Surgical dislocation of the hip and the management of femoroacetabular impingement: results of the Christchurch experience.

BACKGROUND

Surgical dislocation of the hip has been developed to deal with the problems causing femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). This is a relatively recent procedure that was historically reserved for larger areas specializing in hip surgery.

METHODS

We hypothesized that surgical dislocation can be used for symptomatic FAI in a typical Australasian tertiary orthopaedic centre with acceptable results. This prospective study reviews the results of 53 surgical dislocations in this setting, looking particularly at functional outcomes and early complications.

RESULTS

There were significant improvements in the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index score at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years post-operatively. Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index scores increased by 23, 28, 34 and 35 points, respectively (P 0.0039). There was no significant improvement in hip range of motion. There were two (4%) early failures with conversion to total hip arthroplasty, and no cases of post-operative avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that as the diagnosis of FAI and conservative nonarthroplasty surgery of the hip gains wider acceptance, it will become a procedure that should be offered to all appropriate patients in an attempt to delay or limit total hip arthroplasty in this young age group.