA combination of one-stage radical debridement and THA is a safe method to treat active tuberculosis of the hip,which can relief symptoms and improve hip function,with low recurrence and satisfactory short-term effectiveness.