The Harrington reconstruction for advanced periacetabular metastatic destruction - Good outcome in 32 patients

We report the outcome in 32 patients operated on for advanced periacetabula r metastatic destruction, where all but 2 had Harrington class III destruct ion. The patients mere operated on using the Harrington reconstruction tech nique, where threaded pins and cement and a total hip replacement are used to reconstruct the acetabulum and ilium, The median survival was 11 (0-106+) months. 13 patients lived for a year or more. At follow-up after 1 year, 10 of the 13 were free of pain at rest an d weight-bearing, 6 mere walking with and 7 without support, and 11 lived o utside a health care facility. 2 patients died within 2 weeks of surgery, both of excessive peroperative b leeding, 2 patients had dislocations, 1 developed a deep infection, and 2 p atients deep vein thrombosis. There were no complications caused by erroneo us pin placement or intraoperative thromboembolic incidents. There mere no mechanical failures, or radiographic signs of loosening, of the pelvic comp onents, The Harrington reconstruction technique is an effective and long-lasting me thod to relieve pain and restore function in patients with advanced periace tabular metastatic destruction.