Modular Dual Mobility Constructs Used for Recurrent Hip Instability

Background Recurrent hip dislocation despite prior attempts at surgical stabilization is a dreadful and technically challenging complication. A modular dual mobility (MDM) articulation has shown promise in addressing this problem, which might seem intractable. Our purpose was to examine the outcomes of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) with an MDM placed through a direct anterior (DA) approach when all other conservative and surgical treatments have failed. Methods Fifteen patients revised with an MDM for recurrent instability (RI) between 2012 and 2018 by a single surgeon at a single institution were reviewed retrospectively, with a minimum of two years' follow-up. All patients underwent full acetabular revision with an MDM articulation through a DA approach with intraoperative fluoroscopy. No stems were revised. Dislocations, complications, and clinical outcomes are reported. Results All patients had recurrent posterior instability with a mean number of 4 ± 2 (range: 2 to 8) dislocations prior to MDM revision THA (MDM rTHA). Eight patients had already failed surgical intervention for instability, and seven had failed repeated closed reductions and conservative care. After MDM rTHA, there were no dislocations at a mean follow-up of 4 ± 1 years (range: 2 to 8). Similarly, there were no further revisions or reoperations. Postoperatively, the mean cup inclination improved to 45 ± 2 degrees (range: 41 to 48), and the mean anteversion improved to 20 ± 2 degrees (range: 17 to 23). All cups were well-positioned utilizing fluoroscopic guidance. The mean effective head size increased from 32 mm to 44 mm. The mean hip disability and osteoarthritis disability score (HOOS, Jr) was 73 ± 25% (range: 40 to 100). Conclusion Refractory hip instability in THA may be effectively managed with an MDM articulation, even when prior attempts at surgical stabilization have failed. Intraoperative imaging and a direct anterior approach may aid the challenges of implant positioning and achieving hip stability in a revision setting.