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Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 106-B, Issue SUPP_20 | Pages 2 - 2
12 Dec 2024
Goel A Bidwai R Singh V Malaviya S Kumar K Cairns D Barker S Khan K
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Objective. We aimed to analyse the clinical outcomes and survivorship of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty using a stemless humeral component with cemented pegged polyethylene glenoid performed with the technique of eccentric reaming to partially correct retroversion. These results were then compared with TSA using the same implant for end-stage shoulder arthritis with a normal version of the native glenoid. Design and methods. A retrospective case series was performed using a prospectively collected database of anatomic TSA patients operated at Woodend General Hospital, Aberdeen, UK. Between 2010 and 2019, 107 total shoulder arthroplasties (TSA) were done using standard anatomic stemless TSA implants (Affinis Short, Mathys Ltd, Bettlach, Switzerland) in 98 patients. Standardized preoperative and postoperative shoulder radiological imaging for glenoid retroversion was collected. Depending on the angle of native glenoid version, patients were divided into retroverted and non-retroverted glenoid as per the Walch Classification. To assess the radiological outcome at the final follow-up, radiolucency was assessed on the glenoid and humeral side using the Lazarus grading. The final clinical and radiologic outcome from the retroverted group was compared with the population with a non-retroverted glenoid. Five TSAs were excluded from the analysis as they did not have satisfactory postoperative radiographs. Hence, a total of 102 shoulders were available for analysis. Results. The mean follow-up was 3.48 years (2-10.2 years) in the retroverted group (n=44) and 3.9 years (2-8.9 years) in the non-retroverted group (n=58). The mean pre-operative retroversion of the glenoid in the retroverted group was 20.18, and the post-operative retroversion was 15.87, with a mean correction of 4.31. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the percentage of radiological loosening. The mean Oxford shoulder score was 41.4 (16-48) in the retroverted group, while it was 42.1 (20-48) in the non-retroverted group. Three patients in the retroverted group required revision surgery for rotator cuff failure. There were no revisions for aseptic loosening or instability. Conclusion. The degree of severity of retroversion of the glenoid was not associated with poor clinical outcomes, revisions, or failure in stemless TSA. At medium-term follow-up, partial correction of retroversion seems to provide comparable outcomes compared to a non-retroverted glenoid


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 106-B, Issue 9 | Pages 898 - 906
1 Sep 2024
Kayani B Wazir MUK Mancino F Plastow R Haddad FS

Aims

The primary objective of this study was to develop a validated classification system for assessing iatrogenic bone trauma and soft-tissue injury during total hip arthroplasty (THA). The secondary objective was to compare macroscopic bone trauma and soft-tissues injury in conventional THA (CO THA) versus robotic arm-assisted THA (RO THA) using this classification system.

Methods

This study included 30 CO THAs versus 30 RO THAs performed by a single surgeon. Intraoperative photographs of the osseous acetabulum and periacetabular soft-tissues were obtained prior to implantation of the acetabular component, which were used to develop the proposed classification system. Interobserver and intraobserver variabilities of the proposed classification system were assessed.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 5, Issue 8 | Pages 715 - 720
23 Aug 2024
Shen TS Cheng R Chiu Y McLawhorn AS Figgie MP Westrich GH

Aims

Implant waste during total hip arthroplasty (THA) represents a significant cost to the USA healthcare system. While studies have explored methods to improve THA cost-effectiveness, the literature comparing the proportions of implant waste by intraoperative technology used during THA is limited. The aims of this study were to: 1) examine whether the use of enabling technologies during THA results in a smaller proportion of wasted implants compared to navigation-guided and conventional manual THA; 2) determine the proportion of wasted implants by implant type; and 3) examine the effects of surgeon experience on rates of implant waste by technology used.

