Trochanteric Union Research Articles

Intussusception Allograft Prosthetic Composites in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Salvage Operation for Extensive Femoral Bone Loss

BackgroundAllograft prosthetic composites (APCs) have been used to perform revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) for massive femoral bone loss or deformity. Intussusception, or “telescoping”, APC techniques have been proposed to enhance the contact area of this interface and provide superior mechanical fixation over conventional methods. The purpose of this study is to present to our knowledge, the largest series of telescoping APC THAs, along with surgical technique details and midterm (average 5-10 years) clinical results. MethodsBetween 1994 and 2015, 46 revision THAs performed with proximal femoral telescoping APCs were retrospectively reviewed at a single institution. Overall survival, reoperation-free survival, and construct survival rates were calculated via Kaplan-Meier methods. In addition, radiographic analyses were performed to evaluate for component loosening, union at the APC-host interface, and resorption of the allograft. ResultsAt 10 years, the overall patient survival was 58%, reoperation-free survival was 76%, and construct survival was 95%. Reoperation was performed in 20% (n = 9) and only 2 constructs required resection. Radiographic analyses performed at latest follow-up revealed no instances of radiographic femoral stem loosening, an 86% union rate at the APC-host site, 23% with signs of some allograft resorption, and a 54% trochanteric union. The mean postoperative Harris hip score was 71 points (range, 46-100). ConclusionTelescoping APCs are technically demanding, but provide reliable mechanical fixation for the reconstructing of large proximal femoral bone deficits in revision THA with excellent construct survivorship, acceptable reoperation rates, and good clinical outcomes. Level of EvidenceIV.

Midterm results of trochanteric flip osteotomy technique for management of fractures around the hip.

In this study, we aimed to investigate safety and efficacy of the trochanteric flip osteotomy with surgical hip dislocation technique in selected displaced acetabular and femoral head fractures with clinico-radiological outcome and potential complications. We retrospectively reviewed 32 patients from January 2009 to June 2014. Selected displaced acetabular fractures with comminution and/or cranial extension of posterior wall, marginal impaction, intraarticular fragment, femoral head fractures and hip fracture-dislocations were operated by this modified approach of trochanteric flip osteotomy and surgical hip dislocation. Patients were evaluated for fracture reduction, femoral head viability, trochanteric union, abduction power, and functional evaluation was done by Merle d'Aubigné-Postel scoring system. Minimum follow-up was 24 months. Reduction was judged to be anatomical in 84.38% of cases, and within 1-3 millimetres in 9.38% of cases. All osteotomies healed in an anatomical position. Heterotopic ossification was found in 2 patients limited to Brooker class I. Osteonecrosis developed in 1 patient. 2 patients developed arthritis of the hip as sequelae of poor reduction. Abduction power was MRC 5/5 in all except in 1 patient (4/5). Mean Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score was 16.18; overall good to excellent result was achieved in 87.5% of cases. Trochanteric flip osteotomy with surgical dislocation allows better intraarticular assessment, control of intraarticular fragments, assists accurate reduction and the fixation of complex acetabular and femoral head fractures, without compromising femoral head vascularity and abductor strength. This technique has provided excellent midterm results in the management of complex injuries around the hip.

Trochanteric Fixation With a Third-Generation Cable-Plate System: An Independent Experience

