Narrative Review of the Mechanism of Hip Prosthesis Dislocation and Methods to Reduce the Risk of Dislocation

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most effective surgical procedures. It improves quality of life, increases range of motion, and reduces pain in patients with hip joint degeneration. THA allows patients to return to everyday social and professional activities. Therefore, today it is the best approach to treatment of several chronic conditions affecting the hip joint, including advanced degenerative diseases, avascular necrosis, and some traumatic events. The aim of this study was to present the mechanism of hip prosthesis dislocation, associated risk factors, and the factors reducing the risk of dislocation, as well as its consequences and methods of risk minimization.

Hip dislocation is a common complication following THA. It is responsible for up to 2% to 3% failures of primary replacements, increasing even to 10% in extreme cases of patients highly predisposed to this condition. In most cases, technical errors during implant placement are responsible for the incidence. The measures taken to prevent complications include activities aimed at correct implant insertion and the selection of the most appropriate type of implant for the patient, depending on individual needs.

We summarized the current knowledge of implant dislocation to help surgeons understand the changes in biomechanics of the hip after its replacement and the impact of each particular element that participates in it. This knowledge can enable a surgeon choose the most favorable surgical method and the most appropriate implant to reduce the risk of implant dislocation.