Polymethylmethacrylate removal from the femur using a crescentic window technique.

Abstract

This article describes a technique to aid in removal of polymethylmethacrylate during total hip arthroplasty revision. The technique is a modification of prior windowing techniques and requires no specialized instruments, offers substantial flexibility regarding cement removal and femoral prosthetic choice, and minimizes the amount and duration of stress on the femur. The technique involves making an oblong window in the anterior or anterolateral femur. Proximal and distal osteotomies are made with a crescentic oscillating saw and connected by straight beveled anterior and posterior longitudinal osteotomies using a straight oscillating saw. Once the intramedullary canal is prepared, either a nonecmented or cemented femoral prosthesis can be placed. The cortical window is replaced with a single cable used for fixation.