We reported on the outcome of 84 Charnley low friction arthroplasties performed by one of us (GH), the period 1973 to 1984, in 69 patients, less than fifty-five years old, with osteoarthritis mainly due to congenital hip disease. The patients were followed prospectively; clinically using the Merle D’Aubigné and Postel scoring system, as modified by Charnley and also radiographically. At the time of the latest follow-up, thirty-seven hips had failed (44%). In thirty-two hips, twenty-eight acetabular and thirty femoral components were revised because of aseptic loosening (six of the femoral components were broken). Three hips were infected and converted to resection arthroplasty. In two more hips a periprosthetic femur fracture occurred three and ten years postoperatively and were treated with internal fixation. After a minimum of twenty-two years from the index operation, 37 original acetabular components and 36 original femoral components were in place for an average of 29 years. The probability of survival for both components with failure for any reason as the end point was 0.51 (95% confidence interval, 0.39 to 0.62) at twenty-five years when 35 hips were at risk. These long term results can be used as a benchmark of endurance of current total hip arthroplasties performed in young patients, with OA mainly due to congenital hip disease.
The purpose of this study is to present early results, common pitfalls and management in in cases of revision hip arthroplsty in patients with congenital disease of the hip. From 2001 to 2006, 36 consecutive cemented THAs with a history of congenital hip disease were revised due to aseptic loosening (31 cases), stem fracture (3 cases), septic loosening (2 case). There were thirty patients, all females, with a mean age at revision 61.7 years (range, 40 to 76). The revision was performed after a mean 15.4 years post primary operation (range, 9 to 26). In 7 cases the cup only, in 5 cases the stem only, and in 24 cases both components were revised. The mean follow-up was 43 months (range, 24 to 84). There were 3 intraoperative femoral fractures managed with long stem and circlage wires. Postoperatively, 5 hips were infected and sustained a 2 stage revision using a cement spacer. 3 hips were revised due to loosening. 28 cups and 28 stems remained intact for an average 45.2 months (range, 24 to 84). The probability of survival at 48 months was 76.3% (±9.7%) for the cups (12 components at risk) and 76.4% (±11.3%) for the stems (9 components at risk). Revision of a CDH arthroplasty is difficult and non predictable. Lack of acetabular bone stock and anatomical abnormalities of the femur lead to increased intra and postoperative complication rate.
For better communication, treatment planning and evaluation of results, a generally accepted classification is needed for determining the different types of congenital hip disease (usually referred to as developmental dysplasia of the hip) in adults. We have proposed the use of the following classification: Dysplasia, Low Dislocation, and High Dislocation. Knowledge of the local anatomical abnormalities in these three types of the disease is mandatory. Total hip arthroplasty in all three types (especially in high dislocation) is a demanding operation and should be decided when there is an absolute indication. The acetabular component must be placed at the site of the true acetabulum, mainly for mechanical reasons. After the reaming process, if the remaining osseous cavity cannot accommodate a small cementless cup with at least 80% coverage of the implant, the cotyloplasty technique is recommended. This technique involves medial advancement of the acetabular floor by the creation of a controlled comminuted fracture, autogenous bone grafting, and the implantation of a small acetabular component with cement, usually the offset-bore acetabular cup of Charnley. In order to facilitate reduction of the components and to avoid neurovascular complications, the femur is shortened at the level of the femoral neck, along with release of the psoas tendon and the small external rotators. We believe that this operative technique of total hip arthroplasty is effective for the treatment of difficult conditions of highly dislocated hips.
