Revision Hip with Allograft

In the modern orthopedic world, the total hip replacement is considered to be a highly successful and routine surgery. However, hip revisions are commonly performed due to the production of particles through friction and wear of the internal components of the device. These particles are biologically active and provoke the formation of osteolytic areas through the inhibition of bone formation and increased fluid production. Conventional revision techniques may not work in these cases. However, the resulting bone loss from osteolysis can be managed through the use of allograft bone in combination with bone chips and cement. The use of allograft has shown to be an effective way to support components threatened with osteolysis. Allograft in combination with biocompatible cement prevents bone loss and reduces the potential for injury and pain due to osteolysis.

Advantages of revision hip with allografts

• The major advantages of allografts include their flexibility and their capacity to unite or incorporate at the graft/distal bone junction. Allografts are most frequently used to accomplish bone fusions, improve the quality of bone in revision hip and knee replacement procedures, and restore bone lost during injury.
• Allograft use eliminates the need for a second surgery site to recover an autograft - a graft taken from the recipient's own body.
• Allograft use eliminates the need to sacrifice a normal structure in one place for use in another location.
• Overall, the use of allografts reduces the potential for complications arising from having an additional surgical procedure for failed hips.