Unsatisfactory results after repeated revision of hip alloplasties

Sixty one cemented second revision total hip arthroplasties and 18 cemented third revision total hip arthroplasties were studied with emphasis on cause of failure, complications, risk of further revision, and clinical and radiographic outcome of surviving, not further revised patients. Aseptic loosening was the major reason for both second and third revisions followed by recurrent dislocations. Twenty one second revisions failed again. Postoperative dislocation was the major complication, entered in 10/61 second revisions and in 4/18 third revisions. Ten second revisions were reoperated on without exchange of components, but for reasons related to the implant. Clinical and radiographic outcome was favorable, but must be seen in the light of the high rate of further revisions. In 33/53 second revisions and in 5/13 third revisions left for evaluation, the overall outcome was considered unsatisfactory. Reoperations for failed arthroplasties should be the prerogative of highly experienced centers.