BackgroundGreater trochanteric fracture/nonunion can be a devastating complication with significant functional impact after total hip arthroplasty, and their fixation remains a challenge because of the significant forces being transmitted as well as the poor bone quality often associated with these fractures. The objective of this study is to investigate the rates of reoperation and trochanteric nonunion using a third-generation cable-plate system at one center. MethodsThirty-five patients, mean age 72.9 years (range 46-98 years) with 24 women and 11 men, underwent fixation of their fractured greater trochanter using a third-generation cable-plate system. The indications were: periprosthetic fracture (n = 17), complex primary arthroplasty (n = 5), and complex revision arthroplasty (n = 13). Primary outcomes included rates of reoperation and radiographic union. ResultsAt a mean follow-up of 2.5 years, trochanteric union rate was 62.9% with nonunion rate of 31.4%, and fibrous union in 5.7%. In regard to quality of initial apposition, only 40% achieved a perfect bone on bone reduction. Ten patients (28.6%) had evidence of wire breakage. Five patients (14.3%) required reoperation and removal of the internal fixation because of lateral hip pain. ConclusionFixation of the trochanteric fractures remains a challenge with a relatively high reoperation rate. Poor bone quality and capacity to maintain a stable reduction continue to make this complication after total hip arthroplasty a difficult problem to solve.

Results of Total Hip Arthroplasty Differ in Subtypes of High Dislocation

In a previous study, we described two subtypes of high dislocation of the hip depending on the presence (C1) or absence (C2) of a false acetabulum, yet we have already presented the concise followup of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in these patients as a group at a minimum of 15 years. In this retrospective study, we investigated differences in the results of THA in the C1 and C2 subtypes of high dislocation such as (1) survivorship of the reconstructions; (2) Merle d'Aubigné-Postel clinical scores; (3) leg lengthening and femoral shortening; and (4) site of reattachment and union rate of the greater trochanter. We included 49 hips of the C1 subtype and 30 hips of the C2 subtype operated on from 1976 to 1994. We evaluated survivorship (using reoperation for any reason as the end point) and performed chart and radiographic reviews. The 15-year survival was 84% (± 10% [95% CI]) for the C1 subtype and 60% (± 17% [95% CI]) for the C2 subtype (p = 0.001). Cox regression analysis, after adjustment for confounding factors, showed also statistically significantly worse survivorship in the C2 subtype (p = 0.021) and, after adjustment for possible predictive factors, found a statistically significant relationship of high dislocation subtype (p = 0.018) and trochanteric union (p = 0.005) with survival of THAs. Pain, function, and mobility scores improved from preoperative to last followup in C1 and C2 groups but they did not differ between C1 and C2 hips. C2 hips were lengthened more (p < 0.001) despite greater amounts of femoral shortening (p = 0.006). Site of reattachment and the risk of greater trochanter nonunion were not different between the groups. We found important differences in fundamental parameters after THA in the high-dislocation subtypes, including the risk of revision, which was higher in patients whose hips did not have a false acetabulum. These findings indicate that while reporting THA results in patients with high dislocation, mixing results of the two subtypes may lead to statistical bias.

Trochanteric osteotomy in primary and revision total hip arthroplasty: risk factors for non-union

Trochanteric osteotomies (TO) facilitate exposure and "true hip reconstruction" in complex primary and revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, non-union represents a clinically relevant complication. The purpose of the present study was to identify risk factors for trochanteric non-union. All cases of THA approached by TO during the past 10 years were analyzed with respect to potential risk factors for non-union. In 298 cases complete data were available for analysis. Trochanteric union occurred in 80.5%, fibrous union in 5.4% and non-union 14.1%. Risk factor analysis revealed a four times higher risk for non-union in anterior trochanteric slide osteotomies compared to extended trochanteric osteotomies and a three times higher risk in cemented versus non-cemented stems. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed patient's age and use of cement to be independent risk factors for non-union. Femoral cementation and increasing age negatively influence the union of trochanteric osteotomies.

Reattachment of Complex Femoral Greater Trochanteric Nonunions with Dual Locking Plates

The goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate complex nonunions of the trochanter fixed with dual locking plates after failed cable fixation devices. Fifteen consecutive patients were operated on for greater trochanteric nonunion and with a mean follow-up of 53.1 months (range, 26-88 months). Fixation was achieved with dual locking plates contoured on the anterolateral and posterolateral surface of the greater trochanter. Trochanteric union was achieved in 13 patients (87%). Failures occurred only when the trochanter was reattached to a proximal femoral allograft. The average total hip score was 14.8 ± 2.2 (Merle d'Aubigné ) and 77.6 (±12.8) (Harris Hip score). However, 20% of successful cases needed painful hardware removal. Greater trochanter nonunions can be successfully reattached with locking plates especially if bone-to-bone apposition is achieved at surgery.

