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Evidence. Clarity. Practice.

© 2026 OrthoVellum. For educational purposes only.

Not medical advice. Verify clinically important information against current local guidance.

Revision THA Bone Loss and Reconstruction

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Adult ReconstructionHip Arthroplasty

Revision THA Bone Loss and Reconstruction

Advanced orthopaedic guide to revision total hip arthroplasty bone loss and reconstruction: pre-operative workup, Paprosky classification, acetabular reconstruction, pelvic discontinuity, femoral fixation strategy, extended trochanteric osteotomy and complications.

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Reviewed: 2026-06-02Maintained by OrthoVellum Medical Education Team

Editorially maintained by OrthoVellum Editorial Team

Clear references, transparent review, and correction process • Published by OrthoVellum Medical Education Team

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Educational disclosure

Educational content is reviewed for source visibility, editorial coherence, and correction readiness.

No individual clinician credential is claimed unless a named person is shown.

Verify before clinical use; this is not medical advice or a substitute for local guidance.

High Yield Overview

Revision THA Bone Loss

Map bone | classify defect | restore fixation | prepare backups

PaproskyMain acetabular and femoral planning language
Judet + CTNeeded when columns or discontinuity are unclear
Host boneFixation target for acetabular reconstruction
Bypass defectFemoral fixation principle

Reconstruction Families

Acetabular Paprosky I/II
PatternRim and columns usually support a hemispherical shell.
TreatmentPorous hemispherical cup, screws, graft for contained defects.
Acetabular Paprosky IIIA
PatternSuperior bone loss with partial rim/column support.
TreatmentJumbo shell, porous metal augment, graft and hip-centre restoration.
Acetabular Paprosky IIIB or discontinuity
PatternSevere superior/medial loss, column support poor or pelvis discontinuous.
TreatmentPorous shell plus augments, cup-cage, custom triflange or distraction technique in selected cases.
Femoral Paprosky III/IV
PatternMetaphysis deficient; diaphyseal support determines fixation.
TreatmentTapered fluted modular stem, ETO when needed, proximal femoral replacement when fixation is not possible.

Critical Must-Knows

  • Revision THA starts by defining failure and excluding infection. Bone loss reconstruction fails if the infection diagnosis is missed.
  • Paprosky acetabular classification is useful because it estimates rim and column support. It is not just a memorised table.
  • Pelvic discontinuity means the superior ilium and inferior ischiopubic segment are separated. Standard hemispherical fixation is often insufficient.
  • Femoral revision succeeds by obtaining stable fixation beyond the defect. Diaphyseal/isthmus support matters more than proximal appearance alone.
  • A revision plan is incomplete without backup implants. Extraction tools, augments, cages, stems, bearings and weight-bearing plan must be decided before theatre.

Clinical Pearls

  • "
    Order AP pelvis, lateral hip, full femur films, Judet views and CT with metal artefact reduction when acetabular columns are uncertain.
  • "
    Use Paprosky to decide if a cup can grip host bone, whether augments are required, and whether the construct must span or unitise the pelvis.
  • "
    A custom triflange can be powerful for severe defects but has high complication and dislocation risk; counsel accordingly.
  • "
    ETO is a controlled exposure tool for well-fixed stems or cement, not a failure of technique.

Do not plan revision THA from an AP pelvis alone

The AP pelvis gives the first impression. It does not reliably define posterior column support, pelvic discontinuity, femoral isthmus fixation, version, occult fracture or infection. The operation should not start until the surgeon has mapped the bone and planned extraction plus reconstruction.

