Comparative Study of the Osteointegration of Irradiated and Non-irradiated Bone Grafts Used in Patients with Revision Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract Objective To evaluate and compare the osteointegration of irradiated and nonirradiated frozen bone grafts used in 21 patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty procedures with the Exeter technique. Methods A retrospective study of 21 patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty with the Exeter technique using bone tissues treated or not with gamma radiation between 2013 and 2014. The patients were divided into two groups according to the use of grafts treated or not with ionizing radiation (gamma rays); as such, these groups were classified as irradiated or non-irradiated. The osteointegration results determined by radiographic analysis of these grafts were compared in the postoperative period of 6 and 12months. Results Comparing the graft osteointegration in all patients at 6 and 12months postoperatively, we noticed a significant difference in the radiographic evaluations in this period (p = 0.031). Out of the patients studied, 7 were from the irradiated group, and 14 belonged to the non-irradiated group. No statistically significant differences were observed (p = 0.804) regarding osteointegration when we compared the irradiated and non-irradiated groups. Conclusion There was no significant difference in the use of irradiated or nonirradiated grafts in revision hip arthroplasty procedures with the Exeter technique.