Trochanteric non-union in revision total hip arthroplasty: does it matter?

The aims of this study were to assess whether trochanteric non-union is an important factor in revision total hip arthroplasty in terms of postoperative morbidity. We studied prospectively 97 consecutive patients undergoing revision total hip arthroplasty in the years 1992-1996. All operations were performed by one surgeon through a Charnley trans-trochanteric approach. The patients were followed-up over a period of 1-4 years and at 12 months postsurgery were assessed using a modified scoring system devised by D'Aubigne. Anatomical union of the greater trochanter was assessed by an anterior-posterior pelvic radiograph at 12 months to decide if the greater trochanter was united in the correct anatomical position. The trochanteric non-union rate was 18.5% (18 out of 97 patients). There was no significant difference between the patients in terms of pain, function and satisfaction scores at one year between those with trochanteric union and those without. This study suggests that trochanteric non-union post revision total hip arthroplasty is not a cause of increased morbidity.