Removal of solidly fixed implants during revision hip and knee arthroplasty

The removal of solidly fixed implants during revision hip and knee arthroplasty is a technically challenging procedure with the potential for a large amount of bone loss during component removal. This bone loss may compromise the subsequent reconstruction. Careful preoperative planning is essential before undertaking removal of solidly fixed implants. The surgeon should determine the type and size of the implants and be familiar with any specialized removal equipment that may be available. For both the hip and knee, extensive exposure is often necessary. Removal of a well-fixed femoral component often requires an extended trochanteric osteotomy. The most difficult component to remove from the knee is a well-fixed cementless patellar component. The primary goal in removing well-fixed components is to minimize loss of surrounding bone, which requires effective planning and often access to specialized tools and techniques.