Hip replacement for adults with unreduced congenital dislocation. A new surgical technique

External fixation-assisted reduction for the treatment of neglected hip dislocations with limb length discrepancy: a retrospective study of 13 cases

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new method for treating neglected hip dislocation with limb length discrepancy by using external fixation-assisted pre-reduction.

METHODS

Thirteen patients admitted between January 2010 to February 2018 with a mean duration from injury to surgery of 5.0 ± 2.1 months and an average preoperative leg-length discrepancy of 7.7 ± 2.3 cm were enrolled in this study. The dislocation and associated acetabular fracture type, clinical outcomes and residual limb length discrepancy were evaluated.

RESULTS

All patients had posterior dislocations, and nine patients presented with acetabular fractures and were followed-up for at least 12 months. The average traction duration of external fixators was 28.8 ± 8.0 days and all patients received second-stage open reduction and internal fixation. Six patients showed residual limb length discrepancy within 2 cm. Patients showed significant improvement in hip function and pain relief. Complications including avascular femoral head necrosis and osteoarthritis occurred in three patients.

CONCLUSION

Effective correction of limb length discrepancy and improved function were observed in patients with neglected hip dislocations and limb equality using traction by external fixation combined with second-stage open reduction. Further follow-up is required to determine long-term outcomes.

Treatment of Crowe Type-IV Hip Dysplasia Using Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty and Double Chevron Subtrochanteric Shortening Osteotomy: A 5- to 10-Year Follow-Up Study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and radiographic results of patients with Crowe type-IV hip dysplasia treated by cementless total hip arthroplasty and double chevron subtrochanteric osteotomy.

METHODS

From January 2000 to February 2006, cementless total hip arthroplasty with a double chevron subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy was performed on 18 patients (22 hips) with Crowe type-IV dysplasia. The acetabular cup was placed in the position of the anatomic hip center, and subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy was performed with the use of a double chevron design. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 6.5 years (5-10 years).

RESULTS

The mean amount of femoral subtrochanteric shortening was 38 mm (25-60 mm). All osteotomy sites were healed by 3-6 months without complications. The mean Harris Hip Score improved significantly from 47 points (35-65 points) preoperatively to 88 points (75-97 points) at the final follow-up. The Trendelenburg sign was corrected from a positive preoperative status to a negative postoperative status in 12 of 22 hips. No acetabular and femoral components have loosened or required revision during the period of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Cementless total hip arthroplasty using double chevron subtrochanteric osteotomy allowed for restoration of anatomic hip center with safely functional limb lengthening, achieved correction of preoperative limp, and good functional and radiographic outcomes for 22 Crowe type-IV dislocation hips at the time of the 5- to 10-year follow-up.

Uncemented total hip arthroplasty in osteoarthritis of hip secondary to low and high dislocated hips: A mid-term follow-up study

Background:

Performing successful total hip replacement (THR) in dysplastic, subluxed, and dislocated hip is a challenging task. Here, we assessed midterm clinical and radiological outcomes of uncemented total hip arthroplasty in osteoarthritis (OA) of hip secondary to Hartofilakidis low and high-dislocated hips with a mean follow-up of 8.8 years.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study of prospectively collected data was designed involving all consecutive patients who underwent uncemented THR for OA of hip secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip and Grade II or Grade III Hartofilakidis classification.

Results:

Thirty-two patients underwent 45 THR, with 23 Grade II (low dislocation) and 22 Grade III (high-dislocation) of Hartofilakidis classification. Thirteen patients had bilateral hip replacements, 19 patients had unilateral THR. There was highly statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative HHS and SF-36v2™ at each follow-up. Survivorship of original implant was 98.88% at a mean follow-up of 8.8 years. The mean improvement in leg length in this series was 3.6 cm (1.8-4.5, 95% confidence interval). No sciatic nerve or femoral nerve palsies were observed.

Conclusions:

Uncemented THR provides better function and quality of life. However, longer follow-up studies are needed to assess survivorship of uncemented THR in Hartofilakidis low and high-dislocations.

