Debridement of wear granulomata in revision total hip arthroplasty

Osteolysis is a common complication following uncemented total hip arthroplasty and is usually secondary to a biological reaction to polyethylene wear debris. The resultant periprosthestic bone resorption and granulomata is frequently not associated with implant loosening. In such circumstances, an option is to leave the well-fixed component, debride the granulomata, and exchange the polyethylene liner. We describe a simple method of accessing and debriding periprosthestic ranulomata using a chondrotome shaver blade.