Trabecular Metal Augments for Severe Acetabular Defects in Revision Hip Arthroplasty: A Long-Term Follow-Up

Background: Paprosky type IIIa and IIIb acetabular defects remain technically challenging during revision hip arthroplasty. Numerous surgical options exist to counter extensive acetabular bone loss with high postoperative complication and revision rates reported. Our aim was to report comprehensive long-term outcomes of our experience with Trabecular Metal (TM) augments for these difficult cases. Methods: 38 patients underwent revision total hip arthroplasty at our institution from 2009 to 2014 where a TM augment was used for acetabular deficiency. Prospective radiographic and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures were recorded and analyzed to a mean of 7.3 years (range: 5.4 to 10.8). Results: No patient was excluded or lost to follow-up. Complications included 3 intraoperative fractures, 1 early infection requiring washout with implant retention, 1 early revision due to allograft resorption, and 6 patients who required late repeat revision surgery: 3 for late infection, 2 for aseptic loosening with augment fracture or dislocation, and 1 for recurrent dislocation. The estimated mean implant survivorship was 8.99 years. 93.5% of augments remaining were well osseointegrated while 97% of the acetabular shells were osseointegrated. Hip center of rotation was restored by a mean of 14 mm inferiorly without significant medialization. Short Form-12 (SF-12) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were significantly reduced postoperatively to a level comparable to the average individual. Conclusion: This long-term study details our experience of TM augments for the most severe acetabular defects. For such cases, no excellent surgical solution exists; in comparison to alternative methods, we advocate that this technique is reasonably safe and effective. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study provides comprehensive long-term outcomes of using TM augments for severe acetabular defects, with an estimated mean implant survivorship of 8.99 years. Despite some complications during surgery, the quality of life and joint function of patients were significantly improved postoperatively.