Methods

We identified 104,420 implants either implanted or wasted during 18,329 primary THAs performed on 16,724 patients between January 2018 and June 2022 at our institution. THAs were separated by technology used: robotic-assisted (n = 4,171), imageless navigation (n = 6,887), and manual (n = 7,721). The primary outcome of interest was the rate of implant waste during primary THA.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 106-B, Issue 3 | Pages 268 - 276
1 Mar 2024
Park JH Lee JH Kim DY Kim HG Kim JS Lee SM Kim SC Yoo JC

Aims. This study aimed to assess the impact of using the metal-augmented glenoid baseplate (AGB) on improving clinical and radiological outcomes, as well as reducing complications, in patients with superior glenoid wear undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Methods. From January 2016 to June 2021, out of 235 patients who underwent primary RSA, 24 received a superior-AGB after off-axis reaming (Group A). Subsequently, we conducted propensity score matching in a 1:3 ratio, considering sex, age, follow-up duration, and glenoid wear (superior-inclination and retroversion), and selected 72 well-balanced matched patients who received a standard glenoid baseplate (STB) after eccentric reaming (Group B). Superior-inclination, retroversion, and lateral humeral offset (LHO) were measured to assess preoperative glenoid wear and postoperative correction, as well as to identify any complications. Clinical outcomes were measured at each outpatient visit before and after surgery. Results. There were no significant differences in demographic data and preoperative characteristics between the two groups. Both groups showed significant improvements in patient-reported outcome measures (visual analogue scale for pain, visual analogue scale for function, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Constant, and Simple Shoulder Test scores) from preoperative to final assessment (p < 0.001). However, AGB showed no additional benefit. Notably, within range of motion, Group B showed significant postoperative decrease in both external rotation and internal rotation, unlike Group A (p = 0.028 and 0.003, respectively). Both groups demonstrated a significant correction of superior-inclination after surgery, while patients in Group B exhibited a significant decrease in LHO postoperatively (p = 0.001). Regarding complications, Group A experienced more acromial stress fractures (3 cases; 12.5%), whereas Group B had a higher occurrence of scapular notching (24 cases; 33.3%) (p = 0.008). Conclusion. Both eccentric reaming with STB and off-axis reaming with AGB are effective methods for addressing superior glenoid wear in RSA, leading to improved clinical outcomes. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with eccentric reaming, which include excessive bone loss leading to reduced rotation and scapular notching. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3):268–276


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 104-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1334 - 1342
1 Dec 2022
Wilcox B Campbell RJ Low A Yeoh T

Aims

Rates of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) continue to grow. Glenoid bone loss and deformity remains a technical challenge to the surgeon and may reduce improvements in patients’ outcomes. However, there is no consensus as to the optimal surgical technique to best reconstruct these patients’ anatomy. This review aims to compare the outcomes of glenoid bone grafting versus augmented glenoid prostheses in the management of glenoid bone loss in primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated study-level data in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. We performed searches of Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and PubMed from their dates of inception to January 2022. From included studies, we analyzed data for preoperative and postoperative range of motion (ROM), patient-reported functional outcomes, and complication rates.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 104-B, Issue SUPP_11 | Pages 5 - 5
1 Nov 2022
Bidwai R Goel A Khan K Cairns D Barker S Kumar K Singh V
Full Access

Abstract. Aim. Excessive glenoid retroversion and posterior wear leads to technical challenges when performing anatomic shoulder replacement. Various techniques have been described to correct glenoid version, including eccentric reaming, bone graft, posterior augmentation and custom prosthesis. Clinical outcomes and survivorship of a Stemless humeral component with cemented pegged polyethylene glenoid with eccentric reaming to partially correct retroversion are presented. Patients and Methods. Between 2010– 2019, 115 Mathys Affinis Stemless Shoulder Replacements were performed. 50 patients with significant posterior wear and retroversion (Walch type B1, B2, B3 and C) were identified. Measurement of Pre-operative glenoid retroversion and Glenoid component version on a post op axillary view was performed by method as described by Matsen FA. Relative correction was correlated with clinical and radiological outcome. Results. 4 were lost to follow up. 46 patients were therefore reviewed. The mean follow up was 4 years (2–8.9 years). Walch B1, Pre op Retroversion: 12 (8–20), post op retroversion :11.8 (−4 to 19), correction= 0.2. Walch B2, Pre op Retroversion :18.4 (10–32), post op retroversion: 13.2 (1 −22), correction= 5.2. Walch B3, Pre op Retroversion: 19.1 (13–32)post op retroversion : 16.1 (9–25), correction= 3.0. Walch C, Pre op Retroversion: 33.3 (28–42) post op retroversion: 16.0 (6–27), correction= 17.3. 3 patients required revision surgery for rotator cuff failure. Conclusion. Partial correction of glenoid retroversion with eccentric reaming and implantation of cemented pegged polyethylene component leads to satisfactory clinical outcomes at midterm follow up. No revisions for aseptic loosening of the glenoid were required


