In revision hip surgery, a solidly cemented femoral component may obstruct access to the acetabulum, may be poorly orientated, or may have inadequate offset and head diameter. These problems can be addressed by revising the femoral component. The object of this study was to determine the outcome of cementing a polished, tapered, modular implant into the retained cement mantle. Benefits of cement within cement revision of a femoral stem include simplicity, reduced theatre time, and potentially reduced complication rates.

A consecutive series of 36 patients (11 men, 25 women) age range 35 to 90 years (mean age 70) underwent c stem cement in cement revision hip arthroplasty between June 2000 and April 2006. Indications for revision arthroplasty included 20 patients with aseptic acetabular loosening and 13 patients with recurrent instability. Follow up (12–84 months, mean 48 months) was annual and the outcome for every implant was known. Outcome measures included the shortened WOMAC score, Orthowave patient satisfaction survey, radiographic analysis, and assessment of the records for perioperative complications.

No patients were lost to follow up, 2 patients died with their hip in situ. The mean post operative WOMAC score at latest follow up was 10.89 (median 11, range 0 to 29). There has been no clinical or radiological signs of prosthesis loosening or failure on follow up. Complications included: one sacral plexus palsy which had a partial recovery, and one intra-operative periprosthetic fracture identified and treated at the time of the revision procedure. One patient underwent a further cup revision for recurrent dislocation.

Cement within cement revision hip arthroplasty using a highly polished tapered stem in the short to medium term provides satisfactory functional outcomes and is associated with low complication rates and good survivorship. Longer term results are awaited.