Intraprosthetic Dislocation of a Modular Dual-Mobility Total Hip Arthroplasty With Posterior Migration of the Polyethylene Liner

Abstract

Dual-mobility (DM) implants have been used in total hip arthroplasty since 1974. Modular DM implants have seen an increase in use in primary and revision total hip arthroplasties given the theoretical decreased dislocation rate. DM constructs have 2 articulation sites, one between the acetabular shell and a polyethylene liner, as well as one between the liner and the femoral head component. However, dislocations with modular DM implant dislocations can still occur. These dislocations occur via an extraprosthetic or intraprosthetic mechanism. Intraprosthetic dislocation is a phenomenon in which the smaller femoral head dissociates from the polyethylene liner. We present a case of intraprosthetic dislocation in an 81-year-old female with migration of the polyethylene liner into her gluteal muscles after 2 attempted closed reductions.

Keywords

• Intraprosthetic dislocation
• Dual-mobility implant
• Hip arthroplasty