Abstract
Hip instability is one of the most common complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Among the possible techniques to treat and prevent hip dislocation, the use of constrained liners is a well-established option. However, there is concern regarding the longevity of these devices due to higher mechanical stress caused by limited hip motion. The primary aim of this paper is to analyze the failure rate of a specific constrained liner in a series of consecutive cases.
This study is a retrospective consecutive case series of THA and revision hip arthroplasty (RHA), in which a constrained polyethylene insert was used to treat or prevent hip instability. Patients were divided in 3 different groups (THA for hip fracture, THA for osteoarthrosis, and RHA). Survival analysis was performed for failure, defined as at least one episode of hip dislocation or radiographical signs of acetabular loosening. Logistical regression was used to investigate risk factors for failure.
A total of 103 patients were included in the study. Fourteen patients (13,6%) were THA for osteoarthrosis, 60 (58,3%) were THA for hip fracture, and 29(28,2%) were RHA. The median follow-up was 28 months (ranging 12 − 173 months). Failure occurred in 4 cases (3,9%) comprehending 2 dislocations (1,9%) and 2 early acetabular loosening (1,9%). Amongst the groups, there were no cases of failures in the THA due to osteoarthrosis, in the THA for hip fracture there were 3 cases (5%) and in the RHA one case (3,4%). Failure-free survival was not statistically different between groups. There were no risk factors statistically related to failure.
The use of constrained acetabular insert to prevent or treat instability achieved an adequate survival time with a low rate of complications. Further studies are necessary to corroborate our findings.
