Femoral Head Autograft Can Reliably Reconstruct Dysplastic Acetabula Through the Direct Anterior Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Bone deficiencies in dysplastic acetabula create technical difficulties during total hip arthroplasty (THA). Bulk femoral head autograft (FHA) is one method to increase cup coverage and bone stock of the true acetabulum; however, only limited data exist on its efficacy through a direct anterior approach (DAA). This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of FHA during THA via a DAA in dysplastic hips. METHODS: Retrospective review of 34 patients (41 hips) with hip dysplasia (Crowe I-III) who underwent primary THA via a DAA with FHA at a single institution was performed. Surgical procedures were performed on a traction table with intraoperative fluoroscopy and highly porous-coated cup placement in the true acetabulum. Patients were assessed clinically and radiographically at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively (range, 2 to 7). RESULTS: The average modified Harris Hip Score improved from 31.9 ± 10.8 to 94.1 ± 5.8, Merle d'Aubigné Hip Score from 7.5 ± 2.8 to 16.6 ± 1.1, and visual analog pain score from 7.9 ± 2.7 to 1.4 ± 1.4 (all P < .001). All hips had an “anatomic” inferomedial cup position postoperatively, with an average increase in horizontal coverage of 43.4%. Mean postoperative limb-length discrepancy improved from 21.8 ± 16.1 mm to 1.6 ± 5.7 mm (P < .001). There were no cases of revision THA, nor complications such as dislocation, infection, or osteolysis. CONCLUSION: Reconstructing dysplastic acetabula (Crowe I-III) with FHA during THA can be successfully accomplished via the DAA with increased acetabular bone stock and accurate correction of limb-length discrepancy.