The Use of a Tripolar Articulation in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

• Published in: The Journal of arthroplasty 2008, Vol.23 (8), p.1182-1188
• Main Authors: Levine, Brett R., MD, MS, Della Valle, Craig J., MD, Deirmengian, Carl A., MD, Breien, Kristoffer M., MD, Weeden, Steven H., MD, Sporer, Scott M., MD, MS, Paprosky, Wayne G., MD, FACS
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: instability; Orthopedics; revision hip arthroplasty; tripolar
• ISSN: 0883-5403; 1532-8406
• DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2007.09.022

Abstract A retrospective cohort study of 31 hips revised with a tripolar articular construct was performed. Patient demographics and preoperative and postoperative information were recorded. Indications for a tripolar construct were recurrent dislocation and the inability to attain intraoperative stability during hip revision. Nine patients (29%) were revised to the tripolar construct after failure of a constrained liner. Twenty patients (65%) had at least one episode of instability before the most recent revision. At a mean follow-up of 38 months, modified Postel scores improved from a mean of 5.28 to 9.64 ( P < .01). Radiographic follow-up revealed no evidence of component loosening/migration, osteolysis, or polyethylene wear. Two patients (7%) required further revision surgery for recurrent instability. A tripolar construct was effective in eliminating or preventing instability in 93% of the complex cases treated. These early results support the use of a tripolar construct in treating recurrent instability or instability encountered at the time of revision hip arthroplasty.