Dislocation of the Austin Moore hemiarthroplasty: is closed manipulation justified?

In a retrospective study the outcome of 13 patients who underwent manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) following dislocation of an Austin Moore hemiarthroplasty was determined. Nine patients died within 4 weeks of an MUA. Seven patients had a successful MUA, two patients without further complication. Six patients had an unsuccessful MUA. Four patients were discharged from hospital. The outcome following MUA of a dislocated uncemented hemiarthroplasty is poor. Subjecting elderly patients to an anaesthetic for a closed manipulation is a procedure of little clinical benefit. We were unable to define any selection criteria to improve the result.