Impaction grafting for acetabular deficiency in total hip arthroplasty for developmental hip dysplasia

The pathological anatomy in neglected developmental dysplasia of the hip often demands some sort of reconstructive surgery to augment the acetabular bone stock during total hip arthroplasty. We have reviewed 11 hips in 10 patients with osteoarthritis secondary to developmental hip dysplasia who underwent cemented total hip arthroplasty using impaction grafting of the acetabulum with a morselized femoral head autograft, to bring the socket down to the anatomical hip center. The mean age at the index procedure was 43.4 years (ranging from 29 to 60 years) and the mean follow-up period was 3.8 years (ranging from 2 to 7 years). Postoperative functional evaluation according to the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score modified by Charnley revealed very satisfactory results. Radiographic review showed incorporation of all grafts. One socket is radiographically loose. No major complications have been encountered. There have been no reoperations. We believe that acetabular impaction grafting is a valuable alternative in dealing with osteoarthritic hips secondary to developmental hip dysplasia.