Outcomes of Isolated Femoral Head and Polyethylene Liner Exchange in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

In the existing literature, isolated femoral head and polyethylene liner exchange is commonly performed in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) for a variety of indications with mixed outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate patient outcomes following head-liner exchange and risk factors associated with failure in THA.

A retrospective chart review from May 2016 to November 2023 was conducted on patients who underwent isolated head-liner exchange at two institutions. Patients had minimum 1-year follow-up periods. For each patient, data such as indication for revision, surgical approach, revision head size, immediate and short-term complications, postoperative disposition, 90-day readmissions, and re-operations were recorded.

Out of 175 patients, there were 24 readmissions/emergency department visits within 90 postoperative days (13.7%), 21 subsequent revision surgeries (12.0%), 21 postoperative dislocations (12.0%), and 20 immediate postoperative complications (11.4%). A statistically significant association was demonstrated between indication for revision and postoperative instability (P=0.04). Patients operated upon for instability had higher rates of postoperative instability. Furthermore, patients with reported preoperative dislocation events had higher incidences of postoperative dislocations. Patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNF) were associated with an increased number of hospital readmissions within 90 days of surgery, reoperation, and postoperative dislocation (P<0.05). No statistically significant associations were found between surgical approach and complications.

This study suggests that, in the context of isolated head-liner exchanges, factors such as preoperative dislocation history, indication for revision, and discharge to SNF are associated with poorer outcomes and complications.