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Abstract

Dislocation after total hip arthroplasty is part of spectrum ranging from neck impingement to subluxation before frank dislocation occurs. Objectives: To assess various parameters as potential risk factors for postoperative hip dislocation. Setting: Department of Orthopaedics in Merlin Park Regional Hospital, Galway Period: 5 years Study Design: Observational Material and Methods: In our study we reviewed 1096 patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty in a consecutive period of five years. We assessed various parameters as potential risk factors for dislocation. Results: During this period 16 (1.45 %) patients dislocated their hips. According to our study the Important factors that led to these dislocations were Retroverted cup (5 cases), trochanteric malunion/ avulsion (5 cases), Epilepsy (1 cases), Confusion/ Dementia (2 cases) Parkinsonism (2 cases). Abduction angle was found to be greater than 50 degrees in 8 cases. Conclusion: Familiarity with the risk factors assists in prevention and dictates aspects requiring further assessment, when dislocation occurs. Protection of the hip by bracing should be considered following revision surgery but is of questionable use in primary cases.