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Case Reports
. 2013 Jun;471(6):1769-72.
doi: 10.1007/s11999-012-2759-8. Epub 2013 Feb 21.

Case report: Painless chronic liner dissociation of a total hip arthroplasty

Jorm M Nellensteijn  1 , David R Nellensteijn, Tjitte De Jong
Affiliations
Case Reports

Case report: Painless chronic liner dissociation of a total hip arthroplasty

Jorm M Nellensteijn et al. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2013 Jun.

Abstract

Background: Dislocation or liner dissociation of a total hip prosthesis usually results in pain and discomfort. Although several reports describe chronic dislocation and its treatment, chronic liner dissociation is an unreported complication.

Case description: We report an unrecognized dissociation and displacement of the liner of a total hip prosthesis after revision THA. The patient had virtually no pain or functional restrictions. The patient's only complaint was pain on the contralateral side, associated with a leg-length discrepancy. Since the patient had no complaints relative to the liner dissociation we elected not to pursue further treatment. The contralateral pain was treated successfully with a shoe lift.

Literature review: Chronic dislocation of a THA is a rare complication and we found reports of only seven cases in the literature. We found no reports of chronic liner dissociation.

Clinical relevance: Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of the possibility of this rare complication. Our case and the literature suggest treatment can be nonsurgical or surgical.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
This radiograph shows the pelvis after surgery. The cup is well positioned after bone impaction grafting of the acetabulum.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
A radiograph of the pelvis obtained 3 years after revision surgery shows a cephalic dislocation of the THA and neoacetabulum in the iliac wing. The metal cup has loosened and rotated compared with previous radiographs.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
This CT scan shows the radiolucent area that follows the dimensions of the liner.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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