Bone cement spacer: a novel technique for treating a complicated case of developmental dysplasia of the hip with an injured acetabulum

Abstract Rationale: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) has an incidence of 5 per 1000 newborns and its management depends on various factors. We present a rare case of DDH with soft tissue obliteration and a bony prominence in the center of the acetabulum after failed open reduction and acetabuloplasty. Patient concerns: A 20-month-old girl presented to our clinic with right hip stiffness after undergoing open reduction and acetabuloplasty at another hospital. Diagnoses: The diagnosis of DDH was made using a computed tomography scan that revealed a right hip dislocation with soft tissue obliteration and a bony prominence in the center of the acetabulum. Interventions: We used a novel technique for treating the rare presentation of complicated DDH with massive soft tissue obliteration and bony prominence in the center of the acetabulum after failed open reduction and acetabuloplasty. The right hip was surgically explored. The acetabulum was deepened and resurfaced. Bone cement was applied over the acetabulum to prevent future ankylosis. Outcomes: At the follow-up 7 years after the last surgery, the patient had regained full range of motion and a properly reduced right hip with optimal acetabular coverage on radiographs. Lessons: Care must be taken in any patient with DDH who presents with hip redislocation after open reduction. If deepening and resurfacing of the acetabulum are required, bone cement could be used as a temporary spacer for 8 weeks; this was key in treating our patient.