A useful technique for the management of pelvic discontinuity in revision hip surgery

Pelvic discontinuity is a distinct form of bone loss occurring in association with total hip arthroplasty. The mechanically stable environment, which is prerequisite for successful graft incorporation, cannot be achieved with routine acetabular fixation techniques. A ring made from pelvic reconstruction plate, which is fixed to ilium, ischium and pubis from within the acetabulum, when combined with medial wall mesh cage and impaction bone grafting, not only allows excellent fixation of the pelvic discontinuity but also allows recreation of acetabular bone stock. This versatile technique provides a fundamentally stable construct because of fixation into all three bones of the pelvis. (Hip International 2004; 14:149-54).