Abstract
Purpose
To describe a 10-year long history of recurrent displacement and infection in a 37 yo female patient, HIV+/HCV+, with an history of drug addiction.
Clinical History
Starting from avascular necrosis of the hip (caused by prolonged HAART therapy), the patient underwent first uncemented THA in 2003. One month after implant a septic mobilization due to local abscess was treated with first two stage revision surgery (modular stem with use of retention liner for intraoperatory instability and dislocation of the implant) that lasted for almost 6 years. After 6 years of apparent good clinical condition and stability of the implants, the patient came back with a septic state of the hip, and recurrent instability, caused by complete abruption of the cup from acetabulum (Figure 1) Another two stage revision was planned; patient suffered dislocation of the spacer in first hours after intervention and 3 months later was performed second stage revision (stem with modular neck and head, cup with augmentation metal liner). Three days later patient suffered from another dislocation, so implant was further revised (change of modular neck + dual mobility head/cup), and a pelvipodalic cast was even made, considering the poor compliance of the patient,. One month later, due to another local septic state of the hip and in consideration of clinical history, a DAIR procedure was performed with revision of limited modular components until intraoperative stability was assessed (metal spacer + metal liner + dual mobility head and cup). For further assurance, an external fixator was placed around the hip (Figure 2).
Results
After last intervention no dislocation occurred and external fixation was removed with success after 2 months. Clinical outcome at 2 years showed a good functional outcome, and painless walking with only one crutch and limited limping.
Discussion
This is a challenging case in which the comorbidity of immunosuppression, poor compliance of the patient and multiple hip revision surgery, started a very long sequence of complications and led to poor clinical results for years. Although the use of modularity aids reaching good stability and function in this kind of revision surgery, only a good control of general conditions of the patient and a multidisciplinary approach to correct patient's lifestyle has brought to stability and “up to now” endurance for this THA implant.
