Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Retrospective Matched-Cohort Study

• Main Authors: Christian Guier, BS, Glenn Shi, MD, Cameron Ledford, MD, Michael Taunton, MD, Michael Heckman, MS, Benjamin Wilke, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2020-09-01
• Series: Arthroplasty Today
• Subjects: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; Complications; Connective tissue disorder; Total hip arthroplasty; Dislocation
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235234412030090X
• ISSN: 2352-3441

Background: Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDSs) are connective-tissue disorders resulting in joint laxity. Soft-tissue stability is a concern in these patients when they undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA). Our purpose was to compare THAs in the population with EDS with a matched control undergoing THA for osteoarthritis. Methods: Thirteen patients with EDS underwent THA from 1997 to 2017. Matching was 1:3 with a control group of patients who underwent THA for osteoarthritis. Matching was based on the gender, age, and length of follow-up. Results: We found no difference in demographics or postoperative Harris Hip Scores between the cohorts (P > .05). Two patients (15.4%) with EDS and 2 patients (5.1%) in the control group suffered a dislocation. We found no difference in the reoperation or revision rate between the groups (P = .28). Conclusions: Patients with EDS have a significant improvement in postoperative Harris Hip Scores after THA. These patients also have a high dislocation rate after surgery, and alternative approaches and technologies such as dual-mobility components should be considered to reduce the rate of dislocation in this population.