A disposable plastic syringe helps protect the femoral stem trunnion during acetabular cup only revision: A technical note

Abstract

Up to 25% of revision total hip arthroplasty (RTHA) requires acetabular cup only revision, during which the femoral stem is left in place. The metal retractors and instruments used to obtain the required exposure during revision surgery with the femoral stem in place could damage the trunnion, which could lead to further failure due to trunnionosis. Hence, protection of the trunnion during surgery is paramount. Here, we describe the use of a disposable plastic syringe to cover the trunnion during acetabular cup only RTHA, in which we consider an effective and cheap effective technique.