Influence of component positions on dislocation: computed tomographic evaluations in a consecutive series of total hip arthroplasty

Abstract

Component positions in a consecutive series of total hip arthroplasty through a posterolateral approach without capsular and external rotator repair, using the same prosthesis type, head size, and liner, were evaluated using computed tomography, and correlation with occurrence of postoperative dislocation was assessed. The 9 hips with posterior dislocation had significantly lower cup anteversion than the 181 hips without dislocation. Seven (78%) of the 9 hips with posterior dislocation had cup anteversion <20 degrees, irrespective of stem anteversion. These findings suggest that among variables of component positions, cup anteversion is one of the important factors for risk of dislocation, and that intentionally placing the cup at low anteversion to compensate for high femoral neck anteversion may predisposes the hip to postoperative dislocation.