THE ROLE OF CAPSULAR REPAIR IN PREVENTING DISLOCATION FOLLOWING REVISION TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

Abstract

This is the first study to determine if closure of the posterior capsule during revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) results in a reduction in the historically high dislocation rate. Seventy-nine consecutive patients undergoing revision THA with a posterolateral approach and closure of the posterior hip capsule were retrospectively reviewed. At a mean follow-up of fifty-seven months (range twenty-four to one hundred and twenty months), there were only two dislocations (2.5%). The historically high dislocation rates with the posterolateral approach in revision THA, can be significantly decreased with posterior capsular closure from approximately 15% to 2.5%.

To determine if closure of the posterior capsule during revision total hip arthroplasty results in a reduction in the historically high dislocation rate.

The dislocation rate after revision THA with a posterior approach can be minimized by repairing the posterior capsule and rotators.

The historically high dislocation rates with the pos-terolateral approach in revision THA, can be significantly decreased with posterior capsular closure from approximately 15% to 2.5%.

A retrospective study was carried out to review seventy-nine consecutive revision THAs. In all cases, the surgery was done by a single surgeon using the posterolateral approach. In every case, the posterior capsule was meticulously repaired at the end of the procedure. All patients had a minimum two- year follow-up and no patients were lost to follow up.

At a mean follow-up of fifty-seven months (range twenty-four to one hundred and twenty months), there were only two dislocations (2.5%). Both dislocations occurred early postoperatively were anterior. One occurred in a high risk case- a proximal femoral replacement with a trochanteric osteotomy, high hip center and skirted head. The other was due to a technical error, with the cup being excessively anteverted. There were no late dislocations or subluxations.

The dislocation rate after revision THA with a posterior approach can be minimized by balancing soft tissues, correct implant alignment and repairing the posterior capsule and rotators.