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An innovative treatment is described for unstable total hip arthroplasty that uses a large inside diameter acetabular cup and a bipolar femoral head sized to approximate the diameter of the normal hip. Eight consecutive patients with recurrent prosthetic dislocations were treated with this tripolar hip. Joint stability was achieved in all patients, who have an average of 4.2-years' followup (range, 2.6-6.3 years).Dislocation after total hip arthroplasty is a disturbing complication for both patient and surgeon. The incidence of dislocation in primary surgery ranges from 0.61 to 3%.7383'1-'3, This incidence increases dramatically after revision surgery and can be as high as 26% after multiple procedures.'3.16,17Reoperation is indicated for failed closed reduction or persistent instability caused by component malpositioning; abductor mechanism insufficiency; or bone, cement, or in rare instances, soft tissue impingement. The various methods described for recurrent dis- 18.22.30