Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of different hip rotation center positions on functional recovery in Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 82 Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) patients who underwent THA at Tangshan People's Hospital from January 2019 to March 2024. Based on postoperative anteroposterior pelvic radiographs, patients were divided into three groups according to the vertical superior displacement (ΔH) of the rotation center: ΔH1 group (ΔH < 5 mm, n = 34), ΔH2 group (5 mm ≤ ΔH < 10 mm, n = 29), and ΔH3 group (ΔH ≥ 10 mm, n = 19). Hip function [Harris Hip Score (HHS) ], balance ability [Berg Balance Scale (BBS) ], pain level [Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ], and Trendelenburg sign positivity rate were compared among the three groups preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Additionally, differences in cup anteversion, abduction angle, offset between the operated and healthy sides, and complications (prosthesis loosening, dislocation, iliopsoas impingement) were evaluated at 12 months postoperatively.Results Significant differences were observed in HHS, BBS, and VAS scores at preoperative, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month postoperative intervals (P < 0.05). Comparative analysis among ΔH1, ΔH2, and ΔH3 groups revealed statistically significant differences in HHS, BBS, and VAS scores (P < 0.05), with distinct variation trends in HHS scores across groups (P < 0.05). The Trendelenburg sign positive rates demonstrated significant differences among ΔH1, ΔH2, and ΔH3 groups at 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups (P < 0.05). Specifically, ΔH3 group exhibited higher Trendelenburg sign positivity at 12 months compared to ΔH1 and ΔH2 groups (P < 0.05), and at 3 month and 6 month intervals compared to ΔH1 group (P < 0.05). Cup orientation measurements showed significant intergroup differences in discrepancies between operated and healthy sides for anteversion angle, abduction angle, and offset at 12 months postoperation (P < 0.05). The ΔH1 group demonstrated smaller anteversion discrepancies than both ΔH2 and ΔH3 groups (P < 0.05), and smaller abduction/offset discrepancies than ΔH3 group (P < 0.05). The ΔH2 group showed significantly smaller discrepancies in all three parameters compared to ΔH3 group (P < 0.05). Adverse event analysis revealed significant differences in overall incidence among groups (P < 0.05), with ΔH3 group showing higher rates than both ΔH1 and ΔH2 groups (P < 0.0125 after Bonferroni correction).Conclusion Optimal adjustment of the hip rotation center significantly improves functional outcomes in Crowe type IV DDH patients after THA. A superior displacement of <10 mm yields better hip function and lower complication rates, supporting its clinical utility in enhancing recovery and reducing adverse events.