The Burch-Schneider antiprotrusio cage: medium follow-up results

With the development of hip prosthesis, younger patients may need more than one revision surgery, with less bone stock available in each subsequent surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the hip revision surgeries in which a Burch-Schneider device has been used. Patients were classified according to the Paprosky score. Functional and clinical evaluation was assessed by the Merlé-Daubigné score. Radiolucencies were assessed by Gill's criteria. Sixteen patients with a mean age of 66.1 years were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 60.7 months. According to Paprosky classification, 18.7% were grade IIb, 56.3% grade IIIa and 25% grade IIIb. The mean Merlé-Daubigné score improved from 10 to 15 points. Radiologically, 12 patients had no radiolucencies, two had grade I radiolucencies and two had grade III radiolucencies. In greater than 50% of acetabular defects, the Burch-Schneider seems to be useful providing clinical and functional improvement. Immediately, non-progressive radiolucencies are not associated with implant loosening at the end of follow-up. The ischial flap should be inserted inside the ischial portion of the acetabulum.