Revision THA bone loss clinic-to-theatre planning pathway
Revision THA planning moves from failure diagnosis to infection exclusion, bone-loss mapping, classification, reconstruction choice and backup implants.Credit: Original OrthoVellum illustration

Revision THA Mental Models

MAPPre-op workup
HOSTAcetabulum
STEMFemur
M
Mechanism of failure
Loosening, infection, fracture, instability, wear or adverse local tissue reaction.
H
Host contact
Porous shell needs enough supportive host bone.
S
Support at isthmus
Diaphyseal support enables tapered fluted fixation.
A
Anatomy of bone loss
Columns, rim, medial wall, isthmus, cortical tube and fracture lines.
O
Offset and hip centre
Reconstruction must restore biomechanics.
T
Trochanteric osteotomy
ETO preserves bone during difficult extraction.
P
Plan extraction and backups
Removal tools, ETO, augments, cages, stems and weight-bearing restrictions.
S
Structural support
Augments, cup-cage or triflange when columns are deficient.
E
Endoprosthesis
Consider when host femur cannot support a revision stem.
T
Test discontinuity
CT/Judet views and intra-operative stability determine strategy.
M
Measure length/version
Restore leg length, offset and version, not just fixation.

Map before cutting.

Host bone decides fixation.

Fix beyond the defect.

MAPPre-op workup
M
Mechanism of failure
Loosening, infection, fracture, instability, wear or adverse local tissue reaction.
A
Anatomy of bone loss
Columns, rim, medial wall, isthmus, cortical tube and fracture lines.
P
Plan extraction and backups
Removal tools, ETO, augments, cages, stems and weight-bearing restrictions.

Map before cutting.

HOSTAcetabulum
H
Host contact
Porous shell needs enough supportive host bone.
O
Offset and hip centre
Reconstruction must restore biomechanics.
S
Structural support
Augments, cup-cage or triflange when columns are deficient.
T
Test discontinuity
CT/Judet views and intra-operative stability determine strategy.

Host bone decides fixation.

STEMFemur
S
Support at isthmus
Diaphyseal support enables tapered fluted fixation.
T
Trochanteric osteotomy
ETO preserves bone during difficult extraction.
E
Endoprosthesis
Consider when host femur cannot support a revision stem.
M
Measure length/version
Restore leg length, offset and version, not just fixation.

Fix beyond the defect.

Mnemonic

BACKUPTheatre Readiness

B
Blood and biology
Optimise haemoglobin, infection status, bone quality and soft tissues.
A
Augments and cages
Have modular porous metal, cage, cup-cage or triflange plan available.
C
Component extraction
Plan cup, stem, cement and screw removal before incision.
K
Known implants
Identify prior implant sizes, bearings, tapers and approach where possible.
U
Unexpected fracture
Have cables, plates, struts, long stems and fracture strategy ready.
P
Post-op restrictions
Weight bearing and precautions depend on construct stability.

Memory Hook:Revision THA without BACKUP is not planned surgery.

Overview and Definitions

Revision THA bone loss is a reconstruction problem, not simply a component exchange. The surgeon must identify why the arthroplasty failed, whether infection is present, how much host bone remains, and which construct can achieve durable fixation.

The practical definitions are:

Definitions That Change Treatment

TermMeaningTreatment Implication
Contained defectBone loss surrounded by a rim or cortical shell.May be filled with morselised graft or cement/augment depending size and fixation.
Segmental defectA rim, wall or column segment is missing.Needs structural support: augment, cage, structural graft or custom component.
Pelvic discontinuitySuperior ilium separated from inferior ischiopubic segment through the acetabulum.Construct must stabilise or unitise the pelvis; standard cup fixation is often inadequate.
Femoral metaphyseal lossProximal femur cannot support the stem.Shift fixation distally with a tapered fluted stem if diaphysis allows.
Non-reconstructable femurNo reliable proximal or diaphyseal host fixation.Consider proximal femoral replacement or allograft-prosthetic composite in selected cases.

Pathophysiology

Bone loss in revision THA usually develops from osteolysis, loosening, stress shielding, infection, periprosthetic fracture, adverse local tissue reaction or repeated previous surgery. Each mechanism leaves a different reconstruction problem.

