Management of Osteolysis around a Stable Harris-Galante Acetabular Cup: Retention vs Revision of the Acetabular Component

PURPOSE: We analyzed and compared 30 clinical cases of acetabular osteolysis around a stably fixed acetabular cup, and this was managed by changing the liner along with retaining or revising the cup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 30 patients who underwent acetabular component revision or retention with a bone graft for osteolysis around a stably fixed Harris-Galante acetabular cup and these patients were followed up for more than 2 years. There were 7 cases with a conserved the acetabular cup and only the liner was changed, and 23 cases with a totally revised acetabular component. We compared the size of the acetabular cup, the thickness of the polyethylene liner, the progression of osteolysis and the clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The Harris hip score was improved in both groups. In the retention group, during an average of 59.9 months of follow up, 7 cases showed stable fixation and 3 cases showed locally advanced osteolysis. In the revision group, during an average of 57.2 months of follow up, all 20 cementless acetabular cups showed stable fixation. CONCLUSION: We suggest that in patients with osteolysis around the stable cementless acetabular cup, both methods show satisfactory clinical outcomes. But considering recurrence of osteolysis, cup revision is more reliable than changing the liner with a bone graft.

Acetabular Revision Using Cementless Acetabular Cup

PURPOSE: To evaluate implant survivorship and clinical outcomes after acetabular revision using cementless acetabular cups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 27 cementless acetabular revision cases performed between January 1998 and October 2005. All patients were followed up for more than 2 years, and the mean follow-up period was 54.1 months (range: 24~120 months). In all cases, morselized allografting was performed. Five cases needed structural allografting to achieve stability of the acetabular cup. The clinical results were analyzed using the Harris hip score, and radiological analysis was performed for evaluation of radiolucent lines, osteolysis, loosening, and changes in the hip center. RESULTS: At the time of latest follow-up, no cups showed failure requiring re-revision. The average Harris hip score improved from 67.1 points preoperatively to 91.4 points postoperatively. Radiologically, 7 cases (25.9%) showed radiolucent lines around the acetabular cup, but there was no loosening or osteolysis. CONCLUSION: Cementless acetabular revision showed satisfactory radiological and clinical results on short-term follow-up analysis. Even in cases with considerable amounts of acetabular bone loss, stable fixation could be obtained with structural bone grafting.