Dual-mobility (DM) bearings are effective to mitigate dislocation in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, data on its use for treating dislocation is scarce. Aim of this study was to compare DM bearings, standard bearings and constrained liner (CL) in revision THA for recurrent dislocation and to identify risk factors for re-dislocation.

We reviewed 100 consecutive revision THAs performed for dislocation from 2012 and 2019. 45 hips (45%) received a DM construct, while 44 hips (44%) and 11 hips (11%) had a standard bearing and CL, respectively. Rates of re-dislocation, re-revision for dislocation and overall re-revision were compared. Radiographs were assessed for cup positioning, restoration of centre of rotation, leg length and offset. Risk factors for re-dislocation were determined by cox regression analysis. Modified Harris hip scores (mHHS) were calculated. Mean follow-up was 53 months (1 to 103).

DM constructs were used more frequently in elderly patients (p=0.011) and hips with abductor deficiency (p< 0.001). The re-dislocation rate was 11.1% for DM bearings compared with 15.9% for standard bearings and 18.2% for CL (p=0.732). Revision-free survival for DM constructs was 83% (95% CI 0.77 – 0.90) compared to 75% (95% CI 0.68 – 0.82) for standard articulations and 71% (95% CI 0.56 – 0.85) for CL (p=0.455). Younger age (HR 0.91; p=0.020), lower comorbidity (HR 0.42; p=0.031), smaller heads (HR 0.80; p=0.041) and cup retention (HR 8.23; p=0.022) were associated with re-dislocation. Radiological analysis did not reveal a relationship between restoration of hip geometry and re-dislocation. mHHS significantly improved from 43.8 points to 65.7 points (p<0.001) with no differences among bearing types.

Our findings suggest that DM bearings do not sufficiently prevent dislocation in revision THA for recurrent dislocation. Reconstruction of the abductor complex may play a key role to reduce the burden in these high-risk patients.