Congenital dislocation of the hip treated by total hip arthroplasty.

Thirty-two total hip arthroplasties (THAs) were performed on 26 severely incapacitated patients with congenital dislocation of the hip. The arthroplasty technique varied with the problems encountered, but the cup was always placed in the true acetabulum. In 19 cases, femoral head autografts were transplanted. The overall results were satisfactory. Roentgenologic evaluation of the bone grafts showed no nonunion or secondary displacement. Nineteen previously invalid patients now lead normal lives. Five patients are minimally incapacitated and only two were unimproved by the operation. THA with autogeneic grafts to deepen the acetabulum is recommended whenever a congenital dislocation of the hip in an adult is associated with severe pain.