Total Hip Joint Dislocation

 

Hip replacement surgery provides relief from chronic hip pain caused by arthritis and other diseases. Patients return to the activities they enjoy benefiting from increased mobility.

Although total Hip replacement remains one of the most successful surgeries in modern medicine, not all patients have perfect outcomes.

One of the dreaded complications of hip replacement surgery is dislocation. Hip dislocation is uncommon but may occur in about 2% of patients, mostly within the first year of the surgery. Dislocation rates are significantly higher in revision surgeries.

A dislocation occurs when the ball of the prosthetic implant is pushed out of the socket. The hip replacement performed through the anterior approach is more vulnerable to anterior dislocation. Similarly, the hip replacement performed utilizing the posterior approach is more vulnerable to posterior dislocation.

Total Hip Replacement and Dislocation

Total hip replacement is a surgery to replace the diseased parts of the hip joint with prosthetic parts. The surgery involves duplicating the function as well as balancing the muscular forces acting around the joint. Due to the unique biomechanics of the natural hip joint, the artificial joint needs to be placed in a proper position.

The hip joint is a large weight-bearing ball and socket joint. The ball is formed by the upper part of the thigh bone. The ball fits into the socket formed by the lower part of the pelvis. Hip replacement is commonly performed for arthritis after all conservative treatment options have been exhausted.

The joint is covered by a tough tissue known as a joint capsule, which seals the joint stabilizing it. The joint is also covered by ligaments and muscles which hold the joint in place. Together these structures keep the ball in the socket, preventing dislocation. The alignment of the natural hip further adds to its stability.

Hip replacement loosens the soft tissues around the joint, and patients are advised hip precautions to prevent dislocation. These are the movements and maneuvers the patients are advised to avoid. Certain positions may put the hip ball (femoral head) in a position where it may pop out of the socket.

Total Hip Arthroplasty dislocation

Total Hip Arthroplasty dislocation

Some of the common precautions are:

  • Not to bend your thigh more than 90 degrees
  • Not to sit in low chairs/sofas/toilet seats
  • Not to cross legs
  • Not to sleep on the side

These precautions are especially important in the traditionally performed posterior hip approach (from behind the hip). The hip precautions are practiced together with an abduction pillow for a few weeks after the surgery.

Symptoms and Causes

Often the patients report hip dislocation immediately as difficulty moving the Hip. Patients are unable to bear weight on the side involved without pain.

Various factors are involved in the incidence of hip dislocation after the surgery. The treated patients may feel anxious about hip movement as they are apprehensive about dislocation. They may patient factors or procedure factors.

Patient factors

Patient age plays an important factor in the risk of prosthetic hip dislocation. Older patients may sustain dislocation secondary to falls/trauma due to an increased risk of loss of balance. Patients in higher age groups are also less likely to be compliant with hip precautions.

Prior surgeries of the hip joint make it more vulnerable for dislocation after replacement. As with any surgical procedure, there may be a residual loosening of the tissues around the joint. Laxity of tissues supporting the hip joint makes it more vulnerable to dislocation.

Neuromuscular conditions such as Parkinson’s diseases, cerebral palsy, etc may make the patient prone to sustain a dislocation following surgery. Neuromuscular conditions render the muscle groups either spastic or paralytic contributing to instability and dislocation.

Developmental hip disorders such as hip dysplasia make the hip more prone to dislocation. The shallow acetabular cup and tightened or lax structures around the hip joint contribute to instability and dislocation.

Patients suffering from obesity and other medical conditions such as diabetes are more likely to sustain a dislocation after replacement surgery. The increased risk is attributed to the neurological deficit in limbs, loss of balance, and greater chances of infection.

Procedure factors

The posterior surgical approach (from behind) involves cutting the muscles and stabilizing structures. This makes the hip more vulnerable to posterior dislocation compared to the muscle-sparing anterior approach (from the front).

Implant position is an important factor in hip dislocation following replacement. The proper position of the components during surgery is vital for keeping the ball in the socket.

