A simple technique to remove well-fixed, all-polyethylene cemented acetabular component in revision hip arthroplasty

Well-fixed, all-polyethylene acetabular components may have to be removed in cases of recurent dislocations, infection, or fracture of ceramic femoral heads. We describe a simple technique using acetabular reamers that allow cup thinning. Through this technique, the polyethylene rigidity is diminished considerably, allowing its easy removal without any risk of fracture, particularly of the acetabulum walls.