Intraosseous structural graft technique: a new surgical concept in the treatment of superolateral defects in case of dysplastic acetabulum, during hip replacement surgery biomechanical and cadaver experimentations

PURPOSE

The replacement of the dysplastic hip, despite the numerous available surgical techniques, is not entirely solved. One of the reasons for this is the relative lack of bone in the acetabulum. In this study, we present a new concept (intraosseous structural graft technique), with the aim to improve the primary stability and biological environment of the graft.

METHODS

During the procedure in the cranial quadrant of the acetabulum, a proximally hinged cortico-spongious plate is fashioned that is opened laterally and a wedge-shaped graft made from the femoral head is impacted. The precisely fitted graft has good primary rotational and cranial stability which is further improved by a bicortical screw.

RESULTS

The hypothesis is supported by examination on 3D models. Cadaver experimentations were performed on 19 hips of 10 cadavers, and stability testing was done on a further 20 hips of 10 cadavers with a material testing apparatus. Also the analysis of the biological and mechanical properties of the graft and the implant were examined.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, it can be concluded that our technique provides good primary stability with a more favorable biological condition for bony incorporation compared to other bulk bone graft techniques.

Cementless total hip arthroplasty for patients with Crowe type III or IV developmental dysplasia of the hip: two-stage total hip arthroplasty following skeletal traction after soft tissue release for irreducible hips

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) for severe developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a technically demanding procedure for arthroplasty surgeons, and it is often difficult to reduce the hip joint without soft tissue release due to severe flexion contracture. We performed two-stage THAs in irreducible hips with expected lengthening of the affected limb after THA of over 2.5 cm or with flexion contractures of greater than 30 degrees in order to place the acetabular cup in the true acetabulum and to prevent neurologic deficits associated with acute elongation of the limb. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of cementless THA in patients with severe DDH with a special focus on the results of two-stage THA.

Methods

Retrospective clinical and radiological evaluations were done on 17 patients with Crowe type III or IV developmental DDH treated by THA. There were 14 women and 3 men with a mean age of 52.3 years. Follow-ups averaged 52 months. Six cases were treated with two-stage THA followed by surgical hip liberalization and skeletal traction for 2 weeks.

Results

The mean Harris hip score improved from 40.9 to 89.1, and mean leg length discrepancy (LLD) in 13 unilateral cases was reduced from 2.95 to 0.8 cm. In the patients who underwent two-stage surgery, no nerve palsy was observed, and the single one-stage patient with incomplete peroneal nerve palsy recovered fully 4 weeks postoperatively.

Conclusions

The short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of primary cementless THA for patients with Crowe type III or IV DDH were encouraging. Two-stage THA followed by skeletal traction after soft tissue release could provide alternative solutions to the minimization of limb shortenings or LLD without neurologic deficits in highly selected patients.

The techniques of soft tissue release and true socket reconstruction in total hip arthroplasty for patients with severe developmental dysplasia of the hip. Int Orthop. 2012;36:1795-1801. [PMID: 22820830 DOI: 10.1007/s00264-012-1622-6]

PURPOSE

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an effective procedure for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH); however, it is sometimes difficult to complete for severe cases because of femoral head dislocation, dysplasia of the acetabulum and the femur, disparity in limb length, soft tissue contraction, and muscular atrophy. We aimed at exploring the efficiency of the techniques of release and balance of soft tissues and reconstruction of true socket THA for patients with severe DDH.

METHODS

From January 2000 to January 2009, 46 adult patients with severe DDH (50 hips) were included in this study. According to the classification system, there were 26 type III and 24 type IV. Among them there were 32 women and 14 men, aged from 38 to 77 years. THA was performed via a lateral approach. All acetabular sockets were reconstructed at the original anatomical location following a meticulous technique of soft tissue release and balance around the hip to restore limb length, to strengthen the abductor and improve its function.

RESULTS

All patients had restoration of limb length (range, 2.5-5.5 cm; 30 limbs of more than 4 cm) without injury to the sciatic nerve. One postoperative dislocation occurred due to slight enlargement of the angle of abduction of the acetabulum. The follow-up ranged from 2.2 to 11.5 years (median 6.4 years) in 46 patients, and the Harris score increased from 40.2 preoperatively to 86.5 (P = 0.027). All hips were pain free with good function at the latest follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The meticulous techniques of soft tissue release and balance can be recommended to ensure anatomical reconstruction of the true acetabular socket and to improve abductor function during arthroplasty for DDH.

