Revision of acetabular component with a debonded porous coating in an elderly patient

Abstract

Debonding of the porous coating from the acetabular component of a total hip endoprosthesis is a rare complication. Revision total hip arthroplasty for an unstable acetabular component with a debonded porous coating strongly fixed to the bone can be challenging, especially in elderly patients of poor overall health. In such patients, revision procedures should be as simple and safe as possible. We present our technique of solving that problem in a case of an 82-year-old female with bad general condition and unstable acetabular component of hip endoprosthesis. Because of extremely deficient bone stock, a well-fixed porous coating was left in acetabulum to serve as a “cage“, allowing cemented acetabular component placement. This procedure can reduce the risk of intraoperative bone fracture, blood loss, and duration of surgery, which is important in elderly patients with poor overall health.