Delayed presentation of bilateral central hip protrusio acetabuli: evidence-based management

This is a case of a previously healthy 51-year-old man who sustained bilateral central hip dislocations following a sudden presentation of epileptic seizures. The patient was initially treated conservatively for a period of 9 months. On presentation, he had gross disability due to stiffness in both hips and left peroneal nerve paresis. Through minimally invasive direct anterior approaches, bilateral total hip arthroplasties were performed using tripolar head articulations. These were cemented into a biologic acetabular buttress constructed out of autologous bone graft. The femoral heads and necks were used as plugs and pressed into the acetabular defects, putting the medial acetabular walls under tension. At 24 months’ follow-up, there was a good clinical outcome, and the acetabular walls remodelled bilaterally. In conclusion, in traumatic protrusio acetabuli, a functional, biologic reconstruction of the acetabular wall can be facilitated with the application of distraction osteogenesis (tension-stress) principles while using minimally invasive surgical techniques.