Subtrochanteric shortening with overlapping femoral resection in total hip arthroplasty for Crowe type IV adult dislocation of the hip

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the surgical technique and clinical outcomes of subtrochanteric shortening with overlapping femoral resection in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) for Crowe type IV adult dislocation of the hip (ADH).

METHODS

From January 2000 to December 2005, 12 patients with ADH (15 hips) were treated with primary cementless hip arthroplasty using the method of subtrochanteric shortening with overlapping femoral resection. There were three male and nine female patients (nine unilateral and three bilateral hips) with an average age of 56 years (range, 41-75). Subtrochanteric shortening with overlapping femoral resection and 'V' shaped derotational osteotomy were performed in all cases without soft tissue cutting release. Proximal femoral shaft splitting was performed as an adjunct in 10 hips.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 6 years (range, 3-8). There were no infections, nonunion, malunion, dislocation or nerve injury of traction. Postoperative X-ray films showed that the acetabular cups were placed in anatomical position with 95% coverage of the acetabulum. Furthermore, initial stability of the femoral stem fixation was satisfactory and all osteotomies healed in 10-15 weeks. The Harris hip score had improved from 25-32 to 88-98 at one year after surgery (P < 0.01). All acetabular and femoral components were judged to be osteointegrated and well-fixed during follow-up. No components have needed revision.

CONCLUSIONS

Subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy is a safe and predictable method for restoring the anatomic hip center in Crowe type IV ADH. The clinical outcomes of treating Crowe type IV ADH with THA were satisfactory.

Femoral shortening and cementless arthroplasty in Crowe type 4 congenital dislocation of the hip

PURPOSE

In reconstruction of congenital hip dislocation by total hip arthroplasty (THA), positioning of the acetabular component in the true acetabulum is sometimes accompanied by shortening of the femur. Shortening of the femur is of importance for minimising risk of damaging neurovascular structures due to excessive limb lengthening. Furthermore, reduction of the femoral head into the true acetabulum remains challenging without shortening of the femur.

METHODS

We performed a consecutive case series of cementless THA with femoral shortening and Crowe type 4 congenital dislocation. All acetabular cups were placed in their original anatomical location. In all cases a proximal diaphyseal step-cut shortening osteotomy was performed and stabilised with two to three titanium cerclage bands.

RESULTS

At an average of 60 months follow-up (range 36-96), 12 patients (13 THA) were scored clinically by the Merle D'Aubigne and Harris hip scores. In ten cases good to excellent outcome scores were observed. During the follow-up period no cases of aseptic loosening, nerve palsy, nonunions or dislocations were found.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique seems to be an excellent treatment option in the case of Crowe type 4 hips presenting with endstage osteoarthritis.

Clinical outcome of Zweymüller total hip arthroplasty for patients with high congenital hip dislocation

Treatment of high congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) remains controversial. We report the outcome of hip arthroplasty using a cementless threaded cup and a cementless straight stem in patients with high congenital hip dislocation. Between January 2001 and August 2004, 17 patients with high congenital hip dislocation were treated. During surgery, at least 25% of the cup was anchored in bone. By monitoring somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) of the common peroneal nerve we were able to reduce the femoral head into position in the true acetabulum by releasing soft tissues. A bulk autogenous femoral head bone graft was implanted in 5 patients to achieve at least 75% bony coverage of the acertabular component. Follow-up ranged from 48 months to 91 months with an average of 69.7 months. The mean Harris hip score increased from 43 points preoperatively to 89 points at the time of final follow-up (P<0.001). Radiographic analysis showed bony union of the bone graft in all cases.

