A system for trochanteric osteotomy and reattachment for total hip arthroplasty with a ninety-nine percent union rate

In certain circumstances osteotomy of the greater trochanter in total hip arthroplasty is of benefit. To attack the problem of nonunion following trochanteric osteotomy, the authors apply several different wiring techniques. To quantify the efficacy of these approaches, they have reviewed 804 consecutive total hip arthroplasties in which the greater trochanter was osteotomized, including 725 primary total hip arthroplasties. Ninety-nine percent of the trochanters united. Among the 79 revision cases, the trochanter united in every case. The use of two independent vertical wires with one transverse wire was the preferred technique.