Trochanteric osteotomy versus posterolateral approach: function the first year post surgery. A pilot study

BackgroundAlthough no prospective studies have compared functional results of trochanteric osteotomy and a non-trochanteric approach, most surgeons feel that trochanteric osteotomy is outdated in simple hip arthroplasty. Reasons not to perform an osteotomy include the fear of longer rehabilitation and worse (final) functional outcome.MethodThis prospective study examines differences in rehabilitation between posterolateral and trochanteric approach one year post-surgery using questionnaires (WOMAC, SF-36, HHS) and functional tests (walking, climbing stairs, rising from sitting, and strength tests). Of the 109 patients 24 had a trochanteric osteotomy: the selected approach was based on the surgeon's preference. The trochanteric osteotomy group included more patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. Before the start of the study no power analysis was performed.ResultsData from the questionnaires showed no significant differences between the two groups at 3, 6 and 12-months follow-up. At 3-months follow-up patients in the trochanteric osteotomy group scored lower on the functional tests. This difference had disappeared at 6 and 12-months follow-up, except for abduction force which remained lower in the trochanteric osteotomy group in patients with a non union of the TO.ConclusionFor simple hip arthroplasty an approach without osteotomy seems a logical choice. Although the power of this study is low, in experienced hands trochanteric osteotomy seems to give good functional results at 6-12 months post surgery if trochanteric union is obtained. Therefore, one should not hesitate to perform an osteotomy in difficult cases.

Die operative Behandlung der Azetabulum-T-Fraktur über eine chirurgische Hüftluxation oder einen Stoppa-Zugang

Anatomic reduction and stable fixation by means of tissue- preserving surgical approaches. INDICATIONS Displaced acetabular fractures. Surgical hip dislocation approach with larger displacement of the posterior column in comparison to the anterior column, transtectal fractures, additional intraarticular fragments, marginal impaction. Stoppa approach with larger displacement of the anterior column in comparison to the posterior column. A combined approach might be necessary with difficult reduction. CONTRAINDICATIONS Fractures > 15 days (then ilioinguinal or extended iliofemoral approaches). Suprapubic catheters and abdominal problems (e.g., previous laparotomy due to visceral injuries) with Stoppa approach (then switch to classic ilioinguinal approach).Surgical hip dislocation: lateral decubitus position. Straight lateral incision centered over the greater trochanter. Entering of the Gibson interval. Digastric trochanteric osteotomy with protection of the medial circumflex femoral artery. Opening of the interval between the piriformis and the gluteus minimus muscle. Z-shaped capsulotomy. Dislocation of the femoral head. Reduction and fixation of the posterior column with plate and screws. Fixation of the anterior column with a lag screw in direction of the superior pubic ramus. Stoppa approach: supine position. Incision according to Pfannenstiel. Longitudinal splitting of the anterior portion of the rectus sheet and the rectus abdominis muscle. Blunt dissection of the space of Retzius. Ligation of the corona mortis, if present. Blunt dissection of the quadrilateral plate and the anterior column. Reduction of the anterior column and fixation with a reconstruction plate. Fixation of the posterior column with lag screws. If necessary, the first window of the ilioinguinal approach can be used for reduction and fixation of the posterior column.During hospital stay, intensive mobilization of the hip joint using a continuous passive motion machine with a maximum flexion of 90 degrees . No active abduction and passive adduction over the body's midline, if a surgical dislocation was performed. Maximum weight bearing 10-15 kg for 8 weeks. Then, first clinical and radiographic follow-up. Deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis for 8 weeks postoperatively.17 patients with a mean follow-up of 3.2 years. Ten patients were operated via surgical hip dislocation, two patients with a Stoppa approach, and five using a combined or alternative approach. Anatomic reduction was achieved in ten of the twelve patients (83%) without primary total hip arthroplasty. Mean operation time 3.3 h for surgical hip dislocation and 4.2 h for the Stoppa approach. Complications comprised one delayed trochanteric union, one heterotopic ossification, and one loss of reduction. There were no cases of avascular necrosis. In two patients, a total hip arthroplasty was performed due to the development of secondary hip osteoarthritis.

