Use of the extended trochanteric osteotomy in treating prosthetic hip infection

The goal of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of using an extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) as part of a 2-stage exchange procedure for prosthetic hip infections. Twenty-three consecutive infected total hip arthroplasties in which an ETO was used as part of a 2-stage exchange procedure were retrospectively reviewed. An ETO was used when the femoral component could not be extracted using standard techniques. Clinical and radiographic parameters were evaluated at an average of 49 months of follow-up. Postoperatively, 20 of 23 (87%) patients had resolution of their infection, with healing of the ETO in 22 of 23 patients at a mean of 11.5 weeks. Preoperative modified D'Aubigne and Postel score means of 2.4 for pain and 2.6 for walking ability significantly improved (P < .001) to 5.3 and 4.9. Use of an ETO as part of a 2-stage exchange arthroplasty can be performed safely and effectively in appropriately selected cases.