Treatment of Crowe IV high hip dysplasia with total hip replacement using the Exeter stem and shortening derotational subtrochanteric osteotomy

We evaluated all cases involving the combined use of a subtrochanteric derotational femoral shortening osteotomy with a cemented Exeter stem performed at our institution. With severe developmental dysplasia of the hip an osteotomy is often necessary to achieve shortening and derotation of the proximal femur. Reduction can be maintained with a 3.5 mm compression plate while the implant is cemented into place. Such a plate was used to stabilise the osteotomy in all cases. Intramedullary autograft helps to prevent cement interposition at the osteotomy site and promotes healing. There were 15 female patients (18 hips) with a mean age of 51 years (33 to 75) who had a Crowe IV dysplasia of the hip and were followed up for a mean of 114 months (52 to 168). None was lost to follow-up. All clinical scores were collected prospectively. The Charnley modification of the Merle D’Aubigné-Postel scores for pain, function and range of movement showed a statistically significant improvement from a mean of 2.4 (1 to 4), 2.3 (1 to 4), 3.4 (1 to 6) to 5.2 (3 to 6), 4.4 (3 to 6), 5.2 (4 to 6), respectively. Three acetabular revisions were required for aseptic loosening; one required femoral revision for access. One osteotomy failed to unite at 14 months and was revised successfully. No other case required a femoral revision. No postoperative sciatic nerve palsy was observed.

Cemented Exeter femoral components perform well in the treatment of Crowe IV dysplasia with this procedure.

Cementless total hip arthroplasty with subtrochanteric transverse shortening osteotomy for severely dysplastic or dislocated hips

Total hip arthroplasty in dislocated developmental hip dysplasia is a complex, technically demanding procedure with high complication rates. Anatomic abnormalities and the young age of the patients influence the results. Restoration of the anatomic hip center often requires shortening of the femur in order to avoid over-stretching of neurovascular structures. We performed cementless total hip arthroplasty with subtrochanteric transverse osteotomy on 44 hips in 31 patients. There were 29 female and 2 male patients. The average age at the time of the operation was 43.2 (range, 22-63 years) and the mean follow up period was 62 months (range, 24-96 months). Harris hip scores improved from 36.2 to 81.2 with good and excellent results in 79.5% of the patients. We stabilized the osteotomy line with low contact plates and screws primarily on 10 hips when rotational stability was in doubt. In the other hips, good initial rotational stability was obtained by the femoral component. However, we observed 5 nonunions in patients whose osteotomies were not stabilized with plates. These patients were later treated successfully with internal fixation and autogenous bone grafting. The osteotomies healed at a mean time of 4 months (range, 2.5-14 months). Postoperatively two dislocations, one acetabular component displacement under the structural bone autograft and two superficial infections were seen. There were no cases of symptomatic loosening, deep infection, or neurovascular injury. Subtrochanteric transverse osteotomy is a versatile, relatively easy and reliable method for shortening the femur when performing cementless total hip arthroplasty in hip dysplasia cases. This technique makes it possible to implant standard sized cementless femoral stems. When necessary, tortional stability may further be augmented with a plate and screws.

Outcomes after THA in patients with high hip dislocation after childhood sepsis

To ascertain whether THA in patients with high dislocation after childhood sepsis would relieve pain and improve function, we assessed the rate of postoperative infection, improvement in Harris hip and WOMAC scores, and improvement in range of motion after the THA in 62 patients (62 hips) with high dislocation (Crowe Type 4) after childhood sepsis. The revision rate and the incidence of complications also were assessed. The mean age of the patients was 47.5 years. The minimum followup was 13 years (mean, 15.2 years; range, 13-17 years). One patient had persistent infection. The mean preoperative Harris hip score of 55 points improved to 89 points at the final followup, and the mean preoperative WOMAC score of 65 points improved to 42 points. The mean combined preoperative arc of range of motion of 197 degrees improved to 275 degrees. Four cups (6%) and three stems (5%) were revised. Complications developed in nine hips (15%), but the rate of infection was low. Improved surgical technique and design of components provided favorable results for total hip replacement performed for complications of childhood sepsis in these young and active patients.

Soft tissue balancing in total hip arthroplasty for patients with adult dysplasia of the hip

OBJECTIVE

To summarize our surgical experience of release and balance of soft tissues around the hip in total hip arthroplasty (THA) for patients with adult dysplasia of the hip (ADH).

METHODS

From January 2001 to January 2006, 29 adult patients with dysplastic hips (31 hips) were included in this study. Among them, there were 19 women and 10 men, aged from 38 to 65 years. According to the Crowe classification system, there were 8 type I, 12 type II, 6 type III and 5 type IV. THA was performed via a lateral approach. All acetabular cups were reconstructed at the original anatomic location through soft tissue releasing around the hip to restore limb length, and techniques of balance of soft tissue were applied to extend the strength of the hip abductor and improve its function.

