Anterior dislocation of THA after Iliopsoas tenotomy in spinopelvic imbalance: a rare case report

Background

Iliopsoas impingement is a complication of total hip arthroplasty that often manifests as groin pain during initial hip flexion. However, there are no reports of mechanical complications after iliopsoas tenotomy following total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Case presentation

We present the case of a 64-year-old woman with degenerative lumbar kyphosis who developed anterior hip dislocations after arthroscopic iliopsoas tenotomy for anterior impingement following THA. She ultimately required revision of the acetabular cup.

Conclusions

Arthroscopic tenotomy for refractory iliopsoas tendinopathy may be appealing because of its less invasive nature. However, caution should be exercised in the setting of significant cup malpositioning and/or spinopelvic imbalance to avoid iatrogenic anterior instability.