Head-neck disassembly of an uncemented revision stem treated by addition of a proximal spacer


Published online: Oct 27 2003

Dario REGIS, Martino MODENA, Giuliano DANESI, Fabio CORALLO, Pietro BARTOLOZZI

From the Orthopaedic Department of the University of Verona, Italy.

Abstract

A 67-year-old woman underwent revision total hip replacement with a long, distally fixed uncemented stem inserted through a transfemoral approach. Initial stability was not achieved and the stem subsided early. Probably due to a conflict with the minor trochanter, the prosthetic head detached from its neck. Instead of a re-revision of the stem, a proximal spacer was inserted to restore stability and to compensate for leg-length discrepancy. This has proved to be a stable and satisfactory solution after three years follow-up.