Capsular Closure to Prevent Posterior Dislocation after Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty through the Posterior Approach

Abstract

Posterior dislocation remains the most frequent early complication after Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) carried out through a posterior approach. In our experience, the preservation of the capsule and its closure after insertion of the prosthetic components significantly reduced our rate of posterior dislocation. We compared 2 groups of patients similar in size (186 versus 174 cases) and characteristics: all cases were done by one surgeon, with the same surgical technique, the same implants and the same post-operative care. The only difference between the 2 groups was the capsulectomy in the group 1 and the capsular closure in the group 2. In this retrospective study, 22 dislocations were noted in group 1 (capsulectomy), but only one dislocation in group 2 (capsular closure). This additional technique preventing posterior dislocation after THA seemed to be efficient.