Greater trochanteric osteoplasty in revision hip arthroplasty: two case reports

Proximal migration of the greater trochanter can make revision hip arthroplasty challenging, particularly in regard to surgically exposing the joint, establishing leg length, avoiding postoperative impingement and instability, and achieving a functional hip with less pain and more motion. Often, the surgical solution to these problems includes greater trochanteric and/or subtrochanteric osteotomy. In this report, we describe 2 cases treated with greater trochanteric osteoplasty (reshaping and partially resecting the greater trochanteric tip) through a modified direct lateral approach. This novel alternative surgical technique accomplishes the procedural goals without major osteotomy and its potential associated complications. The patients were very satisfied with their outcomes.