[Contribution of the Gigli saw for ablation of non-loosened surface-treated femoral stems inserted without cement: six cases].

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to present a technique using the Gigli saw through a transfemoral approach in removal of surface-treated femoral implants without cement. Results from six cases are reported. For five patients, ablation of the implant was achieved easily and rapidly with the Gigli saw, taking a mean nine minutes once the cortical window had been achieved. The technique failed in one patient. We had one fracture of the cortical window at its removal and one transverse shaft fracture in the lower part of the femorotomy related to movements of the Gigli saw. A standard length stem was implanted in four of the five successful cases. Complete weight bearing was authorized between the 3(rd) and 7(th) month. Bony healing of the cortical window was achieved in 4 out of 5 cases before the end of the first year.