Practical Surgical Techniques for Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

Although total hip arthroplasty is an extremely successful procedure, the continual increase in the number of total hip arthroplasties that are performed is associated with the substantial burden of revision total hip arthroplasty. Modes of total hip arthroplasty failure include instability, aseptic loosening, infection, periprosthetic fracture, hardware failure, and component wear, all of which are indications for revision total hip arthroplasty. Surgeons must have a sound preoperative revision total hip arthroplasty plan and must be familiar with a variety of component removal and exposure techniques, such as the extended trochanteric osteotomy. Alternative surgical plan(s) and extra implants for reconstruction on both the acetabular and femoral sides should be available in anticipation of unexpected findings. Component removal and exposure techniques can be refined to avoid complications and achieve a successful outcome in patients who undergo revision total hip arthroplasty.