Isolated liner exchange using the anterolateral approach is associated with a low risk of dislocation

Authors of reports on the outcome of isolated liner exchange for osteolysis and wear have reported high dislocation rates. Twenty-six patients (27 hips) with a minimum of 2 years of followup had isolated liner exchange for wear and osteolysis done using the abductor splitting anterolateral approach. The mean followup was 41 months. The average age at time of surgery was 51 years. Preoperative Harris hip scores averaged 70, and increased to 82 at the most recent followup. We observed improvements in pain and functional scores. The average operating time was 82 minutes, and the average blood loss was 255 mL. Only three (12%) patients required transfusion. No components were rerevised for aseptic loosening, and one patient (one hip) had a dislocation (3.7%). Isolated liner exchange for osteolysis and wear done using the anterolateral approach has a lower risk of dislocation than previously reported and provides substantial improvements in pain, function, and Harris hip score.

Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.