A SIMPLE CAPSULORRHAPHY TO MINIMIZE POSTERIOR HIP DISLOCATION FOLLOWING A POSTERIOR APPROACH TO THE HIP FOR TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

Abstract

Introduction In an attempt to decrease the incidence of posterior hip dislocation following a posterior approach, a simple capsulorrhaphy was utilized in 255 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties performed by one surgeon.

Methods All patients were reviewed at a minimum of two years post-operatively and no patient was lost to follow-up. One patient sustained a posterior hip dislocation, while there were no anterior hip dislocations. The dislocation rate of 0.39 is equal to or less than the rates of dislocation reported in the literature using a direct lateral approach.

Conclusions We postulate that this capsular repair creates not only a static restraint but also a capsule and gluteus medius mediated proprioceptive feedback to guard against extremes of internal rotation of the hip.