Goals of femoral revision arthroplasty are to achieve stability of the femoral component, to restore biomechanical function of the hip joint and to restore the femoral bone stock. In order to accomplish such an ideal revision arthroplasty, several points should be reminded before and during the revision arthroplasty such as exposure, removal of the failed component, restoration of bone loss, placement of the new component and hip stability. Appropriate options of femoral components for revision depend on the degree of femoral bone loss. When the bone loss is minimum, a standard length component can be used like in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). When it is moderate or severe, special components and techniques would be necessary. Loss of bone stock is the most difficult problem in femoral revision surgery. It increases a risk of complications during operation such as fracture or perforation, and also results in difficulty to achieve stability of the component. Even when the bone defect is moderate or severe, immediate fixation of the femoral component should be mainly supported by native bone. Additionally, in the remaining bone loss, bone tissue is grafted as much as possible. Survival rate of revision arthroplasty is low comparing with that of primary THA. In addition to the present revision, a possible next operation in the future should be considered when we plan revision surgery. Cemented femoral revision has a disadvantage of removal of the prosthesis when it is failed. Removal of cemented component has a high possibility of complications including perforation and fracture. During revision arthroplasty of a cemented femoral component using a modern cement technique, removal of the cement mantle is difficult, time-consuming and hazardous. The cement mass distal to the tip of the femoral component is the most difficult to be removed since it is often well fixed. The removal procedure has a high risk of causing femoral perforation or fracture. Furthermore, in re-revision, the cement fixation will be often beyond the isthmus and into distal bone defect. And revised cemented femoral components would be more difficult to be removed. On the contrary, loosened uncemented components will be removed relatively easily. Uncemented stem has the advantage of bone stock restoration. Simultaneous bone graft induces restoration of bone stock. Restored bone tissue will support the component, and this improvement of the bone stock would be beneficial when it is failed again in the future. According to these principles, we prefer uncemented femoral revisions rather than cemented revisions. This paper will show the clinical results of femoral revisions in our department mainly using an uncemented femoral component

Periprosthetic femoral fractures are becoming increasingly common and are a major complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA). We report a retrospective review of the outcomes of treatment of 11 periprosthetic fractures after femoral revision using a long stem. Eleven female patients with a mean age of 79.2 years (70 to 91 years) were treated for a Vancouver type B1 fracture between 1998 and 2013. The status of the initial arthroplasty was THA in 5 patients and BHA in 6 patients. The original diagnosis was femoral neck fracture in 5 patients, osteoarthritis in 5 patients, and avascular necrosis of femoral head in 1 patient. Seven patients had had a cemented femoral component and 4 had had a cementless femoral component. The mean numbers of previous surgeries were 3.2 times (2 to 5 times). A previous history of fracture in the same femur was found in 7 hips including 5 femoral neck fractures, 3 periprosthetic fractures. The cause of the latest revision surgery was aseptic loosening in 6 hips, periprosthetic fracture in 3 hips, and infection in 2 hips. The average time to fracture after femoral revision using a long stem was 106.5 months (12 to 240 months). The average follow-up was 58.9 months (8 to 180 months). The fracture pattern was a transverse fracture in 6 hips and an oblique fracture in 5 hips. The type B1 fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation in 9 hips, 6 of which were reinforced with bone grafts. Seven patients were treated with a locking compression plate and cerclage wiring, and 2 patients were treated with a Dall-Miles system. Two other periprosthetic fractures were treated with femoral revision. One was revised because of stem breakage, and the other was a transverse fracture associated with very poor bone quality, which received a femoral revision with a long stem and a locking compression plate. All fractures except one achieved primary union. This failed case had a bone defect at the fracture site, and revision surgery using a cementless long stem and allografts was successful. These finding suggest that a type B1 fracture after revision using a long stem associated with very poor bone quality or bone loss might be considered as a type B3 fracture, and femoral revision might be the treatment of choice

