[Reoperations of total hip prosthesis with acetabular reconstruction using bone allografts]

Detachment of the acetabular segment is the most important long-term problem with total hip prostheses. We analyzed long-term outcome in our first 48 acetabular reconstructions with cryopreserved allografts. Among the 48 hips operated on with this technique, 38 were reassessed after a mean follow-up of 7 years 3 months (range 5 years-9 years 6 months). Mean age of the population at surgery was 63 years. There were two predominant etiologies: sequelae of chronic hip luxation and primary osteoarthrosis of the hip. In 10 cases with massive destruction, the Müller ring was used to stabilize the allograft. Results were assessed at 6 months, 2 years, 4 years and at longest follow-up using the Merle d'Aubigné clinical assessment scale. For the radiographic assessment, the Ranawat criteria were used to evaluate the alignment of the reconstruction. Clinically, patient comfort was improved in all cases with significant pain relief. Radiologically, mean acetabular ascention was 5 mm and mean medialization was 3.5 mm. A rim was observed in 24 cases including 19 measuring less than 2 cm. Acetabular loosening was evidenced in the 5 other cases where the rim measured more than 2 mm. In 4 of these 5 cases, the acetabulum had migrated to a new setting. The radiographic image then remained unchanged. Analysis of our 38 first cases showed that bone allografts with cimented acetabulum, sometimes with a stabilizing ring, is one of the possible solutions for difficult acetabular reconstructions. However, after a 7 years 3 months follow-up, we have had five (13%) aseptic displacements including one case requiring reoperation. In the 33 stable joints (87%) with good results reconstruction has achieved a nearly perfect anatomic position, similar to first intention arthroplasty with the use of perfectly stabilized bone grafts with a maximal acetabular surface. Our follow-up is longer than most published in the literature. However, the migration rate of 13% it is still too short to draw any conclusion concerning the long-term outcome in our patients, despite their older age and reduced physical activity compared with primary hip arthroplasty patients.