Use of a cementless modular implant for arthroplasty in developmental dysplasia of the hip: early results

Abstract

Total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is technically difficult due to the abnormal anatomy involved. Surgery may be facilitated by using a modular femoral prosthesis, which allows intra-operative variations in neck length and version to accommodate final acetabular position. The aim of this study was to assess our early results with the S-ROM hip (DePuy), a cementless modular femoral implant, for arthroplasty in patients with DDH. We performed 22 total hip replacements on 20 patients over a three and a half year period. Ten patients had had previous osteotomies performed, including two of whom had Ganz peri-acetabular osteotomies performed in our centre. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 44 (mean 19.6) months. Harris hip scores improved from an average of 42 points pre-operatively to 90 points post-operatively. No radiographic evidence of osteolysis was seen around the femoral implant. Two patients required revision of their acetabular components. Both had satisfactory outcomes. Our early results with the S-ROM femoral prosthesis correlate well with those from other studies involving arthroplasty for DDH. This implant is extremely versatile and easy to use in this complex patient population.