Prevalence of Instability in Septic Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

Hip instability is a common postoperative complication that is disturbing to surgeon and patient alike. The prevalence of dislocation in aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty exceeds that of primary surgery. The increased dissection required in revision surgery is a significant contributing factor in this difference. Two-stage reimplantation with its concomitant shortening of the limb requires even more extensive dissection. We have noted an increased prevalence of postoperative instability after 2-stage reimplantation despite appropriately placed components. The purpose of this study was to define the prevalence of postoperative hip instability after 2-stage reimplantation and to develop strategies to minimize this risk.