Cortical strut allografts for femoral reconstruction in revision hip arthroplasty.

One hundred thirty-six cortical strut allografts fixed to the femur in revision hip surgery were studied using quantitative and qualitative radiographic analysis. In addition, 58 patients were clinically evaluated. The grafts showed a consistent behavior characterized by some resorption, bony bridging between host and graft, and a high incidence of union. The grafts showed evidence of revascularization and in some cases complete incorporation. The average Harris scores in the clinical group increased from 48 to 79 and was not influenced by the quality of bone before revision. Strut allografting of the femur in revision surgery is a reliable method of augmenting bone stock.