Proximal Femoral Allograft Treatment of Vancouver Type-B3 Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Periprosthetic femoral fractures following total hip arthroplasty are becoming more prevalent. When a fracture occurs in a femur with substantial proximal bone deficiency, the surgical options for revision are limited. One option includes the use of a proximal femoral allograft. We retrospectively assessed the results and complications of the use of a proximal femoral allograft to treat twenty-five Vancouver type-B3 periprosthetic fractures in twenty-four patients. The mean duration of follow-up was 5.1 years. Clinical results were graded with use of the Harris hip score. Radiographs were assessed for evidence of trochanteric union, host-allograft union, allograft resorption, and component loosening or fracture. Failure of the procedure was defined as the need for revision surgery requiring graft removal. The mean postoperative Harris hip score was 70.8. At the time of the final follow-up, twenty-one of the twenty-four patients reported no or mild pain and twenty-three patients were able to walk; fifteen required a walking aid. The greater trochanter united in seventeen of the twenty-five hips (68%), and osseous union of the allograft to the host femur occurred in twenty hips (80%). There was mild graft resorption in four hips and moderate graft resorption in two. Four (16%) of the twenty-five hips required repeat revision. The use of a proximal femoral allograft for the treatment of a Vancouver type-B3 periprosthetic femoral fracture can provide a satisfactory result in terms of pain relief and function at five years.

Proximal Femoral Allograft Treatment of Vancouver Type-B3 Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures After Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic femoral fractures following total hip arthroplasty are becoming more prevalent. When a fracture occurs in a femur with substantial proximal bone deficiency, the surgical options for revision are limited. One option includes the use of a proximal femoral allograft. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed the results and complications of the use of a proximal femoral allograft to treat twenty-five Vancouver type-B3 periprosthetic fractures in twenty-four patients. The mean duration of follow-up was 5.1 years. Clinical results were graded with use of the Harris hip score. Radiographs were assessed for evidence of trochanteric union, host-allograft union, allograft resorption, and component loosening or fracture. Failure of the procedure was defined as the need for revision surgery requiring graft removal. RESULTS: The mean postoperative Harris hip score was 70.8. At the time of the final follow-up, twenty-one of the twenty-four patients reported no or mild pain and twenty-three patients were able to walk; fifteen required a walking aid. The greater trochanter united in seventeen of the twenty-five hips (68%), and osseous union of the allograft to the host femur occurred in twenty hips (80%). There was mild graft resorption in four hips and moderate graft resorption in two. Four (16%) of the twenty-five hips required repeat revision. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a proximal femoral allograft for the treatment of a Vancouver type-B3 periprosthetic femoral fracture can provide a satisfactory result in terms of pain relief and function at five years.

Proximal Femoral Allograft Treatment of Vancouver Type-B3 Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Periprosthetic femoral fractures following total hip arthroplasty are becoming more prevalent. When a fracture occurs in a femur with substantial proximal bone deficiency, the surgical options for revision are limited. One option includes the use of a proximal femoral allograft. We retrospectively assessed the results and complications of the use of a proximal femoral allograft to treat twenty-five Vancouver type-B3 periprosthetic fractures in twenty-four patients. The mean duration of follow-up was 5.1 years. Clinical results were graded with use of the Harris hip score. Radiographs were assessed for evidence of trochanteric union, host-allograft union, allograft resorption, and component loosening or fracture. Failure of the procedure was defined as the need for revision surgery requiring graft removal. The mean postoperative Harris hip score was 70.8. At the time of the final follow-up, twenty-one of the twenty-four patients reported no or mild pain and twenty-three patients were able to walk; fifteen required a walking aid. The greater trochanter united in seventeen of the twenty-five hips, and osseous union of the allograft to the host femur occurred in twenty hips. There was mild graft resorption in four hips and moderate graft resorption in two. Four (16%) of the twenty-five hips required repeat revision. The use of a proximal femoral allograft for the treatment of a Vancouver type-B3 periprosthetic femoral fracture can provide a satisfactory result in terms of pain relief and function at five years.

