Poor results after augmenting autograft with xenograft (Surgibone) in hip revision surgery: a report of 27 cases

Abstract

Background: Surgibone Unilab is prepared from bovine bone and contains hydroxyapatite and protein. It is supposed to be immunogenically inert but the protein could be antigenic in man.

Patients and methods: We followed 27 patients for an average of 2.5 (1-5) years, all of whom had received Surgibone mixed with autograft to fill in defects in the acetabulum and the proximal femur in revision hip surgery.

Results: In 17 patients, there was apparently complete incorporation of the bone graft within 6 months. In 3 of these patients, the graft was incorporated after 3 months. In 3 patients, however, there was no incorporation of the graft as late as 3 years after the operation. 3 other patients appeared to have a type of graft rejection (pseudoinfection). 1 other patient suffered MRSA deep infection of the prosthesis which resulted in removal of the implants 1 month postoperatively.

Interpretation: Use of Surgibone xenograft in revision hip surgery, even in combination with autograft, resulted in failure and the need for rerevision in at least one quarter of the cases studied.