Cerclage wire fixation of trochanteric osteotomies in complex hip revision: our experience and comparison with cable-plate fixation

Introduction: Osteotomy of the greater trochanter is a commonly used procedure in complex revision hip arthroplasty in order to achieve a wide exposure to the femoral stem and acetabular components. There is no clinical evidence in favour of a specific fixation method. The aim of this study was to compare cable-plate with figure-of-eight cerclage wire fixation in patients requiring a trochanteric “slide” osteotomy. Material and methods: In a retrospective study, 51 greater trochanteric “slide” osteotomies in complex acetabular revision arthroplasties were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups: 28 hips were fixed with 1 of 2 cable-plate systems (Dall-Miles staple, Stryker or Cable-Ready plate, Zimmer) and 23 with a figure-of-eight cerclage wire. Consolidation, osteolysis, migration of greater trochanter, bursitis of the trochanteric area, Trendelenburg gait and removal of osteosynthesis material were studied at 6 months follow-up. Results: Both groups showed good union rates. The lysis rate was similar with 32% in the cable-plate group versus 29% in the cerclage wire group ( p = 0.084). 43% of the hips with cable-plate and 22% of the cerclage wire had trochanteric migration ( p = 0.297). Pain at the greater trochanter was less frequent in the cerclage wire group (9%) as compared to the cable-plate group (43%) ( p = 0.007). Implant removal was more frequent in the cable-plate group (4 vs. 0 patients). Trendelenburg gait was found in 3 patients in the cerclage wire group as compared to 10 in the cable-plate group ( p = 0.054). Conclusions: The cerclage wiring had superior clinical outcomes with similar radiographic results. The authors recommend the use of figure-of-eight cerclage wire when fixing a greater trochanteric “slide” osteotomy in complex revision hip arthroplasty.

Trochanteric osteotomy in revision total hip arthroplasty

Trochanteric osteotomy is a technique that allows expanded exposure and access to the femoral canal and acetabulum for a number of indications. There has been renewed interest in variants of this technique, including the trochanteric slide osteotomy (TSO), extended trochanter osteotomy (ETO), and the transfemoral approach, for both septic and aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Osteotomy fixation is crucial for achieving union, and wire and cable-plate systems are the most common techniques. TSO involves the creation of a greater trochanter fragment with preserved abductor attachment proximally and vastus lateralis attachment distally. This technique may be particularly useful in the setting of abductor deficiency or when augmented acetabular exposure is needed. ETO is a posterior-laterally based extensile approach that has been successfully utilized for aseptic and septic indications; most series report a greater than 90% rate of union. The transfemoral approach, as known as the Wagner osteotomy, is an extensile femoral approach and is more anterior-based than the alternate posterior-based ETO. It may be particularly useful for anterior-based approaches and anterior femoral remodelling; rates of union after this approach in most reports have been close to 100%. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:477-485. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190063

A Novel Antibiotic Spacer for Significant Proximal Femoral Loss - Surgical Technique

Background:Infections of proximal femora with prosthetic implants in situ have long been a major concern in orthopedic surgery. The gold standard in the management of infected proximal femurs in the presence of prosthetic implants has traditionally been a two-stage revision. However, this is challenging in the setting of extensive bone loss.Methods:A 3 case series of such infections leading to extensive loss of the proximal femur is presented. We specifically describe our technique of debriding the infected segments as well as utilization of a trochanteric slide osteotomy to resect the femur.We also demonstrate preparation of the “pseudoacetabulum” and femoral component with an antibiotic spacer.Conclusion:The high cost of such a procedure is offset by reduction in time spent in hospital. The spacer also helps to allow mobilization by partial weight bearing on a stable femoral component and provide pain control which improves quality of life as compared to prolonged intravenous antimicrobial therapy.

Secondary Hip Osteoarthritis due to Neurofibroma Treated with Total Hip Replacement

Background. Local plexiform neurofibroma can lead to deformity of the pelvis, valgus deformity of femoral neck, and joint capsule laxity. We report a case of secondary hip osteoarthritis with subluxation and coxa vara deformity resulting from an extra-articular neurofibroma treated with total hip replacement.Case Description. A 39-year-old man had a large benign plexiform neurofibroma at buttock which induced secondary osteoarthritis of the hip. Conservative treatment of tumor was selected because the patient had low chance of malignant transformation due to absence of other neurofibromatosis features. However, due to secondary osteoarthritis he underwent total hip arthroplasty. Anterior capsulotomy was selected to avoid large posterior hip tumor mass. In order to avoid the difficulties associated with setting tension of the abductor muscle, modified trochanteric slide osteotomy with trochanteric advancement, lateralized cup placement, and extended neck offset were used. One year after the surgery, the patient had excellent clinical function, hip stability, leg length equality and was satisfied with the outcome.Clinical Relevance. We concluded that the modified trochanteric slide osteotomy with trochanteric advancement represents a valuable approach for THR in patients with extremely elongation of the hip abductor and secondary hip osteoarthritis resulting from extra-articular neurofibroma.