Uncemented acetabular component placement in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) – time tested method revisited-medial protrusio technique

Abstract

Introduction: Proper positioning of the acetabular cup is pivotal in any total hip arthroplasty. Cases of DDH have shallow acetabulum which is deformed and oblong and the femur head corresponds to it. Identifying the correct centre of hip rotation is difficult. In this study we highlight the easy technique of “Medial protrusion technique” for cup placement. Materials and Methods: Skeletally mature patients with developmental dysplasia of hip showing clinical and radiological hip arthritis were included. Total of ten hips with DDH and hip arthritis underwent THA using this technique. Radiological evaluation with X ray and CT was done and the Harris hip score was calculated preoperatively and subsequently in all follow ups.Results: The average follow up period was 5.5 ± 1.3 years. The mean Harris hip score in these patients was 86.5 ± 1.4. Two patients out of 10 patients had excellent results, while 8 patients were rated as having good results. The average pain score was 41.6. The x-rays demonstrated good overall alignment and fixation of the acetabular cup. All cups were integrated well. Conclusion: Our study confirms that this technique is simple safe and easily reproducible and time reliable technique providing superior outcomes in uncemented THA in DDH cases.