Arthroprosthesis in old unreduced congenital dislocation of the hip, using the "false" acetabulum. A study of 34 cases.

In adult patients with considerable loss of function due to an unreduced congenital dislocation of the hip with a false acetabulum, the authors posed the question "Is it feasible, with a reasonable chance of success, to perform an arthroprosthesis in the "pathological" position, using the false acetabulum as a seating for the cup?" The aim of this study was to assess, in particular, the holding properties of the cup which has to be fitted after appropriate reaming, into this rather precarious false acetabulum. They define the indications for this procedure and describe their technique. The results of 34 operations, followed up for an average of 5 years, confirm the validity of this procedure.