Endoscopy of the femoral canal in revision arthroplasty of the hip.A new method for improving the operative technique and analysis of implant failure.

Femoral endoscopy using a special endoscope was performed in 28 revision arthroplasties with the aim of improving the operative technique and to analyze implant failure. Before clinical application, the method was used to analyze the implant bed in clinically and radiographically well-fixed prostheses in autopsy cases without implant failure. Initially, it was performed on 4 experimental implantations of newly designed revision devices into cadaver femurs to obtain additional information concerning the design rationale of implants and instruments for revision surgery. During revision surgery, the new endoscope showed that controlled removal of the cement and granulomatous tissue was possible while avoiding cortical windows or transfemoral approaches. Under visual control, preparation of the new implant bed was less hazardous and more efficient, resulting in good preservation of bone stock and reduced exposure to X-rays. Analysis of the implant bed in failed hip endoprostheses revealed cracks or fractures of the cement mantle in 21 of 23 cemented components. There were two different types of cracks: longitudinal and transverse, which were mostly connected and invisible to X-ray analysis. Cement defects, thin cement mantles, or the proximal border of the cement mantle were found to be places where cracks originated. Granulomatous tissue was noted to protrude into the cement fissures and cracks. In autopsy cases, cement cracks were also found in clinically asymptomatic and radiographically well-fixed prostheses. These cracks were observed to be mainly oriented in the longitudinal direction, similar to those seen in the revision cases. Early signs of debonding became obvious even without lesions in the cement mantle. In experimental implantations of newly designed stems, the efficacy of the different instruments and the fit of the implant could be evaluated by endoscopic control inside the intramedullary canal. Further, it was possible to directly visualize the shape and condition of the primary implant bed after removal of the implant. Femoral endoscopy improved the surgical technique in revision arthroplasty. In addition, it is a very useful tool for the analysis of the implant bed in clinical and autopsy cases as well as in experimental implantations.