Conventional cemented acetabular components are
reported to have a high rate of failure when implanted into previously
irradiated bone. We recommend the use of a cemented reconstruction
with the addition of an acetabular reinforcement cross to improve
fixation. We reviewed a cohort of 45 patients (49 hips) who had undergone
irradiation of the pelvis and a cemented total hip arthroplasty
(THA) with an acetabular reinforcement cross. All hips had received
a minimum dose of 30 Gray (Gy) to treat a primary nearby tumour
or metastasis. The median dose of radiation was 50 Gy (Q1 to Q3:
45 to 60; mean: 49.57, 32 to 72). The mean follow-up after THA was 51 months (17 to 137). The cumulative
probability of revision of the acetabular component for a mechanical
reason was 0% (0 to 0%) at 24 months, 2.9% (0.2 to 13.3%) at 60
months and 2.9% (0.2% to 13.3%) at 120 months, respectively. One
hip was revised for mechanical failure and three for infection. Cemented acetabular components with a reinforcement cross provide
good medium-term fixation after pelvic irradiation. These patients
are at a higher risk of developing infection of their THA. Cite this article:
