Position, orientation and component interaction in dislocation of the total hip prosthesis.

The position, orientation in space and interaction of prosthetic components was determined in 15 patients with known episodes of dislocation after total hip replacement. The same calculations were performed in a reference group of 44 patients without dislocation. In the group with dislocations, there was a significantly decreased femoral anteversion, and a decreased femoral flexion permitted by the prosthetic components. There were no further significant differences of clinical relevance between the groups concerning all other examined parameters of component position, orientation and interaction. It is concluded that the decreased range of flexion, caused by impingement of the prosthetic components with ensuing leverage effect is one cause of dislocation.