Introduction. The success of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA), primary as well as for revision, largely depends on the initial stability of the femoral implant. In this respect, several studies have estimated that the micromotion at the bone-implant interface should not exceed 150µm (Jasty 1997, Viceconti 2000) in order to ensure optimal bonding between bone and implant. Therefore, evaluating the initial stability through micromotion measurements serves as a valid method towards reviewing implant design and its potential for uncemented THAs. In general, the methods used to measure the micromotion assume that the implant behaves as a rigid body. While this could be valid for some primary stems (Østbyhaug 2010), studies that support the same assumption related to revision implants were not found. The aim of this study is to assess the initial stability of a femoral revision stem, taking into account possible non-rigid behaviour of the implant. A new in vitro measuring method to determine the micromotion of femoral revision implants is presented. Both implant and bone induced displacements under cyclic load are measured locally. Methods. A Profemur R modular revision stem (MicroPort Orthopedics Inc. Arlington, TN, United States of America) and artificial femora (composite bone 4th generation #3403, Sawbones Europe AB, Malmö, Sweden) prepared by a surgeon were used. The micromotions were measured in proximal-distal, medial-lateral or anterior-posterior directions at four locations situated in two transverse planes, using pin and bushing combinations. At each measuring location an Ø8mm bushing was attached to the bone, and a concentric Ø3mm pin was attached to the implant [Fig.1 and 2]. A supporting structure used to hold either guiding bushings or linear variable displacement transducers (LVDT) is attached to the proximal part of the implant. The whole system was installed on a hydraulic force bench (PC160N, Schenck GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany) and 250 physiological loading cycles were applied [Fig.3]. Results. By combining the local bone and implant displacements, the relative average micromotion appeared to be less than 25µm in the proximal region and less than 50µm in the distal region. These data correspond to a regular implant-bone fit. Also the micromotion is on average larger in the medial-lateral plane than in the posterior-anterior plane. If the implant deformations were not taken into account then the average values for micromotion were overestimated up to 20µm at proximal levels, and up to 140µm at distal levels. Conclusion. Good initial stability is achieved in each case, suggesting a successful long-term outcome. These findings are consistent with a success rate of 96% reported for the used implant over an average of 10 years (Köster 2008). To adequately evaluate the initial stability of femoral implants, the non-rigid behaviour cannot be ignored. Acknowledgments. This research is supported by BVOT (Belgian Association for Orthopaedics and Traumatology) and Impulse Fund KU Leuven

Purpose. To evaluate the radiographic long-term result of femoral revision hip arthroplasty using impacted cancellous allograft combined with cemented, collarless, polished and tapered stem. Materials and methods. Among 28 patients with impacted cancellous allograft with a cemented stem, 28 hips from 26 consecutive patients were analyzed retrospectively. The average patient age was 59 years. The follow-up period ranged 9 years 6 months to 14 years 5 months (mean, 12, 5 years). Radiographic parameters analyzed in this study included subsidence of the stem in the cement, subsidence of the cement mantle in the femur, bone remodeling of the femur, radiolucent line, and osteolysis. Results. Radiographic analysis showed very stable stem initially. 27 stems showed minimal subsidence (less than 5 mm) and 1 stem showed moderate subsidence (about 10 mm) in the cement. But there was no mechanical failure and subsidence at the composit-femur interface. Evidence of cortical and trabecular remodeling were observed in all cases. No radiolucent line or osteolysis were found in the follow-up period. There were 4 proximal femoral cracks and 1 distal femoral splitting during operation. Conclusion. The result of cemented stem revision with the use of impacted cancellous allograft was good long-terand femoral bone stock deficiency may be reconstructed successfully