PROXIMAL FEMORAL ALLOGRAFT TREATMENT OF VANCOUVER TYPE-B3 PERIPROSTHETIC FEMORAL FRACTURES AFTER TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

Background: Periprosthetic femoral fractures following total hip arthroplasty are becoming more prevalent. When a fracture occurs in a femur with substantial proximal bone deficiency, the surgical options for revision are limited. One option includes the use of a proximal femoral allograft. Methods: We retrospectively assessed the results and complications of the use of a proximal femoral allograft to treat twenty-five Vancouver type-B3 periprosthetic fractures in twenty-four patients. The mean duration of follow-up was 5.1 years. Clinical results were graded with use of the Harris hip score. Radiographs were assessed for evidence of trochanteric union, host-allograft union, allograft resorption, and component loosening or fracture. Failure of the procedure was defined as the need for revision surgery requiring graft removal. Results: The mean postoperative Harris hip score was 70.8. At the time of the final follow-up, twenty-one of the twenty-four patients reported no or mild pain and twenty-three patients were able to walk; fifteen required a walking aid. The greater trochanter united in seventeen of the twenty-five hips, and osseous union of the allograft to the host femur occurred in twenty hips. There was mild graft resorption in four hips and moderate graft resorption in two. Four (16%) of the twenty-five hips required repeat revision. Conclusions: The use of a proximal femoral allograft for the treatment of a Vancouver type-B3 periprosthetic femoral fracture can provide a satisfactory result in terms of pain relief and function at five years. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Cementless acetabular revision with the Harris-Galante porous prosthesis. Results after a minimum of ten years of follow-up.

Revisions of the acetabular component of a total hip arthroplasty have a higher rate of complications, particularly loosening and dislocation, than do primary procedures. The purpose of this study, in which the results of a consecutive series of revisions performed with the Harris-Galante Porous acetabular component by a single surgeon were evaluated at an average of twelve years, was to quantify the complications and outcomes of acetabular revision. Clinical and radiographic results were evaluated to assess loosening, lysis, radiolucencies, and trochanteric union in 188 hips (170 patients) treated between 1984 and 1990. One hundred and twenty-two hips in 110 patients were followed for at least ten years, which was required for inclusion in the study. Thirty-one patients (thirty-six hips) died less than ten years postoperatively, and twenty-nine patients (thirty hips) were lost to or refused to return for follow-up. The average Harris hip score was 78 points at an average of 12.5 years after revision, which was a 29-point improvement compared with the preoperative score. The rate of repeat revision because of aseptic loosening of the acetabular shell was 4% (five of 122). The rate of repeat revision of the shell for any reason was 15% (eighteen of 122). Eight unrevised sockets were loose radiographically, for a total rate of aseptic loosening of 11% (thirteen of 122). This study demonstrated that most acetabular revisions with this cementless hemispherical socket were successful. Few structural grafts and no cages were used. Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series [no, or historical, control group]). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The use of structural proximal femoral allografts in complex revision hip arthroplasty.

Between April 1992 and November 1998 we used 34 massive proximal femoral allografts for femoral reconstruction at revision hip arthroplasty. Seven patients have died and two have been lost to follow-up. There were thus 25 grafts in 24 patients for review. The mean follow-up was 53 months (16 to 101). By the time of the review two patients had undergone a further revision for failure of the allograft. Another had required secondary plating and grafting at the graft-host junction for symptomatic nonunion. One had recurrence of deep sepsis and was being managed conservatively. Trochanteric union was considered to have occurred radiologically in 16 of the 25 grafts and union at the host-graft junction in 20. Resorption of the allograft was significant in only two hips. We recommend this technique in cases in which femoral bone loss has been catastrophic.

