Cemented hip revision surgery in severe acetabular defects using a semirigid acetabular reinforcement ring--a 5- to 25-year follow-up study.

Between 1978 and 1998, a total of 38 consecutive acetabular component revisions were performed in 38 patients. Average age was 67 years, and 87% of patients had severe uncontained segmental acetabular defects of more than 50%. We describe the operative technique of acetabular component revisions performed with bone grafting and a steel, semirigid acetabular reinforcement ring (Eichler), and long-term results are presented. After an average of 11.2 years follow-up, 1 cup was revised after 0.8 years for mechanical loosening, but the ring remained stably fixed. Remodeling (partial) of autografts occurred in all cases. The average HHS was 72.5. The Eichler reinforcement ring is a viable option for segmental acetabular defects in revision hip surgery, allows for restoration of pelvic bone, and makes future revisions feasible.