Abstract
Introduction and Aims: This paper presents a treatment plan for femoral stem revision that has been developed based on long-term studies of revision total hip replacement (THR) using cemented stems, cementless proximal fixation stems, cemented stems with impaction grafting and modular titanium long stems.
Method: The clinical and radiographic results of femoral stem revision were compared using the following techniques: 1) a standard or long cemented collarless double taper Exeter or CPT stems (CCDT stems) [n=190]; 2) a proximally porous coated mid to long cementless stem [n=56]; 3) two series of CCDT stems with impaction grafting n=34]; and 4) a modular grit-blasted titanium taper stem [n=13] used for severe cortical damage. Treatment decisions were made based on the age of the patient, the appearance of the pre-operative radiograph and the extent of bone deficiency at surgery. Follow-up was from 17 to two years.
Results: Only one hip was lost to follow-up. In the CCDT group, at a median follow-up of five years (range 2–17 years), two standard length stems and one long stem had been re-revised for loosening (1.5%) and seven stems had been re-revised for other reasons. Survivorship to re-revision for loosening at eight years was 95% (95%CI=85–100%) for both standard and long stems. There was a trend for better longer-term results for long stems. The extent of pre-operative bone loss did not influence results. For the cementless proximal fixation group, at a median follow-up of 10 years, re-revision of the stem for loosening occurred in 20%. Importantly, these poor results could have been predicted from short-term results. The initial series of femoral impaction grafting with CCDT stems and irradiated bone had a small incidence of stem loosening and periprosthetic fracture. The majority of stems subsided, but at a median follow-up of eight years there were no further re-revisions. In the second series, usually with non-irradiated allograft with mesh containment, there was minimal stem subsidence and no re-revision. The grit blasted titanium taper stem has dealt with periprosthetic fratures and severe proximal cortical loss, but with some cases of subsidence and femoral fracture.
Conclusion: Based on these results, our treatment plan for routine femoral revision in middle-aged and elderly patients without severe proximal deficiency is a polished CCDT long stem. In younger patients, impaction grafting is recommended, provided deficient bone is protected. Cementless modular stems are reserved for femurs with severe proximal cortical deficiency.
These abstracts were prepared by Editorial Secretary, George Sikorski. Correspondence should be addressed to Australian Orthopaedic Association, Ground Floor, The William Bland Centre, 229 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
At least one of the authors is receiving or has received material benefits or support from a commercial source.
