Results of Trochanteric Wire Removal Surgery and Its Relation to Revision Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

Local trochanteric symptoms can occur after Total Hip Arthroplasty through any approach but are said to be more common after the transtrochanteric approach. Most of these symptoms subside spontaneously or after a local anaesthetic and steroid injection. Unremitting symptoms can be indicative of persistent trochanteric bursitis, septic loosening or aseptic loosening. In cases of hip arthroplasties performed through a transtrochanteric approach, the trochanteric wires are commonly incriminated as a cause of persistent trochanteric pain. In this retrospective study of 92 patients who underwent trochanteric wire removal surgery, 32 patients (34.78%) had an unsatisfactory result. 24 patients (26.09%) underwent revision surgery at an average of 36.75 months after wire removal surgery. This study suggests that signs of early loosening need to be carefully looked for and ruled out before advising trochanteric wire removal for persistent trochanteric discomfort.