Does rotational acetabular osteotomy affect subsequent total hip arthroplasty?

Introduction

Rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) has been used successfully in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). However, some patients are forced to undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) because of the progression of osteoarthritis. We evaluated the effect of previous RAO on the outcome of THA performed for degenerative arthritis secondary to DDH, comparing outcomes for patients with THA and prior RAO versus outcomes for patients with THA and no prior RAO.

Materials and methods

At an average follow-up point of 8.2 years (range 7–11 years), we compared outcomes in dysplastic hips for 22 hips (group R) in patients who underwent THA after successful RAO with outcomes for a well-matched control group of 30 hips in patients who underwent primary THA (group C) during the same period.

Results

Both groups had similar midterm results. No acetabular or femoral components exhibited loosening or revision in either group. Harris hip scores (HHSs) at the most recent follow-up had not been compromised by RAO, and there were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss and operative time between the two groups. Although there was a tendency toward superolateral placement of the acetabular component in group R, there were no significant differences in the mean steady-state linear and volumetric wear rates between the two groups. There were no infections, dislocations, intraoperative fractures, damaged nerves, or deep vein thromboses in either group.

Conclusions

Our midterm results demonstrated that RAO does not lead to higher revision rates, compromised HHSs, or shortened survivorship in eventual THA for DDH.