Abstract
Polyethylene liners of modular acetabular components wear and sometimes need to be replaced, despite the metal shell being well fixed. Replacing the liner is a relatively simple procedure, but very little is known of the outcome of liner revision. We prospectively followed up 1126 Harris-Gallante 1 metal backed, uncemented cups for between 9 and 19 years. 38 (3.4%) liners out of 1126 acetabular components wore and required revision. These revisions were then followed up for a mean of 4.8 years. The rate of dislocation was 28.9%. Nine of the dislocations were single dislocations and 2 were recurrent.
The overall re-revision rate was 3 out of 38 total hip replacements (7.9%) at a mean follow up of 4.8 years. This gives a 92.1% survivorship at just under 5 years. In isolated liner revision we had a complication rate of 23%. In liner revision combined with stem revision we had a complication rate of 48%. Possible reasons for high dislocation rates are discussed.
Leaving the well fixed acetabular shell in-situ leads to an increased risk of instability. However, this needs to be balanced against the otherwise low complication rate for liner revision. Patients should be consented accordingly
Correspondence should be addressed to David Bracey, Honorary Secretary c/o Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3LJ
