Chevron osteotomy and single wire reattachment of the greater trochanter in primary and revision total hip arthroplasty

Abstract

Even at a medical center where hip arthroplasty is performed routinely without trochanteric osteotomy, selected arthroplasties still require greater trochanteric osteotomy. A technique of greater trochanteric biplane osteotomy and reattachment with one wire is described. The technique provides maximum stability with a minimum of internal fixation and it can be performed quickly. The postoperative rehabilitation protocol is the same as that used in hip arthroplasty patients without trochanteric osteotomy. Results with a minimum two-year follow-up period disclosed osseous union in 98% of 53 primary arthroplasties and 97% of 74 revision hip arthroplasties. Problems related to the greater trochanter necessitated reoperation in only two patients: one for reattachment of a migrated trochanter and one for trochanteric wire removal.