Outcome and complications of constrained acetabular components

Constrained acetabular liners were developed for the surgical treatment of recurrent instability by holding the femoral head captive within the socket. This article summarizes the data describing constrained component designs, indications, outcome, and complications. Different designs accept head sizes of varying diameter and have differing amounts of rim elevation and offset, allowing slight variations in the range of movement allowed. Complications of constrained acetabular components can be divided into three categories. The first category is directly related to the constraining mechanism such as dislocation, head dissociation from the stem, liner dissociation from the acetabular device, and impingement with or without locking ring breakage. The second category is related to increased constraint such as aseptic component loosening and osteolysis and periprosthetic fracture. The third category includes those cases not associated with increased constraint such as infection, deep vein thrombosis, and periprosthetic fracture. This device is effective at achieving hip stability, but the complications related to the constraining mechanism and increased constraint are of concern. These devices should be used as a salvage measure for the treatment of severe instability.