Is Restoration of Hip Center Mandatory for Total Hip Arthroplasty of Protrusio Acetabuli?

Abstract

Purpose: While initial fixation using a press-fit of the acetabular cup is critical for the durability of the component, restoration of the hip center is regarded as an attributable factor for implant survival and successful out-come. In protrusio acetabuli (PA), obtaining both restoration of the hip center and the press-fit of the acetabular cup simultaneously might be difficult during total hip arthroplasty (THA). We tested the hypothesis that use of a medialized cup, if press-fitted, will not result in compromise of the implant stability and outcome after cementless THA of PA. Materials and Methods: A total of 26 cementless THAs of 22 patients with PA were reviewed. During THA, press-fit of the cup was prioritized rather than hip center restoration. A press-fit was obtained in 24 hips. A press-fit could not be obtained in the two remaining hips; therefore, reinforcement acetabular components were used. Restoration of the hip center was achieved in 17 cups; 15 primary cups and two reinforcement components; it was medialized in nine cups. Implant stability and modified Harris hip score (mHHS) between the two groups were compared at a mean follow-up of 5.1 years (range, 2-16 years). Results: Twenty-six cups; 17 restored cups and nine medialized press-fitted cups, remained stable at the latest follow-up. A similar final mHHS was observed between the restored group and the medialized group (83.6± 12.1 vs 83.8±10.4, P=0.786). Conclusion: Implant stability and favorable results were obtained by press-fitted cups, irrespective of hip center restoration. THA in PA patients showed promising clinical and radiological results.