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.