Utilizing Dual Mobility Components for First-Time Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty for Instability

Background: Dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a significant clinical problem. Few studies have focused on the use of dual mobility (DM) components in the setting of first-time revision for instability following THA. Here, we investigate patient outcomes following first-time revision THA with DM components for a diagnosis of instability.

Methods: Institution-wide revision THAs using DM components performed between 2010 and 2013 were identified. Chart review identified 40 patients with average 3-year follow-up who had undergone first-time revision for instability, defined as instability after primary THA. Etiology of instability was classified by Wera type. Patient demographics, medical co-morbidities, re-dislocations, and re-revisions were recorded. Component position and leg-length discrepancy were measured on pre-operative and post-operative radiographs when available. Utilizing Student's t-test or Fisher's exact test, we analyzed differences between those who endured recurrent dislocation and those who did not.

Results: Recurrent dislocation occurred in 2 patients (5%). Both patients underwent re-revision for recurrent instability and carried diagnoses of instability of unresolved etiology. Two patients underwent re-revision for reasons unrelated to the DM construct. All-cause re-revision rate at final follow-up was therefore 10% (4 patients). No medical, demographic, or radiographic factors were significantly associated with risk of recurrent instability (P > .05).

Conclusion: The use of DM components for first-time revision THA for a diagnosis of instability carried a re-dislocation rate of 5% and an all-cause re-revision rate of 10% at average 3-year follow-up. Instability of unresolved etiology was associated with re-dislocation following revision surgery.