Purse-string capsule repair to reduce proximal femoral arthroplasty dislocation for tumor--a novel technique with results.

Abstract

Hip joint dislocation is the most common complication after proximal femoral arthroplasty with a large endoprosthesis. Average dislocation rates are around 15%. In an attempt to decrease dislocations after proximal femoral arthroplasty for tumor resections, we devised a novel closure of the hip capsule. This technique uses a 3-mm cottony Dacron suture placed about the hip capsule in a circumferential, purse-string manner. Thirty-nine patients received hip hemiarthroplasty with purse-string capsular closure. Seven patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 36 patients available for analysis. One patient dislocated (2.8%). We believe this technique is useful in preventing dislocation in patients undergoing proximal femoral arthroplasty for oncologic disease.