RESULTS

All patients had restoration of limb length (range, 1.5-4.5 cm). One postoperative dislocation occurred due to slight enlargement of the angle of abduction of the acetabulum. At 1.5-year follow-up (mean, 3.2 years) in 29 patients, the Harris score had increased from 42.6 preoperatively to 85.4. All hips were pain free with good function.

CONCLUSION

In order to restore the anatomic structure and physiologic function of the affected hip, the technique of release and balance of soft tissues around the hip should be applied cautiously in arthroplasty of ADH.

Distal femoral shortening in total hip arthroplasty for complex primary hip reconstruction. A new surgical technique

Successful total hip arthroplasty (THA) in congenital dislocated hips demands anatomical reduction in the normal center of rotation without overstretching the sciatic nerve and without excessive compression or abnormal forces across the joint. Proximal femoral and subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy has been described for THA for the treatment of dislocated hips. However, these osteotomies are demanding, associated with deformation of femoral canal and nonunion, and may increase the femoral stem stress. This study reports excellent results in 24 patients with a new surgical technique that combines THA with a distal femoral shortening in severely deformed hips using customized components.

External fixator-assisted acute shortening with internal fixation for leg length discrepancy after total hip replacement

We report a case of a 51-year-old lady, who underwent a femoral shortening using a fixator assisted blade plate after total hip replacement. The patient had a total hip replacement on the other side with previous revisions, which resulted in a leg length discrepancy. We used the above technique to control the shortening and preserve the mechanical and anatomical axis of the femur.

Total hip arthroplasty in adult patients who had developmental dysplasia of the hip

This study evaluated the hypothesis that the clinical results are equivalent in the group of patients with dysplasia, low dislocation, and high dislocation types using a contemporary technique for hip arthroplasty. The mean age of patients at the time of the index operation was 49.5 years (range, 29-61 years). Thirty patients (40 hips, 35%) had dysplasia, 22 (34 hips, 29%) had a low dislocation, and 24 (42 hips, 36%) had a high dislocation. The mean follow-up was 9.7 years (range, 6-14 years). In the high dislocation group, 7 hips (17%) had a revision of one or both component. In low dislocation group, 3 hips (9%) had a revision of one or both components. In the dysplastic group, 2 hips (5%) had a revision of one or both components.

Total hip arthroplasty in neglected congenital high dislocation of the hip. A comparison of four different surgical techniques

The safest and easiest technique of performing a total hip replacement (THR) in neglected high congenitally dislocated hip (CDH) is still debatable. To find the best method, a prospective randomised trial comparing four different techniques was undertaken. A total of 48 THRs were performed on 40 patients with CDH. Average age was 40.6 years and average follow-up was 42 months. Four different techniques (n=12 each) were used: 1) THR into neo-acetabulum in a single operation, 2) THR into real acetabulum as a one stage procedure, 3) Campbell release operation followed by THR into real acetabulum after three weeks of traction, 4) THR with proximal femoral shortening. Even though shortening and one stage THR is technically more demanding we believe it superior to the other techniques. (Hip International 2002; 12: 308-13).

Arthroplasty in high grade congenital hip dislocation: Personal experience and review of the literature

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in congenital high grade hip dislocation often represents a problematic issue. Reviewing their selected cases and literature data, authors focus on some key points for this demanding surgery. Most important steps are acetabular positioning and surgical approach (exposure and release). We used two different cups, the Zweymuller and the Wagner cup, with good primary stability. A Conus stem (Wagner) or an Alloclassic stem (in less displastic femoral shape) were used. We always performed this surgery as a one step procedure. In the same cases a shortening femoral osteotomy was performed to allow refractory reduction. Possible complications are discussed. (Hip International 2002; 2: 139-41).

