Highly Porous Mega Cups in Revision THA: Durable Fixation and Superior Functional Recovery in Severe Acetabular Bone Loss.
Revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the presence of severe acetabular bone loss remains technically demanding. Oversized, highly porous acetabular components ("Mega Cups") have been introduced to maximize host bone contact, enhance biological fixation, and restore the anatomical hip center. A retrospective study was conducted between 2014 and 2022, including 34 hips reconstructed with highly porous Mega Cups for Paprosky type II and selected type III defects. Clinical outcomes (Harris Hip Score [HHS], WOMAC, pain VAS), radiographic stability, complications, and implant survivorship were analyzed at mid-term follow-up. At a mean follow-up of 5.3 years, Mega Cups demonstrated 95.5% survivorship. Radiographic stability was achieved in 90.9% of hips, with graft incorporation observed in 88.9%. Functional recovery was substantial: HHS improved by +34.4 points, WOMAC decreased by -37.8, and pain VAS declined by -4.8 (all p < 0.001 vs.baseline). Subgroup analysis confirmed excellent outcomes in Paprosky II defects and in patients aged 40-65 years. Complication rates were low, with dislocation (2.9%), mechanical failure (2.9%), superficial infection (8.6%), and thromboembolism (2.9%) within published benchmarks. Highly porous oversized acetabular cups provide reliable fixation, durable mid term survivorship, and superior functional improvement in revision THA for Paprosky II and selected III defects. Their ability to maximize host bone contact and reduce reliance on grafts makes them a dependable option in complex acetabular reconstructions. Longer multicenter studies are warranted to validate durability beyond 10 years and to benchmark outcomes against alternative strategies.
- Research Article
- 10.13107/jocr.2025.v15.i01.5180
- Jan 1, 2025
- Journal of orthopaedic case reports
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is recognized as one of the most effective surgical procedures for the treatment of end-stage hip arthritis. However, the increasing number of primary THA cases has led to a corresponding rise in the frequency of revision surgeries, which are often more complex and challenging due to severe acetabular bone loss. In such cases, managing Paprosky type 3A and 3B defects requires precise implant design and advanced surgical techniques. Standard acetabular augments and anti-protrusio cages are commonly used, but they often fail to provide the necessary stability, leading to re-revision rates as high as 36% within 10 years. This case series explores the efficacy of custom-made 3D-printed acetabular augments and cages in managing severe acetabular bone loss during revision THA. This retrospective case series includes seven patients who underwent revision THA for Paprosky grade 3 acetabular bone loss between January 2023 and April 2024 at two high-volume tertiary care centers. The mean age of the patients was 45 years, with three males and four females included in the study. Pre-operative planning involved advanced imaging techniques, including 3D-computed tomography scans and custom virtual modeling, to design the acetabular components tailored to each patient's specific anatomical requirements.During the surgeries, custom-made 3D-printed titanium augments and cages were used. These implants were fabricated using in-house software, and the turnaround time from the decision to surgery was approximately 10 days. Post-operatively, the planned 3D model was superimposed on post-operative radiographs to assess implant placement accuracy. The Harris hip score at the final follow-up averaged 69.16, with no signs of implant loosening observed. Custom-made 3D-printed acetabular augments and cages offer a reliable and cost-effective solution for managing severe acetabular bone loss in revision THA. Despite the small sample size and short follow-up period, the results demonstrate the potential of these custom implants to improve outcomes in complex acetabular reconstructions. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these findings and establish long-term efficacy.