Constrained Liner

A constrained liner consists of a polyethylene liner containing the head of the femur. The head of femur while being contained in the socket does not dislocate. The constrained design may however increase the wear and tear of the implants.

The surgeon’s experience in performing the surgery through a particular approach reduces the risk of dislocation.

The choice of implant used reduces the incidence of dislocation episodes. During the past decade, the size of the head of the femur in implants has increased considerably. Larger head means a larger range of motion before dislocation.

Diagnosis and Management

Hip dislocation following replacement is evident with the symptoms experienced by the patients. Most patients report to the ER following an episode of dislocation. The patients are subjected to imaging such as X-Ray or CT scan (computed tomography).

Nonsurgical

A procedure called hip reduction is done which involves placing the ball back into the socket of the pelvis. It is generally done under moderate sedation or under anesthesia in the operating room. Once the reduction is achieved the hip is placed in a brace for several weeks. Subsequent risks of dislocation remain high in case the dislocation is due to unaligned implants.

Surgical

Multiple episodes of dislocation and dislocations due to implant alignment issues may require revision hip replacement surgery to place the components correctly. Special implants may be used to prevent future dislocations. The socket cup and femoral stem may be repositioned to achieve correct alignment.

Dual mobility head and liner

Dual mobility head and liner utilizes a articulating small head held captive in the liner, the liner articulates inside the acetabular shell. The design ensures stability of the head while allowing greater movement of the prosthetic hip.

Acetabular liner with elevated lip

10 Degree angled acetabular liner

Specially designed acetabular liners with elevated lip or lateralization creates a deeper cavity for the head of the femur before it can pop out of the socket. The special design while allowing stability also does not restrict the range of motion of the head of the femur.

Recently specially designed implants are available to prevent the dislocations. Innovations in increasing head size and dual mobility of the implant cups are promising options for reducing the risks of dislocations. Robotic-assisted hip replacements promise accurate implant positioning. The choice of implant, the approach of surgery, and surgeon experience are factors important in reducing the risk of dislocation.

Call Us Now!

