Bipolar revisions with bone-grafting for cavitary and segmental acetabular defects. A minimum 5-year follow-up study

Bipolar revisions used in massive uncontained acetabular defects often lead to high migration rates and early clinical failure. Reconstructions for less severe acetabular bone deficiencies were studied radiographically and clinically. Thirty-two bipolar revisions with bone-grafting were performed for cavitary and segmental acetabular defects. The average follow-up period was 6 years (range, 5-8.4 years). Medial migration averaged 2.3 mm (range, 0-7 mm), oblique migration averaged 2.9 mm (range, 0-8 mm), and superior migration averaged 5.9 mm (range, 0-15 mm). Continued migration at the final follow-up evaluation was noted in all but nine hips. Arrested migration was observed when cavitary defects were encountered. Segmental medial wall defects resulted in increased medial migration. Segmental superior rim defects resulted in large amounts of superior migration. Preoperative Harris hip scores averaged 47 before surgery and 86 at the final follow-up evaluation. Postoperative clinical scores did not deteriorate with radiographic evidence of progressive migration. Six reoperations for femoral complications of fracture or loosening were performed at an average of 4.7 years with concomitant conversion of the bipolar prosthesis to a fixed cementless cup. One re-revision was performed for acetabular disassembly at 6.6 years. When cavitary defects exist, allografting with a bipolar endoprosthesis can provide durable reconstructions with excellent clinical function. Bipolar revisions are also a relatively simple means of providing stability in recurrent dislocation cases.