Modularity in femoral revision stems was developed to reduce subsidence, leg length discrepancy and dislocation experienced in revision surgery. The Wagner SL Revision Stem (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) has been known for excellent bony fixation and proximal bony regeneration, but the third-generation proportional neck offset and 135° neck-shaft angle has an unknown track record. Our aim is to study the effect of these design modifications on stem subsidence, dislocation rate and stem survival. We reviewed 76 consecutive femoral revisions (70 patients; 50 M: 20 W; 67.7 yo [range; 37.7 – 86.6 yo]) with the Wagner SL implanted at our institution (2004–2012). No patient was lost to follow-up, but nine had died, and one patient was excluded for a Paprosky type I femoral bone defect. This leaves us 66 hips (60 patients) at 2 to 9.5 years of follow-up (mean 55 months; range, 24–114 months). Indications for revisions included aseptic stem loosening (62.1%), infection (13.6%), acetabular loosening (12.1%), recurrent dislocation (4.5%), periprosthetic (4.5%) and stem fracture (1.5%), and chondrolysis (1.5%). Patients were actively followed up at regular intervals to ascertain revision status and outcome measures including the Merle d'Aubigné (n=53), WOMAC questionnaires (n=59) and radiographs (n=66). Radiographs were evaluated for stem subsidence (mm). One of the surviving 66 stems was revised for recurrent deep infection (1.5%). No patient underwent revision of the femoral stem for aseptic loosening or subsidence. The mean preoperative WOMAC scores (P: 12.8; S: 5.6; F: 51.8) had improved significantly at follow-up (P: 9.7;, S: 4.3; F: 37.6) (p<0.05). The mean Merle D'Aubigné score went from a pre-op of 8.2 (SD: 2.8; range 1 to 14) to a mean of 15.3 (SD: 2.6; range 7 to 18) (p<0,05) at the latest follow-up. During the follow-up period, 3 hips dislocated (4.5%). Each event happened prior to six months after surgery. Only one of these cases dislocated twice. Closed reduction was performed in all cases. None required revision surgery subsequently, and they all remained stable. The stem survivorship is 98.4% at 5 years (0.95 CI: 93–100) and 97.4% at 7.5 years (0.95 CI: 88.9–100). Stem subsidence of 0 to 5 mm was considered as not clinically significant (n=20; 30%). Stem subsidence of 5 to 10 mm occurred in 5 hips (7.6%)and stem subsidence greater than 10 mm only occurred in one hips (1.5%). The third generation Wagner SL conical revision femoral stem has a lower rate of complication than its preceding generations, and is comparable to modular stems performance reported in current literature. These results motivate the authors to continue using monoblock conical revision femoral stems

At the revision surgery of the cemented Total hip arthroplasty (THA), complete removal of an old cement mantle of the femur without loosening is very difficult. It can be associated with complications, such as femoral fracture, perforation and femoral bone loss. Cement-within-cement technique (CWCT) of femoral revision is very useful and advantageous without those complications for special cases. We reviewed the experiential radiological outcomes using CWCT for the cemented femoral revision. Between 1999 and 2006, we performed seventeen of revision THA using CWCT in 17 patients. There were four men and 13 women, with an average age of 75 years (range 68 to 87), with an average follow up of 39 months (range 12 to 87). The reasons for revision surgery were eleven for cup loosening, 5 for recurrent dislocation and one technical failure of stem insertion intra-operatively. An original Charnley stem (Depuy, Leeds, England) was implanted in six cases, an Exeter femoral component (Stryker Benoist Girard, Herouville, Saint-Clair, France) was in 10 and another stem in one. Posterolateral approach without trochanteric osteotmy was performing for all patients. After the femoral component was removed, the cement mantle was examined in detail, to confirm cement-bone interface and cement fracture. The cement mantle was washed with a pulsatile lavage to clean and to be dried. If necessary, the surface of the cement mantle was reamed. A double mix of Simplex P cement (Stryker Limerick, Limerick, Ireland) in liquid phase was inserted within the cement mantle by a cement gun with a thin nozzle(Stryker Instruments Kalamazoo, US). Thereafter suction and pressuriser were used, and a femoral component was inserted. The results of this study were that the intra-operative complication was two fractures of the greater trochanter at the stem removed and was one shaft perforation at a new original Charnley stem inserted. The stem position was one valgus and 3 varus stem position of more than 2 degrees. Radiographic outcomes showed no stem loosening, no radiolucent line at the bone-cement interface, nor any osteolysis in the patients at final follow-up. We conclude that this cement-within-cement technique is good radiographic outcomes up to 87 months and this technique should be used with the thinner femoral component than the previous

Cement-in-cement femoral revision is a proven technique in revision total hip arthroplasty, with excellent results when using standard sized Exeter stems. The Exeter 44/00 125 mm short revision stem was introduced in 2004 to facilitate cement-in-cement revision. The stem is 25mm shorter and has a slimmer body to allow greater flexibility to adjust depth of insertion and version of the stem. However, it is not known if this change in stem length and size effects its longer term performance. We therefore reviewed the clinical outcome and survival of the Exeter 44/00 short stem used for cement-in-cement revision in our unit, with a minimum of 5 years follow up. 166 cases were performed between 2004 and 2010. 103 hips were available for 5 year clinical and radiological follow up, with 91 hips surviving to final review in 2017. At 5 years, 43 hips had died, 13 were revised and 7 were too frail to attend clinical review. The fate of all 166 hips were known and included in the survival analysis. Median clinical scores improved significantly. Sixteen hips required re-revision (infection 6, loose cup 3, periprosthetic fracture 3, instability 2, stem fracture with chronic infection 1 and pain 1). Kaplan-meier survival analysis revealed 100% survival for aseptic loosening, 96.8% survival for stem failure and 88.9% survival for all causes. This is the largest series with the longest follow up of the Exeter 44/00 short revision stem. The stem performs equally well as standard Exeter stems with regards to aseptic loosening. The single stem fracture occurred secondary to bone loss in chronic infection, highlighting the importance of providing adequate proximal support for the stem. Periprosthetic fracture occurred in 2.4% of this series of revision cases. Larger registry-based studies may provide additional information on the performance of this stem

