Abstract
Introduction
Pelvic discontinuity is a challenging complication. One treatment option that has garnered enthusiasm is acetabular distraction. This method obtains stability via distraction of the discontinuity and placement of an oversized socket (± augments) and elastic recoil of the pelvis. The aims of this study were to report implant survivorship, radiographic results, clinical outcomes, and complications of acetabular distraction for pelvic discontinuity in the largest series to date.
Methods
We retrospectively identified all revision THAs with a Paprosky 3B defect and pelvic discontinuity between 2005 and 2017. Of the 162 patients, 32 were treated with distraction. The mean distraction achieved was 5mm (range, 3–8mm). In addition to distraction with a hemispherical cup, augments were utilized in 3 and cages in 19. The mean age at revision was 68 years with 75% female. Mean follow-up was 3 years.
Results
The 2-year survivorships free from revision for aseptic loosening, revision, and reoperation were 95%, 75%, and 69%, respectively. There were 3 revisions including one for instability, one for infection, and one for aseptic loosening. At last follow-up, 16 patients had radiographic evidence of cup osteointegration to ilium and ischium, 13 to ilium only, and 3 without evidence of osteointegration (two distracted 3mm and one distracted 6mm). 19 discontinuity lines persisted while 13 had radiographically healed. Only those with osteointegration to both ilium and ischium had evidence of bone graft consolidation and discontinuity line healing. Mean HHS improved from 43 preoperatively to 77 postoperatively (p<0.0001). The most common complication was a postoperative sciatic nerve plasy in 4 patients (13%) of which 3 partially recovered.
Conclusion
Pelvic discontinuities treated with acetabular distraction had a 2-year survivorship free from aseptic looseing of 95%. While nearly 2/3rd of discontinuity lines persisted, 91% of patients had radiographic evidence of osteointegration of the acetabular component. However, 13% of patients had a sciatic nerve palsy.
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