Reconstruction of the deficient acetabulum using the bipolar socket

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Wilson-MG; Scott-RD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Brookline, Massachusetts. Clin-Orthop. 1990 Feb(251): 126-33 Although originally conceived as part of a two-stage procedure for the reconstruction of the deficient acetabulum, the use of a bipolar/grafting technique in selected patients can provide acceptable results as a definitive procedure. Critical technical considerations include proper preparation and grafting of the acetabular bed and careful sizing of the outer bipolar shell. Acceptable levels of pain relief and functional gain were obtained in 47 cases, with a follow-up mean Harris hip score of 86. Despite some initial socket migration in all hips, roentgenographic stability was gained after the first year. One acetabular failure was related to graft placement in the superolateral position. Bipolar reconstruction is indicated for contained acetabular defects only. In addition, the surgeon must have access to a complete inventory of socket sizes to ensure a proper fit and a bone bank to obtain adequate amounts of allogeneic bone.