Pelvic discontinuity is a distinct form of bone loss, occurring in association with total hip arthroplasty, in which the superior aspect of the pelvis is separated from the inferior aspect because of bone loss or a fracture through the acetabulum. The purpose of this study was to describe the population of patients who are at risk for this condition, to identify the characteristic radiographic features associated with it, and to report the results of revision total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of pelvic discontinuity.
The cases of all 27 patients (31 hips) who were identified as having a pelvic discontinuity at the time of a reoperation for a failed hip arthroplasty at one institution were reviewed retrospectively, and demographic information was collected. The preoperative radiographs and the operative notes were reviewed, and the postoperative results and complications were recorded.
Pelvic discontinuity is uncommon, and treatment is associated with a high rate of complications. For hips with type-IVa bone loss and selected hips with type-IVb defects, in which a socket inserted without cement can be satisfactorily supported by native bone, we prefer to use a posterior column plate to stabilize the pelvis and a porous-coated socket inserted without cement. For most hips with type-IVb and type-IVc bone loss, we prefer to use particulate bone graft or a single structural bone graft protected with an antiprotrusion cage.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.
Pelvic discontinuity is a distinct form of bone loss, occurring in association with total hip arthroplasty, in which the superior aspect of the pelvis is separated from the inferior aspect because of bone loss or a fracture through the acetabulum. The purpose of this study was to describe the population of patients who are at risk for this condition, to identify the characteristic radiographic features associated with it, and to report the results of revision total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of pelvic discontinuity.
The cases of all 27 patients (31 hips) who were identified as having a pelvic discontinuity at the time of a reoperation for a failed hip arthroplasty at one institution were reviewed retrospectively, and demographic information was collected. The preoperative radiographs and the operative notes were reviewed, and the postoperative results and complications were recorded.
Pelvic discontinuity is uncommon, and treatment is associated with a high rate of complications. For hips with type-IVa bone loss and selected hips with type-IVb defects, in which a socket inserted without cement can be satisfactorily supported by native bone, we prefer to use a posterior column plate to stabilize the pelvis and a porous-coated socket inserted without cement. For most hips with type-IVb and type-IVc bone loss, we prefer to use particulate bone graft or a single structural bone graft protected with an antiprotrusion cage.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.