Objectives: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most effective orthopedic interventions for the treatment of patients with advanced‑ stage hip disease. However, reports regarding indications for primary THA in Saudi Arabia are limited. We aimed to evaluate primary indications for THA and identify associated chronic diseases and postoperative complications in THA patients at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. These are important to provide knowledge on types of hip diseases and variables that may affect the outcome of this intervention in the Saudi population. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of THA cases performed between 2010 and 2019 at a tertiary center in Saudi Arabia. Retrieved data include patients’ ages at the time of surgery, chronic diseases, presurgical diagnosis, site and duration of surgery, and postoperative complications. Results: We identified 83 patients who had undergone primary THA; in regard to comorbidities, 32.5% and 30.1% had hypertension and diabetes mellitus, respectively. The most common indication for THA was degenerative hip osteoarthritis (50.6%), followed by post-traumatic arthritis (22.9%) and hip avascular necrosis (20.5%). Conclusion: Despite the high rate of trauma and accidents in Saudi Arabia, degenerative osteoarthritis remains the most common indication for primary THA. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis is identified as the second major indication for THA.

Ipsilateral shoulder and elbow arthritis is not an uncommon problem seen in patients of upper extremity surgeons. If arthroplasty is required in both joints, there is a significant risk of periprosthetic fracture resulting from the stress riser occurring between the implants. We report the placement of custom interlocking shoulder and elbow prostheses in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. The elbow prosthesis with an uncemented humeral component was placed followed 18 months later by a custom-designed shoulder prosthesis. An internal strut between the two prostheses was created. Seven years postoperatively, the patient was asymptomatic with no radiographic signs of impending failure.