The push-through total femoral prosthesis for revision of a total hip or knee replacement with extreme bone loss

The aim of the present study was to assess outcomes of using the push-through total femoral prothesis (PTTF) for revision total hip replacement with extreme bone loss.

10 consecutive patients who received PTTF between 2012 and 2018 for revision hip arthroplasty were included in the study. Primary functional outcomes were assessed using Harris Hip Score (HHS), Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores. Range of motion, complications, and ambulatory status were also recorded to assess secondary outcomes.

2 of 10 patients underwent surgery with PTTF for both knee and hip arthroplasty revision. The mean time between index surgery and PTTF was 15 years (3-32 yrs). Acetabular components were revised in 6 of 10 patients during PTTF application. After a mean follow-up of 5.9 years, hip dislocations occurred in 3 patients. All of the dislocated hips were ones with retained conventional non-constrained acetabular bearings. Patient satisfaction was high (MSTS: 67%, HHS: 61.2%, TESS 64.6%) despite high re-operation rate (40%) and minor postoperative problems.

PTTF should be considered for hip and knee arthroplasty revision procedures in patients with an extreme bone defect. Consistent usage of constrained liners should be considered to avoid hip dislocation, which was our main problem following the procedure.