Trochanteric non-union in revision total hip arthroplasty: does it matter?

The aims of this study were to assess whether trochanteric non-union is an important factor in revision total hip arthroplasty in terms of postoperati ve morbidity. We studied prospectively 97 consecutive patients undergoing r evision total hip arthroplasty in the years 1992-1996. All operations were performed by one surgeon through a Charnley trans-trochanteric approach. Th e patients were followed-up over a period of 1-4 years and at 12 months pos tsurgery were assessed using a modified scoring system devised by D'Aubigne .(1) Anatomical union of the greater trochanter was assessed by an anterior -posterior pelvic radiograph at 12 months to decide if the greater trochant er was united in the correct anatomical position. The trochanteric non-unio n rate was 18,5% (18 out of 97 patients). There was no significant differen ce between the patients in terms of pain, function and satisfaction scores at one year between those with trochanteric union and those without. This s tudy suggests that trochanteric non-union post revision total hip arthropla sty is not a cause of increased morbidity.