Proximal Femoral Reconstruction for Revision Hip Arthroplasty with Severe Bone Loss: A New Technique Using Autologous Bone Graft and a Proximally Loading Femoral Component

Abstract

We report the results of a new method of reconstructing the femur in 22 patients with severe bone loss having revision hip arthroplasty. The calcar and metaphysis were reconstructed with cortico-cancellous autograft around a new modular hip replacement. The metaphyseal portion of the implant is free to slide on the stem and therefore loads the graft and, we believe, encourages bone graft incorporation. The stem gains cementless fixation distal to the area of bone loss, thus preventing fractures and allowing the areas of bone loss to heal. At the time of review at a mean of 3 years follow-up there had been no revisions (since then there has been one re-revision due to recurrence of infection). The modified D'Aubigné and Postel hip score improved from 7.3 to 15. In 17 patients the graft has incorporated, in 5 it has partially resorbed but the prosthesis remains secure. We conclude that this is a relatively simple and successful technique for overcoming the problem of major femoral bone loss.