Aim: This study was performed to review the early results of the use of a semi-constrained acetabular component in the treatment of recurrent hip dislocation at Palmerston North Hospital.

Method: A retrospective case study of patients who underwent acetabular component revision with a semi-constrained cup for recurrent dislocation of the hip was performed.

Results: Between April 1999 and July 2000, 10 patients with an average age of 75 years underwent acetabulum revision with a semi-constrained cup. There was an average of four dislocations before revision surgery, per patient. At follow-up between three and 18 months after the revision, there had been no dislocations. Aggressive post-operative rehabilitation was permitted, allowing discharge at an average of seven days postoperatively.

Conclusion: The use of a semi-constrained acetabular cup was successful as a means of treatment for recurrent hip dislocation. This is an early review of the use of the implant. There are no published data on long term survival of this implant. The semi-constrained cup provides a simple yet effective option for dealing with the elderly recurrent hip dislocation