Purpose: To assess the extended trochanteric osteotomy approach, used for revision of hip replacement.

Material – Methods: Between January 1998 and December 2002, sixteen (16) hip replacement revision procedures were performed on 16 patients, (10 male, 6 female), with extended trochanteric osteotomy approach. Average age was 67 years (52–79).

Nine (9) procedures involved the femoral stem only, and seven (7) both components. Six (6) stems were fixed with cement and ten (10) without.

In all cementless cases, fixation of the stem in the medullary canal was achieved for at least 4 cm below the osteotomy level. The length of the stem beyond the osteotomy was three times the width of the canal.

The length of the osteotomy varied from 12 to 18 cm (av. 14 cm), and the length of the inserted components ranged from 210 – 280 mm (av.225 mm).

Results: Union of the osteotomy was achieved in all cases from 4 – 9 months (av 5.5). There was no intra-operative or postoperative fracture. No dislocation or infection was recorded. Two prostheses presented sinkage of 1 and 1.5 cm respectively. So far no patient has been reoperated in the revised hip.

Conclusions: The extended trochanteric osteotomy approach for hip replacement revision, offers excellent view of the femoral canal and facilitates the removal of the prosthesis, while the complications due to approach are minimal.