Biomechanical analysis of acetabular revision constructs: is pelvic discontinuity best treated with bicolumnar or traditional unicolumnar fixation?

J Arthroplasty. 2013 Jan;28(1):178-86. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2012.04.031. Epub 2012 May 15.

Abstract

Pelvic discontinuity in revision total hip arthroplasty presents problems with component fixation and union. A construct was proposed based on bicolumnar fixation for transverse acetabular fractures. Each of 3 reconstructions was performed on 6 composite hemipelvises: (1) a cup-cage construct, (2) a posterior column plate construct, and (3) a bicolumnar construct (no. 2 plus an antegrade 4.5-mm anterior column screw). Bone-cup interface motions were measured, whereas cyclical loads were applied in both walking and descending stair simulations. The bicolumnar construct provided the most stable construct. Descending stair mode yielded more significant differences between constructs. The bicolumnar construct provided improved component stability. Placing an antegrade anterior column screw through a posterior approach is a novel method of providing anterior column support in this setting.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetabulum / injuries
  • Acetabulum / pathology
  • Acetabulum / physiology
  • Acetabulum / physiopathology
  • Acetabulum / surgery*
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Bone Screws
  • Hip Joint / physiology
  • Humans
  • Internal Fixators*
  • Models, Anatomic
  • Reoperation
  • Stress, Mechanical