Effect of retaining articular capsule in total hip arthroplasty through posterior approach on hip stability

Huimin WU; Aiyong HE

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Articular capsule ligaments can lead articular surface to move normally and limit the excessive movement, especially to prevent any non-physiological movement. They are the important structures for stabilizing hip joints. It was previously thought that articular capsule should be routinely resected in the total hip arthroplasty (THA).

OBJECTIVE:

This study was designed to investigate the effect of retaining articular capsule in THA through posterior approach on maintaining hip stability. DESIGN, TIME AND

SETTING:

This study, a retrospective case analysis, was performed on 61 patients with femoral neck fracture, who received treatment in the Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South between January 2005 and December 2006.

PARTICIPANTS:

Twenty-nine patients who underwent THA with retaining articular capsule from January to December 2006 were included as retaining group, and thirty-two patients who underwent THA with routine resection of partial articular capsule were included as routine group. The two groups were kept identical in case selection, prosthesis selection, post-surgery processing and operators.

METHODS:

Four holes were drilled on greater trochanter on the proximal femoral bone. The superior part of articular capsule valve was sutured to the superior part of original articular capsule using No.1-0 absorbing thread, then sutured to base of femoral neck in mattress manner, and the suture was not ligated. The inferior part of articular capsule valve was sutured to the inferior part of original articular capsule using another suture. And the suture passed through two bone holes on base of femoral neck. The lower limbs were externally rotated and the suture was ligated. Subsequently, the excised extortor was repaired. Prior to and subsequent to suture, hip was slowly bent for 90° and femur was internally rotated for45°to investigate the suture of articular capsule on strengthening articular stability. MAI OUTCOME

MEASURES:

Operation time, bleeding volume and hip dislocation after THA.

RESULTS:

The operation time and bleeding volume were lower in the retaining group than in the routine group (P < 0.05). After THA, hip dislocation did not occur in any patients in the retaining group but occur in 2 patients (6.2%) in the routine group. Statistical tests could not be performed due to less data, resulting in no statistical significance.

CONCLUSION:

There has been no precise conclusion about the effects of retaining articular capsule or not on hip stability.But retaining articular capsule shortens operation time, reduces intrao-perative bleeding, unable raise operation risk, and re-establishes hip soft tissue balance.