A simple technique for adjustment of the femoral offset at the site of hip spacer implantation

Relationship between femoral offset and dislocation in preformed antibiotic-loaded cement spacers (Spacer-G®)

INTRODUCTION

A reduction in femoral offset may decrease muscle tension and lead to spacer dislocations even though proximal femur, musculature and acetabulum remain intact. In this study, we aimed to determine whether postoperative lateral femoral offset (LFO) and modified vertical femoral offset (MVFO) values affect the risk of dislocation of a hip spacer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We measured LFO and MVFO in properly centred, postoperative, anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis in 66 patients (71 spacers). We then compared the operated and non-operated sides and recorded any dislocations.

RESULTS

Although LFO decreased (p<0.001), the reduction was not associated with dislocation (p = 0.471). MVFO remained unchanged after spacer implantation (p = 0.277) and was not associated with dislocation (p = 0.418).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the preformed spacer decreased LFO but not MVFO compared with the contralateral hip. The variations did not significantly affect the dislocation rate.