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Objective To evaluate mid‐ to long‐term results of revision total hip arthroplasty for massive femoral bone loss using a cementless modular, fluted, tapered stem. Methods This is a retrospective study performed at a single hospital. During the period of January 2007 to January 2015, 33 patients (34 hips) underwent primary revision surgery with cementless modular, fluted, tapered stems due to femoral bone loss. Sixteen men and 17 women were included in the study, with an average age of 63.9 ± 11.7 years (range, 27 to 88 years). Operative data including operative duration, length of incision, drainage volume and duration, blood loss and transfusion, cases of bone graft and extended trochanteric osteotomy were recorded. Clinical evaluation was performed using Harris hip score (HHS), visual analogue scale (VAS), and patients' satisfaction. Radiographic data including femoral stem fixation, subsidence, integrin of allograft bone, and leg length discrepancy were assessed. Complications and survivorship were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival rate. Results The mean follow‐up was 9.1 ± 2.5 years (range, 5–13 years). The Harris hip score was 43.6 ± 11.5 preoperatively and maintained at 86.5 ± 6.6 at the time of latest follow‐up (P, The mid‐ to long‐term outcomes of revision total hip arthroplasty with the cementless modular, fluted, tapered stem are inspiring for massive proximal femoral bone defects.

Aims There is a paucity of long-term studies analyzing risk factors for failure after single-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total hip arthroplasty (THA). We report the mid- to long-term septic and non-septic failure rate of single-stage revision for PJI after THA. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 88 cases which met the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria for PJI. Mean follow-up was seven years (1 to 14). Septic failure was diagnosed with a Delphi-based consensus definition. Any reoperation for mechanical causes in the absence of evidence of infection was considered as non-septic failure. A competing risk regression model was used to evaluate factors associated with septic and non-septic failures. A Kaplan-Meier estimate was used to analyze mortality. Results The cumulative incidence of septic failure was 8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.5 to 15) at one year, 13.8% (95% CI 7.6 to 22) at two years, and 19.7% (95% CI 12 to 28.6) at five and ten years of follow-up. A femoral bone defect worse than Paprosky IIIA (hazard ratio (HR) 13.58 (95% CI 4.86 to 37.93); p < 0.001) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2; HR 3.88 (95% CI 1.49 to 10.09); p = 0.005) were significantly associated with septic failure. Instability and periprosthetic fracture were the most common reasons for mechanical failure (5.7% and 4.5%, respectively). The cumulative incidence of aseptic failure was 2% (95% CI 0.4 to 7) at two years, 9% (95% CI 4 to 17) at five years, and 12% (95% CI 5 to 22) at ten years. A previous revision to treat PJI was significantly associated with non-septic failure (HR 9.93 (95% CI 1.77 to 55.46); p = 0.009). At the five-year timepoint, 93% of the patients were alive (95% CI 84% to 96%), which fell to 86% (95% CI 75% to 92%) at ten-year follow-up. Conclusion Massive femoral bone loss was associated with greater chances of developing a further septic failure. All septic failures occurred within the first five years following the one-stage exchange. Surgeons should be aware of instability and periprosthetic fracture being potential causes of further aseptic revision surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1247–1253.

Background:Revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a significant challenge when there is severe femoral bone loss. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of revision THA in patients with femoral bone loss treated with Zweymüller SLR-Plus stem.Methods:A retrospective review of 82 patients who underwent revision THA using tapered rectangular femoral stem between 1997 and 2007 was undertaken. Of the 82 patients, 9 patients were lost to follow-up and were excluded from the study. The most common reason for revision was aseptic loosening (92%), periprosthetic femur fracture (5%), and infection (3%). Bone loss was categorised preoperatively according to the Paprosky classification. The mean clinical follow-up was 14 years (range 10–19 years). Their mean age at the time of index surgery was 54.7 ± 15.3 (range 30–82) years.Results:The mean Harris Hip Score was significantly improved at final follow-up (68.1 ±10.3) compared with that before the revision surgery (30.4 ± 7.7) ( p < 0.0001). Of the 75 stems, 69 (92%) stems were radiographically stable at the last evaluation. Among the 69 stems, 64 hips (85%) had radiographic evidence of bone ingrowth and 5 (5%) had stable fibrous fixation of the stem. Among the 7 hips that were re-revised, 5 hips were re-revised for aseptic loosening, whereas 2 were re-revised for an infection. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis, with removal of the stem for any cause as the endpoint, revealed that the 15-year rate of survival of the components was 90% (95% CI, 0.83–0.97).Conclusion:Revision THA in patients with proximal femoral bone loss using Zweymüller SLR-Plus stem led to a high rate of osseointegration of the stem and good clinical results at long-term follow-up.