4.9
Based on 115 reviews
Dr. Karlkare and his staff were excellent. Dr. Karkare explained everything clearly and took his time getting to know my Dad.
Anna Acker
22:46 07 Sep 23
Dr Vedant Vaksha had done emergency surgery in 2020 after a traumatic injury.His office at Complete Orthopedics handled the continued care thereafter.Dr V and his staff had been Professional and friendly throughout the process, taking the time to explain all the questions on how to proceed and what to expect.Whenever I needed to speak with Dr V or the office they were a phone call away, without waiting or calling several numbers like in so many other medical offices.The office was accommodating to scheduling to my needs at all times. Dr Vedant Vaksha earned the following5 out of 5 stars, highly recommended.
John Kuey
20:58 05 Sep 23
Dr. Vaksha helped me recover from an injury. I am very thankful that he took the time to explain the best treatment for my injury. Also thankful for the wonderful office staff!
Joseph Castelli
22:30 02 Aug 23
The office is wonderful!… Dr Paresh was very helpful and attentive and made my sister in laws recovery so much better.. Thank you for everything
Jazz Lorenzo
17:48 14 Jul 23
The ladies are very welcoming, the service is great, the doctor is very professional and caring and the building is super clean. I really like to come here, the atmosphere is very friendly... Come and you will love it too.
Joan Carasco
14:41 30 Jun 23
Dr. Nakul Karkare is awesome! And patriotic! Thank you, Dr. Karkare for displaying the American Flag in your waiting room, honoring and mourning our military personnel, this Memorial Day, who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Dave
00:52 30 May 23
Excellent and skilled orthopedic practice specializing in joint replacements. Dr Karkare was trained at the Hospital for Special Surgery and has excellent results, as do his associates!! Would gladly refer family members to the practice!!
Eclectic54
00:24 30 May 23
I had such a wonderful experience with Complete Orthopedics in Stony Brook. Not only did Dr. Kuo fix my broken wrist with such kindness and care, but the office staff, including Billing, Reception and the X-Ray Technician, was always so helpful, going out of their way to ensure that each patient felt welcome, answering any questions with a smile, and ensuring any issues with insurance/billing were handled with the utmost professionalism. I highly recommend their practice!
Victoria DeMatteo
19:49 10 May 23
I'm very happy St. Catherine's sent me to this office for treatment after I broke my collar bone! Unfortunately the break was too severe to repair on its own and I had to have it rebuilt a week after the injury. Dr. Vaksha did a great job fixing it. I'm three months out, and I have full use of the arm and shoulder. The whole office staff is very professional, accommodating, and welcoming. I hope to not need orthopedic services again, but Dr. Vaksha will be my number one choice if I or anyone in family suffers such am injury.
Tina Rivera
20:42 08 May 23
No one likes going to the doctor. But these people make it painless. I go for knees, hips and shoulders. At almost 70 Complete Orthopedics keeps my active life style running smoothly. Whether chasing my Grandson and even surfing again, I highly recommend them!!
Thomas Slavin
15:02 02 Mar 23
Dr. Kuo knowledgeable and competent surgeon- very good experience and more importantly great result.
Joseph McCoy
21:23 25 Feb 23
Dr Vaksha was so kind and helpful. He took extra time with us and explained things so thoroughly. Highly recommend. Office very clean.
Susan Bosinius
20:20 19 Feb 23
Dr Vaksha, is a great doctor very professional knows what he talking about. Treat patient with upmost respect. Thank You
Troy Spencer
16:46 19 Jan 23
Dr. Karkare is an amazing doctor, very caring and attentive, the girl at the front desk is very kind and helpful. .elizabeth .thank you so much .
blanca ventura
21:32 26 Oct 22
Been going to this place before my accident and after I had my knee surgery. So happy how I been treated and how well I am getting. Thank you all and specially Dr. VAKSHA for everything and getting back on track.
Ita Opico
19:01 25 Oct 22
Love this place From the minute I called I was treated kindly. When I arrived The Dr saw me right away he was compassionate and ordered the appropriate tests for me. I came back in for my follow up and had the same great experience.
Christine Rostock
21:28 23 May 22
Dr Vaksha and Dr karkare are 2 of the best orthopedic doctors around my wife Susan had a very serious broken ankle in March of 2019 she didn't think she was going to walk again Dr vaksha did an excellent surgery on her ankle he said it was his toughest he ever did he put a lot of hardware in her ankle and told her she would be alright she made remarkable recovery thanks to his surgery as of now she regained 100 percent use of her ankle she would highly recommend him to anyone. My own experience with Dr karkare has been wonderful he takes his time with you listens to what you have to say and prescribes various treatments and is very caring I would highly recommend him to anyone I would give both doctors a 10 plus rating we are very happy with them the best.
