Cementless Revisions of Failed Aseptic Cemented and Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasties

Over the past 13 years, 284 revisions of aseptic total hip arthroplasty failures have been performed with cementless implants. There were 213 cases involving cemented implant failures and 71 involving cementless ones. Considered as salvage procedures, these revisions provided a satisfactory result in about 70% of the reviewed patients after five years. A biologic fixation by bony ingrowth can be expected under certain conditions from decorticated living bone, a tight mechanical fitting, and a retentive corrugated surface of the implant. A prosthetic reimplantation, safely done without cement, appears more economical for the bone stock and prevents the long-term complications related with cement. Bone grafts are often required but cannot ensure the incoming osteogenic fixation of the implant. Long-term results and complications mandate harmless extractability of the revisional implant, a forged stem, an easy exchange of the plastic liner (in a two-part acetabular component), and an updated low-friction system (high-density polyethylene wear being a potential long-term problem).