Acetabular revision using the distraction technique for chronic pelvic discontinuity following failed primary total hip arthroplasty for an acetabular fracture in a young patient

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasingly being performed among young patients but is associated with high complication rates including an increased need for revision. Chronic pelvic discontinuity (CPD) is a rare but challenging complication to manage during revision hip arthroplasty. Successful acetabular reconstruction in CPD requires both early mechanical stability through supplemental fixation, and biological fixation and bone ingrowth into the prosthesis in the long run, to permit optimal prosthetic longevity. The acetabular distraction technique fulfills these requirements and could be associated with better outcomes in young patients, given their superior bone healing potential. We present a case of CPD with a Paprosky type III-B bone defect in a young patient following the failure of primary THA performed for a complex acetabular fracture, managed through acetabular revision arthroplasty using the distraction technique.