Osteolysis of the greater trochanter following reattachment of hip abductors using polyester suture in total hip arthroplasty.

We report a specific pattern of osteolysis around bone tunnels on the lateral cortex of the greater trochanter following abductor reattachment using a polyester suture. Radiographs of 395 patients who underwent cemented THA during a four year period between 1999 and 2003 were reviewed. 27 patients had abductor reattachment using number 5 Ethibond suture through bone tunnels. These patients displayed a predominantly osteolytic pattern of bone reaction around the greater trochanter bone tunnels. All patients were subsequently reviewed in clinic at 4-7 years following surgery. Three patterns of response were observed around the bone tunnels. Recognition of this unique osteolysis pattern may be important in the investigation of complications following cemented THA.