Failure Mechanism to Bone-Loss Pattern

MechanismTypical Bone ProblemPlanning Consequence
Polyethylene wear and osteolysisCavitary acetabular or proximal femoral defects, sometimes with intact rim.Assess whether fixation remains possible with shell/stem exchange and grafting.
Aseptic looseningProgressive migration, rim deficiency, femoral cortical thinning or pedestal formation.Plan extraction and reconstruction; classify both sides.
InfectionBone destruction plus compromised soft tissues.Treat infection pathway first; reconstruction may need staged strategy.
Periprosthetic fractureFemoral cortical tube disrupted; implant may be loose.Use Vancouver plus Paprosky femoral planning; fixation must bypass fracture and deficient bone.
Repeated revisionCombined acetabular/femoral deficiency, abductor damage and instability risk.Expect higher constraint, complex exposure and restricted rehabilitation.
Pelvic discontinuityColumns no longer form a continuous ring.Cup-cage, triflange or distraction technique rather than simple hemispherical cup.

Clinical Presentation and Assessment

History and examination

Ask what failed and what has already been done. Important history includes original diagnosis, approach, implant type, fixation method, bearing surface, prior infection, wound issues, instability episodes, fractures, metal-on-metal exposure, antibiotics, anticoagulation, neurological symptoms and functional goals.

Examination must document:

  • Gait, Trendelenburg sign, abductor function and walking aids.
  • Limb length, fixed deformity, flexion contracture and rotational profile.
  • Scar position and soft-tissue envelope.
  • Neurovascular status, especially sciatic/peroneal symptoms.
  • Pain with rotation, trochanteric pain and signs of loosening or instability.
  • Spine and pelvic obliquity when leg length or instability is part of the problem.

First-line imaging and tests

Revision THA Imaging and Tests

InvestigationHow To Order ItWhat It Answers
AP pelvis and lateral hipStanding or standardised AP pelvis plus lateral of affected hip.Migration, hip centre, loosening, osteolysis, offset, leg length and component position.
Full femur radiographsInclude hip to knee with entire implant and distal femur.Stem length, cement, cortical defects, distal hardware and bypass planning.
Judet viewsOblique pelvic views when columns/discontinuity are uncertain.Anterior and posterior column support.
CT with metal artefact reductionPelvis and/or femur depending defect.Column integrity, discontinuity, version, bone stock, osteolysis and occult fracture.
ESR, CRP and aspirationScreen for infection; aspirate when markers, symptoms or history are suspicious.Defines whether revision is aseptic or infection pathway.
Implant recordsObtain stickers, op notes and bearing/taper details.Determines extraction tools, compatibility and backup components.

Investigations

The investigation plan must answer four questions before theatre: is the joint infected, is the acetabular column support intact, where can the femur obtain fixation, and what implant/extraction equipment is required.

How Each Test Changes The Operation

TestDecision It SupportsUnsafe Shortcut
ESR, CRP and aspiration when indicatedAseptic revision versus infection pathway, culture strategy and staging.Calling a loose implant aseptic without infection workup.
AP pelvis and lateral hipMigration, hip centre, offset, leg length, loosening and gross osteolysis.Using AP pelvis alone to choose augments or cages.
Full-length femur radiographsStem length, cement mantle, cortical tube, distal hardware, fracture and bypass length.Planning femoral revision without seeing the whole stem.
Judet viewsAnterior and posterior column integrity when discontinuity is possible.Missing posterior column deficiency.
CT with metal artefact reductionColumn support, discontinuity, component version, osteolysis, cortical defects and occult fracture.Assuming a cup can grip host bone without cross-sectional mapping.

Bone-Loss Mapping

Paprosky Acetabular Classification

TypeBone-Loss PatternReconstruction Meaning
IMinimal bone loss; hemispherical shape and rim supportive.Porous hemispherical cup usually sufficient.
IIA/IIB/IICDistorted hemisphere with superior, lateral or medial bone loss.Cup with screws, graft or limited augment depending host contact.
IIIASevere superior bone loss but some column/rim support remains.Jumbo cup, porous shell and augments; restore hip centre if possible.
IIIBSevere superior/medial migration with poor column support; discontinuity risk.Cup-cage, custom triflange, distraction or complex augment strategy.