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 99-B, Issue SUPP_7 | Pages 125 - 125
1 Apr 2017
Kraay M
Full Access

The well-fixed cemented femoral stem and surrounding cement can be challenging to remove. Success requires evaluation of the quality of the cement mantle (interface lucency), position of the stem, extent of cement below the tip of the stem and skill with the specialised instruments and techniques needed to remove the stem and cement without perforating the femur. Smooth surfaced stems can usually be easily removed from the surrounding cement mantle with a variety of stem extractors that attach to the trunnion or an extraction hole on the implant. Roughened stems can be freed from the surrounding cement mantle with osteotomes or a narrow high speed burr and then extracted with the above instruments. Following this, the well-fixed cement mantle needs to be removed. Adequate exposure and visualization of the cement column is essential to remove the well-fixed cement without damage to the bone in the femur. This is important since fixation of a revision femoral component typically requires at least 4 cm of contact with supportive cortical bone, which can be difficult to obtain if the femur is perforated or if the isthmus damaged. Proximally, cement in the metaphyseal region can be thinned with a high speed burr, then split radially and removed piecemeal. It is essential to remember that both osteotomes and high speed burrs will cut thru bone easier than cement and use of these instruments poses a substantial risk of unintended bone removal and perforation of the femur if done improperly. These instruments should, as a result, be used under direct vision. Removal of more distal cement in the femur typically requires use of an extended femoral osteotomy (ETO) to allow for adequate access to the well-fixed cement in the bowed femoral canal. An ETO also facilitates more efficient removal of cement in the proximal femur. The ETO should be carefully planned so that it is distal enough to allow for access to the end of the cement column and still allow for stable fixation of a new implant. Too short of an ETO increases the risk of femoral perforation since the straight cement removal instruments cannot negotiate the bowed femoral canal to access the end of the cement column without risk of perforation. An ETO that is too distal makes cement removal easier, but may not allow for sufficient fixation of a new revision femoral stem. Cement below the level of the ETO cannot be directly visualised and specialised instruments are necessary to safely remove this distal cement. Radiofrequency cement removal devices use high frequency (ultrasonic) radio waves to melt the cement within the canal. Although cement removal with these devices is time consuming and tedious, they do substantially reduce the chances of femoral perforation. These devices can, however, generate considerable heat locally and can result in thermal injury to the bone and surrounding tissues. Once the distal end of the cement mantle is penetrated, backbiting or hooked curettes can be use to remove any remaining cement from within the canal. It is important that all cement be removed from the femur since reamers used for preparation of the distal canal will be deflected by any retained cement, which could result in eccentric reaming and inadvertent perforation of the femur and make fixation of a new implant very challenging. An intra-operative x-ray can be very helpful to insure that all cement has been removed before reaming is initiated. One should always plan for a possible femoral perforation and have cortical strut grafts and a stem available that will safely bypass the end of the cement column and the previous cement restrictor