Trochanteric slide osteotomy in revision total hip arthroplasty for loosening.

We used a trochanteric slide osteotomy (TSO) in 94 consecutive revision total hip arthroplasties (90 with replacement of both the cup and stem). This technique proved to be adequate for removing the components, with few complications (two minor fractures), and for implanting acetabular allografts (18%) and reinforcement devices (23%). Trochanteric union was obtained in most patients (96%), even in those with septic loosening (18/19), major femoral osteolysis (32/32), or previous trochanteric osteotomy (17/18). TSO is versatile, since it can be extended by a femoral flap (four cases) or a distal femoral window (eight cases). Despite significant bone loss, in 24% of the femora and 57% of the acetabula, favourable midterm results were achieved and only six reoperations were required, Including two for trochanteric nonunion and two for loosening. It leaves the lateral femoral cortex intact so that a stem longer than 200 mm was needed in only 25% of patients. This is a considerable advantage compared with the extended trochanteric osteotomy in which the long lateral flap (12 to 14 cm) requires an average length of stem of 220 mm beyond the calcar. TSO provides an approach similar in size to the standard trochanteric osteotomy but with a rate of nonunion of 4% versus 15%. It reduces the risk of difficulties with removal of the stem, and removes the need for routine distal anchoring of long revision stems. The limited distal femoral compromise is very important in patients with a long life expectancy.

A new method of trochanteric fixation after osteotomy in revision total hip arthroplasty with a calcar replacement femoral component

Two series of cementless revision hip arthroplasties, using a transtrochanteric approach and an identical calcar replacement femoral prosthesis, were compared to ascertain the rate of trochanteric union and device problems. The failed implants removed at the time of revision were short-stemmed cemented or cementless designs in comparable patient populations. Eighteen patients had a traditional wiring fixation with a 72% union rate, and 111 patients had a bolt-and-plate fixation device, when it became available, that transfixed the trochanter to the lateral side of the femur through the proximal femoral component. The rate of union here was 94%. Of 111 bolt-and-plate devices, 13 (11.7%) were radiographically loose, although asymptomatic with a united osteotomy. Two bolts of the first-generation design broke, with 1 needing removal. Two bolt-and-plate devices disassembled, with 1 needing removal.

Proximal femoral allografts for reconstruction of bone stock in revision arthroplasty of the hip. A nine to fifteen-year follow-up.

Revision of a femoral component in a patient who has severe bone loss is a complex problem that is likely to increase with the increasing numbers of patients who have multiple revision hip arthroplasties. A valuable option in such a situation is use of a long-stem prosthesis that is cemented to a proximal femoral allograft but not to the host bone. Between April 1984 and December 1989, sixty-three total hip arthroplasties in sixty consecutive patients were revised with a proximal femoral allograft-prosthesis construct. The average length of the allograft was 15 cm. The average age of the patients at the time of the revision was 62.5 years. All patients had undergone at least one previous total hip arthroplasty, and an average of 3.8 previous total hip arthroplasties had been performed in the series. Each patient was assigned a modified Harris hip score. Radiographs were examined for trochanteric union, allograft-host union, endosteal and periosteal resorption, component loosening, and fracture. At an average of eleven years (range, nine years and four months to fifteen years) after the revision, forty-five patients were alive, fourteen patients had died, and one patient had been lost to follow-up. The patients who had died or had been lost to follow-up had had a total of fifteen allografts (24%) and had been followed for an average of five years and seven months (range, two years and four months to eight years). The average preoperative Harris hip score for the sixty-three hips was 30 points (range, 6 to 65 points). At the latest follow-up evaluation, the average score for the hips with the original graft in situ was 71 points (range, 47 to 95 points). Five hips failed because of infection, and four of them were successfully revised. Three hips failed because of aseptic loosening, at an average of ten years and three months; two were successfully revised, and the third was awaiting revision at the time of writing. An additional operation was performed in three hips with allograft-host nonunion and in two with dislocation. Success was defined as a postoperative increase in the Harris hip score of greater than 20 points, a stable implant, and no need for additional surgery related to the allograft at the time of the review. The success rate for all hips was 78% (forty-nine of sixty-three) after an average of nine years of follow-up. The success rate for the patients who were alive at the time of follow-up was 77% (thirty-seven of forty-eight hips) after an average of eleven years of follow-up. The clinical and radiographic results at an average of eleven years after revision hip arthroplasty with a proximal femoral allograft are encouraging. This report represents our early experience; improvements in the technique have been made. We believe that this technique provides a viable option for treatment of the difficult problem of severe femoral bone loss.