How To Recognise Discontinuity

FindingMeaningManagement Implication
Broken Kohler line, medial migration, severe osteolysisPossible loss of medial wall and column support.CT and Judet views required.
Superior and inferior hemipelvis moving separatelyTrue discontinuity.Construct must bridge/unitise pelvis.
Intra-operative motion between columnsDiscontinuity confirmed.Do not rely on press-fit cup alone.
Chronic discontinuity with osteolysisBiological healing is difficult.Cup-cage, triflange or distraction are common contemporary strategies.

Paprosky Femoral Classification

TypeSupport PatternFixation Strategy
IMinimal metaphyseal bone loss.Standard primary or revision stem may work.
IIMetaphysis damaged but diaphysis intact.Revision stem; fixation choice by bone quality and implant removal.
IIIAMetaphysis deficient; more than 4 cm scratch-fit diaphysis usually available.Tapered fluted modular stem commonly suitable.
IIIBMetaphysis deficient; limited diaphyseal support.Long tapered fluted stem, adjunct fixation, grafting or alternative reconstruction.
IVWide canal with poor isthmus support.Proximal femoral replacement or allograft-prosthetic composite selected cases.

Management

Management is selected by fixation biology and mechanical stability. The surgeon should not choose an implant because it is familiar; the implant must solve the defect pattern.

Acetabular Decision Pathway

Defect SituationPreferred DirectionWhy
Paprosky I/II with supportive rimPorous hemispherical shell with screws; graft contained defects as required.Enough host bone exists for initial stability and ingrowth.
Superior segmental loss but columns partly supportiveJumbo cup or porous shell plus modular augment.Augment converts an unsupported segment into a stable platform.
Severe medial/superior loss or suspected discontinuityPlan cup-cage, custom triflange or distraction rather than shell alone.The construct must bridge or unitise deficient columns.
Contained bone loss in younger patientConsider impaction grafting when stable containment and surgeon experience allow.May restore bone stock but fails if initial stability is poor.

Femoral Decision Pathway

Femoral SituationPreferred DirectionWhy
Paprosky I/IIStandard revision stem, cemented or uncemented strategy by bone and patient factors.Metaphyseal/diaphyseal support remains adequate.
Paprosky IIIATapered fluted modular stem with diaphyseal fixation.Stable fixation is obtained beyond deficient metaphysis.
Paprosky IIIBLong tapered fluted stem, adjunct fixation or salvage reconstruction depending isthmus support.Limited diaphyseal support raises fracture and loosening risk.
Paprosky IV or non-reconstructable femurProximal femoral replacement or allograft-prosthetic composite in selected cases.Host bone cannot reliably support a revision stem.

Bearing and Constraint Decisions

Risk FactorOptionPrinciple
Good abductors and stable reconstructionStandard bearing or larger head depending component compatibility.Restore biomechanics first; bearing choice cannot rescue poor version.
High dislocation risk with acceptable soft tissuesDual mobility in selected revision cases.Improves jump distance while preserving motion.
Severe abductor deficiency or recurrent instabilityConstrained liner in selected salvage situations.Constraint increases mechanical demand and should not mask malposition.

Acetabular Reconstruction

Revision THA acetabular bone-loss reconstruction pathway
Acetabular reconstruction is chosen by host bone contact, rim/column support, hip-centre restoration and whether pelvic discontinuity is present.Credit: Original OrthoVellum illustration
Pelvic discontinuity and porous augment revision THA reconstruction
Open-access radiograph/CT series showing severe acetabular bone loss with pelvic discontinuity context and revision reconstruction. Use CT to understand column support before choosing a construct.Credit: Open-i / NIH source image (CC BY)

Acetabular Reconstruction Options

OptionBest UseLimitations and Pitfalls
Porous hemispherical shellPaprosky I/II and selected IIIA with enough host bone contact.Fails if rim/columns cannot support initial stability.
Jumbo cupSuperior bone loss where large shell restores contact.Can raise hip centre or over-ream if used indiscriminately.
Porous metal augmentSegmental superior, posterior or medial defects with shell contact possible.Augment must support shell and be mechanically stable; cement only at augment-shell interface when used.
Cup-cageSevere bone loss or discontinuity when a shell alone may not be stable.Cage protects shell while ingrowth occurs; risk of dislocation, infection and cage fatigue remains.
Custom triflangeMassive defects, pelvic discontinuity, failed cages or unusual anatomy.Requires CT-based manufacture, longer lead time and counselling about high complication risk.
Acetabular distractionSelected chronic pelvic discontinuity with porous shell and augments.Technique-sensitive; requires careful patient and defect selection.
Impaction graftingContained or reconstructable defects, especially where bone-stock restoration matters.Use caution in severe uncontained defects or when primary stability is weak.

