Early results of whole femoral head allograft with articular cartilage for acetabular impaction grafting in revision hip replacements

INTRODUCTION Extensive bone loss associated with revision hip surgery is a significant orthopaedic challenge. Acetabular reconstruction with the use of impaction bone grafting and a cemented polyethylene cup is a reliable and durable technique in revision situations with cavitatory acetabular bone defects. Some use cancellous graft alone whilst others morselise the whole femoral head after removal of articular cartilage. This paper asks, if it really necessary to use pure cancellous graft? PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-two acetabular revisions using impacted morselised bone graft without removal of articular cartilage and a cemented cup were studied retrospectively. The mean follow-up was 3 years (range, 2-5.6 years). Clinical and radiographic assessment was made using the Oxford hip score, Hodgkinson's criteria (1988) for socket loosening and the Gie classification (1993) for evaluation of allograft consolidation and remodelling. RESULTS Forty (95%) sockets were considered radiologically stable (type 0, 1, 2 demarcations) and two (5%) sockets were radiologically loose (Type 3 demarcation). There was no socket migration in our series. Twenty-seven(64%) cases showed good trabecular remodelling (grade 3). Twelve (29%) cases showed trabecular incorporation (grade 2). Only three (7%) cases showed poor allograft incorporation (grade 1). Average pre-operative Oxford hip score was 41 and postoperative hip score was 27. There have been no socket re-revisions (100% survival) at an average of 3 years. CONCLUSIONS Early radiological and clinical survival results with retaining articular cartilage of femoral head allografts are similar and comparable to other major studies for acetabular impaction bone grafting in revisions. Minimal loss of allograft mass is 40% in obtaining pure cancellous graft. When there is a limited supply and demand of allograft, saving up to 40% of the material is a valuable and cost-effective use of scarce resources.