Cup revision involving retention of a fixed but malpositioned acetabular component in patients with poor general conditions

This study evaluated the surgical technique and outcomes of cup revision involving retention of a fixed but malpositioned acetabular component in patients with poor general conditions.Between 2007 and 2013, we performed cup revision on 12 hips while retaining a fixed (either cemented or uncemented) but malpositioned acetabular component. Indications for this technique were: malpositioned but fixed acetabular shell; sufficient space for the insertion of the prosthesis; and patients with poor general conditions. After intraoperative confirmation of shell stability, a replacement liner was oriented in a new plane. Clinical and imaging data were collected perioperatively and during follow-up for evaluation of surgical efficacy.No intraoperative complications were encountered. Mean operative duration was 70.4 minutes (range, 45-90 minutes) and mean estimated blood loss was 729 mL (range, 400-1200 mL). Mean follow-up duration was 5.1 years (range, 2.5-8.5 years). Average visual analog scale score decreased from (7.08 ± 1.00) preoperatively to (1.42 ± 0.67) at final follow-up (P < .05). Average Harris Hip Score improved from (14.7 ± 6.58) preoperatively to (80.9 ± 5.30) at final follow-up (P < .05). Anteversions and inclinations of new liners were (15.1 ± 2.3)° and (46.4 ± 3.9)° respectively. Postoperative radiographs showed no signs of prosthesis loosening, periprosthetic fractures, or dislocation compared with preoperatively.The short-term efficacy of cup revision with retention of a malpositioned but fixed acetabular component was satisfactory.