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_10 | Pages 4 - 4
1 May 2016
Roche C Flurin P Grey S Wright T Zuckerman J
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Introduction. Posterior glenoid wear is common with glenohumeral osteoarthritis. To correct posterior wear, surgeons may eccentrically ream the anterior glenoid to restore version. However, eccentric reaming undermines prosthesis support by removing unworn anterior glenoid bone, compromises cement fixation by increasing the likelihood of peg perforation, and medializes the joint line which has implications on joint stability. To conserve bone and preserve the joint line when correcting glenoid version, manufacturers have developed posterior augment glenoids for aTSA and rTSA applications. This clinical study quantifies outcomes achieved using posteriorly augmented aTSA/rTSA glenoid implants in patients with severe posterior glenoid wear at 2 years minimum follow-up. Methods. 47 patients (mean age: 68.7yrs) with 2 years minimum follow-up were treated by 5 fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeons using either 8° posteriorly augmented aTSA/rTSA glenoid components in patients with severe posterior glenoid wear. 24 aTSA patients received posteriorly augmented glenoids (65.8 yrs; 7F/17M) for OA and 23 rTSA patients received posteriorly augmented glenoids (71.8 yrs; 9F/14M) for treatment of CTA and OA. Outcomes were scored using SST, UCLA, ASES, Constant, and SPADI metrics; active abduction, forward flexion, and external rotation were also measured to quantify function. Average follow-up was 27.5 months (aTSA 29.4; rTSA 25.5). A two-tailed, unpaired t-test identified differences (p<0.05) in pre-operative, post-operative, and pre-to-post improvements. Results. A comparison of pre-operative, post-operative, and pre-to-post improvement in outcomes are presented in Tables 1–3, respectively. As described in Table 1, pre-operative outcomes were similar for patients receiving posterior augment aTSA and posterior augment rTSA implants, with only active abduction being significantly less in rTSA patients. Additionally, rTSA patients were noted to be significantly older (p=0.0434) and have significantly longer follow-up (p=0.0358) though no difference was noted in mean patient height, weight, or BMI between cohorts. As described in Table 2, at 2 years minimum follow-up posterior augment aTSA patients were associated with significantly greater SST scores and also had significantly more active abduction and active external rotation than posterior augment rTSA patients. However, as described in Table 3, no significant difference was observed in pre-to-post improvement of outcome scoring metrics and only improvement in active external rotation was observed to be significantly different between the two cohorts. No complications were reported for either posterior augment implant cohort. Conclusions. These results demonstrate positive outcomes can be achieved at 2 years minimum follow-up in patients with severe posterior wear using either posteriorly augmented aTSA/rTSA glenoid implants. While relative differences in outcomes were noted, these mean differences are expected due to differing indications and associated differences in rotator cuff status. Due to the aforementioned concerns of aseptic glenoid loosening in patients with severe posterior glenoid wear, some have recommend treating patients with posterior glenoid wear using only rTSA regardless of the status of the patient's rotator cuff. The results of this study demonstrate that patients with posterior glenoid wear and a functioning rotator cuff can be successfully treated with posterior augmented aTSA as well. Additional and longer-term follow-up is needed to confirm these positive outcomes


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 97-B, Issue SUPP_1 | Pages 52 - 52
1 Feb 2015
Kraay M
Full Access

The well-fixed cemented femoral stem and surrounding cement can be challenging to remove. Success requires evaluation of the quality of the cement mantle (interface lucency), position of the stem, extent of cement below the tip of the stem and skill with the specialised instruments and techniques needed to remove the stem and cement without perforating the femur. Smooth surfaced stems can usually be easily removed from the surrounding cement mantle with a variety of stem extractors that attach to the trunnion or an extraction hole on the implant. Roughened stems can be freed from the surrounding cement mantle with osteotomes or a narrow high speed burr and then extracted with the above instruments. Following this, the well fixed cement mantle needs to be removed. Adequate exposure and visualization of the cement column is essential to remove the well-fixed cement without damage to the bone in the femur. This is important since fixation of a revision femoral component typically requires at least 4cm of contact with supportive cortical bone, which can be difficult to obtain if the femur is perforated or if the isthmus damaged. Proximally, cement in the metaphyseal region can be thinned with a high speed burr, then split radially and removed piecemeal. It is essential to remember that both osteotomes and high speed burrs will cut thru bone easier than cement and use of these instruments poses a substantial risk of unintended bone removal and perforation of the femur if done improperly. These instruments should, as a result, be used under direct vision. Removal of more distal cement in the femur typically requires use of an extended femoral osteotomy (ETO) to allow for adequate access to the well-fixed cement in the bowed femoral canal. An ETO also facilitates more efficient removal of cement in the proximal femur. The ETO should be carefully planned so that it is distal enough to allow for access to the end of the cement column and still allow for stable fixation of a new implant. Too short of an ETO increases the risk of femoral perforation since the straight cement removal instruments cannot negotiate the bowed femoral canal to access the end of the cement column without risk of perforation. An ETO that is too distal makes cement removal easier, but may not allow for sufficient fixation of a new revision femoral stem. Cement below the level of the ETO cannot be directly visualised and specialised instruments are necessary to safely remove this distal cement. Radiofrequency cement removal devices (OSCAR) use high frequency (ultrasonic) radio waves to melt the cement within the canal. Although cement removal with these devices is time consuming and tedious, they do substantially reduce the chances of femoral perforation. These devices can, however, generate considerable heat locally and can result in thermal injury to the bone and surrounding tissues. Once the distal end of the cement mantle is penetrated, backbiting or hooked curettes can be used to remove any remaining cement from within the canal. It is important that all cement be removed from the femur since reamers used for preparation of the distal canal will be deflected by any retained cement, which could result in eccentric reaming and inadvertent perforation of the femur and make fixation of a new implant very challenging. An intraoperative x-ray can be very helpful to insure that all cement has been removed before reaming is initiated


