Constrained captive acetabular cup for recurrent dislocation of hemiarthroplasty in elderly: A case series

Hemiarthroplasty of the hip is one of the commonest procedures done for intracapsular fractures of the neck of femur in elderly. Dislocation of the hemiarthroplasty is a recognised and significant complication. This is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The treatment options include closed manipulation, skin and skeletal traction, conversion to total hip replacement, exploration and open reduction and leaving it out of the acetabulum.

A retrospective review of ten patients with recurrent and failed closed manipulative reduction of hemiarthroplasty who underwent revision using a cemented captive acetabular cup and cement to cement revision of femoral component with Exeter CDH stem was carried out. The follow up period was two years and the functional outcomes were assessed using Harris hip scores.

The management of recurrent dislocations of hemiarthroplasty in elderly patient are very challenging. Even though various treatment options are described most of them are associated with increased morbidity and mortality and prevent these patients from early mobilisation. The use of captive acetabular avoid repeated dislocations, prolonged bed rest, wearing of a brace and all the complications associated with sustained immobilization. The drawbacks of using constrained cups are hip pain, limited hip movements and loosening.

We describe a new method of treatment of this difficult condition with a cemented constrained acetabular captive cup and cement to cement revision using a CDH femoral stem. This method prevents further dislocations and will give good functional outcomes thus reducing the high morbidity and mortality.