Impaction Grafting Made Easy.

Abstract

Impaction bone grafting is an established reconstruction technique to address bone loss in revision total hip arthroplasty. Intuitively, it would seem to be a very attractive method as "missing bone is replaced with bone." The potential restoration of bone stock is of particular value in the younger patient who may be facing future revision procedures. Although undoubtedly some units have published good results with this method, more recent long-term data have revealed some of the limitations of this reconstruction technique. The aim of this review is to highlight these most recent data on impaction bone grafting and provide the author's opinion on the current role for this technique, as well as reviewing some technical considerations. Impaction bone grafting remains an important technique in the armamentarium of the revision hip surgeon. More recent long-term data have allowed refinement of the indications and on the acetabular side, and it should be used with caution in association with severe bone defects.