Isolated Liner Exchange and Bone Grafting for the Management of Periacetabular Osteolysis in Well-Fixed Cups with an Intact Locking Mechanism at Short-Term to Medium-Term Follow-Up: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Polyethylene liner exchange and bone grafting is an effective surgical option for the management of periacetabular osteolysis following total hip arthroplasty with well-fixed cups and intact liner locking mechanisms. Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the revision-free survivorship and radiographic lesion progression after polyethylene liner exchange and bone grafting is performed for periacetabular osteolysis. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed. We queried Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for articles published from January 1999 to January 2023 using the following keywords: “osteolysis” AND “well-fixed,” “osteolysis” AND “retro-acetabular,” “bone graft” AND (“retention” OR “retained” OR “stable”) AND “cup,” and “uncemented liner” AND “well-fixed.” Results: Of 596 articles found, 9 articles were selected for final inclusion (227 cases, mean follow-up time 43.6 months). The overall cup revision rate after liner exchange was 6.6% (15 hips) due to progressive osteolysis (5 hips), aseptic loosening of the acetabular component (5 hips), dislocation (4 hips), and periprosthetic infection (1 hip). There was either radiographic resolution or regression of periacetabular osteolysis in all reported cases that provided measurements (52 hips) except 1 (1.9%) requiring revision. All studies reporting clinical outcomes indicated improved pain and functional scores. Conclusion: This systematic review found that isolated liner exchange with bone grafting for the management of periacetabular osteolysis was associated with a high revision-free survival rate (93.4%) and minimal radiographic progression (1.9%) of osteolytic lesions at short-term to medium-term follow-up. Liner exchange with bone grafting is recommended for the management of large periacetabular osteolytic lesions (> 450 mm2) in well-fixed acetabular cups. We encourage future studies to develop a grading scale for lesions to guide clinical management and risk stratification for patients.