This review summarises the technique of impaction
grafting with mesh augmentation for the treatment of uncontained
acetabular defects in revision hip arthroplasty. The ideal acetabular revision should restore bone stock, use
a small socket in the near-anatomic position, and provide durable
fixation. Impaction bone grafting, which has been in use for over
40 years, offers the ability to achieve these goals in uncontained
defects. The precepts of modern, revision impaction grafting are
that the segmental or cavitary defects must be supported with a
mesh; the contained cavity is filled with vigorously impacted morselised
fresh-frozen allograft; and finally, acrylic cement is used to stabilise
the graft and provide rigid, long-lasting fixation of the revised
acetabular component. Favourable results have been published with this technique. While
having its limitations, it is a viable option to address large acetabular
defects in revision arthroplasty. Cite this article: