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Thoracic disk herniation and recurrent dislocation of total hip prosthesis
1National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, DC 20010.
Southern Medical Journal
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Thoracic disk herniation and heterotopic ossification can complicate total hip arthroplasty, leading to recurrent dislocations. Neurologic evaluation is crucial for diagnosing occult spinal lesions causing hip instability.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Recurrent dislocation of total hip prostheses presents a significant challenge in orthopedic surgery.
- Heterotopic ossification is a known complication following hip arthroplasty, potentially leading to joint stiffness and instability.
Observation:
- A patient presented with recurrent dislocation of a total hip prosthesis, concurrent with thoracic disk herniation and heterotopic ossification.
- The recurrent dislocations were attributed to spasticity originating from an undiagnosed spinal lesion.
Findings:
- The study highlights a complex case where spinal pathology (thoracic disk herniation) induced spasticity, leading to hip prosthesis dislocation.
- Technical hip-focused treatments were insufficient without addressing the underlying neurologic cause.
Implications:
- Thorough neurologic examination is essential during the evaluation for total hip arthroplasty to identify potential occult spinal lesions.
- Spasticity from spinal lesions should be considered in cases of recurrent hip dislocation post-arthroplasty.
- Surgical intervention for calcified thoracic disks requires careful consideration due to potential complications.