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_3 | Pages 12 - 12
1 Feb 2014
Munro C Johnstone A
Full Access

This prospective Randomised Controlled Trial compared two surgical approaches with respect to accuracy of guidewire and tibial nail position. Sixty-seven patients with tibial fractures were randomised to semi-extended (SE) or standard (S) approaches of nail insertion. Fluoroscopy was performed at guidewire insertion and final nail position. The SE approach is more proximal with the guidewire inserted posterior to the patella, theoretically allowing a better angle for more accurate nail placement. Measurements were taken in the Anteroposterior and lateral planes of both the nail and guidewire to determine deviation from the optimal angle of insertion (relative to the long axes of the tibial shaft). Thirty-nine and twenty-eight patients were treated with semiextended and standard approaches respectively. The semiextended approach resulted in improved nail placement to statistical significance in both planes, with mean deviation from the optimal angle of insertion as below:. Guidewire AP 3.2° (SE) versus 4° (S) Lateral 27.1° (SE) versus 30.2° (S). Nail AP 2.4° (SE) versus 4.2° (S) Lateral 17.9° (SE) versus 21.8° (S). Poor positioning of the guidewire leads to excessive anterior placement of the nail by eccentric reaming. Anterior positioning of the guidewire and nail in the lateral plane was assessed. This was expressed as a percentage from the anterior cortex of the tibia. Guidewire: Lateral 9.7% (SE) versus 9.3% (S). Nail: Lateral 23.4% (SE) 19.3% (S) (p 0.043). Semiextended nailing allows a better angle for guidewire placement and a more optimal final nail position. This facilitates accurate nail placement particularly in difficult proximal third fractures


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 95-B, Issue SUPP_34 | Pages 164 - 164
1 Dec 2013
Roche C Diep P Grey S Flurin PH Zuckerman J Wright T
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Introduction. Posterior glenoid wear is common in glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Tightening of the subscapularis causes posterior humeral head subluxation and a posterior load concentration on the glenoid. The reduced contact area causes glenoid wear and potentially posterior instability. To correct posterior wear and restore glenoid version, surgeons may eccentrically ream the anterior glenoid to re-center the humeral head. However, eccentric reaming undermines prosthesis support by removing unworn anterior glenoid bone, compromises cement fixation by increasing the likelihood of peg perforation, and medializes the joint line which has implications on joint stability. To conserve bone and preserve the joint line when correcting glenoid version, manufacturers have developed posterior augment glenoids. This study quantifies the change in rotator cuff muscle length (relative to a nonworn/normal shoulder) resulting from three sizes of posterior glenoid defects using 2 different glenoids/reaming methods: 1) eccentric reaming using a standard (nonaugmented) glenoid and 2) off-axis reaming using an 8, 12, and 16° posterior augment glenoid. Methods. A 3-D computer model was developed in Unigraphics (Siemens, Inc) to simulate internal/external rotation and quantify rotator cuff muscle length when correcting glenoid version in three sizes of posterior glenoid defects using posterior augmented and non-augmented glenoid implants. Each glenoid was implanted in a 3-D digitized scapula and humerus (Pacific Research, Inc); 3 sizes (small, medium, and large) of posterior glenoid defects were created in the scapula by posteriorly shifting the humeral head and medially translating the humeral head into the scapula in 1.5 mm increments. Five muscles were simulated as three lines from origin to insertion except for the subscapularis which was wrapped. After simulated implantation in each size glenoid defect, the humerus was internally/externally rotated from 0 to 40° with the humerus at the side. Muscle lengths were measured as the average length of the three lines simulating each muscle at each degree of rotation and compared to that at the corresponding arm position for the normal shoulder without defect to quantify the percentage change in muscle length for each configuration. Results. As depicted in Figures 1–3, muscle shortening was observed for each muscle for each size defect. For each size uncorrected defect, the subscapularis was observed to wrap around the anterior glenoid rim during internal rotation and with the arm at neutral; both eccentric successfully re-centered the humeral head and eliminate subscapularis wrapping around the anterior glenoid rim. However, eccentric reaming was also found to medialize the joint line and resulted in approximately 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5% additional muscle shortening for each muscle relative to the augmented glenoid in each size defect, respectively. Discussion and Conclusions. This study demonstrates that posterior glenoid wear medializes the joint line and results in rotator cuff muscle shortening. Augmented glenoids offer the potential to better restore the joint line and minimize muscle shortening, particularly when used in large glenoid defects. Future work should investigate the clinical significance of 1.5–3.5% of muscle shortening and evaluate the functional impact of subscapularis wrapping around the anterior glenoid rim


