Modified posterior soft tissue repair for the prevention of early postoperative dislocation in total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) with the posterior approach has been quite a common and bothering complication. Previous researches suggest that careful repair of the posterior structures significantly reduces this risk. The purposes of the present study were to describe a modified posterior soft tissue repair procedure in THA using a suture anchor (TwinFix Ti 5.0, Smith & Nephew, Andover, MA) and evaluate the early postoperative dislocation rate.

METHODS: From July 2004 to June 2008, 220 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties were performed using the modified surgical approach. The average age in the group was 46.4 years (range from 21 to 90) at the time of the procedure. The rate of postoperative hip dislocation, as well as any signs of complications related to the technique, has been observed and analyzed in this study.

RESULTS: There was no postoperative dislocation following primary THA in 220 cases, and no signs of complications related to the technique, such as greater trochanteric fractures and sciatic nerve palsy, have been noted in any of the cases at their most recent follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: These initial results demonstrate that the modified repair in THA using the suture anchor can serve as an effective and reliable mean for prevention of early postoperative dislocation.