Abstract
In primary total hip arthroplasty in patients affected by congenital dysplasia of the hip, stabilisation of the cup because of the altered shape of the acetabulum presents a problem. We have obviated this by creating a standard protocol with a press-fit classification that helps us to resolve such problems. In 269 cases (from 1994 to 2004) of patients affected by congenital dysplasia of the hip, we have always reconstructed the acetabulum using autologous bone grafts. After the right preparation of the acetabulum, when the cover of the metal back is complete and the stability is optimal (type I), bone grafts are not required (106 cases). After positioning of the cup, if we find defects that leave less than 30% of the external surface of the metal back uncovered but the stability is good (type II) (138 cases), we reconstruct such defects with small bone grafts (bone chips) captured by the femoral head of the patient. Greater bony defects that, after positioning of the metal back, do not allow an adequate stability and leave more than 30% of the cup (type III) uncovered (25 cases), we reconstruct the acetabulum with part of the femoral head fixed with screws. The follow-up at more than 5 years is between good and excellent (89–100) in all pateitns according to the Harris Hip Score.
