A simple capsulorrhaphy in a posterior approach for total hip arthroplasty

Abstract

In an attempt to decrease a 4% incidence of posterior hip dislocation following a posterior approach, a simple capsulorrhaphy was utilized in 255 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties performed by 1 surgeon. All patients were reviewed at a minimum of 2 years' postoperatively, and no patient was lost to follow-up. One patient sustained a posterior hip dislocation, whereas there were no anterior hip dislocations. The dislocation rate of 0.4% is equal to or less than the rates of dislocation reported in the literature using other posterior repairs. This technique differs from other reported methods because of its simplicity and ease of repair. Only the capsule (and not the rotators) is sutured to the medius tendon (not to bone), creating an elastic endpoint that is less likely to disrupt during the healing process.