A new technique to reattach an extended trochanteric osteotomy in revision THA using suture cord

The extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) is widely used for revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). We describe a novel technique to reattach the extended trochanteric osteotomy using a suture cord. We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients who underwent revision by this technique with a minimum followup of 2 years (mean, 2.2 years; range, 2-4 years). Bony union of the osteotomy occurred in 19 patients and fibrous union in one patient who remained asymptomatic. We observed proximal migration of the osteotomy fragment in one patient (5 mm) who had bony union of the osteotomy. This technique of anchoring the osteotomy fragment directly onto the prosthetic stem using a suture cord provides a secure fixation and does not endanger the blood supply of the osteotomy. It also has the advantage of avoiding the morbidity associated with cerclage wires and the costs associated with cabling systems.

Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.