Integrity of Proximal Femoral Allografts: A Serial Radiographic Analysis

To assess the integrity of proximal femoral allografts, we reviewed annual postoperative radiographs of 26 patients (27 hips) with a mean follow-up of 10.0 years (range 6 to 15 years). Radiographs were examined for: graft resorption, implant loosening, host/graft union, trochanteric union and escape, and graft fracture. Our main objective was to document the first appearance, site, degree and progression of allograft resorption. Severe resorption occurred in two cases, at one and six years. Progression was recognized in two different patients at six (moderate to severe) and ten (mild to moderate) years. We observed a potential for allograft resorption at any time post-operatively, emphasizing the need for annual follow-ups with radiographic review

Trochanteric union in revision hip arthroplasty

A total of 69 patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty using a transtrochanteric approach who all had at least 1 previous transtrochanteric surgical approach. In 6 patients, it was the third time the trochanter was taken down, and in 2 patients, it was the fourth time. We believe this is the first review of trochanteric union in such a subgroup of patients. The mean age was 66 years (range, 46-82 years). Before revision, 49 of 69 patients (71%) had a united trochanter, whereas 20 of 69 (29%) had a pseudarthrosis. The overall pseudarthrosis rate decreased from 20 patients (29%) to 10 patients (14%) after revision surgery. The mean Harris hip score was 86 (range, 29-100). Repeated transtrochanteric osteotomy was not associated with any significant morbidity and did not affect the clinical outcome.

Trochanteric union following revision total hip arthroplasty

Ninety-nine patients (106 hips) with a trochanteric osteotomy during revision total hip arthroplasty were evaluated at a minimum of 5 years after surgery. Trochanteric reattachment was done with monofilament cobalt-chromium wires. The influence of the following variables on trochanteric union was examined: a prior trochanteric osteotomy, an existing trochanteric nonunion, trochanteric advancement to the lateral femur, use of vertical (in addition to horizontal) wires through the trochanter, and use of a trochanteric mesh. Overall, union occurred in 92 of the 106 trochanters (87%). Fifty-three of 61 trochanters (86.9%) healed after an initial osteotomy, whereas 34 of 38 (89.5%) healed after a repeat osteotomy. Five of the 7 trochanters with an existing nonunion healed, and 5 of 5 trochanters reattached to a bulk allograft healed. Twenty-nine of 36 trochanters (80.5%) reattached to cancellous bone healed, compared with 58 of 65 (89.2%) that were reattached to the lateral femoral cortex. Ninety percent (83/92) of the trochanters reattached in conjunction with use of a chrome-cobalt mesh healed, compared with 64.3% (9/14) of those without ( P < .05). Of the variables studied, only the use of mesh was statistically significant. Osteotomy through a previously healed trochanter, advancement of the trochanter to cortical bone, existing trochanteric nonunion, trochanteric reattachment to a bulk allograft, and lack of vertical wires for fixation did not adversely affect the likelihood of obtaining trochanteric union.