Dissociation of bipolar hemiarthroplasty of the hip after dislocation. A report of five different cases and review of literature.

Little information is available about the rare but serious disadvantage of dissociation of modular components during dislocation or after close reduction in the bipolar hemiarthroplasty of the hip. In most cases, simple dislocation after primary bipolar hemiarthroplasty can safely be reduced by close methods. Dissociation leads almost always to reoperation and possible revision of the prosthesis. To avoid this complication, strict adherence to the surgical technique during the initial procedure and extra precaution during close reduction are recommended, in order to provide enhanced security over component disassembly. In the five cases presented in this study, dissociation is reported at different circumstances, along with the different methods of treatment required in each patient.