Abductor Deficiency-Induced Recurrent Instability After Total Hip Arthroplasty

» Operative intervention for deficient hip abductor muscles may require muscle transfer or the use of synthetic materials, possibly with biologic augmentation, to help stabilize the hip joint and prevent further dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA). » Direct repair of the abductor mechanism onto the greater trochanter can be used in patients who present with instability <15 months following primary THA. » Augmentation of soft tissue with acellular dermal allografts can be considered for patients with abductor avulsion that requires posterior capsular reconstruction. » The Achilles tendon + calcaneal bone allograft is indicated for patients who have undergone multiple prior revision surgeries, who have experienced failure of nonoperative management, and have tissue inadequacy in the posterior wall of the hip joint. » The gluteus maximus tendon transfer is indicated in patients with chronic abductor tears, limited or loss of function in the gluteus medius and minimus, and a fully functioning gluteus maximus. » Vastus lateralis transfer may benefit patients with a history of multiple revision procedures, large separation between the gluteus medius tendon and the proximal part of the femur, and the ability to observe the postoperative protocol of splinting for 6 weeks. » The latissimus dorsi tendon transfer should be reserved as a reconstructive procedure for patients with acute abductor insufficiency, such as those who have undergone extensive tumor resection. » Synthetic mesh can be used to enable capsular reconstruction and prosthesis stabilization in patients undergoing salvage procedures for tumors of the hip and associated soft tissues. » Synthetic ligament prostheses can be used in patients with recurrent posterior dislocations in the setting of normal components. » The fascia lata plasty is indicated for patients with recurrent posterior instability without an identifiable cause. » Although the quality of literature is limited, surgical interventions utilizing techniques of soft-tissue augmentation have shown promising outcomes with regard to pain relief, limping, ambulation, and the reduction of instability following THA.