- Research Article
22
- 10.1007/s00264-014-2533-5
- Oct 4, 2014
- International orthopaedics
Revision of failed total hip arthroplasty with severe acetabular bone loss represents a rare but challenging problem. Anatomic reconstruction with biological defect augmentation as solid bone transplants or cancellous bone restores bone stock while providing good component stability. The objective of this study was to present short- to mid-term results of revision total hip arthroplasty with a modular ring system in a consecutive series of patients with severe acetabular bone loss. We retrospectively reviewed 39 consecutive patients (39 hips) with severe acetabular bone loss (Paprosky type 3 A and 3 B) reconstructed with revision total hip arthroplasty using the cementless modular ring system MRS-Titan®. The MRS-Titan® consists of independent ring systems that are adapted modularly to the defect situation. Combined with acetabular defect reconstruction by using cancellous bone in impaction grafting technique, the MRS-Titan® system offers a cement-free revision system that enables defect-adapted customization to individual anatomic matters, bridging of the acetabular bone defect and reconstruction of the centre of rotation. Initial stability of the implant was obtained by screw fixation. Harris hip score and sequential radiographs were used to evaluate clinical and radiographic results. At an average follow up of 31 months (range 12-69 months) 33 of 39 (84.6 %) of the implants were considered radiographically stable without signs of acetabular migration of more than 2 mm in the horizontal or vertical direction, implant rotation or screw breakage. Complications included six implant failures (15 %). We recorded one aseptic loosening of the MRS prosthesis after 20 months. Five patients (12.8 %) had to undergo revision surgery because of periprosthetic joint infection. Two patients had a dislocation postoperatively. The mean Harris hip score improved from 27 ± 14 points preoperatively to 76 ± 15 points at the time of last follow up. By achieving stable implant fixation and providing potential for biological fixation, treatment of severe acetabular bone loss in revision total hip arthroplasty with the modular ring system MRS-Titan provides a durable solution with good clinical and radiographic results and allows us to accomplish major goals of reconstruction.
- Research Article
47
- 10.1177/1120700018812992
- Nov 1, 2018
- HIP International
Severe acetabular bone loss during revision hip arthroplasty can be restored with different surgical techniques. Best results have been observed using porous tantalum cementless cups. Trabecular Titanium (TT) cups were designed to reproduce the structure, mechanical and biological characteristics of trabecular bone. Few clinical studies have been published with these cups. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of patients with large acetabular defects (Paprosky IIb or higher) revised using TT cups. 64 consecutive patients who underwent revision for total hip arthroplasty (THA) between 2011 and 2015 at our institution were enrolled. All were classified as Paprosky IIb, IIc, IIIa and IIIb. Periprosthetic joint infections and fractures were not included in this study. Radiographic and clinical (Harris Hip Score (HHS)) outcomes were evaluated. Kaplan-Meyer survivorship curve was performed. Complete data of 58 patients (mean follow-up 48.3 months) were analysed. 6 patients underwent a further revision (10.3%). Causes of re-revision were instability (5.2%), infection (3.4%) and aseptic loosening (1.7%). No radiolucent lines or signs of migration were observed. Survivorship was 94.8%. HHS Improved from a mean of 36.5-83.7. TT cups demonstrated encouraging results at mid-term follow-up. Cup modularity represented a helpful tool to restore hip rotation centre and to reduce the risk of dislocation. The capacity of trabecular titanium to induce bone growth and the versatility of modularity, make the Delta TT System a very useful aid for surgeons who are more frequently faced with complex revision.
- Research Article
4
- 10.1177/1120700020928247
- Sep 1, 2020
- HIP International
Failed reconstruction in cases of severe acetabular bone loss, with or without pelvic discontinuity, in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) remains a great challenge in orthopaedic surgery. The aim of this study was to describe the outcome of a "second" rTHA with "custom-made acetabular components (CMACs)" after a previously failed reconstruction with CMACs. 4 patients with severe acetabular bone loss (Paprosky Type IIIB), who required a second rTHA after a previously failed reconstruction with CMAC, due to prosthetic joint infection (PJI), were included in our retrospective study. All prostheses had been constructed on the basis of thin-layer computed-tomography scans of the pelvis. The second rTHA was considered unsuccessful in the event of PJI or aseptic loosening (AL) with need for renewed CMAC explantation. The treatment success rate after second rTHA with a CMAC was 50% (2 of 4). In the successful cases, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Harris Hip Score (HHS) after the second rTHA (VAS range 2-4; HHS range 45-58 points) did not differ from those after the first rTHA, before onset of symptoms (VAS: range 2-4; HHS: range 47-55 points). In the failed cases, the second CMACs needed to be explanted due to PJI, with renewed detection of previous pathogens. Patients with treatment failure of the second CMAC had required a higher number of revision surgeries after explantation of the first CMAC than patients with a successful outcome. In patients with severe acetabular bone loss and previously failed rTHA with CMACs, repeat rTHA with a CMAC may be a solid treatment option for patients with an "uncomplicated" multi-stage procedure, i.e., without persisting infection after explantation of the original CMAC. While the outcome in terms of clinical function does not appear negatively affected by such a "second attempt," the complication rate and risk of reinfection, nonetheless, is high.
