Results of cementless revision for failed cemented total hip arthroplasty

The goals of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) are to reestablish and maintain stable implant fixation. Based upon promising early results in primary THA, porous-surfaced implants designed for bone ingrowth fixation are being increasingly used in hopes of more successfully achieving these goals than has been the case using cement. One hundred and sixty such revisions were followed for a mean of 4.4 years, with specific reference to implant fixation. Roentgenographic evaluation of implant fixation suggested four categories of femoral and acetabular components: (1) bone ingrown, (2) stable fibrous encapsulation, (3) questionable, with signs of impending instability, or (4) definitely unstable implant migration, indicative of the need for rerevision. Not surprisingly, success in achieving and maintaining stable implant fixation following revision THA is dependent upon component design, surgical technique, and preexistent bone stock damage. This classification according to bone stock damage should be borne in mind when critically evaluating the results from various revision series.