Femoral Reconstruction

Revision THA femoral bone-loss fixation strategy
Femoral reconstruction is chosen by where reliable fixation remains. The key question is whether the stem can obtain stable fixation beyond the deficient proximal femur.Credit: Original OrthoVellum illustration

Core Femoral Principle

Bypass the defect, obtain axial and rotational stability, restore length/offset/version, and avoid creating a fracture during extraction.

When Host Fixation Is Not Enough

Paprosky IV, severe Vancouver B3 fractures, tumour-like bone loss or failed multiple revisions may require proximal femoral replacement or allograft-prosthetic composite.

Femoral bone loss and long-stem revision THA reconstruction
Open-access radiograph series showing femoral bone loss/periprosthetic fracture context and long-stem reconstruction. The teaching point is fixation beyond deficient proximal femur.Credit: Moon KH et al. via Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery / Open-i (CC BY)

Femoral Reconstruction Options

OptionWhen To ChooseKey Technical Point
Cemented revision stemOlder patient, poor bone, intact cement mantle strategy or selected low-demand cases.Cement technique and version control are critical.
Tapered fluted modular stemPaprosky IIIA/selected IIIB with diaphyseal fixation available.Achieve axial/rotational stability beyond defect and restore version with modularity.
Extensively porous-coated stemSelected femora with adequate diaphyseal engagement.Mismatch, thigh pain and stress shielding must be considered.
Impaction graftingYounger patient or contained femoral deficiency where bone stock restoration is realistic.Technique-sensitive; needs intact cortical tube and stable cemented stem construct.
Proximal femoral replacementNon-reconstructable proximal femur, massive bone loss, severe B3 fracture or salvage setting.Higher dislocation/infection risk; restore abductors and soft-tissue tension where possible.
Proximal femoral bone loss revision stem reconstruction
Open-access radiographs showing proximal femoral bone defect and revision stem reconstruction. Use the image to think about remaining host bone and stem fixation zone.Credit: Open-i / NIH source image (CC BY)

Operative Technique

Revision THA bone loss operation: PIPADRAW sequence

Theatre Sequence

StepWhat The Surgeon DoesPitfall
PositionUsually lateral decubitus for posterior/lateral revision; ensure full femur access and ability to extend incision.Positioning that prevents distal femoral exposure makes ETO or fracture control harder.
Imaging/equipmentHave AP pelvis/full femur templates, extraction systems, burrs, cables, augments, cages, stems, bearings and backup constraint.Starting without backup implants converts a planned reconstruction into improvisation.
PreparationAntibiotics/cultures per infection plan, blood availability, cell salvage if used, previous incision strategy.Giving antibiotics before cultures may compromise microbiology if infection is suspected.
ApproachUse prior approach where safe; extensile posterior, lateral or anterolateral exposure by implant, scar and surgeon familiarity.Poor soft-tissue handling increases instability and wound complications.
DissectionIdentify abductors, sciatic nerve risk zone, pseudocapsule, implants, cables/screws and osteolytic membrane.Aggressive membrane removal can damage remaining host bone.
RemovalRemove liner/head first; assess fixation; use curved blades/extraction tools for cup; use ETO for difficult stem/cement removal when appropriate.Uncontrolled extraction causes iatrogenic fracture and worsens bone loss.
ReconstructionRebuild acetabulum to host bone/columns and femur to reliable fixation zone; restore hip centre, offset, length and version.Stable-looking components can still be biomechanically wrong if hip centre or version is poor.
At-risk structuresSciatic nerve, superior gluteal neurovascular bundle, femoral vessels medially, abductors, greater trochanter and peroneal nerve stretch.Lengthening and scar dissection increase nerve risk.
AftercareWeight bearing by construct, bone loss, ETO fixation and fracture risk; dislocation precautions and abductor rehabilitation.Allowing full weight bearing after tenuous fixation can fail the reconstruction.

