Acetabular fixation options: Notes from the other side

The basis of cement fixation is the interdigitation of cement into [lie cancellous bone while being supported by the cortical bone. If this is achieved, socket fixation is durable for 10 to 15 years. Cementless socket fixation using a titanium hemispherical socket with a porous surface has had excellent clinical results. Titanium fibermesh cups with supplemental screw fixation have the longest Published results for uncemented sockets, with a survivorship of 99% using fixation failure as the end point. Similar findings at 8- to 10-year follow-up have been shown for sintered bead surfaces, as well as plasma spray surfaces, with and without hydroxyapatite coating. Regardless of the fixation technique chosen, a physical, 3-dimensional interlocking between the socket and the supporting bone is necessary for long-term fixation.