Primary total hip arthroplasty: mid-term outcomes of dual-mobility cups in patients at high risk of dislocation

Introduction: Dual-mobility cups (DMC) are currently used in patients having risk factors of instability. Most of the studies report the use of DMC in patients having a single high-risk variable. The aim of the study was to analyse a continuous series of patients treated with primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and DMC with different high risk for dislocation. Methods: This is a retrospective study analysing the outcomes of primary THA with DMC in patients at high-risk of dislocation. The sample consisted of 215 patients having 1 of 3 aetiologies or risk factors: (1) young subjects (<55 years); (2) osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH); and (3) femoral neck fracture (FNF). Results: With a mean follow-up duration of 70 ± 24.7 months, the findings showed the following: 2 patients had dislocated their hip following motor vehicle accidents; 1 patient had a traumatic femoral peri-prosthetic fracture; and 1 patient had an acute infection. No intra-prosthetic dislocation or aseptic loosening were encountered. No radiolucent lines were observed on the acetabular side. The mean modified Hip Harris Score was 96.6 ± 7.4%. Out of 186 patients, 170 (90.1%) would label their operated hip as a “forgotten hip”. 78 out of the 84 patients (92.8%) who used to practice oriental sitting and/or ablution for prayers were able to return to their usual daily activities of extreme hip position and 74 out of the 84 patients (88%) described their operated hip as “a forgotten hip”. No correlation was found between any of the studied variables. Discussion: The findings of this series of patients at high risk of dislocation showed excellent clinical and radiological results with very few complications. The use of DMC seems to counteract the impact of some aetiologies/risk factors that could lead to higher instability. Most patients practising extreme hip positions resumed their usual practices.