- Research Article
10
- 10.1177/1120700020926932
- Sep 1, 2020
- HIP International
The management of acetabular bone loss is a challenging problem in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). The goals of treatment are a stable acetabular fixation, implant stability, and restoration of hip centre of rotation.This study aims to report clinical, radiological outcomes and complications at short-term to mid-term follow-up of the cup-on-cup technique in the management of severe acetabular bone loss in rTHA. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patient receiving rTHA performed with double porous tantalum cup technique in a single Joint Replacement Unit from 2014 to 2017. Objective and subjective clinical scores (Harris Hip Score, Oxford Hip Score, and visual analogue scale), radiological parameters (centre of rotation, leg-length discrepancy, heterotopic ossification, osseointegration, loosening and radiolucencies) and complications were recorded. We analysed the implant survival rate and periprosthetic joint infection rate. We included 9 patients (9 hips) with a mean follow-up of 35.3 ± 10.8 months. Functional scores showed a statistically significant improvement at the final follow-up (p < 0.01). All patients rated their surgery as satisfactory. The cup-on-cup construct demonstrated radiological osseointegration with the centre of rotation restoration and leg length discrepancy improvement. In 1 patient, periprosthetic joint infection was diagnosed and treated with suppressive antibiotic therapy. No patients underwent acetabular components revision surgery for any reason. Cup-on-cup technique is a valid and safe solution for reconstruction of selected Paprosky type IIIA and IIIB bone defects with satisfactory clinical and radiographic results at short-term and mid-term follow-up.
- Research Article
1041
- 10.1302/0301-620x.64b1.7068713
- Feb 1, 1982
- The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume
A direct lateral approach to the hip is described which allows adequate access for orientation of the implant, for the insertion ofthe cement and for the correction ofdiscrepancy in leg length. An anatomical observation was made that the gluteus medius muscle is inserted into the greater trochanter by a tendon and that the axis of the shaft of the femur lies anterior to the main bulk of the muscle which was left
- Research Article
53
- 10.1016/j.arth.2024.05.089
- Jun 4, 2024
- The Journal of Arthroplasty
Porous Metal Augments Have Comparable Outcomes to Other Constructs for Severe Acetabular Bone Loss at Mid-Term Follow-up
- Research Article
8
- 10.1016/j.arth.2024.03.071
- Apr 9, 2024
- The Journal of Arthroplasty
Highly Porous Acetabular Cup and Augment Constructs in Complex Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: What Predicts 10-Year Implant Survivorship?
- Research Article
100
- 10.1007/s11999-015-4587-0
- Oct 14, 2015
- Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research
Revision THA is particularly challenging in hips with severe acetabular bone loss. When the extent or geometry of the acetabular bone loss precludes more-straightforward techniques such as jumbo hemispheric cementless shells, reconstruction with morselized allograft protected by a custom cage may offer an alternative, but, to our knowledge, few series have reported on results with this approach. For patients with severe (Paprosky IIIB) defects, we asked: do individualized custom cages result in (1) improved Harris hip scores; (2) restoration of hip center; and (3) a low incidence of surgical complications? Twenty-six patients (26 hips) with a massive acetabular defect were involved in this study from 2003 to 2013. During this period, one patient was lost to followup and one died, leaving 24 patients (eight males, 16 females) in this retrospective analysis. The customized cages were individualized to each patient's bone defect based on rapid-prototype three-dimensional printed models. Mean followup was 67 months (range, 24-120 months). Harris hip scores were assessed before surgery and at each followup. Postoperative radiographs were evaluated for cage position, migration, and graft incorporation. Complications and reoperations were assessed by chart review. The mean Harris hip score improved from 36 (SD, 8; range, 20-49) to 82 (SD, 18; range, 60-96) (p < 0.001). Individualized custom cages resulted in generally reliable restoration of the hip center. No rerevisions have been performed. None of the cups showed radiographic migration, but one cage was believed to be loose, based on a circumferential 2-mm radiolucent line. Cancellous allografts appeared to be incorporated in 23 of 24 patients. One deep infection and one superficial infection were observed and treated with irrigation, débridement, and vacuum-sealing drainage. One dislocation and one suspected injury of the superior gluteal nerve also were observed and treated conservatively. Individualized custom cages using rapid prototyping and three-dimensional printing appeared to provide stable fixation and improved hip scores at short-term followup in this small, single-center series. As further improvements in the design and manufacturing process are made, future studies should evaluate larger patient groups for longer times, and, ideally, compare this approach with alternatives for these complex bone defects. Level IV, therapeutic study.
