Retrospective multi-centre study on head adapters in partial revision hip arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Instability and dislocation are common complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA), often necessitating revision surgery.
• THA head-neck adapters offer a potential solution for reconstructing femoral offset and leg length in revision THA (rTHA) while maintaining implant stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using head adapters in partial revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) to prevent implant instability.
• To report on the outcomes of revision THA utilizing the Bioball Head Adapter (BHA).

Main Methods:

• A retrospective multi-center study involving 55 partial rTHA cases using the Bioball Head Adapter (BHA).
• Procedures were performed between February 2015 and April 2017 across three hospitals.
• Radiological evaluation at an average 3.5-year follow-up, with failure defined as re-revision or subjective instability.

Main Results:

• A single failure was recorded in an extreme case.
• Radiological assessments indicated no signs of radiolucencies or loosening in any implants, suggesting overall stability.
• All implants were considered stable, with no major complications reported.

Conclusions:

• The Bioball Head Adapter (BHA) system demonstrates safety and flexibility in partial revision total hip arthroplasty.
• BHA facilitates restoration of femoral offset and version, leg length adjustment, and instability minimization.
• This approach avoids unnecessary removal of well-fixed components, potentially improving tribology and reducing taper junction issues.