Classification and an Algorithmic Approach to the Reconstruction of Femoral Deficiency in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

As the number of patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty rises, the number of patients requiring revision surgery for a failed total hip arthroplasty increases as well. It is estimated that 183,000 total hip replacements were performed in the United States in 2000 and that 31,000 (17%) of these were revision procedures1. Femoral reconstruction at the time of revision total hip arthroplasty can be challenging both from a technical perspective and in terms of preoperative planning. With multiple reconstructive options available, it is helpful to have a classification system available to guide the surgeon in selecting the appropriate method of reconstruction. A system for the classification of femoral deficiency that was developed by the senior author (W.G.P.)2 and an algorithmic approach to femoral reconstruction are presented in the current report.