Retrograde genocephalic removal of fractured or immovable femoral stems in revision hip surgery

Anterolateral Bone Window for Revision Broken Cemented Stem of Unipolar Hemiarthroplasty

Background

Fractured stem of the hip prosthesis is well documented in the literature. Although it is rare, it is considered as a challenging problem. Many techniques have been described to solve this problem. Purpose of the Study. Evaluation of the effect of anterolateral bone window for extraction of the cemented femoral stem of hemiarthroplasty in revision total hip replacement.

Methods

The study included eight revision hip arthroplasties in eight patients, with a broken stem of cemented (Thompson) hemiarthroplasty, which has been revised by the anterolateral proximal femoral window. All cases received cemented cups and cement-in-cement stems, except one case who received cementless long stem. Clinical follow-up of cases by Harries hip score (HHS) and X-ray.

Results

Functional improvement of HHS of all cases, with no signs of loosening, after a mean follow-up period of 1.5 years.

Conclusion

Extraction of broken stem is a challenging procedure. Many techniques have been described for revision of cases with a fractured stem of hip prosthesis, but we think that the anterolateral femoral bone window is a reproducible technique due to the characteristics of simplicity, short-time procedure, less invasive, not requiring extra instruments, and can be successful for most patients.

A minimally invasive technique to remove broken cemented stems and its reconstruction with cement-in-cement

INTRODUCTION:

Historically the removal of fractured stems was associated with complex revision and loss of bone stock. This study describes a minimally invasive procedure for extraction of the distal part of a broken cemented stem that does not compromise the bone stock and results with the cement-in-cement reconstruction technique.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

7 patients with an average age of 74 years who underwent total hip replacement (THR) revision for fracture of femoral stems were included. The average follow-up was 8.7 years. For the removal of the distal fragment of the broken stem, a set of instruments have been manufactured using a coupling through the wrought of a thread over the fractured face of the stem. 6 cases were reconstructed using a cement-in-cement technique. In 1 case an extended trochanteric osteotomy was required.

RESULTS:

There were no complications associated with the surgical technique. Early rehabilitation and standing were achieved in all patients at 48 hours postoperatively. No patient required a blood transfusion. No clinical or radiological loosening was detected at final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS:

Different methods have been described for the extraction of distal fragments of a broken femoral stem. The majority include the use of femoral osteotomies, bone windows and knee arthrotomies. These techniques are associated with bone loss and bleeding. The advantages of the method described are, its low complexity, low-cost, accelerated functional recovery and the preservation of bone stock with the possibility of performing cement-in-cement reconstruction techniques.

A modified technique to extract fractured femoral stem in revision total hip arthroplasty: A report of two cases

INTRODUCTION

The removal of well-fixed broken femoral component and cement mantle can be extremely demanding, time consuming and potentially damaging to the host bone. Different methods have been described to extract broken femoral stem yet this remains one of the most challenging prospect to the revision hip surgeon.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The authors present two cases underwent a modified sliding cortical window technique utilising a tungsten carbide drill, Charnley pin retractor and an orthopaedic mallet to aid extraction of a fractured cemented femoral stem in revision total hip arthroplasty.

DISCUSSION

The modified technique offers a simple and controlled method in extracting a well fixed fractured cemented femoral stem. It has the advantage of retaining the cement mantle with subsequent good seal of the femoral cortical window secured with cable ready system. Furthermore, tungsten carbide drill bit and Charnley pin retractor are relatively readily available to aid the extraction of the broken stem. Finally, it yields the option of implanting a standard femoral stem and obviates the need for bypassing the cortical window with long revision femoral component.

CONCLUSION

Fractured femoral stem is a rare yet a complex and very demanding prospect to both patients and hip surgeons. The sliding cortical window technique utilising tungsten carbide drill and Charnley pin retractor is technically easy and most importantly; preserves host bone stock with cement-in-cement revision hip arthroplasty. We believe this technique can be added to the armamentarium of revision hip surgeon when faced with the challenge of extracting a fractured cemented femoral stem.