The use of Gamma-irradiated proximal femoral allografts for bone stock reconstruction in complex revision hip arthroplasty

Favorable mid-to-long-term results of impaction bone grafting using a fresh frozen allograft bone with cemented stem for the treatment of Paprosky IV femoral bone defects

BACKGROUND

Femoral revision surgery in patients with substantial bone loss is challenging. Impaction bone grafting using a cemented stem can be a good solution for reconstruction of the femur with poor bone stock and extensive bone loss. This study aimed to evaluate the mid-to-long-term clinical and radiographic results of impaction bone grafting using a cemented stem for Paprosky IV femoral bone defects.

METHODS

Thirteen patients (13 hips) who underwent revision total hip arthroplasty with impaction bone grafting using a cemented stem and were followed up for at least 5 years were enrolled in this study. In all patients, a sufficient amount of fresh frozen bone of good quality was used. When cortical segmental defects were present, peripheral reinforcement with metal mesh and strut allograft was performed. The average follow-up duration was 11.1 (range, 5.3-15.1) years. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were reviewed at the final follow-up.

RESULTS

The average Harris hip score was 82.5 (range, 79-94), and the average University of California, Los Angeles activity score was 5.6 (range, 4-8) at the final follow-up. Radiographic assessment revealed an average femoral component subsidence level of 0.67 (range, 0.05-2.81) mm. There were no complications, except one case (7.6%) of periprosthetic fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

Impaction bone grafting using a cemented stem yielded excellent mid-to-long-term outcomes. It is a reliable technique for Paprosky IV femoral bone defects, and even when severe femoral cortical bone defects are present, long-term stability can be obtained using a metal mesh and/or strut allograft.

Reconstruction of proximal femoral bone loss using circumferential structural allograft during total hip arthroplasty in a young patient

Management of proximal femoral bone loss during hip arthroplasty in young patients is a complex problem due to the need to provide a joint with an increased longevity. While proximal femoral replacement (PFR) would be an easier solution, they are associated with poorer hip scores and decreased prosthesis survival rates which are not ideal while managing young patients. We present a case of proximal femoral bone loss in a young female - following multiple failed osteosynthesis surgeries aimed at addressing a pathological sub-trochanteric fracture - managed successfully with a circumferential allograft during total hip arthroplasty. While there is many literature reporting the use of circumferential allografts during revision hip surgery, this is the first case to the best of our knowledge where we are reporting its successful use in a complex primary hip arthroplasty case. Our successful outcome shows that reconstruction of proximal femoral bone loss using allografts in young patients should be considered prior to use of PFR in them.

Femoral Revision Using the Wagner SL Revision Stem: A Single-Surgeon Experience Featuring 11-19 Years of Follow-Up

Seventy-four revisions of the femoral component featuring placement of a Wagner stem in 74 patients operated upon between 1995 and 2003 were reviewed. Clinical evaluation, radiological assessment, and survival analysis of revision stems were conducted. The mean follow-up duration was 14.4 years (range, 11 to 19 years). When failure was defined as stem removal for any reason, 4 of 64 stems had to be further revised during the follow-up period, yielding a cumulative stem survival rate of 93.8% (95% CI: 87.7% to 98.2%) at 18 years. The Wagner revision stem is an effective implant for revision hip surgery when bone stock is lacking. Use of the stem affords mechanical stability even when bone loss is massive.

Periprosthetic fractures: bespoke solutions

We are currently facing an epidemic of periprosthetic fractures around the hip. They may occur either during surgery or post-operatively. Although the acetabulum may be involved, the femur is most commonly affected. We are being presented with new, difficult fracture patterns around cemented and cementless implants, and we face the challenge of an elderly population who may have grossly deficient bone and may struggle to rehabilitate after such injuries. The correct surgical management of these fractures is challenging. This article will review the current choices of implants and techniques available to deal with periprosthetic fractures of the femur.