Favorable mid-to-long-term results of impaction bone grafting using a fresh frozen allograft bone with cemented stem for the treatment of Paprosky IV femoral bone defects

Abstract

Background: Femoral revision surgery in patients with substantial bone loss is challenging. Impaction bone grafting using a cemented stem can be a good solution for reconstruction of the femur with poor bone stock and extensive bone loss. This study aimed to evaluate the mid-to-long-term clinical and radiographic results of impaction bone grafting using a cemented stem for Paprosky IV femoral bone defects.

Methods: Thirteen patients (13 hips) who underwent revision total hip arthroplasty with impaction bone grafting using a cemented stem and were followed up for at least 5 years were enrolled in this study. In all patients, a sufficient amount of fresh frozen bone of good quality was used. When cortical segmental defects were present, peripheral reinforcement with metal mesh and strut allograft was performed. The average follow-up duration was 11.1 (range, 5.3-15.1) years. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were reviewed at the final follow-up.

Results: The average Harris hip score was 82.5 (range, 79-94), and the average University of California, Los Angeles activity score was 5.6 (range, 4-8) at the final follow-up. Radiographic assessment revealed an average femoral component subsidence level of 0.67 (range, 0.05-2.81) mm. There were no complications, except one case (7.6%) of periprosthetic fracture.

Conclusions: Impaction bone grafting using a cemented stem yielded excellent mid-to-long-term outcomes. It is a reliable technique for Paprosky IV femoral bone defects, and even when severe femoral cortical bone defects are present, long-term stability can be obtained using a metal mesh and/or strut allograft.