- Research Article
8
- 10.3233/thc-202236
- May 12, 2022
- Technology and Health Care
Severe acetabular bone loss in revision total hip arthroplasty (RTHA), both with or without pelvic discontinuity, remains a great challenge in orthopaedic surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for failure of custom-made acetabular implants in RTHA. Seventy patients with severe acetabular bone loss (Paprosky Type III) and pelvic discontinuity, who required RTHA, were included in our study. All prostheses were constructed based on a thin-layer computed-tomography (CT) scan of the pelvis. The treatment was considered unsuccessful in the event of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) or aseptic loosening (AL) with need for explantation of the custom-made acetabular implant. The average follow-up was 41.9 ± 34.8 months (range 1.5-120). Implant survival at last follow-up was 75.7% (53 of 70). Explantation was necessary in 17 cases (15 PJI; 2 AL). Previous PJI as reason for RTHA (p= 0.025; OR 3.56 (95% CI: 1.14; 11.21)), additional revision of femoral components (p= 0.003; OR 8.4 (95% CI: 1.75; 40.42)), rheumatoid disease (p= 0.039; OR 3.43 (95% CI: 1.01; 11.40)), elevated preoperative CRP > 15.2 mg/l (p= 0.015; AUC: 0.7) and preoperative haemoglobin < 10.05 (p= 0.022; AUC: 0.69) were statistically significant risk factors associated with treatment failure. Age and BMI were not statistically significant contributing to implant failure. Risk factors for treatment failure were a previous PJI, additional revision of femoral component, rheumatoid disease, elevated preoperative CRP and low preoperative haemoglobin. Awareness of these risk factors will help to improve future treatment standards.
- Research Article
39
- 10.1007/s00402-019-03318-0
- Dec 9, 2019
- Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
Severe acetabular bone loss, both with or without pelvic discontinuity, remains a challenge in revision total hip arthroplasty (RTHA). The goal of our study was to evaluate the mid-term results for consecutive patients with Paprosky III acetabular bone loss with or without pelvic discontinuity who needed RTHA with custom-made acetabular implants and to compare the results to those of other studies. Sixty-eight (68) patients with severe acetabular bone loss (Paprosky Type IIIa and IIIb), who required RTHA, were included in our study. All prostheses were constructed on the basis of thin-layer computed tomography (CT) scans of the pelvis. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Harrison hip score (HHS), and clinical and radiographic follow-up assessments were used to evaluate the outcome. The average follow-up time was 43months (range 1-120months). Implant survival at last follow-up was 75% (51 of 68). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, with explantation as the endpoint, revealed survival rates of 82.7% (3years) and 77% (5years). Patients with revision of the acetabular component only had a significant higher survival rate (p 0.012). Overall revision rate was 36.7%. Reinfection rate was 34.4%. Complications included 15 (22%) periprosthetic joint infections (PJI), 7 dislocations (10.2%), and 2 aseptic loosenings (2.9%). Mean VAS at last follow-up was 1.45 compared to 3.2 preoperatively, while mean HHS improved from 21.1 points preoperatively to 61 at last follow-up. The change in both scores was thus significant (p < 0.001). Defect reconstruction with custom-made modular acetabular implants can be a good, nevertheless expensive, treatment option with clinically and radiologically satisfying results in comparison to recent studies in the literature. Nevertheless, high postoperative complication rates, especially in terms of PJI, remain a challenge.
- Research Article
17
- 10.1302/2633-1462.311.bjo-2022-0101.r1
- Nov 1, 2022
- Bone & Joint Open
AimsPelvic discontinuity is a rare but increasingly common complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). This single-centre study evaluated the performance of custom-made triflange acetabular components in acetabular reconstruction with pelvic discontinuity by determining: 1) revision and overall implant survival rates; 2) discontinuity healing rate; and 3) Harris Hip Score (HHS).MethodsRetrospectively collected data of 38 patients (39 hips) with pelvic discontinuity treated with revision THA using a custom-made triflange acetabular component were analyzed. Minimum follow-up was two years (mean 5.1 years (2 to 11)).ResultsThere were eight subsequent surgical interventions. Two failures (5%) of the triflange acetabular components were both revised because of deep infection. There were seven (18%) patients with dislocation, and five (13%) of these were treated with a constraint liner. One patient had a debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) procedure. In 34 (92%) hips the custom-made triflange component was considered stable, with a healed pelvic discontinuity with no aseptic loosening at midterm follow-up. Mean HHS was 80.5 (48 to 96).ConclusionThe performance of the custom triflange implant in this study is encouraging, with high rates of discontinuity healing and osteointegration of the acetabular implant with no aseptic loosening at midterm follow-up. However, complications are not uncommon, particularly instability which we successfully addressed with constrained liners.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):867–876.
