Retrograde cement removal in periprosthetic fractures following hip arthroplasty

Introduction Revision of cemented hip arthroplasty after periprosthetic fractures of the femur is a demanding procedure. Many different technical devices have been developed for this purpose. This paper presents a new surgical technique of cement removal avoiding excessive exposure of the fracture site. Materials and Methods In six patients with periprosthetic fractures of the femur following hip arthroplasty (Johansson Type II and III) cement removal was performed by means of advancing a retrograde nail through the intercondylar notch of the knee. Results In all cases the cement was removed completely. Intraoperative complications or significant knee problems were not observed. Conclusion The intracondylar approach provides a simple, rapid and less invasive technique for cement removal in revision hip arthroplasty.