THE SHORT-TERM COMPLICATIONS OF 55 BIRMINGHAM HIP RESURFACINGS IN EAST KENT

Abstract

Approximately 46,000 total hip replacements are performed in the U.K. annually with a dislocation rate between 2 and 5%. Birmingham hip resurfacing (BHR) is a bone conserving metal on metal prosthesis, designed for young patients with hip arthroses that claims to substantially reduce the problem of dislocation. Derek McMinn has reported a personal series of 1,030 BHR’s with a dislocation rate of 0.001% (1 out of 1,030). We present a consecutive series of 55 BHR’s performed by one consultant between January 1998 and June 2001 with a dislocation rate of 7.3% (4 out of 55). 3 out of 4 dislocations occurred in anatomically abnormal hips (two occurred in a patient with developmental dysplasia of the hips and one with avascular necrosis of the femoral head). In this paper, we discuss the possible causes of dislocation in BHR. We suggest careful patient selection by less experienced surgeons to reduce the risk of dislocation following BHR.