To review the results and discuss the technique for an extended trochanteric osteotomy through the lateral approach in revision total hip arthroplasty.

Twenty patients were reviewed after an average follow-up of 30.4 months (range, 24-56 months) between 1999 and 2003. The indications for the extended trochanteric osteotomy included the removal of a well-fixed cemented or cementless stem in 12 hips, varus remodeling of the femur in 3 hips and trochanteric malposition in 5 hips. The length of the osteotomy, the proximal migration of the osteotomized fragment, the fixation status of the femoral stem, the union status of the osteotomy site and complications were evaluated at the last follow-up.

The mean length of the osteotomy was 12 cm (range, 8-20 cm). Radiographic union of the osteotomy site was noted in all cases after an average of 3.8 months (range, 2.5-6.0 months). The mean migration of the osteotomized fragment was 2.4 mm (range, 0-8 mm). The complications included postoperative dislocation in 3 hips and fractures of the osteotomy fragment in 2 hips, which were treated at the last follow up. Fixation of the stem with bone ingrowth was noted in all patients.

An extended trochanteric osteotomy through the lateral approach can be performed safely in complex revision total hip arthroplasty.