Harry Jones
23:31 19 May 22
Complete orthopedics is a wonderful place to go when you hurt or injured a great staff and wonderful doctors very knowledgeable and helpful I would recommend this place to all of my family and friends that is in me of orthopedic care I give them 10 thumbs up
Wayne Pemberton
17:39 18 May 22
The staff is very professional and helpful. Dr. Vaksha is excellent. He takes time to listen and offer suggestions to help you get better. I’m very thankful and happy to be a patient here at Complete Orthopedics.
Phoenix Rising
19:54 16 May 22
Dr.Karkare is the best. He listens to everything and explains everything I recommend him to everyone. I am so happy he is my doctor.
Myrna James
00:48 13 May 22
Dr.Kuo is amazing very attentive,caring,and passionate and staff is awsome too.Thank you for everything Dr.kuo.
Erick Murillo
23:17 12 May 22
I was in a car accident November 1 I was referred to Dr. Vaksha For shoulder surgery . I he was amazing he made me feel very comfortable and explained everything that was going to happen from surgery all the way through my physical therapy highly recommend Dr. Vaksha
Yolanda Ojeda
19:37 09 May 22
My appointment with Dr. Vaksha was amazing. Dr. Vaksha was very thorough and kind. I would refer this office to anyone who needs a great orthopedic doctor.
John Senechal
19:54 05 May 22
Scheduling my appointment was quick and easy. The staff was super friendly and down to earth. I was seen on time. The appropriate test, “x-rays” were taken before the conversation with doctor, something I really liked, test for analysis and conversation was done upfront. Dr. V had a great personality and was no BS, straight forward diagnosis and a play on next steps. I am happy I found them and would refer them to friends and family.
Sam
00:46 03 May 22
I have seen Dr. Kuo two times already and he's awesome along with his staff. Very friendly office and I'm glad to be a patient here.
Camaris A
20:01 28 Apr 22
Amazing team!! Very caring, profesional, and friendly!! Dr. Kevin Kuo, you are the best, very passionate, caring, and helping thank you for getting me better and being so kind to me! Elizabeth you the best thank you for you help always and you big smile and positive actitud❤️🙏🏼
breidy valerio
19:01 22 Apr 22
The staff is truly exceptional, they make you feel comfortable and welcomed. The doctors are amazing,always professional, compassionate and great listeners.
Elizabeth Collado
03:25 09 Apr 22
What a great place! The place is clean and organized.The staff is wonderful. Setting up physical therapy is right there as well.I'm so glad I found this place.
Donna Anne
22:45 05 Apr 22
This was my 1st time breaking something in my 27 years on this planet. I was recommended here by a friend Dr. Vashka helped me from day 1 and still continues to check in on me and my healing ankle. Would highly recommend
tyron davis
16:06 01 Apr 22
Brand new office, same great doctors! Rooms are clean, plenty of parking, physical therapy attached, Dr. Karkare and his staff are awesome. Thank you!
Emily B
02:49 24 Mar 22
Dr.VAksha is the best, I love the way he treats me as his patient, he is caring,understanding and very attentive to my needs
Mirna Caballero
14:53 03 Mar 22
Great staff. Dr. Vaksha is awesome and takes the time to listen to his patients. He is very compassionate. I would highly recommend this office.
Bebe Doyle
01:24 23 Feb 22
After suffering from a severe ankle injury Dr. V was able to help me heal and return back to work completely to a job where I stand for 12 hours a day. The office is very clean and I appreciated the reminders of my appointments via phone call and through text. The patient portal made it easy for me to access all my documents including work notes. The office staff is wonderful and Rebecca was able to schedule me with a busy schedule and awesome at answering all of my questions including referring me to a great physical therapy office. I highly recommend this office to anyone who’s looking for knowledgeable and kind orthopedic office.
Elizabeth Birchwell
21:31 28 Jan 21
The staff here are great, I was seen at the time of my appointment and was well taken care of!
Shaun Berry
18:14 07 Jan 21
They are an excellent practice. The front and back office people are amazing and so helpful. Rebecca is such a kind and understanding person. I had an issue with paperwork and she cleared it right up. Dr. Karkare is very knowledgeable, helpful, and caring.
Matt S.
19:31 18 Nov 20
Rebecca K. - What a true burst of sunshine. Very friendly and definitely an asset to the practice!
Laura Aston
18:17 17 Nov 20
Great experience, the Doctor is nice but the staff is incredible. I worked with Linda, who was profession and assisted me beyond what any person has done at other practices. Complete Ortho should be complimented for having such a person on their staff.I highly recommend this place!!!
Joe Allen
17:26 17 Nov 20