Purpose: This multicentric retrospective study was conducted to search for indications of femoral revision with a custom-made non-cemented implant. Material and methods: We collected files on femoral revisions using custom-made implants among our working group and among surgeons having a certain experience between 1989 and 1991. Twenty-one patients (13 men and 10 women), mean age 50.1 years (24–81) were operated. This was the first revision for 14, the second for six, and the third for two. Mean follow-up was 35.4 years. The implant was coated with hydroxyapatite in the proximal zone with optional distal locking except for the first cases. The implant was used when the usual implants were poorly adapted. Data acquisition was achieved with previous calibrated computed tomography. The problem was to distinguish residual bone from cement or the prior implant. Information was exchanged between the engineer and the surgeon in order to define the stem shape and anchorage. Regular clinical follow-up was performed, noting the Postel Merle d’Aubligné score. The radiographic assessment focused on the absence of prosthesis descent and lucent lines. Results: The PMA score improved from 9.6 (6–14; 2.4; 4.26; 2.91) to 14 (8–18; 4.61; 5.05; 4.25). Complications were dislocation in three hips, one requiring cup replacement and the other neck replacement. Early descent of the femoral stem was also noted in one hip which required revision. Late descent at 13 years was managed by a simple procedure in one hip (SOFCOT stage I). Discussion: The early failures were related to the severity of the initial lesions (or rather their underestimation) and to defective initial distal stabilisation. Late failures resulted from the absence of bioreactive coating. We have had no experience with impacted grafting. The indication for custom-made implants are exceptional (less than 2% of our revisions) and can be divided into four categories: extramedullary (very long neck/varus) the implant avoiding the use of balls; extrapolation (femur too small or too large requiring under- or oversized implant); dysmorphism (excessive curvature, osteotomy or fracture sequelae, narrow metaphysic with wide diaphysis); gap filling (weight-bearing zone). Conclusion: The advantage of a custom-made implant is the choice of anchorage and the simplification of the operative procedure. It is often the only solution in complex situations but requires close collaboration with the engineer (virtual intervention) and implies significant cost

To evaluate the radiographic mid-to long-term result of femoral revision hip arthroplasty using impacted cancellous allograft combined with cemented, collarless, polished and tapered stem. Among 27 patients with impacted cancellous allograft with a cemented stem, 28 hips from 26 consecutive patients were analyzed retrospectively. The average patient age was 59 years. The follow-up period ranged 36 months to 10 years, 3 months (mean, 76.6 months). Radiographic parameters analyzed in this study included subsidence of the stem in the cement, subsidence of the cement mantle in the femur, bone remodeling of the femur, radiolucent line, and osteolysis. Radiographic analysis showed very stable stem initially. 27 stems showed minimal subsidence (less than 0.005m) and 1 stem showed moderate subsidence (about 0.008m) in the cement. But there was no mechanical failure and subsidence at the composite-femur interface. Evidence of cortical and trabecular remodeling were observed in all cases. No radiolucent line or osteolysis were found in the follow-up period. There were 4 proximal femoral cracks and 1 distal femoral splitting during operation. The result of cemented stem revision with the use of impacted cancellous allograft was good mid-to long-term. And femoral bone stock deficiency may be reconstructed successfully

Cement-in-cement femoral component revision is a useful and commonly practised technique. Onerous and hazardous re-shaping of the original cement mantle is required if the new stem does not seat easily. Furthermore, without removing the entirety of the original cement mantle, the freedom to alter anteversion or leg length is difficult to predict preoperatively. We present data from in vitro experiments testing the compatibility of the top cemented stems according to UK registry figures (NJR 2013). This data augments preoperative planning by indicating which revision stems require minimal or no cement reshaping when being inserted into another stem's mantle. We also present the maximum shortening and anteversion that can be achieved without reshaping the original cement mantle

