Objective To review the choices of allografts for bone defect reconstruction in acetabular revision surgery using the technique of impaction bone grafting.Data sources The data cited in this review were mainly obtained from articles listed in PubMed that were published from January 1993 to July 2009. The search terms were "impaction bone grafting", "particle size", "mechanical property"and "biological behavior".Study selection Articles relevant to the choices of allografts and their results for bone defect reconstruction on the acetabular side were selected.Results Different choices of allografts, including the particle size, process of irradiation or fat reduction, composition and particle grade, are made to improve the survival rate of a prosthesis in acetabular revision surgery. This review,which compares both mechanical and biological factors, summarizes the experimental and clinical results for different techniques.Conclusions Fresh frozen cancellous allografts with particle sizes ranging from 7 to 10 mm are a favorable choice for reconstruction of bone defects of American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) types Ⅱ (cavitary defect) and Ⅲ(combined cavitary and segmental defect) on the acetabular side. A fat-reducing procedure with saline or solvent/detergent is controversial. Adding autologous marrow into irradiated allografts, which provides reliable mechanical stability and biological safety, may be a substitute for fresh frozen allografts. Cortical bone can be a supplementary material in cases of insufficiency of cancellous allografts. Cartilage should be excluded from the graft material. Further research is required to demonstrate the best particle grade, and randomized controlled trials in clinical practice are required to obtain more information about the selection of allografts.