Revision total hip replacement has traditionally required a trochanteric osteotomy for successful cement removal and component reinsertion. In this study the authors have concluded that in most instances the revision total hip replacement procedure can be successfully performed without trochanteric osteotomy. The advantages are underscored by the high percentage of trochanteric complications with trochanteric osteotomy for revision total hip replacement and the ease of rehabilitation without trochanteric osteotomy. Also, improved functional results without trochanteric osteotomy were noted. The specific indications for the procedure included revision total hip replacement with ununited prior trochanteric osteotomy, revision total hip replacement with femoral shaft fractures, and revision total hip replacement with stem fractures requiring only acetabular revision. The contraindications to the procedure are fibrous union or ununited trochanteric osteotomy from prior total hip replacement, severe acetabular protrusion of the acetabular component, advanced myositis ossificans, ankylosis of the hip, and advanced proximal femoral osteoporosis. The operating room records, x-rays, and outpatient records of 63 total hip revisions in 52 patients were reviewed. There was a minimum 2-year follow up with a range from two years to seven years. The patients were divided into two groups, comparing 21 trochanteric osteotomized revisions to 44 with trochanteric sparing techniques. Both groups were analyzed for age, type of implant, intraoperative perforation of femur, intraoperative femoral shaft fractures, intraoperative cortical window, component malpositioning extraneous cement, intraoperative blood loss, operating time, postoperative leg length inequality, persistent abductor weakness, average first day of ambulation, wound infection, dislocation, nonunion of the trochanter, and postoperative pain. In the nonosteotomized group, there was a 21% decreased blood loss, a 14% decrease in persistent abductor weakness, a 14% decrease in subluxation and dislocation, a 30% decrease operating time and a 50% reduction in intraoperative femoral perforation. In the osteotomized group there were six cases of fibrous union of the greater trochanter, two cases requiring removal of broken wires for trochanteric bursitis. A detailed surgical technique and representative cases are presented. In carefully selected cases, revision total hip replacement is optimally performed without trochanteric osteotomy. Postoperative trochanteric problems of nonunion, broken wires, bursitis, and abductor weakness can effectively be eliminated by avoiding trochanteric osteotomy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)