Objective: Revision total hip arthroplasty in cases of proximal femoral bone loss due to osteolysis and loosening is challenging for surgeon and implants. The use of tapered fluted modular titanium femoral stem in these situations may offer the advantage of better biomechanical reconstruction with a design that ensure primary stability and promotes bone integration. Method: We studied retrospectively 83 cases of femoral reconstruction with the PFM-R stem. Paprosky classification was used to qualify bone defects on preoperative radiological evaluation. Demographic, clinical and intraoperative data were collected, along with any complications. Clinical (W.O.M.A.C. function score) and radiological follow-up was performed at a minimum of 12 months. Results: The mean follow-up was 44 months (23 to 66 months). Five patients were lost to follow-up. 48% of patients had at least one previous revision. The mean post operative WOMAC score was 83. 91% of patients had no significant limb length discrepancy. Stabilization or regression of osteolytic lesions was observed in 75% of revised femur. Complications were 8 dislocations, 7 fractures and 3 infections. A correlation was found between the risk of dislocation and the number of previous revision surgery. Out of 14 cases revised for infection, one had a recurrence. Discussion: This study confirmed the benefits of the PFM-R stem in difficult femoral revision in term of limb length equalization, stability of fixation, regression of osteolytic lesions and improved clinical function

Failure of the femoral component after a primary or revision THA is commonly associated with some degree of femoral bone loss. Depending on the quantity and quality of the remaining host bone, femoral stem revision can be challenging. Twenty patients with severe proximal femoral bone loss due to prosthetic loosening were treated by Wagner cementless self-locking revision stems with a mean follow up of 24 months (range 18–36 months). The indication of revision surgery was aseptic loosening in 16 patients and septic loosening in 4 cases. At the end of the follow up the mean Harris hip score increased from 35 to 86 points. Definite radiographic evidence of bone regeneration in the bony defects was achieved within 3 months in all patients. Implantation of a Wagner cementless selflocking revision stem provided satisfactory results. The Wagner SL Revision prosthesis, firmly and rotationally stable fixed in the medullary cavity of the healthy bone distal from the original prosthetic bed, with its conical longitudinal ribs and cementless anchorage, bridges the defective prosthetic bed and hereby leads to a condition of relative mechanical stability. With time, there is active ossification in the old prosthetic bed, replacing lost bone

Retention of well fixed bone cement at the time of a revision THA is an attractive proposition, as its removal can be difficult, time consuming and may result in extensive bone stock loss or fracture. Previously reported poor results of cemented revision THA, however, have tended to discourage Surgeons from performing ‘cement in cement’ revisions, and this technique is not in widespread use. Since 1989 in Exeter, we have performed a ‘cement within cement’ femoral stem revision on 354 occasions. An Exeter polished tapered stem has been cemented into the existing cement mantle on each occasion. Clinical and radiological follow up of 5 years or longer is available for 156 cases. On no occasion has a cement in cement femoral stem had to be re-revised during this time for subsequent aseptic loosening. This has encouraged the refinement of this technique, including the development of a new short stem designed specifically for cement within cement revisions. This stem is designed to fit into an existing well fixed cement mantle of most designs of cemented femoral components or hemi-arthroplasties, with only limited preparation of the proximal mantle required. The new stem greatly simplifies cement in cement revision and minimises the risk of distal shaft perforation or fracture, which is otherwise a potential hazard when reaming out distal cement to accommodate a longer prosthesis

Retention of well fixed bone cement at the time of a revision THA is an attractive proposition, as its removal can be difficult, time consuming and may result in extensive bone stock loss or fracture. Previously reported poor results of cemented revision THA, however, have tended to discourage Surgeons from performing “cement in cement” revisions, and this technique is not in widespread use. Since 1989, we have performed a cement within cement femoral stem revision on 354 occasions. The indications for in cement revision included facilitating acetabular revision, replacement of a monoblock stem with a damaged or incompatible head, revision of hemiarthroplasty to THA, component malposition and broken stem. Cement in cement revision was only performed in the presence of well fixed cement with an intact bone-cement interface. An Exeter polished tapered stem was cemented into the existing cement mantle on each occasion. Follow up of 5 years or longer is available for 175 cases, and over 8 years in 41. On no occasion has a cement in cement femoral stem had to be re-revised during this time for subsequent aseptic loosening. Advantages include preservation of bone stock, reduced operating time, improved acetabular exposure and early post operative full weight bearing mobilisation. This technique has not been used for 1 stage revision of infection. This experience has encouraged the refinement of this technique, including the development of a new short stem designed specifically for cement within cement revisions. This stem is designed to fit into an existing well fixed cement mantle of most designs of cemented femoral component or hemi-arthroplasty, with only limited preparation of the proximal mantle required. The new stem greatly simplifies cement in cement revision and minimises the risk of distal shaft perforation or fracture, which is otherwise a potential hazard when reaming out distal cement to accommodate a longer prosthesis

