Computer Navigation for Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Reduces Dislocation Rates

Computer navigation in total hip arthroplasty (THA) offers potential for more accurate placement of acetabular components, avoiding impingement, edge loading, and dislocation, all of which can necessitate revision THA (rTHA). Therefore, the use of computer navigation may be particularly beneficial in patients undergoing rTHA. The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of computer-assisted hip navigation reduces the rate of dislocation in patients undergoing rTHA.

A retrospective review of 72 patients undergoing computer-navigated rTHA between February 2016 and May 2017 was performed. Demographics, indications for revision, type of procedure performed, and incidence of postoperative dislocation were collected for all patients. Clinical follow-up was recorded at 3 months, 1 year and 2 years.

All 72 patients (48% female; 52% male) were included for analysis. The mean age was 70.4 ± 11.2 years and mean BMI was 26.4 ± 5.2 kg/m². 22 of 72 patients (31%) required a rTHA procedure due to instability resulting in dislocation. At 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years, there were no dislocations (0%). There was a significant reduction in dislocation rate after computer-navigated rTHA (0%) relative to that following primary THA in the same patient cohort (31%; p < 0.05).

Our study demonstrates a significant reduction in dislocation rate following rTHA with computer navigation. Although the cause of postoperative dislocation is often multifactorial, the use of computer navigation may help to curtail femoral and acetabular malalignment in rTHA.

Level III: retrospective.