Is extended trochanteric osteotomy safe for use in 2-stage revision of periprosthetic hip infection?

To evaluate the safety of using extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) in a 2-stage revision of periprosthetic hip infection, we performed a retrospective review of 23 patients using ETO in the revision of infected hip arthroplasty and compared them to 46 patients using ETO in the revision of noninfected hip arthroplasty. Harris Hip Score improved from 36 points preoperatively to 82 points postoperatively. Infection was eradicated in 22 patients (96%). ETO healed in all at a mean of 10.6 weeks. No stem was revised for aseptic loosening. Complications included 2 periprosthetic fractures, 1 peroneal nerve palsy, and 1 dislocation. Postoperative Harris Hip Score, ETO union rate, time to healing of ETO, stem stability, and complication rate did not differ between the 2 groups. Our data suggest that ETO can be safely used in treating periprosthetic hip infection.