Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty with a Strut Allograft and an Extensively Porous-Coated Femoral Stem

Abstract

Purpose: We wanted to report on the outcomes of using a strut allograft and extensively porous-coated femoral stems in revision total hip arthroplasty that was performed due to extensive femoral bone loss. Materials and Methods: Between 1998 and 2005, we performed 167 consecutive revision total hip arthroplasties. Among them, twelve cementless femoral revision surgeries with a strut allograft and extensively porous-coated stems were retrospectively reviewed. The average follow up was 4.6 years. The average age at the time of the index revision was 55.9 years. The reasons for the revisions were periprosthetic fracture due to extensive osteolysis in 5 hips and aseptic loosening in 7 hips. Results: The Harris hip score improved from a mean of 40.8 points before revision surgery to a mean of 85.1 points at the latest follow up. Radiographic evidence of bony stable stems were present in 11 hips and a fibrous stable stem was present in 1 hip. Moderate stress-shielding was noticed in one hip. Nonunion of the allograft was observed in 1 hip due to deep infection. To date, no significant wear or osteolysis has been observed. Conclusion: Revision total hip arthroplasty with a strut allograft and an extensively porous-coated femoral stem for treating cases of extensive femoral bone loss seems to be a reasonable choice. However, the concerns related to stress shielding, the difficulties in re-revisions and the complications associated with an allograft will require longer term follow up.