Treatment of Acetabular Defects with Porous Metal Augments in Revision Hip Surgery

Porous metal augments have been used successfully for management of large acetabular defects during revision hip arthroplasty. This study analyzes and compares the clinical and radiographic outcomes of porous metal augments in cemented and uncemented acetabular revisions, all performed at the same institution. In the period 2015-2017, 36 patients with 37 large acetabular defects were treated with porous metal augments in cemented and uncemented acetabular revisions. Postoperatively, patients were monitored for two years on average period of 24-36 months.

Acetabular augments were used when preoperative and intraoperative findings indicated the presence of large acetabular defects that can hinder the stability of the revision implants. We used lateral approach, 36 mm femoral head, and cementless or cemented acetabular cup depending on local bone quality. Postoperatively, all patients followed total hip arthroplasty precautions, with weight bearing as tolerated regimen with use of crutches during 6 weeks after surgery. The follow-up was radiological and clinical. We used HHS. At a mean follow-up of two years (range 24-36 months) one patient had reinfection and one patient had infection. None of the patients shown signs of aseptic augment or acetabular cup loosening. Porous metal augments show comparable excellent radiographic and clinical short-term outcomes, when combined with cemented or uncemented cups in revision hip arthroplasty. They allow good bone ingrowth, adequate implant contact and good stability. Complications were related to infection and not related to the augments itself.