Extraction Techniques for Well-fixed, Infected Hip Arthroplasty Implants

Removal of well-fixed total hip arthroplasty components is a fundamental necessity to cure chronic prosthetic hip joint infection. However, the benefits of infection eradication must be weighed against the potential morbidity associated with implant removal. Preoperative identification of implant type, knowledge of its design characteristics, availability of specialized instrumentation and knowledge of specific surgical techniques are key elements of success. With proper preoperative planning and surgical technique, removal of well-fixed total hip arthroplasty components can be accomplished safely and can provide improvements in quality of life for patients suffering from the symptoms associated with prosthetic hip joint infection. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 30(4):235–242, 2021)

Key words: prosthetic joint infection, implant extraction