Orthopedics This Week reports on the findings of a study published in The Journal of Arthroplasty, which evaluated the hip-spine relationship, to identify the patients who might be at risk for dislocation after a total hip replacement. Findings demonstrated that patients with a spinal deformity and also those with spinal stiffness, are at the highest risk.

Orthopedics This Week spoke to study co-author Jonathan M. Vigdorchik, MD, hip and knee surgeon at HSS, who explained, “The hip-spine relationship has been shown to be an extremely important factor in determining patients at risk for dislocation after total hip replacement. Although hip replacement is one of the most successful surgeries of all time with the lowest complication rates, certain patients are at a higher risk, and it is important to identify these patients prior to surgery.”

Dr. Vigdorchik summarized the key takeaways from the study, noting, “It is a common misconception that only patients with a spinal fusion have a stiff spine and are at risk for dislocation. Our research has shown that the majority of patients with stiff spines actually have a biologic fusion that functions like a surgical fusion in terms of the hip-spine kinematics.”

Dr. Vigdorchik advised patients to let their physicians know if they have a medical history of scoliosis, back pain or previous spinal injury. “This will help your surgeon determine whether to order specialized X-rays of your hip and back, in both standing and sitting positions, and to appropriately counsel you about your risk after hip replacement and also plan a more successful hip replacement surgery,” he concluded.

Read the full text article at ryortho.com.