Introduction. Studies have documented encouraging results with the use of fluted, tapered, modular, titanium stems in revision hip arthroplasty with bone loss. However, radiographic signs of osseointegration and patterns of reconstitution have not been previously categorized. Materials and Methods. 64 consecutive hips with index femoral revision using a particular stem of this design formed the study cohort. Serial radiographs were retrospectively reviewed by an independent observer. Bone loss was determined by Paprosky's classification. Osseointegration was assessed by a slight modification of the criteria of Engh et al. Femoral restoration was classified according to Kolstad et al. Pain and function was documented using Harris Hip Score (HHS). Results. Mean patient age was 68.3 years and radiographic follow-up 6.2 years. 74% femora had type 3 or 4 bone loss. All distal segments were radiographically osseointegrated. Proximal segment radiolucent lines were frequent (40%). Early minor subsidence occured in 4 (6.2%) hips. Definite bony regeneration was documented in 73% femora and stress-shielding in 26%. HHS improved from a pre-operative mean of 50.1 points to 86.2 at most recent follow-up. Discussion. A consistent pattern of bony remodeling and osseointegration occurred which could be applied for assessment of fixation and stability of this stem. The well established criteria of osseointegration for cylindrical cobalt-chrome stems may have to be altered for application to these stems as the mechanism of load transfer is entirely different. Stems with diameter of 18mm or greater are clearly predisposed to stress shielding, predominantly at the mid-shaft region

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological outcome of instrumented femoral revisions after failed total hip arthroplasties using the impaction bone grafting technique with morsellized bone chips in combination with a cemented polished stem. Methods: Thirty-three consecutive femoral reconstructions were performed between November 1991 and February 1996 using the X-Change femoral impaction system with fresh frozen morsellized bone grafts and a cemented polished Exeter stem. All patients were prospectively followed. The learning curve with this new technique is included in this report. This technique was used in twenty-four women and nine men; the average age at surgery was sixty-three years (range 33–82). Femoral bone stock defects were classified according to the Endoklinik classification as grade 1 in three hips, grade 2 in fourteen hips, grade 3 in twelve hips and grade 4 in four hips. At a minimal eight years follow-up no patient was lost to follow-up, but eight patients died (at 0.5, 3.5, 3.5, 7.0, 7.0, 7.5 and 9.0 after reconstruction). All were followed until death, none of these deaths was related to the surgery, and none had a re-revision. Results: No femoral reconstruction was re-rerevised at a mean follow-up of 10.4 years (range 8 to 13 years). However, there were three femoral fractures during follow-up (at 3, 6 and 22 months), all at the level of tip of the prostheses. All healed after plating, all femoral implants were left in situ. The average Harris hip score improved from 49 prior to surgery to 85 at review (68–100). The average migration of the stem within the cement mantle was three mm (0–14 mm), most migration was seen in the first year. Radiologically, there were no failures. With an endpoint of femoral revision for any reason, with endpoint aseptic loosening or with endpoint radiological loosening the survival rate using the Kaplan-Meier analysis was hundred per cent in all situations (one-sided 95% C.I. 100–91.3 %). Conclusions Femoral revision using bone impaction grafting with fresh frozen bone grafts and a cemented polished stem showed an excellent survival at eight to thirteen years follow-up

To document the medium term results of the use of a fluted tapered titanium femoral stem in revision total hip arthroplasty.

70 patients undergoing total hip revision using a tapered grit blasted titanium modular stem were reviewed at a mean follow up time of 47 months. No bone graqfts were used. Femoral defects were classified according to Pak and Paprosky and the femoral bone quality was assessed with the Bohm and Bischel system. Clinical function was assessed by the Oxford Hip Score. Radiographic analysis was performed in all cases.