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 95-B, Issue SUPP_9 | Pages 8 - 8
1 Feb 2013
Raymond A McCann P Sarangi P
Full Access

Glenohumeral arthritis is associated with eccentric posterior glenoid wear and subsequent retroversion. Total shoulder arthroplasty provides a reliable and robust solution for this pattern of arthritis but success may be tempered by malposition of the glenoid component, resulting in pain, functional impairment, prosthetic loosening and ultimately failure. Correction of glenoid retroversion through anterior eccentric reaming, prior to glenoid component implantation, is performed to restore normal joint biomechanics and maximise implant longevity. The aim of this study was to assess whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or plain axillary radiography (XR) most accurately assessed glenoid version and hence provided the optimal modality for pre-operative templating. Glenoid version was assessed in pre-operative shoulder MRIs and axillary radiographs (XR) by two independent observers in forty-eight consecutive patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty. The mean glenoid version measured on magnetic resonance imaging was −14.3 degrees and −21.6 degrees on axillary radiographs (mean difference −7.36, p=<0.001). Glenoid retroversion was overestimated in 73% of XRs. Intra-observer and inter-observer reliability coefficients for MRI were 0.96 and 0.9 respectively. Intra-observer and inter-observer reliability coefficients for XR were 0.8 and 0.71 respectively. Axillary radiographs significantly overestimate glenoid retroversion and are less precise than shoulder magnetic resonance, which provides excellent intra- and inter-observer reliability. MRI is a useful pre-operative osseous imaging modality for total shoulder arthroplasty as it offers a more precise method of determining glenoid version, in addition to the standard assessment rotator cuff integrity


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 87-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 358 - 358
1 Sep 2005
Issack P Guerin J Butler A Marwin S Bourne R Rorabeck C Barrack R DiCesare P
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Introduction and Aims: The use of porous coated femoral stems in revision hip arthroplasty has been associated with a high rate of complications including femoral fracture, femoral perforation and eccentric reaming. The purpose is to determine if using a distally slotted-fluted femoral stem is associated with lower incidence of the above three intra-operative complications. Method: The intra-operative complications of 175 cementless revision total hip arthropasties (THA) using a distally slotted-fluted femoral stem were reviewed. Three categories of complications were recorded: femoral fracture, femoral perforation and eccentric reaming. Radiographic evaluation was based on standard antero-posterior and lateral views of the hip joint performed in the intra-operative or immediate post-operative period. Statistical analysis for factors associated with complications was performed using the chi-square test. Results: Intra-operative complications occurred in 16 patients (9.1%). There was no statistically significant association between complication rate and type of surgical approach, stem length, stem diameter, or host bone quality. The complication rate was significantly lower than the 44% total complication rate previously reported utilising a long, solid, extensively coated revision stem without a slot or flute (p< .01). These results are consistent with laboratory testing, which revealed significantly lower bone strains at the isthmus when inserting a long cementless revision stem with a slot and flute compared to a solid fully coated stem of identical geometry. Conclusion: The use of a distally slotted fluted porous coated femoral stem in revision hip arthroplasty results in a dramatically lower complication rate compared to rates previously reported for solid porous stems. These results strongly support the continued use of such a prosthesis for revision THA