A two-stage revision total hip replacement (THR) remains the gold standard for treating chronic periprosthetic joint infection. The goals for the first stage are twofold: (1) remove infected tissue/implants, obtaining tissue samples for culture; (2) deliver local antibiotics and maintain hip function with a prosthesis with antibiotic-loaded acrylic cement. With extensive bone loss prefabricated spacers are not sufficient, therefore customised spacers are required. The current technique, coating cephalomedually femoral nail in cement, is complex, time consuming, functions poorly and causes wear debris from excessive friction at the femoral/acetabular articulation. We report a technique to create a custom made composite spacer using a short femoral nail, standard Exeter femoral stem (Stryker), Trident acetabular cup (Stryker) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement with antibiotics. This technique restores hip biomechanics and gives a stable articulation, even in the presence of abductor deficiency, due to dual mobility bearings.

This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of reconstructing bone stock in Vancouver B3 periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) using an impacted cancellous allograft cortical or combined with cortical strut allograft. We retrospectively assessed 39 Vancouver-type B3 periprosthetic fractures in 39 patients. Having different bone defects in the femur, 20 patients were treated with intramedullary impacted cancellous allograft, and 19 patients were treated with impacted cancellous allograft combined with cortical strut allograft. The median follow-up time was 58 months. Thirty-three patients completed the follow-up as scheduled, and three of them underwent re-operation (9.1%, 3/33). The last evaluated mean hip Harris score was 81.8; WOMAC pain, stiffness, and function scores were 82.3, 79.0, and 81.3, respectively. The satisfaction score was 86.6, and the SF-12 mental and physical scores were 40.4 and 51.1, respectively, for all patients. These outcomes were without significant difference between the two treatment groups (p > 0.05). The facture union was achieved in all the hips (100%). The stem was fixed with bone ingrowth in 24 patients and with fibrous fixation in eight, while stem fixation was not achieved for the remaining patient. The stem subsided less than 3 mm in 23 patients and 3–5 mm in nine patients. One patient had > 5 mm subsidence. The femoral bone stock was improved in 18 patients and remained unchanged in 14 patients; only one patient suffered a diminished bone stock. The radiographic assessment outcomes exhibited little difference between the two treatment groups (p > 0.05). Osseous union of the cortical strut to the host femur occurred in six patients with partial union and ten with complete union. There was moderate and mild graft resorption in three and 13 hips, respectively. The use of impacted cancellous allograft and cortical strut allograft to reconstruct bone stock can provide reliable options and satisfactory results.

Introduction Periprosthetic bone loss may lead to major complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA), including loosening, migration, and even fracture. This study analysed the influence of femoral implant designs on periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) after THA. Methods The results of all previous published studies reporting periprosthetic femoral BMD following THA were compiled. Using these results, we compared percent changes in bone loss as a function of: femoral stem fixation, material, and geometry. Results The greatest bone loss was in the calcar region (Gruen Zone 7). Overall, cemented stems had more bone loss distally than noncemented stems, while noncemented stems had more proximal bone loss than cemented stems. Within noncemented stems, cobalt-chromium (CoCr) stems had nearly double the proximal bone loss compared to titanium (Ti) alloy stems. Finally, within noncemented titanium alloy group, straight stems had less bone loss than anatomical, tapered, and press-fit designs. Discussion The findings from the present study quantified percent changes in periprosthetic BMD as a function of fixation method, alloy, and stem design. While no one stem type was identified as ideal, we now have a clearer understanding of the influence of stem design on load transfer to the surrounding bone.

Standard treatment for an infected total hip arthroplasty is 2-stage revision. Bone loss in infected total hip arthroplasty presents specific challenges during the first stage. This is especially the case when there is massive or complete loss of the femoral bone stock. We describe a technique successfully used in the setting of total femoral bone loss using a hybrid cement spacer. We describe 2 cases illustrating the technique and perioperative course. This technique is a potential solution for total femoral bone loss that allows the individual to maintain mobility before definitive surgery.

