Revision hip arthroplasty with the use of cement and impaction grafting. Histological analysis of four cases.

The findings of radiographic studies have suggested that the cementing of an implant with a polished tapered stem into a bed of impacted bone allograft may provide adequate function of the joint and may restore bone in the proximal part of the femur. However, radiographs of hips with cancellous bone graft adjacent to cement are difficult to interpret, and the viability of impacted bone graft that is adjacent to cement and its capability for remodeling are unclear. To evaluate this interface further, we obtained biopsy specimens from the proximal part of the femur at the time of removal of trochanteric wires from four patients eleven to twenty-seven months after revision hip arthroplasty with cement and impaction grafting. Three relatively ill defined zones were identified histologically: an inner zone consisting of bone cement, fibrous tissue, and partially necrotic trabeculae with evidence of bone-remodeling; a middle zone consisting of viable trabecular bone and probable formation of so-called neocortex with fewer particles of bone cement; and an outer zone consisting of viable cortex. Fibrous tissue was present around some of the incorporating fragments of bone graft, but no continuous fibrous membrane was seen. Particles of cement were identified, but no polyethylene debris was visible on examination with light microscopy. The results demonstrated remodeling of bone and at least partial restoration of bone stock in the proximal part of the femur after revision arthroplasty with cement and impaction grafting.