Isolated acetabular polyethylene exchange through the anterolateral approach

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Medical Device Engineering

Background:

• Polyethylene wear and osteolysis are common complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA).
• Isolated acetabular liner exchange is a recognized surgical option for managing these issues.
• Concerns exist regarding the incidence of instability after isolated liner exchange.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of isolated acetabular liner exchange in patients with polyethylene wear.
• To assess the efficacy of this procedure in managing both polyethylene wear with osteolysis and polyethylene wear with instability.
• To determine the rate of postoperative dislocation following isolated acetabular liner exchange.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 35 patients undergoing isolated acetabular liner exchange.
• All procedures were performed using an anterolateral surgical approach.
• Patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years, with specific attention to instability and dislocation.

Main Results:

• Overall, 2 out of 35 patients (6%) experienced postoperative dislocation.
• These dislocations occurred in patients with polyethylene wear and osteolysis.
• The procedure successfully resolved instability in all 19 patients who initially presented with polyethylene wear and dislocation.

Conclusions:

• Isolated acetabular liner exchange is an effective treatment for hip instability secondary to polyethylene wear.
• The anterolateral approach for isolated liner exchange demonstrates an acceptable rate of postoperative dislocation.
• This surgical technique provides a valuable option for managing specific complications of total hip arthroplasty.