The treatment of substantial proximal femoral bone loss in young patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is challenging. We retrospectively analysed the outcome of 28 patients (30 hips) with DDH who underwent revision total hip replacement (THR) in the presence of a deficient proximal femur, which was reconstructed with an allograft prosthetic composite. The mean follow-up was 15 years (8.5 to 25.5). The mean number of previous THRs was three (1 to 8). The mean age at primary THR and at the index reconstruction was 41 years (18 to 61) and 58.1 years (32 to 72), respectively. The indication for revision included mechanical loosening in 24 hips, infection in three and peri-prosthetic fracture in three.Six patients required removal and replacement of the allograft prosthetic composite, five for mechanical loosening and one for infection. The survivorship at ten, 15 and 20 years was 93% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91 to 100), 75.5% (95% CI 60 to 95) and 75.5% (95% CI 60 to 95), respectively, with 25, eight, and four patients at risk, respectively. Additionally, two junctional nonunions between the allograft and host femur required bone grafting and plating.An allograft prosthetic composite affords a good long-term outcome in the management of proximal femoral bone loss in revision THR in patients with DDH, while preserving distal host bone.

AimsLoss or absence of proximal femoral bone in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a significant challenge. While the main indication for the use of proximal femoral replacements (PFRs) is in the treatment of malignant disease, they have a valuable role in revision THA for loosening, fracture and infection in patients with bone loss. Our aim was to determine the clinical outcomes, implant survivorship, and complications of PFRs used in revision THA for indications other than malignancy.Patients and MethodsA retrospective review of 44 patients who underwent revision THA using a PFR between 2000 and 2013 was undertaken. Their mean age was 79 years (53 to 97); 31 (70%) were women. The bone loss was classified as Paprosky IIIB or IV in all patients. The mean follow-up was six years (2 to 12), at which time 22 patients had died and five were lost to follow-up.ResultsThe mean Harris Hip Score improved from 42.8 (25.9 to 82.9) pre-operatively to 68.5 (21.0 to 87.7) post-operatively (p = 0.0009). A total of two PFRs had been revised, one for periprosthetic infection eight years post-operatively and one for aseptic loosening six years post-operatively. The Kaplan-Meier survivorship free of any revision or removal of an implant was 86% at five years and 66% years at ten years. A total of 12 patients (27%) had a complication including six with a dislocation.ConclusionPFRs provide a useful salvage option for patients, particularly the elderly with massive proximal femoral bone loss who require revision THA, with significant clinical improvement. While the survivorship of the implant is good at five years, dislocation continues to be the most common complication. The judicious use of larger femoral heads, dual-mobility constructs, or constrained liners may help to minimise the risk of dislocation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:325–9.

Revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) is challenging when there is severe loss of bone in the proximal femur. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of revision THA in patients with severe proximal femoral bone loss treated with a fluted, tapered, modular femoral component. Between January 1998 and December 2004, 92 revision THAs were performed in 92 patients using a single fluted, tapered, modular femoral stem design. Pre-operative diagnoses included aseptic loosening, infection and peri-prosthetic fracture. Bone loss was categorised pre-operatively as Paprosky types III-IV, or Vancouver B3 in patients with a peri-prosthetic fracture. The mean clinical follow-up was 6.4 years (2 to 12). A total of 47 patients had peri-operative complications, 27 of whom required further surgery. However, most of these further operations involved retention of a well-fixed femoral stem, and 88/92 femoral components (97%) remained in situ. Of the four components requiring revision, three were revised for infection and were well fixed at the time of revision; only one (1%) was revised for aseptic loosening. The most common complications were post-operative instability (17 hips, 19%) and intra-operative femoral fracture during insertion of the stem (11 hips, 12%). Diaphyseal stress shielding was noted in 20 hips (22%). There were no fractures of the femoral component. At the final follow-up 78% of patients had minimal or no pain. Revision THA in patients with extensive proximal femoral bone loss using the Link MP fluted, tapered, modular stem led to a high rate of osseointegration of the stem at mid-term follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:312–17.

Primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most effective procedures for managing end-stage hip arthritis. The burden of revision THA procedures is expected to increase along with the rise in number of primary THAs. The major indications for revision THA include instability, aseptic loosening, infection, osteolysis, wear-related complications, periprosthetic fracture, component malposition, and catastrophic implant fracture. Each of these conditions may be associated with mild or advanced bone loss. Careful patient evaluation and bone loss classification guide preoperative planning and overall patient care. Historically, uncemented fixation has provided the best results, but cemented fixation is required in some cases.

If a surgeon is faced with altered lesser trochanter anatomy when revising the femoral component in revision total hip replacement, a peri-prosthetic fracture, or Paprosky type IIIb or type IV femoral bone loss, a modular tapered stem offers the advantages of accurately controlling femoral version and length. The splines of the taper allow rotational control, and improve the fit in femoral canals with diaphyseal bone loss. In general, two centimetres of diaphyseal contact is all that is needed to gain stability with modular tapered stems. By allowing the proximal body trial to rotate on a well-fixed distal segment during trial reduction, appropriate anteversion can be obtained in order to improve intra-operative stability, and decrease the dislocation risk. However, modular stems should not be used for all femoral revisions, as implant fracture and corrosion at modular junctions can still occur. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:95–7.

Femoral bone loss is a complex problem in revision total hip arthroplasty. The Paprosky classification is used when determining the degree and location of bone loss. Meticulous operative planning is essential where severe bone loss is a concern. One must correctly identify the bone loss pattern, safely remove the existing components, and proceed with the proper reconstruction technique based on the pattern of bone loss. This article discusses the etiology and classification of bone loss, clinical and radiographic evaluation, components of effective preoperative planning, and clinical results of various treatment options with a focus on more severe bone loss patterns.

Femoral bone loss is frequently encountered during revision total hip arthroplasty. The quality and quantity of remaining bone helps determine the best method for reconstruction. Extensively porous-coated cylindrical stems or titanium fluted tapered devices that achieve fixation in the diaphysis have both demonstrated excellent long-term survivorship. Titanium fluted tapered stems with a modular proximal body allow for more accurate leg length, offset, and version adjustments independent of the distal stem which may optimise hip biomechanics. Intraoperative fractures are more common with cylindrical stems and subsidence with tapered stems, particularly monoblock designs and in both dislocation continues to be one of the most common postoperative complications. In salvage situations in which an ectatic femoral canal is unable to support an uncemented device, impaction bone grafting, allograft-prosthetic composite, or a segmental proximal femoral replacement may be required.

The current study evaluates the 4- to 8-year results of 26 cemented femoral revisions with impaction allografting using a collared femoral component in cases of extensive femoral bone loss. Patients were followed prospectively and were evaluated at an average of 6.0 years after the allograft revision procedure. The average age at the time of surgery was 69.3 years. At final follow-up, 20 patients (20 hips) were living, and 6 patients (6 hips) were deceased. No femoral component rerevisions were performed for any reason in any patient, and none were radiographically loose at final follow-up. There was 1 subsided femoral component of

Revision total hip arthroplasty with accompanying bone defects may require calcar replacement prostheses to restore hip stability and function. Twenty-nine hips in 27 patients were followed for a mean of 41 months (range, 24-101 months). The average Harris Hip Score increased from 34 to 82 points. Acceptable cement mantles (A, B, C1) were present in all cases. Three femoral components (10.3%) were re-revised as a result of aseptic loosening. Two others (6.9%) were loose by radiographic criteria. Thus, 24 (82.8%) of the 29 index femoral components were rigidly fixed according to radiographic criteria, whereas 26 (89.7%) still were in place at the time of review. The results of this study suggest that long-stem cemented calcar-replacement prostheses with modern cementing technique are a reasonable option in femoral revision arthroplasties involving proximal bone loss.