The results of the use of this prosthesis compares favourably with other revision stems. The Oxford Hip Scores compare favourably with the results for revisions recorded in the New Zealand National Joint Register (24.3) Although technically demanding this stem offers a very satisfactory solution for revision of total hips in most circumstances.

The aim of this study was to document the medium-term results of the use of fluted, tapered, titanium femoral stem in revision total hip arthroplasty.

Seventy patients undergoing total hip revision using a tapered, grid-blasted titanium modular femoral stem were reviewed at a mean follow-up time of 47 months. Femoral defects were classified according to the Pak and Paprosky system, and femoral bone quality was assessed with the Bohm and Bischel system. Clinical function was measured by the Oxford Hip Score. Radiograpic analysis was performed in all cases.

Stems were classified as a failure or re-revision in 4.3% of the cases. Three required reoperation for recurrent dislocation, in each case the femoral component alone had been revised during the most recent revision. The postoperative mean Oxford Hip Score was 20.9. Subsidence of the component was noted in 84% of hips but did not cause a significant problem. Final leg length discrepancy was 5.4mm.

The results of this titanium, tapered, grid-blasted modular stem compares favourably with other revision stems including the Oxford Hip Score compared to the results for revisions recorded in the National Joint Register (Oxford Score 24.3). Although technically demanding this stem offers a very satisfactory solution for revision of total hips in almost all circumstances.

Background: Revision total hip replacement is challenging when there is severe proximal bone loss. The Kent hip femoral prosthesis – a distally locked femoral stem – was designed to overcome this difficulty, however no study to date has assessed its durability. Methods: We independently reviewed the results of 105 Kent Hip Prostheses used at one hospital between 1987 and 2000. The indication for revision was aseptic loosening in 64, periprosthetic fracture in 19, septic loosening in 4, and severe bony deformity in 14. In the remaining 4 cases, a Kent hip prosthesis was inserted in the presence of metastatic tumour in the proximal femur to enable mobilisation. A functional evaluation of these patients using the Oxford Hip Score and a survival analysis of the stems was performed. Results: The mean duration of follow-up was 5.3 years (range 20 months to 15 years). The mean time to full weight bearing following surgery was 4 days and mean hospital stay was 13 days. Almost all patients experienced substantial improvement in hip related pain and disability (as measured by the Oxford Hip Score). 12 stems required further revision. Taking removal of the stem for any cause as the end point, cumulative survival at 15 years was 88%. Conclusions: Cumulative survival rates for the Kent hip femoral prosthesis compare favourably with other revision stems used where there is severe proximal bone loss. It enables early full weight bearing and hospital discharge, resulting in a low post-operative medical complication rate. However the need for continuing follow-up remains, since the rate of complications such as locking screw fracture, aseptic loosening, and periprosthetic fracture, may increase in the future.

Bone Loss is the main problem in failed total hip arthroplasties. Revision surgery must be conformed to the degree of the bone loss. Since 1986, 330 cases of failed THA underwent to revision surgery. Different solutions were adopted according to Paprosky femoral defects classification. In type I, a primary cementless stem was implanted (23%). In type II and IIIa, were proximal fixation is still possible to achieve, Mid PCA-Howmedica (5%) and modular S-ROM-J& J revision stems (18%) were implanted. In all the other degree of bone loss (IIIb–IV) cementless distal fixation stems, Long PCA-Howmedica (17 %), Wagner-Sulzer (18 %) and modular (MP-Link, Profemur-Wright) (19 %), were used. Patients were clinically and radiographically evaluated by HHS and according to Engh’s criteria. Best results were observed in Type I group (HHS=90). Long and mid PCA stems presented poor clinical (HHS=60) and radiographical results and required re-revision in 15% of cases. Intermediate results were observed in Wagner prostheses. Modular revision stems showed best results although earlier F-U. (HHS=80). Of these, re-revision surgery was performed in two cases, one of which because of infection and the other one due to severe thigh pain.

Cementless modular stems seem to be the most suitable technique. Distal fixation associated with proximal fill permit to manage the majority of femoral bone defects minimizing bone grafts. The modular stems, allow to conform the design of the components to the bone defects permitting to achieve primary stability (press-fit), restoring the centre of rotation and muscles tension, reducing pain and restoring hip function.