Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty in Severe Dysplastic Hip Osteoarthritis With a Far Proximal Cup Position

Developmental hip dysplasia is the most common cause of secondary hip osteoarthritis. Due to severe acetabular bone deficiency, cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty (THA) of dysplastic hips remains a surgical challenge. The aim was to analyze the functional outcome of far proximal cup positions in primary THA.

Fifty patients (61 hips) with THA for severe dysplastic osteoarthritis and a far proximal cup position were included. Patients were divided according to the heights of the implanted cups with increasing vertical distance from the interteardrop line (group A: 55-65 mm, group B: 65-75 mm, group C: >75 mm). Functional outcome was assessed at latest follow-up (38 ± 16 months) by Lower Extremity Functional Score, Tegner Activity Score, and Harris Hip Score (HHS). Patients answered a Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. Leg length discrepancy was estimated radiographically.

The Lower Extremity Functional Score significantly decreased in C (45.3 ± 25) compared to A (66.7 ± 15.3) and B (67.9 ± 9.9). The Tegner Activity Score significantly increased in all subgroups from preoperative to postoperative (2.2 ± 1.3 to 4.1 ± 1.4; P < .05). The mean overall HHS was 89.3 ± 14.7 (A: 89.5 ± 14.3, B: 94.3 ± 6.5, C: 78.3 ± 22.1). The HHS domains of activity of daily life and gait were significantly reduced in C (P < .05). Patients described a high satisfaction level with the surgery. No significant differences were found with regard to preoperative and postoperative leg lengthening (P = .881). Neither dislocations, impingement problems nor neurologic complications were observed.

Primary THA without any concomitant surgical interventions with a far proximal cup position offers a safe and effective treatment option in severe dysplastic hip osteoarthritis.