Advances in implant technology and surgical techniques have greatly improved the results of femoral stem revision in total hip arthroplasty. The 10-year results obtained with extensively coated noncemented revision stems parallel those obtained with cemented stems revised by using contemporary techniques. Proximal femoral bone loss is an important consideration when planning and performing revision arthroplasty. Proximal femoral bone defects can be managed with either metal or bone. Insignificant defects can be reconstructed by using primary hip arthroplasty techniques. Proximal femoral replacement prostheses are best restricted to sedentary elderly patients. Cortical strut grafts can be used reliably to reconstruct noncircumferential segmental defects. Calcar allografts are associated with unacceptably high rates of resorption. Proximal femoral allografts with either noncemented or cemented long-stem prostheses have the potential advantage of biologic soft-tissue attachment and restoration of bone stock. Impaction allografting with cement is indicated for cavitary defects and may also restore bone stock. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2000;8:354-363

We determined the midterm survival, incidence of peri-prosthetic fracture and the enhancement of the width of the femur when combining struts and impacted bone allografts in 24 patients (25 hips) with severe femoral bone loss who underwent revision hip surgery. The pre-operative diagnosis was aseptic loosening in 16 hips, second-stage reconstruction in seven, peri-prosthetic fracture in one and stem fracture in one hip. A total of 14 hips presented with an Endoklinik grade 4 defect and 11 hips a grade 3 defect. The mean pre-operative Merle D’Aubigné and Postel score was 5.5 points (1 to 8).The survivorship was 96% (95% confidence interval 72 to 98) at a mean of 54.5 months (36 to 109). The mean functional score was 17.3 points (16 to 18). One patient in which the strut did not completely bypass the femoral defect was further revised using a long cemented stem due to peri-prosthetic fracture at six months post-operatively. The mean subsidence of the stem was 1.6 mm (1 to 3). There was no evidence of osteolysis, resorption or radiolucencies during follow-up in any hip. Femoral width was enhanced by a mean of 41% (19% to 82%). A total of 24 hips had partial or complete bridging of the strut allografts.This combined biological method was associated with a favourable survivorship, a low incidence of peri-prosthetic fracture and enhancement of the width of the femur in revision total hip replacement in patients with severe proximal femoral bone loss.

This study provides an objective appraisal of available evidence regarding the outcome of proximal femoral allograft for reconstruction of massive proximal femoral bone loss. The primary outcomes were rates of success, structural failure, and infection. A systematic literature review identified 16 studies with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Estimated pooled effect analysis performed with heterogeneity quantified using I(2) and τ(2). The total cohort included 498 patients with a mean follow-up of 8.1 years. The pooled success rate was 81%, pooled structural failure rate of 15%, and pooled infection rate of 8%. Significant heterogeneity was observed in structural failure rates (I(2) = 47.9, τ(2) = 0.29, P.05). Proximal femoral allografts afford viable reconstruction for massive femoral bone loss when performed by experienced.

Impaction allografting with cement is the only technique currently available which reverses the diminution of bone stock that occurs in a revision hip arthroplasty, and as such, has great potential. It is particularly appropriate in the younger patient, though older patients may also benefit from the technique. Although the short term results are encouraging, there is a need for further basic science research to determine the optimal graft material and prosthesis design. Refinements in surgical instrumentation and technique will continue to improve the predictability of the clinical result and expand the indications for this important addition to the available options in revision hip arthroplasty.

We report a case of a severe bone loss of the proximal femur with a rapid progression, in a 72-year-old male patient with a stable total revision hip prosthesis. The patient had a persistent mechanical thigh pain. The blood laboratory values were normal. Infection disease and osteolytic bone tumor were excluded. A surgical procedure was performed. The native bone of the proximal femur was resorbed and replaced by a dense fibrous tissue with some sclerotic bone fragments. A large amount of a brownish fluid and a red-brown and friable tissue were found in the pseudojoint cavity. The proximal femur was reconstructed using a large amount of cryopreserved cancellous bone allograft, with retention of the femoral prosthesis. The mechanism of the bone lesion can be related not only to the host response to the wear particles, but mainly to the fluid pressure in the effective joint space. Femoral progressive osteolysis in a stable hip prosthesis is an indication for surgery in useful time, before adverse bone remodeling can begin and lead to major bone loss.

A 2-stage revision total hip replacement (THR) is the standard treatment for a chronically infected THR with severe metadiaphyseal bone loss. A long-stem cemented prosthesis as part of a temporary articular spacer is commonly used during the first-stage procedure. Nonetheless, this option is expensive and can pose difficulties for patients with a small medullary canal. A construct using an antibiotic cement-loaded Kuntscher nail cemented with a highly polished Exeter stem has been devised and used in 4 patients.

