Pelvic Discontinuity Associated With Total Hip Arthroplasty: Evaluation and Management

Pelvic discontinuity is a challenging complication encountered during revision total hip arthroplasty. Pelvic discontinuity is defined as a separation of the ilium superiorly from the ischiopubic segment inferiorly and is typically a chronic condition in failed total hip arthroplasties in the setting of bone loss. After a history and a physical examination have been completed and infection has been ruled out, appropriate imaging must be obtained, including plain hip radiographs, oblique Judet radiographs, and often a CT scan. The main management options are a hemispheric acetabular component with posterior column plating, a cup-cage construct, pelvic distraction, and a custom triflange construct. The techniques have unique pros and cons, but the goals are to obtain stable and durable acetabular component fixation and a healed or unitized pelvis while minimizing complications.