Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Component impingement in total hip arthroplasty (THA) can cause implant damage or dislocation. Dual mobility (DM) implants are thought to reduce dislocation risk, but impingement on metal acetabular bearings may cause femoral component notching. We studied the prevalence of (and risk factors for) femoral notching with DM across two institutions.
METHODS
We identified 37 patients with minimum 1-year radiographic follow-up after primary (19), revision (16), or conversion (2) THA with 3 distinct DM devices between 2012 and 2017. Indications for DM included osteonecrosis, femoral neck fracture, concomitant spinal or neurologic pathology, revision or conversion surgery, and history of prosthetic hip dislocation. Most recent radiographs were reviewed and assessed for notching. Acetabular anteversion and abduction were calculated as per Widmer (2004). Records were reviewed for dislocations and reoperations.
RESULTS
2/37 of cases demonstrated femoral component notching, best seen on Dunn views (available in 7/37 cases). Notching was associated with increased mean acetabular anteversion (32.5° with notch, 19.6° without; p=.03). 2/5 patients with anteversion greater than 30° had notching, while no patients with less anteversion had notching (p=.01). Recurrent posterior instability was the indication for 6 revision THAs studied. Both cases of notching were in this group. Although not statistically associated with implant design, notching occurred in 2/18 MDM, 0/10 ADM and 0/9 G7 constructs. Dislocation occurred in 0/18 MDM, 0/10 ADM and 2/9 G7 constructs (p=.04), resulting in one revision to a constrained liner. We observed no significant differences in rate of notching or dislocation with respect to age, cup or head size, or component abduction.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Femoral notching was identified in 5% of DM cases, equal to the rate of dislocation. Dunn views are not routine after THA, so the incidence may be underestimated. Increasing acetabular anteversion to minimize posterior dislocation is a risk factor. Dislocation and notching incidence may vary between DM components based on design features. Further study is warranted to determine clinical significance.
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