Of 275 femoral revisions done at our institution from 1982 to 1986, we identified 34 patients (35 hips) who represented the senior author's (C.A.E., Sr.) most difficult revision cases as a result of extensive femoral bone loss at least 10 cm below the lesser trochanter. The patients were revised with fully porous-coated femoral componentsor=190 mm. We evaluated 25 of the patients (26 hips) who had a minimum 10-year follow-up (mean, 13.3 years). Survivorship was 89% at 10 years with femoral revision as the endpoint (Kaplan-Meier). The femoral aseptic loosening rate was 15% (4 of 26). Three stems were loose but did not warrant reoperation. One stem was revised for aseptic loosening, 1 was revised for septic loosening, and 1 was revised for a fractured femoral component. Bypassing weak or absent femoral bone with an extensively porous-coated stem is an effective reconstructive technique for patients with extensive femoral bone loss.

Background and purpose Periprosthetic bone loss after uncemented femoral hip revision is a matter of concern. We have used a proximally porous- and hydroxyapatite-coated prosthesis (Bi-Metric) in revision since 1989 and now we report the bone changes. This prosthesis is intended to distribute the forces more evenly and to avoid proximal femoral unloading. Methods 22 patients were unilaterally reoperated because of aseptic loosening. Only patients with a healthy contralateral hip were included. Mean age at revision was 69 (55–80) years. Bone defects were graded by Gustilo-Pasternak and Endo-Klinik classifications. Clinical assessment was performed with Harris hip score. We used radiographs and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to evaluate migration, femoral remodeling, and bone mineral density after 72 (30–158) months. Results The mean Harris hip score was 74 (30–100) points at follow-up. Mild thigh discomfort was present in 1 patient and moderate thigh pain in 3 patients. There was no loosening or subsidence. Osteolysis seen at revision had diminished in 19 of the 22 hips at follow-up. We noted a large reduction in bone mineral density. It was most pronounced in Gruen regions 1, 2, 6, and 7. Interpretation Revision with this stem is a reliable procedure; however, we noted a large degree of proximal bone loss that could lead to later mechanical complications or fractures.

Management of extensive proximal femur bone loss secondary to tumor resection or major osteolysis remains controversial. The possible options include a composite allograft/stem prosthesis, a modular type megaprosthesis or a custom-made megaprosthesis. Modularity allows versatility at reconstruction and avoids the delay required manufacturing a custom-made implant. Hypothesis and type of study: A retrospective radiological and clinical study investigated whether a special reconstruction modular stem design (JVC IX) would provide medium term success in the treatment of severe proximal femur bone loss.Between 1995 and 2005, 23 JVC IX hip replacements were performed for severe segmental proximal femur bone loss. Etiology was: 13 cases of tumor resection, eight of extensive osteolysis secondary to femoral implant loosening, and two traumatic situations. Follow-up was annual. Functional assessment used the Musculo-Skeletal Tumor Score (MSTS), and implant survival rates underwent Kaplan-Meier analysis, with surgical revision (to replace or remove the implant) as the end point.All 23 patients (23 hips) were followed up for a mean 5.4 years (+/-3.7 yrs). Mean MSTS was 16.2 (max.=30). All stems demonstrated good fixation at radiological assessment, except for one case of probable loosening in contact with a metastatic osteolysis. Four implants had to be revised: two for non-controlled infection, one for tumor extension, and one for stem fatigue fracture. At 10 years' follow-up, implant survivorship was 81.5% (range: 62% to 100%).Severe proximal femur bone loss is a difficult situation to deal with, offering no ideal treatment option. Modular megaprostheses are salvage procedures. Their results at a mean 5.4 years' follow-up are encouraging, and appear comparable to the ones obtained with alternative solutions (composite allograft/stem prostheses).Level IV retrospective, therapeutic study.

Clinical results of revision total hip arthroplasty using fully porous-coated tapered titanium stems to treat severe proximal femoral bone loss were evaluated in a retrospective review of 39 patients (45 hips). The bone was reinforced with cables in 39 hips, and in 14 hips strut allografts were added. Fixation was successful in 44 hips, and one hip required revision to treat undetected fracture and migration of the stem. All the others had radiographic evidence of bone attachment. Neither bone atrophy nor reconstitution was noted. Three patients (3 hips) had mild thigh pain, but the others had no pain related to the femoral component. Eight hips dislocated; one resolved and seven had recurrent dislocation that was treated with a constrained acetabular component, capsulorrhaphy, or liner reorientation. Ten patients (12 hips) used a walker and 10 patients (12 hips) used a cane at the last postoperative visit. Whereas fixation was successful with this surgical technique, complications related to deficiency of the soft tissue structures were common.

