[Primary total hip arthroplasty in bilateral acetabular protrusion, case report].

Acetabular protrusion is a clinical entity consisting of deepening of the acetabulum and consequent sinking of the femoral head within this cavity, uni- or bilaterally, such that the bottom of the acetabulum protrudes in the pelvic cavity. Etiologically, the disease may be primary or secondary. This article presents the case of a 66-year-old man with primary bilateral acetabular protrusion admitted to our clinic for symptoms involving the hips: pain exacerbated at big effort in erect position and a progressive diminution of the amplitude of movement in both hips. The plain radiograph of the pelvis revealed the deepening of the acetabulum on both sides, intrapelvic protrusion of the bottom of the acetabular cavities, sinking of the femoral heads (and to a certain extent, also the femoral necks) into the acetabula. The articular space was altered bilaterally by osteoarthritic modifications. The diagnosis was bilateral acetabular protrusion with secondary hip osteoarthritis. Subsequently, he underwent bilateral total hip arthroplasty with an additional reinforcement with a Burch-Schneider ring on the left acetabulum. The operations were performed at a 6-months interval, with a favorable postoperative course for both hips.