Extended trochanteric osteotomy

Use ETO when a well-fixed stem, long cement mantle, distal ingrowth, cement restrictor, femoral deformity or high fracture risk makes direct extraction unsafe. The aim is controlled access while preserving the vascularised osteotomy fragment.

Key steps:

  • Plan osteotomy length from implant/cement extent; commonly about 12 to 16 cm from the greater trochanter in described techniques.
  • Preserve vastus lateralis and abductor attachments to maintain biology.
  • Round osteotomy corners with burr to reduce stress risers.
  • Open the osteotomy in a controlled fashion, remove stem/cement, reconstruct the canal, then close with cables or wires.
  • Protect against trochanteric migration, nonunion, fracture and abductor dysfunction.

Complications and Failure Management

Complications

ComplicationWhy It HappensPrevention or Management
DislocationAbductor deficiency, altered hip centre, constrained reconstruction, soft-tissue damage.Restore offset/length/version, choose bearing strategy, consider dual mobility or constrained liner in selected cases.
InfectionLong surgery, multiple revisions, dead space and compromised host.Optimise, culture, debride, antibiotic plan and staged reconstruction when indicated.
Aseptic looseningPoor host fixation, inadequate column support, failed ingrowth or overloaded cage.Use appropriate host bone fixation, augments, cage/triflange and protected rehabilitation.
Nerve injuryLimb lengthening, traction, scar dissection or screw/cage placement.Document pre-op status, limit acute lengthening, protect sciatic nerve and use safe screw corridors.
Periprosthetic fractureExtraction, weak cortex, stress risers or inadequate bypass.ETO, cables/struts, long stems and bypass defects.
ETO nonunion or migrationPoor biology, inadequate fixation or excessive stripping.Preserve attachments, cable fixation, protected weight bearing and revision fixation if symptomatic failure.

Evidence Signals

Acetabular bone-loss update

Review
Key Findings:
  • Paprosky remains the most commonly used acetabular bone-loss classification.
  • Careful radiological assessment can diagnose bone-loss pattern and chronic pelvic discontinuity before surgery.
  • Contemporary practice increasingly uses highly porous shells with modular porous metal augments.
Clinical Implication: The page should teach radiographic classification and modern porous-metal reconstruction choices together.
Limitation: Narrative update; technique choice depends on surgeon experience and defect pattern.
Source: Sanghavi, Paprosky and Sheth, Journal of the AAOS, 2024

Acetabular reconstruction review

Review
Key Findings:
  • Pre-operative evaluation includes history, examination, infection workup and detailed radiographic planning.
  • Paprosky classification is based on column integrity and guides treatment strategy.
  • Uncemented biological fixation techniques are preferred in many contemporary reconstructions.
Clinical Implication: Use a clinic-to-theatre planning pathway rather than jumping straight to implants.
Limitation: Long-term comparative evidence remains limited for some reconstruction methods.
Source: Fryhofer, Ramesh and Sheth, Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma, 2020

Pelvic discontinuity management

Reviews
Key Findings:
  • Pelvic discontinuity separates the superior ilium from the inferior ischiopubic segment.
  • Imaging should include plain radiographs, Judet views and often CT.
  • Options include hemispheric component with plating, cup-cage, pelvic distraction and custom triflange.
Clinical Implication: Do not teach pelvic discontinuity as a Paprosky label only; it is a mechanical problem requiring pelvic stability.
Limitation: Treatment is complex and evidence is mainly cohort/review level.
Source: Abdel, Trousdale and Berry, Journal of the AAOS, 2017; Hasenauer, Paprosky and Sheth, 2018

