Management of cavitary acetabular defect in revision hip replacement

Author reviewed his experience in managing cavitary defects of the acetabulum during revision hip arthroplasty. All acetabulae were managed by using cancellous autograft to cover for the defect and a well applied triflanged acetabular component. All arthroplasties were performed between October 1999 and December 2003. Twenty three hips were included in the study (No bilateral cases). Follow up period ranged between 27 months and 76 months (average 54 months). Patients age ranged between 46 years and 63 years of age (with the mean average of 52 years). All patients were assessed clinically by using the Harris hip score and radiologically using the Paprosky classification. At the latest follow up examination, the average Harris score had improved from 47 points to 88 points postoperatively. In 21 hips (91.3%) the final result was considered to be good or excellent. In 2 hips (8.7%) which necessitated revision due to acetabular reloosening, the result was considered unsatisfactory. It was concluded that cavitary acetabular defects could be satisfactorily managed using cancellous autograft and trifranged acetabular cups.