The dual-mobility POLARCUP: first results from a multicenter study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Dislocation is a significant complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA), often necessitating revision surgery.
• Dual-mobility implants, featuring a mobile liner within a metallic shell, were developed to enhance stability and reduce dislocation rates.
• The third-generation POLARCUP Dual-Mobility System represents an advancement in this technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical outcomes and implant survival of the POLARCUP Dual-Mobility System in primary total hip arthroplasty.
• To assess the system's efficacy in preventing dislocations and improving patient function.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 150 patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty with the POLARCUP Dual-Mobility System.
• Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine cumulative cup survival.
• Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Postel-Merle d'Aubigne score.

Main Results:

• At a mean follow-up of 7.1 years, the cumulative cup survival rate was 97.4%.
• The mean Postel-Merle d'Aubigne score significantly improved from 8.9 to 17.1.
• Two cases (1.3%) required revision due to aseptic loosening at 5.4 and 6.4 years, with no dislocations observed during the follow-up period.

Conclusions:

• The POLARCUP Dual-Mobility System demonstrates excellent early to midterm clinical performance in primary total hip arthroplasty.
• The system effectively minimizes the risk of dislocation, a major cause of revision surgery.
• High implant survival rates and significant functional improvements support its use in THA.