Vascularized pedicled iliac crest graft for selected total hip acetabular reconstructions: a cadaver study

Reconstruction of the Anterior Acetabular Wall to Repair Symptomatic Defects Consecutive to Cup Malpositioning at Total Hip Arthroplasty

Iliopsoas impingement (IPI) causes persistent groin pain and functional impairment after total hip arthroplasty (THA). It is caused most often by an overhang of the cup. Psoas tenotomy may successfully treat IPI in overhangs <8 mm. Cup revision usually is recommended for larger overhangs. Muscle sparing reconstruction of the anterior acetabular wall may be an alternative when malposition of the cup at THA caused a bony defect that would persist after simple cup revision. The surgical technique and results from one patient are presented. The patient rapidly became asymptomatic and remained pain free at 2-year follow-up. Any bone substance defect of the acetabulum should be considered when evaluating treatment options for IPI after THA.

Vascularised bone grafts for the management of non-union

Non-union of the long bones may have severe consequences, particularly when combined with other post-traumatic sequelae, such as tendon adhesions, reflex sympathetic dystrophy and infection, among others. In these cases, it is important to treat the delayed union or non-union first or at the same time with the other problems in order to achieve adequate function. Once the normal bony healing process has been slowed or stopped, it is necessary to provide both stability to the fracture site, as well as a biological stimulus for the fibrocartilagenous callus to finish the healing process. Vascularised grafts, such as the free fibula, offer not only structural support, but also promote bone healing. The later is achieved by trabecular bone formation, as well as vascular sprouting from pedicle vessels.