A technique of revision of failed acetabular components leaving the femoral component in situ.

Management of a failed acetabular prosthesis in the presence of a well-fixed femoral prosthesis poses a technical challenge in revision joint arthroplasty. While failures can occur at any age during the lifetime of a prosthesis, a pattern has emerged of earlier failure of the femoral component and later failure of the acetabular component. The authors describe a technique in which the stable femoral prosthesis is left in situ during acetabular revision. The advantages of this technique include excellent exposure of the acetabulum, reduction in operative time and intraoperative morbidity, as well as early postoperative mobilization.