Abstract
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) has been associated with increased rates of complications and revision. Hip instability and wear-induced osteolysis are among the more common and serious of these problems. The current investigation prospectively assessed the survivorship and clinical results of patients with DDH treated by alumina ceramic-ceramic THA.
We investigated 161 consecutive hips in 145 patients with DDH classified as Crowe type I (131 hips, 81%), II (26 hips, 16%), III (2 hips, 1%), and IV (2 hips, 1%). All patients had an uncemented titanium acetabular component with a flush mounted alumina ceramic-ceramic bearing. The mean age at operation was 48.0 ± 12.2 years (range, 18 – 79 years). The preoperative Merle d'Aubigné score was 11.4 ± 1.7 (6 – 15). 27 hips (17%) had at least one previous surgical procedure. 92 hips (57%) were replaced with the use of surgical navigation for acetabular component positioning. The mean cup diameter was 49.9 ± 3.4 mm (46 – 60 mm). 88 (55%) bearings were 28mm and 73 (45%) bearings were 32mm.
At a mean follow-up of 6.1 ± 2.5 years (2 – 11.3 years), the mean Merle d'Aubigné score was 17.4 ± 0.9 (14 – 18). There were no cases of osteolysis or dislocation. There was one reoperation of an early displaced cup. In addition, there was one calcar crack that was cerclaged, one intraoperative trochanteric fracture also repaired at surgery. No patient complained of squeaking. 94 patients with 100 hips (61%) completed a questionnaire specifically asking for squeaking. None of these patients reported squeaking. The 10-year Kaplan Meier survivorship of the implants (revision of any component for any reason) was 99.4% (95% confidence interval 98.2-100%).
Results of ceramic-ceramic THA in young patients with low to middle graded DDH after two to eleven years follow-up are promising with no radiographic signs of osteolysis or dislocation.