Treatment of dysplastic and congenitally dislocated hips with the Zweymueller total hip prosthesis

Uncemented Zweymueller total hip prostheses were implanted in 35 dysplastic or dislocated hips in 33 patients. Sixteen hips were dislocated and 19 hips were dysplastic; in 12 hips, an intertrochanteric or pelvic osteotomy was performed in early childhood. In all cases, the titanium screw socket was implanted at the level of the original cotyloid cavity. Osteotomy of the greater trochanter, shortening osteotomy, or roof acetabuloplasty were not performed. In cases in which the femoral cavity was too narrow for the Zweymueller stem, an anterolateral longitudinal window-shaped osteotomy was performed. In cases of severe dysplasia, cotyloid cavity bone grafts from the resected femoral head were placed medially to reinforce the acetabular bottom. Clinical and radiographic follow-up ranged from 3-8 years. Average Harris hip score improved from 47 points preoperatively to 86.2 points postoperatively. Complications included two primary anterior dislocations, two temporary femoral nerve pareses, and two deep vein thromboses. At longest follow-up evaluation, no revision was indicated in any of the hips. Satisfactory results in this series were attributed to careful patient selection, precise preoperative radiographic planning, and an operative technique that included implantation of the socket at the primary acetabulum and achievement of primary stability using press-fit fixation.

A new technique of subtrochanteric shortening in total hip arthroplasty: surgical technique and results of 9 cases

Total hip arthroplasty for severe chronic proximal femoral migration, most commonly seen in congenital dislocation of the hip, has been associated with high rates of complications. A new technique of femoral subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy with the prosthesis in situ is described. This technique minimizes the potential complications, allows for correction of severe femoral neck anteversion, and gives excellent rotational stability, while preserving the proximal femur for better press-fit cementless fixation. In this series, there were 9 cases: 6 women and 2 men with a mean age of 53 years (range, 26-77 years). The average follow-up period was 56 months (range, 6-86 months). The mean preoperative Harris Hip Score was 31 (range, 20-35), and the mean postoperative score was 81 (range, 60-98). At follow-up, all patients reported significant pain relief and functional improvement. All osteotomies appeared to be healed on radiographs by 12 weeks. There were 3 complications. The first complication was a recurrent dislocation resulting from muscle incompetence, which was revised using a constrained liner and a 32-mm head with no further dislocations. The second complication was a breach of the femoral shaft, which was treated operatively using a longer stem. The third complication was a proximal femoral shaft split, which was treated by leaving the cerclage wire in situ. This technique should be considered in cases of congenital dislocation of the hip and when femoral shortening is needed.

Treatment of congenital dislocated hip by arthroplasty with femoral shortening

This was a retrospective study of 15 hips in 11 patients with complete congenital dislocation of the hip treated by total hip arthroplasty and femoral shortening with a subtrochanteric double chevron derotation osteotomy. The mean age at the time of surgery was 51 years (range, 21-74 years), and the mean followup was 5.5 years (range, 2-8.5 years). Functional evaluation using the modified Harris hip rating system showed an excellent result in five hips and a good result in seven hips (80% success rate). The location of the hip center was lowered by a mean of 8.3 cm (range, 5.7-10.4 cm). Leg length discrepancy in seven patients with unilateral involvement was reduced from a mean of 3.9 cm (range, 1.7-8.2 cm) before surgery to a mean of 1.4 cm at the latest followup (range, 0-4 cm). The Trendelenburg sign was assessed in 10 of 15 hips and was corrected from a positive preoperative status to a negative postoperative status in eight of these 10 hips. There were no cases of nonunion, dislocation, nerve palsy, or radiographic loosening. The only complications were a supracondylar fracture below the femoral component in a patient with severe osteoporosis 6 months after surgery and loosening of the cemented titanium metal backed acetabular component in the same patient 1.5 years after surgery. The current series showed that total hip arthroplasty in combination with a subtrochanteric double chevron derotation osteotomy has promising short to midterm results in the treatment of complete congenital dislocation of the hip in adults.

