Bone viability determination in human cancellous bone from patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty

In December 2000, Sulzer Orthopedics Inc. announced the recall of specific lots of Inter-Op acetabular components as a result of an adverse tissue response to a contaminant on the porous surface of the component. This study was initiated to assess bone viability surrounding the primary and revision components. Twelve patients were placed on a double-tetracycline labeling protocol before revision surgery. Initial and final acetabular reamings were frozen-sectioned using cryostat technology. A mineral apposition rate, preoperative and postoperative radiographs, and Harris Hip Scores were evaluated. The tetracycline data showed that bone viability was not compromised at initial or final reaming levels in this series of patients. Significant improvement was observed in postoperative Harris Hip Scores when compared with preoperative Harris Hip Scores.