Salvage reconstruction of hip ligaments using absorbable material to treat recurrent instability of revision THA without abductor mechanism

Abstract

Dual-mobility and constrained cups can stabilise most recurrent dislocations of total hip arthroplasty (THA), but may fail in case of hip abductor mechanism loss. For such complex situations, we developed an original artificial iliofemoral and ischiofemoral ligament reconstruction technique using a polyglactin 910 mesh (Vicryl ™) associated to repositioning of a Lefèvre constrained liner adapted to hip range of motion to prevent cam effects. The technique was implemented in 2 patients showing recurrent dislocation after THA, associating total femur replacement and cemented constrained liner in a metal reinforcement ring. In one of the 2 cases, the abductor mechanism had been entirely sacrificed. This simple and accessible salvage technique prevented recurrence of dislocation at 12 months’ follow-up in these complex cases, previously subject to several episodes per year.