Abstract
Dislocation is a particular problem after total hip replacement in femoral neck fractures and elderly especially female patients. The increased rate of dislocation in this population is probably due to significant ligamentous laxity in these patients and poor coordination and proprioception. Another population of patients with increased propensity for dislocation is the revision hip replacement patient. Current dislocation rates in these patients can approach 10% with conventional implant systems.
The Dual Mobility total hip system is composed of a cobalt chrome acetabular shell with a grit blasted, beaded and/or hydroxyapatite coating to improve bone ingrowth. The polyethylene liner is highly cross-linked polyethylene and fits congruently into the cobalt chrome shell and acts like a large femoral head (usually >40mm). The femoral head attached to the trunnion is usually 28mm or 32mm. The femoral head snaps into the polyethylene liner to acts as a second protection against dislocation.
Indications for the Dual Mobility socket are in the high risk for dislocation patient and particularly in elderly female patients. One hundred fifty-six patients with an average age of 79 have been performed to date with a maximum follow up to 4.2 years. To date there have been no mechanical or septic failures and no dislocations. Pain relief has been no different than conventional hip replacement and range of motion is unchanged as well. There have been reported cases of intraprosthetic dislocation but these have not occurred to date.