Custom triflange outcomes

Cohort studies and systematic review
Key Findings:
  • Custom triflange components can provide reliable fixation in severe defects and pelvic discontinuity.
  • Systematic review data report meaningful complication rates, with dislocation and infection prominent.
  • Longer institutional experience supports reliability but still requires counselling about surgical magnitude.
Clinical Implication: Custom triflange is an important option, not a benign shortcut; counsel about dislocation, infection, nerve injury and reoperation.
Limitation: Mostly non-randomised complex revision cohorts.
Source: Taunton et al., Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 2012; De Martino et al., Journal of Arthroplasty, 2019; Sershon et al., 2021

Femoral component revision

Review
Key Findings:
  • Femoral revision requires understanding failure mechanism, bone defect classification and extraction method.
  • Bone loss in the proximal femur is a major determinant of fixation strategy.
  • Reconstructive options must be selected according to defect and fixation zone.
Clinical Implication: Teach femoral revision as a fixation-zone problem rather than a list of stems.
Limitation: Narrative review.
Source: Brown et al., Orthopedics, 2016

ETO and tapered fluted stems

Technique article and cohort study
Key Findings:
  • ETO provides controlled exposure for difficult removal of well-fixed femoral components and cement.
  • ETO technique emphasises preserving vascularity, osteotomy length, rounded corners and secure cable/wire closure.
  • A 2024 cohort supports modular fluted tapered revision stems with interlocking options in difficult B3/Paprosky III-IV settings.
Clinical Implication: Include the actual extraction and fixation strategy, not just 'revise the stem'.
Limitation: ETO technique and stem choice are surgeon- and implant-dependent.
Source: Wyles et al., JBJS Essential Surgical Techniques, 2023; Fink et al., Bone and Joint Journal, 2024

Clinical Scenarios

Use these scenarios to practise clinical reasoning and management decisions

CLINICAL SCENARIOStandard

CLINICAL PROMPT

"A patient presents with a painful loose acetabular component. AP pelvis shows superior migration and medial wall deficiency. CT suggests poor posterior column support but no clear acute infection."

PRACTICAL APPROACH
I would treat this as complex acetabular bone loss until proven otherwise. I would complete infection workup with ESR, CRP and aspiration if indicated, obtain AP pelvis, lateral hip, Judet views and CT with metal artefact reduction, and classify using Paprosky while specifically assessing pelvic discontinuity. If host bone contact and column support are sufficient, a highly porous hemispherical shell with augments may work. If stability is uncertain or discontinuity is present, I would plan a cup-cage, custom triflange or distraction technique depending defect chronicity, bone stock and implant availability. I would prepare augments, cage/triflange backup, multiple bearings and a protected weight-bearing plan.
KEY CLINICAL POINTS
Map columns and discontinuity before theatre.
Exclude infection before definitive aseptic reconstruction.
Choose reconstruction by host bone contact and pelvic stability.
COMMON PITFALLS
✗Planning from AP pelvis alone.
✗Using a press-fit cup when columns cannot support it.
✗Not having cage/triflange/augment backup.
FURTHER QUESTIONS
"What are the Paprosky IIIB features?"
"When would you choose cup-cage?"
"What are the complications of custom triflange?"
CLINICAL SCENARIOAdvanced

CLINICAL PROMPT

"A well-fixed cementless femoral stem must be removed during revision THA. The proximal femur is thin and there is concern that extraction will fracture the femur."

PRACTICAL APPROACH
I would plan controlled extraction rather than uncontrolled force. I would have implant-specific extraction tools, burrs, flexible osteotomes, cables and long revision stems available. If the stem is well fixed or there is distal ingrowth/cement that cannot be safely cleared, I would perform an extended trochanteric osteotomy. I would preserve vastus and abductor attachments, make a planned osteotomy of sufficient length, round corners to avoid stress risers, open it in a controlled fashion, remove the stem and cement, reconstruct with a stem that bypasses the defect, and close the osteotomy securely with cables or wires. Post-operative weight bearing depends on stem fixation and osteotomy stability.
KEY CLINICAL POINTS
ETO is controlled exposure.
Preserve vascularity and abductor/vastus attachments.
Stem must bypass the osteotomy and deficient bone.
COMMON PITFALLS
✗Forcing extraction and causing an uncontrolled fracture.
✗Making the osteotomy too short for distal fixation or cement removal.
✗Stripping the osteotomy fragment and risking nonunion.
FURTHER QUESTIONS
"What length should the ETO be?"
"How do you close the ETO?"
"What are ETO complications?"