- Research Article
- 10.13107/jocr.2026.v16.i01.6618
- Jan 1, 2026
- Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports
Introduction:Revision total hip replacement (THR) in young patients is challenging due to higher functional demands, altered anatomy from prior pathology, and increased risk of implant failure. Severe acetabular bone loss, especially following childhood hip trauma and previous reconstruction, further complicates revision procedures. Advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing now enable patient-specific implants that improve implant fit, stability, and surgical precision.Case Report:A 36-year-old female with a history of childhood hip trauma and a left THR performed 4 years earlier presented with progressive hip pain and functional decline following a fall. Examination revealed Trendelenburg gait, painful global restriction of hip movements, joint line tenderness, and limb length discrepancy. Radiographs showed superior migration and failure of the acetabular component and metal augment. Metal artifact reduction system computed tomography (CT) demonstrated extensive superolateral and medial pelvic bone loss. A staged revision was planned. Stage one involved implant removal and placement of a cement spacer. Repeat 3D reconstruction CT was used to generate a patient-specific 3D pelvic model, guiding the design of a customized 3D-printed acetabular implant. Stage two involved implantation of the custom component with fluoroscopic guidance.Results:Postoperatively, weight-bearing was delayed, followed by structured rehabilitation. The patient showed a decrease in visual analog scale pain score from 8 to 3 and an improvement in Harris Hip Score from 30.45% to 60.65%. She remained complication-free but was lost to follow-up after 6 months.Conclusion:Staged revision THR supported by advanced imaging and personalized 3D-printed implants offers a viable solution for managing complex acetabular defects in young patients. Early outcomes demonstrate improved stability and function, although long-term validation is needed.
- Research Article
2
- 10.1177/10225536221119719
- May 1, 2022
- Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery
One of the major problems in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) is severe acetabular bone loss. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of revision THA using a Kerboull-type reinforcement device (KT plate) and allogeneic structural bone graft. This retrospective study evaluated 48 hips that underwent revision THA using a KT plate and allogeneic structural bone graft between 2008 and 2016, with a median follow-up of 6.2years (range 3-12.6years). Functional outcome was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) hip score. Postoperative and follow-up radiographs were compared to assess migration and breakage of the implant. The mean JOA hip score improved from 45.6 (±16.3) points before surgery to 72.1 (±11.9) points at the most recent follow-up examination (p < 0.001). Two hips (4.2%) underwent re-revision THA because of cup loosening due to breakage of the KT plate. A total of 13 hips (27.1%) were classified as radiological failures. Binomial logistic regression analysis showed that a Kawanabe classification of stage 4, which indicates massive bone defects in the weight-bearing area, was a risk factor for radiological failure (odds ratio: 4.57; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-26.35). A KT plate with an allogeneic structural bone graft is a useful method of acetabular reconstruction in revision THA that restores bone stock and improves hip function. Our findings indicated that a Kawanabe classification of stage 4 was a risk factor for radiological failure of the implant.
- Research Article
- 10.7759/cureus.99314
- Dec 15, 2025
- Cureus
Periprosthetic pelvic discontinuity is a rare but challenging complication in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA), particularly in the setting of severe acetabular bone loss. Restoration of the hip center and limb length, along with achieving implant stability, are critical for successful outcomes. We present a 68-year-old male with recurrent dislocations and a chronic flexible periprosthetic pelvic discontinuity of the left hip, likely originating from an intraoperative fracture during a prior THA revision, classified as Paprosky IIIB and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) type IV. Imaging revealed a transverse fracture involving the iliopubic and ilioischial rami with significant bone loss. The patient underwent revision arthroplasty using acetabular distraction combined with a modular double-cup construct. A trabecular metal shell was used as a super-augment, and a smaller dual-mobility cup was cemented within the shell to restore the hip center, offset, and limb length. Postoperatively, the patient achieved stable fixation with restoration of limb length and hip biomechanics. Early functional outcomes were favorable, and radiographs demonstrated maintenance of the hip center without evidence of loosening. Acetabular distraction with a modular double-cup construct is an effective strategy for managing chronic flexible periprosthetic pelvic discontinuity with severe acetabular bone loss, providing immediate mechanical stability, restoring the hip center and offset, and offering a reproducible alternative to traditional reconstruction methods.