Treatment of high dislocation of the hip in adults with total hip arthroplasty. Operative technique and long-term clinical results

The clinical results of eighty-four total hip arthroplasties performed through a transtrochanteric approach in sixty-seven patients who had a high dislocation of the hip (the femoral head completely out of the acetabulum), from 1976 to 1994, were reviewed. The acetabular component was placed in the true acetabulum and the femur was shortened at the level of the femoral neck, along with release of the psoas tendon and the small external rotators, in order to facilitate reduction of the components and to avoid neurovascular complications. Eleven hip prostheses (13 per cent) failed at a mean of 6.4 years (range, two months to sixteen years) postoperatively; the failure was due to aseptic loosening of both components in four hips, aseptic loosening of the stem only in three, late infection in three, and malpositioning of the acetabular component that caused recurrent dislocations in one. The other seventy-three hips were functioning well at the latest follow-up examination, two to twenty years (mean, 7.1 years) postoperatively. The overall cumulative rate of success was 92.4 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval, 89.5 to 95.3 per cent) at five years and 88.0 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval, 82.2 to 93.8 per cent) at ten years. We believe that this operative technique of total hip arthroplasty is effective for the treatment of the difficult condition of high dislocation of the hip.

Total hip reconstruction in the anatomically distorted hip. Cemented versus hybrid total hip arthroplasty

Recent reports in the literature strongly support the idea that cement is the optimum form of fixation of the femoral component in total hip replacement. For hybrid total hip arthroplasty, we used a cemented cup instead of an uncemented cup since this was inevitable in cases of poorly developed acetabulum. The uncemented cone femoral component is also beneficial in cases of extremely narrow and cylindrical configuration of the medullary cavity of untreated congenital dislocation of the hips (CDH) and tuberculosis or septic arthritis in childhood. We reviewed the clinical result of a consecutive series of patients with cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) compared with recent studies on hybrid reconstruction using survivorship analysis. This subsequent study involved a hybrid uncemented Wagner cone femoral component and a cemented acetabular component with roof reinforcement by additional impacted cancellous allograft with hydroxyapatite (HA). We believe that early failure of the cemented components was due to an adverse effect of thin cement mantles around cemented femoral stems as well as the cemented cup in THA. In addition, 8 patients who received our modification of the Charnley CDH component had poor results even though we reduced the stem geometry and thickness. Furthermore, intraoperative fracture and splitting of the proximal femur was a major complication during implantation. Contrary to expectations, the results of these hybrid reconstructions were extremely encouraging (average follow-up period of 2-4.5 years). In addition to our experience of the cemented versus hybrid THA involving the uncemented Wagner femoral component, we have determined positive indications for the untreated and severely distorted anatomy of bilateral CDH for which surgical interventions for reconstruction were not recommended before.

Use of iliofemoral distraction in reducing high congenital dislocation of the hip before total hip arthroplasty

The iliofemoral distraction with Wagner's apparatus was conducted in 20 adult patients with untreated unilateral congenital dislocation of the hip (Crowe group IV) before total hip arthroplasty. During the distraction period of 8 to 17 days, this technique had effectively reduced high dislocation of 4.5 cm (range, 3.5-5 cm). No pin-tract infection was encountered. Surgical difficulties in total hip arthroplasty for these patients were reduced. Potential problems, such as irreducibility, overshortening, nerve palsy, and displaced femoral fractures, were avoided. At an average follow-up period of 43 months (range, 25-63 months), all patients have excellent or good results, with an average Harris hip score of 94.3 (range, 84-100). Leg length was restored. The iliofemoral distraction is valuable prior to difficult total hip arthroplasty for high dislocation.

Femoral shortening in total arthroplasty for completely dislocated hips: 3-7 year results in 25 cases

During the years 1988-1991, we performed 25 total hip replacements for completely dislocated hips in 15 women and 4 men with a median age of 54 (17-67) years. In all cases, femoral shortening at the subtrochanteric level was performed to obtain reduction of the hip. The patients have been followed for 3-7 years. 1 patient experienced sciatic nerve palsy, 1 a delayed union and 1 a malunion at the osteotomy site. There were no signs of mechanical failure. All patients were satisfied. According to the Charnley hip score, function was excellent in 15 cases, good in 9 and fair in 1. The median Harris hip score improved from 43 at the time of operation to 93 at follow-up. 7 hips had a positive and 18 a negative Trendelenburg test. Before operation, all patients had a Trendelenburg limp. Our intermediate results indicate that femoral shortening at the subtrochanteric level is a suitable adjunct to total arthroplasty for a completely dislocated hip.