Linda and Becca they are so good ever time I come they are very nice I would tell everyone I no to come to this office..
Barbara Victor
16:45 17 Nov 20
I was rear ended in an auto accident , Dr Vashka was recommended by a friend of mine .I was experiencing Back , neck , and shoulder pain . After a thorough examination and given exercises to do at home , I am feeling much better , and I ended up avoiding surgery . The staff at Complete Ortho is extremely attentive and show great care when making an appointment and are very friendly and i never waited more than 5 minutes for my appointment . So I would strongly recommend Complete Orthopedics for any aches and pains that one might be experiencing.....
Bill Becht
04:44 17 Nov 20
It was the afternoon of Friday Sept. 24. We were in Pt. Jefferson and my wife, Mary Ann, broke her hip. We went to Mather Hospital and it was determined that she would have to have an operation to have it repaired. This would be her third time under the knife in the past year. It just so happened that we were very fortunate enough to have Dr. Karkare, who was on standby, perform the surgery. He put in a rod and two screws in her hip. She spent a few days in the hospital and then went to Gurwin rehabilitee for another few weeks.It has now been almost six weeks and we both worked the election the other day. If it wasn’t for Dr. Karkare’s expertise she never would have been able to work. She is able to walk with a walker and is doing physical therapy three times a week.We can not thank the doctor enough for the compassion and dedication that he puts into his work. It allows Mary Ann do the things that she likes to do, even on a limited basis for a while. I know that with her will, perseverance and the great work that the surgeon performed she will be back on her feet in no time.Sincerely:John V. PlumpEast Northport, NY 11731
Jack Harris
14:36 06 Nov 20
In the year of 2018 I was referred to Dr. Karkare because I was experiencing severe knee joint pain. After exhausting physical therapy and trying to labor through the pain, I had to make a quality of life decision. Total knee replacement was the only viable option. Dr. Karkare made my decision easy as he walked me through the whole process from surgery to recovery.On 12/13/19 ( Friday the 13th) I enter Lenox Hill Hospital in great hands. From the time I entered Dr. Karkare’s office for the first time until now, his staff has been amazing. Andrea the medical coordinator walked me through all the paper work and necessary preparations for the surgery. Courtesy and kind would be an understatement. Dr. Karkare went over and beyond from the wellness checks and phone calls all to assure me that I was important to him. This was the right decision no pain and no limp. Complete Orthopedics should be your choice!
Kenneth Randolph
22:18 25 Sep 20
Dr. Vadshka has a great bedside manner. He really takes his time and explains treatment options.
T Lee
12:33 09 Sep 20
I suffered with pain in both knees for years. My orthopedic doctor kept recommending knee replacement . I fought it for years, as I was just afraid. When I had no choice and could barely walk , it was recommended I see Dr. Karkare. We set up a consultation and my wife and I left his office feeling totally confident and comfortable with moving ahead with the surgery. He explained everything to us, and the office staff set everything up for us and made the process easy. So about one month after our initial meeting I had the first knee done. I was up walking mere hours after the surgery, and on the workout machines the next morning. I went home two days after the surgery, and yes walked my daughter down the aisle at her wedding only one week after the surgery without even a cane! Three months later I had the other knee done and went home the very next day. Dr. Karkare put my fears to rest . I would highly recommend him. His expertise gave me my life back. Thank you Dr. Karkare.SincerelyVito Congro
Ethel Congo
23:58 12 Aug 20
Dr Rhodin really cares for his patients. When I see him he makes sure to review my progress in detail.
Micki Cahill
15:03 08 Feb 20
My mom had a total hip replacement by dr karkare. He is the BEST orthopedic doctor.Her incision is almost invisable.She is going back for her other hip next week. The office staff is the best, love Andrea.You wont find a better doctor.
Ryan
21:06 13 Jul 18
There is no better Orthopedic doctor you will find. Broke my ankle three places on a Saturday. Called Dr. Karkare. He had is team ready at the hospital and operated on me within 6 hours after my injury. Now After 3 months of great care by him and his staff, I am walking to normalcy.
Spacecom Tel
04:13 23 Mar 18
js_loader

My name is Dr. Suhirad Khokhar, and am an orthopaedic surgeon. I completed my MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery) at Govt. Medical College, Patiala, India.

I specialize in musculoskeletal disorders and their management, and have personally approved of and written this content.

My profile page has all of my educational information, work experience, and all the pages on this site that I've contributed to.