Application of a novel osteotomy instrumentation as a substitute tool in total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Mechanical failure, power shortage, and inadvertent contamination of the oscillating saw occasionally occurs in actualizing femoral neck osteotomy during total hip arthroplasty (THA); however, no appropriate alternative solution is currently available. This study aimed to introduce a novel osteotomy instrumentation (fretsaw, jig, cable passer hook) as a substitute tool while the oscillating saw was unavailable during THA. METHODS: This study included 40 patients (40 hips) who underwent femoral neck osteotomy during primary THA using the new osteotomy instrumentation (n = 20) and the oscillating saw (n = 20). Clinical data and intraoperative findings of all patients were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean osteotomy time was 22.3 ± 3.1 s (range, 17–30 s) and 29.4 ± 3.7 s (range, 25–39 s) in the oscillating saw group and in the new osteotomy instrumentation group, respectively (P < 0.001). The Harris Hip Score (HHS) improved in both groups; the mean HSS was 82.3 ± 2.5 and 83.3 ± 3.5 in the oscillating saw group and new osteotomy instrumentation group at 6 months after surgery, respectively (P = 0.297). CONCLUSIONS: The original osteotomy instrumentation can be an ideal substitute tool for femoral neck osteotomy in THA, especially when the oscillating saw is unavailable or malfunctioning.