A single comprehensive classification system that can adequately describe all types of bone loss associated with hip arthroplasty should become a standard for reporting purposes. There is a need for a critical appraisal of the classification systems currently in use and, through a consensus, for development of a system that will permit comparison between the reported results of different techniques. Although no one classification system is ideal, the one proposed by the AAOS Committee on the Hip is the most comprehensive and the most consistently used. It addresses not only revision total hip arthroplasty but also primary hip replacement. It also addresses other conditions related to problems with the bone stock, such as those resulting from a previous hip arthrodesis on the acetabular side and femoral stenosis and malalignment on the femoral side. The only drawback to this classification system is its complexity; however, the problem of acetabular and femoral bone loss is of sufficient complexity and variety that a simple classification system, although ideal, cannot be comprehensive. Regardless of the absence of a common language and a comprehensive classification system that is applicable to all types of reconstructions, it is clear that femoral bone loss is a problem that will continue to challenge orthopaedic surgeons. It is only by careful and methodical analysis of patients who have femoral bone loss and by meticulous attention being paid to detail in preoperative evaluation and investigation, surgical planning, and the recording of outcomes that we will be able to improve our treatment of this difficult problem.

During preparation for uncemeted femoral arthroplasty, a phenomenon has been observed that it in dicates thinning of anterior metaphyseal bone to a critical level light can be seen from within the canal passing through the anterior cortex. This skylight sign alerts the surgeon that a cortical defect or fracture can occur on reaming broaching, or component insertion. In 420 consecutive anthroplasties, a skylig sign was remoted in 97 (23%) hips. In 5 of those hips an oval cortical detect was created and in 3 hips a fracture occured during broaching or inserticon. Loosening developed in 1 hip with fracture. No fractures or defects ocurred in hips without a skylight sign. If a skylight sign is present, the featur is at risk, and preventive measures should be taken.

Femoral bone loss in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common feature and is mainly attributed to three etiological factors. Stress shielding causes an "osteopenia" type of bone loss behind the anterior flange and adjacent to the distal aspects of the femoral component. Using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, decrease in bone mineral density up to 44% has been measured in these areas. Secondly, polyethylene, cement and metal particles are released by implant wear and may cause the less common "osteolysis" type of bone loss located directly at the anterior and posterior implant-cement-bone interfaces. This type of bone loss occurs mainly in young, male, overweight patients with osteoarthritis. Finally, implant loosening leads to bone loss at the bone cement-implant interface and results in "hollowing out" of the distal femur in a stemmed TKA. Femoral bone loss may be reduced by diminishing the stress-shielding effect, by improving the quality of the polyethylene insert, and by decreasing the rate of implant loosening still further. In revision TKA, femoral bone loss is often underestimated in the preoperative radiographs. Classification of bone loss should be made during surgery, and should be based upon the size of the defect generated and the grade of containment. The choice among cement filling, metal augmentation, custom-made TKA, solid bone grafts, and morsellized bone grafts in reconstruction of bone defects will depend upon the type of bone loss, the bone quality, the surgeon's preference and philosophy, and the availability of grafts and implants.

The authors reviewed 33 revision hip arthroplasties using the long-stemmed porous coated anatomic (PCA) prosthesis that required adjuvant patch-grafting for proximal defects of the femur. All hips were revised for aseptic loosening. The mean follow-up period was 3.7 years (2.0-5.8 years). The hips were clinically evaluated by means of the Harris Hip Score: 26 (79%) were found to be good or excellent, 3 (9%) fair and 4 (12%) poor. Graft incorporation occurred in 31/33 cases (94%). Proximal stress protection bone resorption was not seen, although cancellisation of the calcar was noted in 20/33 (60%) hips. Serial radiological review demonstrated some degree of subsidence of the femoral stem in 20/33 (60%) hips. The authors conclude that patch-grafting of the proximal femur at revision surgery incorporates and is not inhibited by the presence of a rigid long-stemmed implant.