RESUMO OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o perfil socioeconômico e demográfico de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revisão de artroplastia total do quadril por diagnóstico de infecção protética profunda. MÉTODOS: Análise de 20 pacientes internados entre 2009 e 2010 pelo Grupo de Quadril com diagnóstico de infecção protética profunda cujo tratamento proposto foi cirúrgico. O trabalho foi feito com preenchimento na presença do paciente de dois formulários aplicados pela assistente social do grupo. RESULTADOS: Na amostra de 20 pacientes, 40% pertenciam ao sexo masculino, 45% estavam em idade produtiva, 50% eram originários da capital, 85% previdenciários, 70% aposentados, 60% provenientes do próprio hospital e 40% de outros serviços. A média de custo dos pacientes ao sistema público foi de R$ 55.821,62 por paciente, o gasto total no tratamento dos pacientes do estudo totalizou R$ 1.116.432,40. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a artroplastia total do quadril infectada gera um grande gasto ao sistema previdenciário e ao sistema de saúde público, deve-se, portanto, sempre atentar para os possíveis fatores de risco e cuidados perioperatórios para que esse problema seja evitado.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To characterize the socio-economic and demographic profile of patients undergoing surgery for revision total hip arthroplasty regarding the diagnosis of deep prosthetic infection. METHODS: Twenty patients were retrospectively studied, admitted in the period between 2009 and 2010 by the Hip Surgery Group with the diagnosis of deep prosthetic infection, whose proposed treatment was surgical. This study was carried out in the presence of the patient by completing two forms applied by the social worker of the Group. RESULTS: In a 20-patient sample, 40% were male, 45% were working age, 50% of patients originated from the capital, 85% depended on benefits, 70% were retired, 60% of patients were from this hospital, and 40% were from other services. The average cost of patients to the public system was R$ 55,821.62 per patient and the total spent on treatment of patients in the study exceeded one million Brazilian reals, totalling R$ 1,116,432.40. CONCLUSION: Infection from total hip arthroplasty generates a major expense to the social security system and to the public healthcare system. Physicians must always be alert to the possible risk factors and perioperative care, striving to minimize this complication.