Wroblewski wedge augmentation for recurrent posterior dislocation of the Charnley total hip replacement

We analysed 68 cases of acetabular augmentation using the Wroblewski wedge for recurrent posterior dislocation of Charnley total hip replacements inserted through a posterior approach. The follow-up was done by postal questionnaire in living patients or by thorough search of case notes in the dead. All hips were followed up either until death or a minimum of 2 years. The average follow-up for the surviving successful group was 35.3 months. Out of 68 hips, 52 (76%) had no further dislocation at a mean follow-up of 35.3 months (range, 24-95 months). An additional 4 hips became stable after one closed reduction for a re-dislocation. After a second augmentation, 5 more hips were stabilised. Wroblewski wedge augmentation is a simple and effective procedure and should be considered before embarking on major revisions in recurrent posterior dislocations in the elderly with no obvious cause for instability.