References

  1. Sanghavi SA, Paprosky WG, Sheth NP. Evaluation and Management of Acetabular Bone Loss in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: A 10-year Update. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2024;32(10):e466-e475. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-23-00645.
  2. Fryhofer GW, Ramesh S, Sheth NP. Acetabular reconstruction in revision total hip arthroplasty. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2020;11(1):22-28. doi:10.1016/j.jcot.2019.11.004.
  3. Hasenauer MD, Paprosky WG, Sheth NP. Treatment options for chronic pelvic discontinuity. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2018;9(1):58-62. doi:10.1016/j.jcot.2017.09.009.
  4. Abdel MP, Trousdale RT, Berry DJ. Pelvic Discontinuity Associated With Total Hip Arthroplasty: Evaluation and Management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2017;25(5):330-338. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-15-00260.
  5. Taunton MJ, Fehring TK, Edwards P, Bernasek T, Holt GE, Christie MJ. Pelvic discontinuity treated with custom triflange component: a reliable option. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2012;470(2):428-434. doi:10.1007/s11999-011-2126-1.
  6. De Martino I, Strigelli V, Cacciola G, et al. Survivorship and Clinical Outcomes of Custom Triflange Acetabular Components in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review. J Arthroplasty. 2019;34(10):2511-2518. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2019.05.032.
  7. Sershon RA, McDonald JF 3rd, Nagda S, Hamilton WG, Engh CA Jr. Custom Triflange Cups: 20-Year Experience. J Arthroplasty. 2021;36(9):3264-3268. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2021.05.005.
  8. Brown JM, Mistry JB, Cherian JJ, et al. Femoral Component Revision of Total Hip Arthroplasty. Orthopedics. 2016;39(6):e1129-e1139. doi:10.3928/01477447-20160819-06.
  9. Wyles CC, Hannon CP, Viste A, et al. Extended Trochanteric Osteotomy in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty. JBJS Essent Surg Tech. 2023;13(3):e21.00003. doi:10.2106/JBJS.ST.21.00003.
  10. Jones SA. Impaction Grafting Made Easy. J Arthroplasty. 2017;32(9S):S54-S58. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2017.02.045.
  11. Lee JM, Kim TH. Acetabular Cup Revision Arthroplasty Using Morselized Impaction Allograft. Hip Pelvis. 2018;30(2):65-77. doi:10.5371/hp.2018.30.2.65.
  12. Fink B, Ahmadian A, Sax FH, Schuster P. Revision total hip arthroplasty using a modular fluted, tapered revision femoral component and interlocking screws in Vancouver B3 periprosthetic fractures with insufficient bone at the isthmus. Bone Joint J. 2024;106-B(4):344-351. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.106B4.BJJ-2023-0899.R1.

Revision THA Bone Loss Cheat Sheet

Clinical summary

Workup

  • •History, op notes and implant details
  • •ESR/CRP ± aspiration
  • •AP pelvis, lateral and full femur
  • •Judet views for columns
  • •CT for discontinuity/version/bone stock

Acetabulum

  • •Paprosky I/II: porous shell
  • •IIIA: shell plus augment/jumbo cup
  • •IIIB: poor columns, plan backup
  • •Discontinuity: cup-cage/triflange/distraction
  • •Restore hip centre and host fixation

Femur

  • •Classify Paprosky femur
  • •Plan extraction and ETO
  • •Fix beyond deficient bone
  • •Restore length, offset and version
  • •Prepare fracture and salvage options

"Exclude infection, map bone loss, classify acetabulum and femur, then choose a construct that obtains stable fixation."

Study Focus
Estimated read88 min

Decision sections

Related Topics

Adult Hip Dysplasia

Ankle Arthritis

Aseptic Loosening in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Avascular Necrosis of the Hip